I usually go through work boots as fast as cowboys-of-old would have gone through beans and mullein.

No idea where that analogy came from.

http://www.eastsidepatch.com/2013/05/brains/

Most disintegrate within a year but these Timberlands just keep on going like stinky protective slippers.

This is year three and I must say, apart from some disapproving downward glances from the flamboyant mustache brigade in my local Quickie Pickie they are holding up ‘relatively’ well.

With the leather long-worn from the toe (exposing bone), the boots pair remarkably well with a disheveled iced turban on a hot work day.

I refer to them as having ‘character’…you know…soul

(oh dear).

But the best thing about these old boots is the fine particles of decomposed granite that now waft out of the prow when feet are inserted.

‘Smokin’ hot boots’!

Staying with bowls and beans for a moment:

The recent rains have grown a dense mat of these “birds nest fungi”,

Cyathus striatus

The nest acts as a splash cup…when raindrops hit the nest, the eggs are splashed out at a distance. If they land on a suitable medium they will grow into new fruiting bodies. These fungi usually grow on wood and mulch and are common in the fall months, (very hard to spot though).

I did notice some subtle differences in the eggs.

Okay, perhaps the reptile guarding this gold was a little more…

Moving humbly Along:

Pyracantha berries are ripening up for Halloween.

“Yes but let me see you get a candle in there.”

Here is a silvery pairing that works really well:

Whales tongue agave and thunder cloud sage,

Leucophyllum candidum

Inland sea oats are now wearing their fall coats.

These decorated plants transform so much throughout the year you can guess the month by looking at them.

panning back a little:

 Mexican firebush,

Hamelia patens

also starts to bloom this time of the year. This plant dies to the ground in the winter but quickly gets to 5ft by fall.

Whatever you do do not fall asleep…

…on my garden bench.

This evergreen wisteria would envelop you overnight…there is a reason we no longer sit on this garden feature.

Finally:

Some great Japanese Aralia on Trinity.

First blooms from duranta ‘sapphire showers’ (Picotee Sky Flower)

Stay Tuned For:

“Under the Knife”

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