It’s been a dry April with only a trace of rainfall around here, but the garden still seems to be doing well. The plants in the back garden have become much taller and have filled into their spaces.

And I just love my young Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis). Not only is it drought and heat tolerant, (actually it resents wet soils) but it also looks stunning and the deer don’t like to feast on it in the least. It looks pretty good with the Mexican Feather grass too.

All summer long it sends out dozens of beautiful, large pink and lavender flowers that the hummingbirds, bumblebees and butterflies appreciate. What more could one ask for?The young buds seem to be popular with the local wildlife.

Since it looks like we may be going into another dry, hot summer I think I might have to invest in another one of these lovely trees.

A bee's eye view of the feast ahead...

The Winecup (Callirhoe involucrat) is coming along so nicely too. I just love its vivid colors. I seems to wind it’s way around the other plants, but in a gentle “I would like to snuggle with you” kinda way.

The Lantana and Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) are looking lovely!

Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis fruticosa) in all its spring glory. I find it’s flowers so unique. The butterflies love it too. Plus it’s drought tolerant and deer resistant. What’s not to love!Here’s what the flowers look like up close. Very unique indeed.