March 12, 2026
This spring’s spectacular Texas mountain laurel show is nearing the end, but other plants are popping, like ‘Tangerine Beauty’ crossvine. This native cultivar sprawls the length of the backyard coyote fence and makes an atomic-orange bower each spring.
Calling all hummingbirds!
Native Mexican plum has fluffed out with fragrant, popcorn-white blossoms.
Bees and other pollinators love them as much as I do.
The satiny gray bark is nice too.
Such a pretty ornamental tree for full or part sun
Another small tree — almost shrub-sized, really — is ‘Traveller’ redbud, a beautiful weeping cultivar of our native Texas redbud.
Soon it’ll fill out with glossy, heart-shaped leaves, but for now, it’s a shapely vision in purple-pink.
The Circle Garden is mostly green for now, but wildflowers in the stock tank will be popping with warmer weather. Something to look forward to.
Today was a gorgeous spring day in Austin, and I spent nearly the entire day outside, lounging like an anole on a squid agave leaf. I hope you had a good Friday too.
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Digging Deeper
My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, is here! Find it on Amazon, other online book sellers, and in stores everywhere. It’s for anyone who loves gardens or the natural beauty of Texas. More info here.
Come see me on tour! I’ll be speaking and hosting book events across Texas this spring to celebrate the release of Gardens of Texas. Join me to learn, get inspired, and say hello!
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All material © 2026 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
