Welcome to hot July in Central Texas and to the monthly, leafy meme of Foliage Follow-up.  Thanks to Pam at Digging for hosting.

The pond in my Texas garden cools and soothes when the Death Star arrives and is in full force.

Temps are hot and so is this foliage combo.

Pretty in purple Ruby Red Runner, an Alternanthera hybrid, has spread  to the bog from its original spot as a waterfall filter plant.

I like its creeping ways though, and it shouldn’t travel too far afield from the pond itself, as it requires water. If you read this blog, you know that this gardener, doesn’t water that garden–not enough anyway for a water-loving plant to take over.  All of the surrounding foliage beauties are water wise and appropriate pond companions: Softleaf Yucca, Yucca recurvifolia, Firecracker Fern, Russelia equisetiformis,  and Mexican Feathergrass, Nassella tenuissima.

I especially like the leaves of the Pickerel Rush during the summer months.  The lush green, heart-shaped form lends a tropical feel in contrast to the blasting from the sun.

As well, the Ruby Red Runner, intertwined with the large Pickerel leaves, adds a bit of spice.

What cool foliage do you have in the garden this July?  Show them off and then pop over to Digging to enjoy other hot July foliage.