Over the past week, I have been germinating the seeds of several types of subtropical plants. All are "hard-shelled" seeds, and needed to be scarified on sandpaper, in order for water to penetrate their seed coats, while soaking in water. After a day or so of soaking, they were sown in cups of moistened, sterilized soil, and placed in closed ziploc bags, with a little water in the bottoms, to create humidity. The seeds sown, all of which are now germinating, are: Kool-Aid Bush (Psoralea pinnata), Prairie Acacia, which is probably the most cold-hardiest form of Acacia (Acaciella angustissima), Father David's Sophora (Sophora davidia). Among the subtropicals, a few seeds of hardy Red Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria subsp. coccinea), were also rubbed,soaked, and are now also germinating. I also soaked the seeds of the subtropical vine, Andalusian Pipevine (Aristolochia baetica), but their seeded cup is being stratified for several weeks, first, in the fridge crisper, also in a ziplock bag....



The WHITE SAPOTE, or (Casimiroa edulis 'SueBell', fruit is getting large. For anyone not familiar with white sapote, it is a tropical fruit. It is certainly NOT supposed to be fruiting, in the Motor City:


https://photos.app.goo.gl/8tEhbacGP7EFMNJd8



A familiar sight, at this time of year. is GOLDENROD IN BLOOM ! Goldenrod or Solidago juncea, is a common wildflower, that bees love:


https://photos.app.goo.gl/9vx8z8nVzq9oASkv5



Any guess, as to whether this garden veggie is mild or hot?


https://photos.app.goo.gl/mLvJoq8V97iMdXLV8



The CAPE LEADWORT or Plumbago auriculata, is blooming. I started this plant from seed, many years ago, and it continues to bloom every late summer-early fall, even though growing in a large container. It did not begin blooming until its second year:


https://photos.app.goo.gl/5Zs1qKhXtHU2wFDCA



A few other blooming garden gems:


BALLOON FLOWER:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mLB9c83ApS2q7fDKA


LAVENDER 'Phenomenal':


https://photos.app.goo.gl/rsvKNNJSLMdxi7od7


Blazin' STAR:


https://photos.app.goo.gl/CRuw8qp9kdWMdBHv5