Cacti

Which is the real one that we stuck in the unreceptive ground when it was just one paddle and which one is metal which we bought because it amused us, we didn't have to dig a hole for it, and it doesn't need any water?

It could almost be true of both, both but the one on the left is the real one. It has thrived without water and I don't recall that it required much of a hole. I really don't like them much and discouraged the effort to plant it right outside the living room window but not strongly enough.I never dreamed it would grow this fast. It does seem to be the perfect climate out there for all the kinds of plants I don't love.

I put a picture of the one part of the garden I DO like featuring, in addition to petunias and pansies, an amaranthus rather over dramatically called "Love Lies A'Bleeding" Both the Amarantuhus and the spineless cactus were developed by Luther Burbank, a fact I learned on my wanderings through his home and garden the other day. The spineless cactus was developed as an alternative cattle fodder, but for some reason that plan never came to fruition. It certainly wasn't because it doesn't grow well here. Maybe the cattle didn't like it....

There are lots of varieties of amaranths, but Burbank did develop four. It is a very ancient grain (although it is not a grass). The clusters of seeds can be ground into flour. I don't know why it fell from favor as a grain. I would think the birds would love it, but they seem to leave it alone. Maybe they don't like it....

We're off to Dani and Fedde's 'house at the end of the road' possibly for the last time. They have shipped off all their possessions to their next destination and we will all be gathering in their empty house for a final meal, and a final glass of Prosecco. We're to bring our own folding chair....