Garden and Yard Talk

This summer has been miserable and the hottest in the 10 years we have lived in Houston. :( I’ve learned that some plants, specifically succulents, you know “the tough plants” in heat, not all of them can handle the combination of heat and sun. Several potted plants I’ve brought in. We had a very lovely donkey tail (succulent) devastated, last year it sailed through the summer, some small chicks (succulents) burned up. Is it ironic if I call these dark times? :oops:
 
Anyone have an idea what this cactus might be? It was included in a plant order, no labels as a freebee. It started about 4” tall, it’s got white hairs and no spikes. I put it in a little pot and it has grown to almost 24” high. I’ve researched, but the only thing I’ve found with white hairs is an “old man” cactus, but it is barrels shape, while this flat, oval shaped.

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This year I’ve noticed I’ve got a patrol of blue dragon flies when I work in my garden and I think they are my mosquito body guards! They are my best new buddies. 😀 But it’s tough to get a meaningful image of them.

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Not my image.
 
My iPhone is quite helpful, enough so that I can ditch my Plant Snap App. I’ve got an unusual plant growing in my wild flower bed. Always wonder if it is legitimate or an invader. Took A picture of it and used the built in plant IF capability. It produced an image with the exact flower and ID it as an Evening Primrose, with a yellow flower. This plant as it currently is, does not look impressive, slightly better than weed status.

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2days later, bottom half of the leaves stripped from this plans. Chems deployed. 😬
 
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Brought in from the yard, skeeters follow us in. This device is designed to eradicate them. It’s satisfying to hear a loud snap. Paid $35 for it.

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2025 Happy Roses before the heat sets in.

The Elephant Bush Portulacaria below make for ok bonsai plants in a hot climate. They are tough, with low water requirements, and high heat resistance, but are more difficult to shape. Their limbs are rubbery.

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Elelphant Bush Portulacaria

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Variegate Elephant Bush Portulacaria
 
We had an African Violet for a decade house plant, it had become large enough to split, then we had two. Then one died because of root rot, wrong potting medium, good drainage is required. So I read up, took some leaves and their stems from the good plant, and stuck them in water for about a month. They grew roots! Then I put them in small pots and about 2 months later, I have new plants sprouting from the base of the stem at the dirt level! Then I think they love heat but indirect light, and I’ll stick a couple out under the gazebo to see how well they fare in the heat here. ☺️

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