Hummer Park at Lookout Mountain

When you’re as pretty as Rosa you might understand why she and I may have had a rough start. Rosa (aka Hibiscus rosa-sinensis TradeWinds 'Sunny Wind') is high maintenance! And as she shows today from her container home in the Downtown North Central Foothills, she almost glows when happy.

Not too much sun. Just the right water. And unlike her name there is no interest in wind. Like every good relationship you figure it out. Because you want to. And she always lets you know. 💛 🌺 💛

Something about ‘tubular orange flowers in tiered whorls’ says the show must go on. Loving the sun and demanding the right amount of water, this cat is the friend who’s always party ready. Approximately named Lion’s Tail (Leonotis leonurus) with a natural instinct to impress.

If you’re tempted to find red yucca blooms more noticeable and exciting than the yellow, don’t give in too easily. With striking blooms and subtle strength, this girl is the confident Yellow Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora 'Yellow'). She doesn’t need to be flashy to know she’s beautiful.

Shrimp again for dinner. 🦐

When I was a boy I used to catch grasshoppers in the backyard for fun. Now as a gardener I know how much damage they can do. With those childhood skills I caught these two unwelcome babies ‘hiding out’ on a ruby hibiscus bloom. Together they could strip a plant of leaves in a matter of weeks.

If you happen to notice a cactus with cups on its head you might think it partied too hard on New Years. Probably not what happened. 🧐

Cactus grows the tip and if it gets frostbite it might have trouble in the spring. The ‘cup hats’ are an easy way to give a little protection when temps drop below freezing.

An unusual (and friendly) visitor stopped by yesterday for a quick garden tour.

The simple, yet mesmerizing bloom of the Angelita daisy, celebrating life right where it’s planted.

Arriving Today: 1 of 6

If love has a scent, it’s from the day you met.

It’s officially baby watching season at Hummer Park! At the base of this potted totem pole cactus a Gambel’s quail has built a nest and is filling it with her eggs. It may be only half full - we’ll be keeping an eye on it for you. 😳

Sometimes when you don’t know where to look, look up.

The view from under the leaves of a container planted Madagascar palm.