Perhaps because we receive so little rain here (averaging about 8 in/20 cm per year), it is magical when it does come, inducing the gardener to go out and stand in it, watching the plants as they drink it in. Also fascinating is to watch how the foliage holds raindrops, creating transient patterns of light and reflection otherwise absent in the garden.
Each plant is different.
Layers of drops rest in among the layers of close-set leaves on Callistemon viminalis "Little John"...
...while the agaves hold theirs as if on a wide platter...
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| Agave parryi (I think!) |
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| Agave marmorata |
...or caught along the edge.
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| Agave angustifolia marginata |
On cacti the drops may be beaded among the spines.
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| Trichocereus spachianus |
The fern-like foliage of Caesalpinia pulcherrima carries raindrops in glittering sprays.
And the grass Muhlenbergia capillaris "Regal Mist" carries perfect rows along its round blades.
Each rainfall is different as well; this was a very gentle, light rain that left plenty of large drops hovering around the garden. But it is fascinating to consider the patterns formed between the plants and the rain.
Thanks to Christina at
My Hesperides Garden for hosting the Garden Bloggers' Foliage Day, which inspired this post.
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| Agave angustifolia marginata with Artemisia "Powis Castle" |
If you have time, please check my
last post as well, in which I look at some new plans for the blog and ask about what would be most at issue for my readers as I change over.
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| Ruellia brittoniana |
Weather Diary: Partly cloudy; High: 83 F (28 C)/Low: 64 F (18 C); Humidity: 14%-89%
The raindrops are a beautiful sight! Congratulations on receiving some of Mother Nature's bounty.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed it so much - almost as much as the plants... ;-)
Deleterain glorious rain!
ReplyDeleteWe had 'blowing wet' here today.
Ooh, it's been a looong time since I've seen any 'blowing wet'! Hope you managed to stay dry!
DeleteFabulous pics! Raindrops can so enhance both foliage and blooms.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, RD :) It introduced such a wonderfully new set of textures; I even wondered whether one could design a planting with raindrops in mind - in areas of higher rainfall, of course!
DeleteThat beautiful pictures Amy, I'm impressed with your photos ... technique and art !!
ReplyDeleteMy congratulations, well done ;)