East bay outing

[vgqn]

I went to Annie's Annuals yesterday "just to look." Hah! Okay, I admit, I sort of had in mind that if I found an auricula, it would follow me home. Considering what she has on offer, I think I'm lucky to have escaped with only 9 others. (Btw, she sells many perennials as well, despite the name.)


Calandrinia grandiflora 'Mo Betta'
Succulent rosettes that shoot up stems of bright rose flowers -- cool!

Clarkia pulchella 'Purple Passion'
Weird, deeply lobed purple flowers -- how could I resist?

Datura metel 'Triple Yellow'
Frilly yellow trumpets

Leptosiphon 'French Hybrids'
I tried to grow this from seed with no success. Fruit Loops colors!

Pink German Catchfly
I'm a sucker for catchfly. Why is it called that? Doesn't attract flies that I've noticed.

Primula x pubescens "Garden Auricula" 'Exhibition Blue'
Here it is, my first auricula!

Puya alpestris 'Sapphire Tower'
The picture makes the blossoms look almost aquamarine -- I can hardly wait

Salvia horminium (Salvia viridis)
A stunning salvia. The top bracts are a deep, intense purple-blue.

Ursinia calenduliflora
Ferny foliage, I just adore it.

Verbascum phoenicum 'Violetta'
More purple spikes. Do you detect a trend?


Afterwards I picked M up at the Richmond library facility where he was researching magazine cover art. We went to Solano Cellars to get more of an absolutely delicious madiran. Tasted some of the wines they had on offer while indulging in a yummy mushroom, pancetta, and gorgonzola pizzetta appetizer (with springs of marjoram, fantastic). Tore ourselves away to get real dinner at Kirin (excellent northern Chinese cuisine). Then off to Freight & Salvage to see Old Blind Dogs. A fine time was had by all.

For your amusement, an article on choosing tomatoes to plant based on your astrological sign.