September 01, 2025
Austin got a “cold” front this weekend, a full month early. Temps are still in the low to mid-90s, but hey, we’ll take it. It could be in the 100s!
The garden is showing a gradual turn toward autumn. Black beautyberry (Callicarpa acuminata) has already purpled up. It looks even prettier mingling with purple-leaved ‘Cherry Blast’ loropetalum.
Two early-bird oxblood lilies (Rhodophiala bifida) popped up last week in the stock-tank planter.
I’ll see more of these springing up in the weeks ahead.
‘Labuffarosea’ rain lilies erupted into bloom following a brief shower.
Erupted may be too strong a word, considering the underwhelming effect from the distance of the upper deck.
Well, this is why you have to get out there and look up close, right? And after all, this is just the first hint of fall relief for the summer-droopy garden. Another month will make a difference. The fall bloom season in central Texas doesn’t really begin until October.
Happily, mangaves look good all season, no blooms required. This is ‘Lavender Lady.’
Here’s ‘Bad Hair Day.’
And here’s ‘Night Owl.”
Chile pequin‘s berries (Capsicum annuum) are ripening to red for fall.
The sweet lilac flowers of purple oxalis (Oxalis triangularis) are peeking out from under eggplant-colored leaves. I sense summer’s end even in the light, don’t you?
Hang on, my Texas gardening friends. Fall is coming!
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Digging Deeper
Want ideas for your yard besides lawn? Sure you do! I’m giving a talk called “Lawn Gone: 8 Great Ideas for Your Yard” on Saturday, September 13, at the Concho Valley Master Gardeners Fall Symposium in San Angelo, Texas. The cost for the all-day symposium with 4 speakers is $30 per person; refreshments and lunch included. Register by 9/10 at this link to attend. I hope to see you there, West Texas homeowners and gardeners!
My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, comes out October 14! It’s available for pre-order now on Amazon and other online book sellers. If you’d like to read it or give it as a holiday gift, please consider pre-ordering. (I’m happy to sign pre-ordered copies at my book events!) Early orders make a big difference in helping new books get noticed. More info about Gardens of Texas here — and thank you for your support!
Come see me on tour! I’ll be speaking and hosting book events across Texas this fall and into next spring to celebrate the release of Gardens of Texas. Join me to learn, get inspired, and say hello!
Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events, so join the Garden Spark email list for notification when tickets go on sale: click this link and ask to SUBSCRIBE. Read all about the Season 9 lineup here!
All material © 2025 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
