Paradise found!

I have long wanted a Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) in the garden, so when I got an email from Matt B, who lives in the neighborhood, that he was removing one from his garden, my ears pricked up! He offered to bring it to the garden this morning, and I was lucky enough to meet him after he dropped it off.

My Matt (Matt P) got to work planting it in the dampest spot in the garden - right by the spigot (see pic). He added a whole bucket of compost from the bin too. Should be a happy little Bird of Paradise there!

I planted an Arctotis "The Ravers: Pumpkin Pie" in front of the wrong way sign (can't have too many pinks, reds and oranges there) and noticed that two other plants had been left at the garden for us: a rosemary and another plant that looks like it sat in the sun too long and probably isn't going to make it. :( Note to donors: please let me know if you're planning to drop off a plant so I can get it into a safe spot ASAP!

After that, Matt and I drove down to Half Moon Bay to visit the nurseries there. I had some money burning a hole in my pocket that was given to Emily by Sharon - one of The Godmothers - for the Mariposa Center Garden opposite Center Hardware.  I had Emily's wishlist in my hand, and managed to get a few items she wanted, but had to pick others out that should do the same job as the selection wasn't ideal. Here's what I got:

3 Dendromecon rigida (Bush Poppy)

6 Lupinus arboreus (Yellow Bush Lupine)

4 Achillea millefolium "Red Velvet"

6 Achillea millefolium "Terracotta"

5 Cistus "Sunset"

2 Lavatera

I have to say it was wonderful to go plant shopping without having to be extremely picky and stingy, only buying the tiniest size of a plant as I usually have to, and only buying one specimen. I think this collection will make an immediate impact on that spot: thank you Godmthers! I'm going to help Emily plant them on Wednesday night. Do you want to help? Meet us at the strip at 6pm!