When the garden was finished in early December we sat down for a minute to enjoy it. We had a party on New Year’s Eve Afternoon and shared our happiness with many friends. Then we waited for things to grow. The weather was mild, wonderful and perfect for growing.
![DSC_0117](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC_0117-680x1024.jpg)
The Yellow Iris I brought from my Mom’s backdoor bloomed in vivid yellow.
![DSCN5836](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSCN5836-1024x768.jpg)
Artichokes, Alyssum, Peppermint twist geraniums, all bloomed.
![DSC_0065](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC_0065-680x1024.jpg)
![DSCN5765](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSCN5765-1024x768.jpg)
The yellow rocky point ice plant took off and spread together to form a yellow wave of color.
The red carnations were in full bloom in the red bed, red flax and the red fairy duster, red penstomen also bloomed for the butterflies.
![DSCN5860](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSCN5860-1024x768.jpg)
The yellow bed of yellow bells, Arizona sunset lantana, gilardia all began to flower.
![DSC_0112](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC_0112-1024x680.jpg)
The white bed bloomed with white cyclamen for 4 months but when the heat set in I replaced them with white vinca. The african white spider lily also bloomed
![IMG_2705](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_2705-225x300.jpg)
Rich decided we need a few other improvements. He created the “measure twice” compass piece. These are the poles to place into the umbrella stands which will hold the party lights for evening entertaining.
![DSC_0104](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC_0104-300x224.jpg)
The hose bib looked a bit lonely all by itself as a single flower so Rich created a bouquet to add to the mix.
![DSCN5825](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSCN5825-1024x768.jpg)
Then Rich saw an interesting octahedron, which has 8 sides or faces and each side equal lateral triangle. The opposite sides are parallel. So he wanted to see if he could make it and he did, 3 times. We had them painted to match the colors in the bloom of the Red Bird of Paradise.
![DSC_0229](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC_0229-300x199.jpg)
The snails found a spot on the bench by the bell.
![DSCN5854](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSCN5854-1024x768.jpg)
A butterfly landed in a shady spot.
![DSCN5731](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSCN5731-1024x768.jpg)
The umbrella baskets have made it convenient to have abundant shade on the side patio.
![DSC_0029](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC_0029-680x1024.jpg)
Close up of the Manfreda flower.
![DSC_0254](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC_0254-1024x680.jpg)
The privacy screen separates the workshop space from the garden.
![DSC_0252](https://travelinggardener.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC_0252-680x1024.jpg)