Joining the Propagator for another Six:
1. The back area has been cleared of weeds, and a new fence is going up. I have planted a wedge-shaped bed, primarily with native perennials, though a few exotic shrubs have been used to frame the area (see below). I will now be adding another layer of ornamental non-natives.
2. Stream bank continues to be shorn of knotweed on a monthly basis to ensure that the natives planted there are receiving enough light.
3. The verge continues to blossom, with California poppies and larkspur giving way to goldenrod and aster.
4. The unidentified opuntia grown from 2 pads picked up around the neighborhood (with permission) are blooming.
5. The chollas grown from cutting are starting to put out new growth.
6. And other lovelies. . .
Rogue Garden 
Thank you, I do enjoy seeing the diverse gardens around the world.
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Your cacti are looking good…the variety available from Penstemon boggles the mind – climbing! very cool.
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The common name apparently reflects the fact that the plant used to belong to the penstemon family. Apparently the Keckiellas are now in the plantain family. I guess this one grows in chaparral areas in the southwest and can reach up to 6 ft in height by clamoring up other plants.
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LOL, of course, a climbing plantain. Looks like a good place for it.
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The Opuntia looks great. And you grow plants I’ve never heard of, like the climbing penstemon and false yucca.
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Thank you! The climbing penstemon was new to me, too. I picked it up at a nearby native plant sale.
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Your prickly pear cactus is doing so well. Lovely yellow flowers. How did you propagate it and how long did it take to root? I tried propagating one and finally gave up, unsuccessfully. I bought a plant instead. 🙂 So considerate that you asked permission to have the pads. With all that is going on in the world, I find myself more appreciative than ever when I hear of people being kind and conscientious.
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I picked up a couple of pads that were on the ground near an exceptionally tall specimen. I left the pads to scar over for a week or so, then potted them up in a terra cotta pot with regular raised bed mix. Watered them occasionally throughout the summer, then left them outside in the weather over winter. Next spring, I checked, and they had rooted. Placed them in planter – again with raised bed mix. That summer, they sprouted new pads. Worth another try!
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Great info! Thx! Did you put the pads vertically in the soil and about halfway down?
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Yes, I did.
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I didn’t know the climbing penstemon… another thing learned today !
Pretty cactus flowers! will you eat the fruit?
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Yes, I want to try it. I’ve never had it before. Any recommendations for harvesting/preparing?
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When they’re ripe, I just peel them and eat them like a kiwi. Of course put gloves to remove the remaining spines. Jam is possible too.
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I like the sound and look of a climbing penstemon – wow. The flowers of the opuntia are lovely.
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Thank you! Just got Keckiella from a native plant sale this year and amazed that it’s already blooming.
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