A Dasylirion In A Hurry

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The Dasylirion flower is developing swiftly.
Oh my!
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It already dwarfs Aloe marlothii's candelabra.
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While I was pondering the front slope, taking a break from another marathon pruning day,  I caught a female Lesser Goldfinch(?) Orange Crowned Warbler (thanks to Luisa for the ID) on Aloe ferox.  She or He appeared to be drinking nectar, as I saw the little throat pulsing and the little tongue licking at the flowers. 
When Aloes speak, Orange Crowned Warblers Goldfinches listen:
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I'm making good rose pruning progress.  I worked at keeping most all the roses at a reasonable size this past year.  The result:  it's still a long slog, but the amount of clippings is much more manageable.  I'm not stuck waiting for room in the green waste bins this year.  Overall, easier.  
Today's pruning bouquet:
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Comments

  1. Mark and GazJanuary 23, 2015 at 2:26 AM

    That seems to be racing away, looking forward to seeing once it stops growing and starts opening up!

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    Replies
    1. Hoover BooJanuary 24, 2015 at 7:18 AM

      Much faster than I thought it would be. What 5" of rain can do.

      Delete
  2. MulchMaidJanuary 23, 2015 at 1:47 PM

    Lovely little goldfinch and a beautiful plant sustaining her! It seems so odd to be pruning roses while they're blooming, but that's the difference between you there and us here.

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    Replies
    1. Hoover BooJanuary 24, 2015 at 7:18 AM

      That an a lack of rain, I whine.

      Yes, isn't she sweet?

      Delete
  3. dianneJanuary 23, 2015 at 3:52 PM

    Wonderful images, especially the little Goldfinch on your aloe, plenty of nectar there and your rose bouquet is beautiful.
    xoxoxo ♡

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  4. Kris PetersonJanuary 23, 2015 at 4:27 PM

    I love the photo of the goldfinch! What is the rose? It's very pretty. (I can only imagine how many vases you must have on hand.)

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    Replies
    1. Hoover BooJanuary 24, 2015 at 7:20 AM

      That is 'Ambridge Rose', a bit of a Ruster, but the virtues far outweigh that.

      Delete
  5. Janneke January 24, 2015 at 1:59 AM

    Gorgeous, the goldfinch listening to the whispering Aloe! And the pruned roses on your table, I envy you for your sunny country.

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  6. LesJanuary 24, 2015 at 10:10 AM

    When the Dasylirion finishes blooming does it go the way of an Agave, or does it live to bloom another day?

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    Replies
    1. Hoover BooJanuary 24, 2015 at 1:31 PM

      It lives to bloom another day (or actually year), like most all Yuccas, Beaucarneas, and Nolinas, rather than like Agaves.

      Delete
    2. LesJanuary 25, 2015 at 4:14 PM

      Thanks for letting me know.

      Delete
  7. LuisaJanuary 25, 2015 at 9:18 AM

    *cough*Orange-crowned Warbler*cough* -- broken eye-ring, no wing bars... you were right to wonder. Great catch! The birds must love you. That Aloe marlothii is killing me [swoons]. I've heard that Ambridge Rose is the "new, improved" Tamora, so it must be wonderful... thank you for sharing your beautiful garden!

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    1. Hoover BooJanuary 25, 2015 at 6:38 PM

      Cool! Thanks! I'll update the post. I'm mostly just excited the picture was in focus. Marlothii is wow and brings the hooded Orioles, who pick off the flowers and fly off with them. They ruin the flower show, but that's okay as I am happy to see them get food. I hope I can get a shot of that this year.

      I have both Ambridge and Tamora--they have many virtues. The Ambridge fragrance is my favorite.

      Delete
  8. UnknownJanuary 25, 2015 at 4:53 PM

    Ah, the guiltless pleasure of bouquets made from pruning sprees.

    ReplyDelete

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