SPRING IN TECHNICOLOR

It's an odd fact that cool weather and Spring sunshine transforms many of our plants into a red-tinted technicolor showcase.

After the trees leaf out and the weather warms up, most of these plants revert to a milder green version.

But for now, enjoy the show.

Here's an array of aloes and bromeliads from the front garden.

This plant scares me. The flapjacks turn all sorts of crazy colors.

I've asked them if they are under stress, but they won't give me a clear answer.

So, I watered them to be safe.

This plant was solid green and now look at it!

I think it is called Mangave 'Macho Mocha'.

Cindy? Is that correct? It's the one you gave me.

Quadricolor doesn't live up to its name until you see the baby....

There's that famous pink lining due to the cold weather.

My favorite bromeliad in the garden is this one with the stunning pink tips and pink freckles. It's some type of Neoregelia.

I will hasten to add that there ARE certainly some green plants in the garden each Spring.

Here's a dark green cycad with a petal from the Redbud.

But the red tinted foliage seems to be everywhere. The rain trees are dancing with new red growth.

But they're not to be outdone by this Clerodendrum.

The morning glories hug the lime green shades of an Aechmea bromeliad. It even tries to get into the act

with red tinted edges.

And the Cannas are growing new leaves each time I blink. The red margins last all summer.

Blink.

The loquat is happy (and just green).

The ferns are happy (and green).

The fig tree is happy and I'd say spring green.

Yes, everyone is happy (except the skink our kittens caught this morning...but it's reviving).

Happy Spring from Houston!

Hope warmer weather arrives soon in your garden!

David/:0)