On yesterday’s walk around the neighborhood with Duke the Dog, I saw some Texas Dandelions, Pyrrhopappus pauciflorus. Several are growing in neighbors’ lawns, others rise up from cracks in walkways; they grow where they land and aren’t picky plants. I lamented that none of these cheery plants had so far appeared in my own garden yet, though they typically show up, where they like, pleasing this gardener and providing for the pollinators. The non-native dandelions have bloomed since February, and are mostly done. I certainly don’t mind those flowers as they serve as an early source of nectar for the honeybees and other pollinators that wing through the late winter garden.
On this bright, cool morning I spied a sunny, Texas dandy bloom, stem and leaves holding the buttery bloom aloft, as it cuddles with a Mexican Feathergrass, Nassella tenuissima.
A different view of this pretty pair also shows some European poppies dotting the background, along with new bloom spikes of Henry Duelberg Sage, Salvia farinacea.
The only thing that would make these scenes better would be some pollinators in action. Alas, the chilly wind this morning probably slowed their work.
Nevertheless, it’s so nice to see you–all of you! Happy Spring, y’all!
My Gardener Says... 
Such a beautiful grass that is!
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Mexican Feathergrass is lovely year-round, but absolutely gorgeous in Spring! I’ve had great success with it in both sun and shade (dappled, not dark shade) and everything in between. Wish I could share some with you–I have lots of seedlings!
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I wish it was hardy here, but alas, not!
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For the last week or two I’ve been seeing a fair number of butterflies, particularly the smaller ones. Would you say the number in your garden has been less than typical, more than typical, or about average for this time of year?
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I agree that there’s been an uptick in the numbers. I typically see more butterflies as the temperatures warm, so I’d say it’s been pretty normal, butterfly-wise. Sadly, I’ve only seen 2 or 3 Monarchs. I see more of those in the autumn.
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I grew up with different dandelions, but remember picking bunches of them and often received bouquets of the cheery yellow flowers when I was teaching.
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They probably make a really nice bouquet!
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It really IS lovely to see various flowers reappear each spring like some long-lost friends. I hope you will encounter many more soon, and that the pollinators won’t be far behind.
Happy April!
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The seasonal appearance of my various flowers and grasses are like seeing long-lost friends–they are friends: loyal, lovely, companionable. Happy April to you, Tanja!
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Vielen Dank, liebe Tina. 🌷
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I thought about you this morning as I drove by fields and lots absolutely filled to the brim with our Texas dandies. It was early enough in the morning that they were fully opened; I still can’t quite get over their apparent ‘disappearance’ in the afternoon. I wonder if your garden/property is too rich for them. At least down here, they seem to thrive best in places that are distinctly ‘non-garden’ — utility easements, vacant lots, gas station verges, and unmanaged farm land.
That said, the one that graced you with its presence certainly looks good in the middle of the grass. The grass itself is really appealing.
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I’m sure you’re correct about the Texas dandies–they like it tough and challenging! I don’t really baby my garden, but I do put down mulch and it gets supplemental water in the summer. I think there are a couple of others coming up now, it just seems later than it was last year for these buttery beauties.
That field must have been something to behold!
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