my pet T-Rex

The T-Rex (Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Steroidal Giant') is living up to its name (and its nickname). I bought this plant on a whim last fall from Celestial Dream Gardens, at about 2-3 feet tall. It's now over 8 feet tall and its largest leaves are more than 4 feet across, fabulous! For years, I've had a dream of turning my back yard from a boring lawn into a jungle. It always felt like a pipe dream, but this one plant has made the jungle seem within reach.

 

This was the same plant 4 months ago, mid-June, when it was under 3 feet tall. If you look closely, you can see the edge of the black bamboo barrier it's planted within. We'll see how that works out. Do you think it will escape the island?

Bright spots as October darkens

Today I'm posting a few photos of plants that are brightening my garden as October darkens. In the devil garden, the Tiger Eyes sumac is catching on fire (the gargoyle doesn't seem concerned).

The Harlequin Glorybower (Clerodendrum trichotomum) is living up to its name. My favorite tree still has a few white jasmine-scented flowers, but is mostly displaying magenta and teal.

 

 

Yesterday's hard rain pushed the Eupatoriam rugosum 'Chocolate' (chocolate stems/leaves and bright white flowers) over on top of the purple vinca, happily resulting in a sloppy pile of bright color.

 
Another aster that's just covered in flowers now, Aster lateriflorus 'Lady in Black' (calico aster).