Although we’ve had several very warm days in the 80’s, there have been several nights where the mercury crept below the frost mark. My trees, especially the Pomegranates, newly planted Monterey Oak and Mexican Buckeye shriveled up their freshly sprouted leaflets, and were left to grow new ones. Thankfully no tender stems or branches were affected. On the other hand most of my perennials shook off the frost and did not care one bit. They just kept on blooming. Here are some pictures from the gardens right now.
The hardy water lily was the first to make an appearance this spring. I bet the warm water of the pond kept even it’s bloom protected during the cold nights.
And what a splendid bloom it is! Like glowing sunshine rising out of the dark waters.
The irises in the bog are in full bloom. I just love the crisp green foliage with the deep purple.
I just want to dive into that purple velvet!
Salvia Greggii and the Artemesia didn’t even notice the cold snap. It’s as if they were wondering what all the fuss was about. 
And they definitely loved all that drenching rain we’ve been blessed with lately!
One of my favorites is Four-Nerve-Daisy – always ready to cheerfully greet you in the spring.
The cardinals have been particularly active in my garden, at the feeders and sprucing themselves up in the birdbath. Must be mating season. 😉
The local snail is making it’s way out of the Blackfoot daisy. Thankfully it did not eat the entire plant!
I was delighted to see my bluebird fledglings were still hanging around taking advantage of the field of insects. Here is one hanging out – it must have read the sign. 🙂
The Eight Spotted Foresters were doing the same thing the cardinals were getting ready to do! Quite shamelessly out in the open.
With some restorative resting afterward.
Yup, it sure is spring time here in Central Texas!
Soooo sorry to hear about the Monterrey oak, Pomegranates and Mexican buckeye, hopefully they will bounce back and be as good as ever. The peach colored water lily is one of the prettiest, if not THE prettiest, that I can remember seeing. Last year during the wildflower season I visited Bear Creek Cemetery near Bertram and saw one particular gravesite that was filled with purple irises and Texas bluebonnets. It was a stunning combination that I have not forgotten. Conditions were not right this year. Cardinalis cardinalis and Four-Nerve daisies are long-time favorites for me. I never get tired of looking at and admiring them …. the same as I did my ol’ Harley … it grew older but I never tired of looking at it! Your rare and endangered “Texas snail” is a cute addition to any garden, especially when it’s hanging out with Blackfoot daisy!! It’s a toss-up between the snail and the Songbird Crossing!!! Someone might question the up-bringing of those Eight-Spotted Foresters! Another fine display of your varied talents, Heike!!
Wow thank you Jim. You’re right. It’s a looooooooot of work, but well worth it. Been fighting my algae problem in the pond for the last 3 days. Barely enough time to water my newly planted trees and finish my taxes for yesterday! I appreciate your wonderful comments. It motivates me to do more. Thank you again!