March 23, 2026
Texas bluebonnets may be scant this year on roadsides and in fields due to the drought. But I’ve seen pretty patches here and there, including in the hellstrip of a neighbor’s front yard. I crouched low for this photo, inhaling the sweet scent and imagining fields of blue.
Back in my own garden, the blues continue with a powder-blue whale’s tongue agave and a cobalt bottle tree. In back, a Texas redbud blushes purple-pink.
Texas redbud flowering with ‘Tangerine Beauty’ crossvine on the fence beyond
A wider view
More blues: whale’s tongue agave, ‘Sapphire Skies’ Yucca rostrata, and ‘Blue Ice’ Arizona cypress
My sapling ‘Fire Dragon’ Shantung maple is leafing out rusty-orange, its yellow veins echoed by yellow flowers.
Wheeling above, cedar waxwings utter their day-long piercing cries.
Late one afternoon, I glanced up at the owl box in the front yard and saw a sleepy screech owl at the door.
Utter delight!
I think it’s a female with eggs in the box, popping up late in the day to stretch or get water. The male is likely roosting nearby, but I haven’t spotted him yet. At least I hope this is the scenario, and owlets will be making an appearance again this year.
Something else: a ‘Vanzie’ whale’s tongue agave in the island bed will be blooming soon. I first noticed the pale bloom spike emerging a few days ago.
Twenty-four hours later, it had grown several inches.
And just a couple days later, the now-pinkish stalk was shooting toward the tree canopy. Stayed tuned as the show continues. It’s a dramatic swan song, since most agaves bloom only once — generally at around 10 years, in my experience — and then die. But they definitely go out with a bang.
For the curious, the tall rebar stakes prevent male deer from shredding the plant with their antlers during the fall rut.
Book Tour Events
I’m doing two more public speaking events for the launch of Gardens of Texas this spring. And huzzah — they’re free! Come see me, get gardening inspiration, and if you like, purchase a signed copy of the book.
March 24, 6:30-8:30 pm – Fredericksburg
Presentation: Native Plant Society of Texas, Fredericksburg Chapter
212 W San Antonio St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
I’m heading to the Hill Country to share inspiration and practical lessons from the native plant-focused gardens in Gardens of Texas. I’ll have books for sale and signing at the talk. Free and open to the public.
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April 18, 10:00-11:30 am – Cedar Park
Presentation: Cedar Park Parks & Rec event
Register for this free talk (limited seating); select Gardening 101: Gardens of Texas
1435 Main St, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Drawing from the visionary landscapes in Gardens of Texas, I’ll share how resilient gardeners are embracing change, shifting their plant palette, nurturing wildlife, and finding deeper joy in the process. I’ll have books for sale and signing at the talk. Free and open to the public.
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Digging Deeper
My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, is here! Find it on Amazon, other online book sellers, and in stores everywhere. It’s for anyone who loves gardens or the natural beauty of Texas. More info here.
Learn about garden design and ecology at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. Subscribe to Garden Spark by clicking here to email — subject line: SUBSCRIBE.
All material © 2026 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
