Joe Gives Me Five

A lot of the Maireana sedifolia was dead, so I cut it to the ground.  I'm not sure what the problem was--it's extremely dry in that spot--not enough water?  Reported to be cold-hardy to 20F, it could not have been our wimpy winter. Or was it bothered by the Euphorbia flopped all over it?  From my experience with another plant, I think the Maireana can come back afresh from the stump.  Getting in there to cut it back was difficult, because it is surrounded by big prickly plants besides the caustic-sapped Euphorbia.  It was a painful job.   Agave marmorata gave me a deep stab to the right thumb and Aloe marlothii scratched my scalp until blood ran.   
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While contorted into the spot, I saw five offsets on preparing-to-bloom 'Joe Hoak'!  I was concerned it would be solitary and not replaceable. 
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The offsets were on the uphill side, well hidden under the foliage. They were hungry for light, infested with mealy bugs, and somewhat etiolated.  I sprayed them down with alcohol to kill the mealies and put them into what has become a succulent nursery, there to root. 
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Now,  fingers crossed for healthy roots.  Thanks, Joe!
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Comments

  1. Lucky you with 5 Joes! And your front slope is just beautiful.
    Kay

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  2. Yay for Joe! And that last image...gorgeous, I've wanted to see an overall shot like that for quite awhile, thank you,

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  3. Good on Joe! And that last shot, wow!

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  4. I love your slope.
    And how are all the other babies doing in your succulent nursery?

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    1. The slope that started as a dismaying problem has become pretty good despite lacking a plan. Babies--I need to give away 200 Agaves is how they are doing! Eeeek!

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  5. Sorry abou the Agave wounds, but worth it for 5 surprise new plants, right? I agree with the others: the front garden is wonderful! I had no idea the new rock area was in the front -- for some reason I always pictured all of your garden beds sloping toward the house. This helps put things into perspective!

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  6. High five, Joe! The slope looks fantastic. I know you've been busy -- I don't think there's a busier person than a rose grower in spring.

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