Most of you (if you have been following my blog for awhile) know that
George and I love succulents. Our Autumn Joy Sedum is one of our
favorite succulents. BUT--even better than that is our Sempervivum. We
have LOTS of Semps in our yard.
The
name "Sempervivum" has its origin in the Latin semper ('always') and
vivus ('living'). Sempervivum are called "Always Living" because this
perennial plant keeps its leaves in winter and is very resistant to
difficult conditions of growth.
I
have done blog posts several times showing our Semps (go to my sidebar and click on SEMPS)---but since there
are new people, I decided to show some again to you today. I hope
you will enjoy my pictures! These are new pictures which I took recently. Be sure to click on them for enlargements. The picture above doesn't show it, but this group are in a 'pile'----like a big mound, living off of each other.. I have never seen them do this.
This one is different... I love its colors.
Here is one of my favorites... I love the purple edges!!!!
I love the colors in this one also. See how wonderful these little guys are? They'll grow most anywhere in your yard... We put them around the edges of our flowerbeds...
This one is gorgeous also --with all of the neat colors.
Here is a colorful group of Semps. I was able to get some sun and shadows on this one.
There are alot of 'babies' in this group---as there are in most groups. I love to see the Mamas when they bloom (none are blooming now)---but hate to see them die. BUT-- that's just life for Supervivum.
Here is one last picture of some gorgeous Semps. If you want to see some of them in bloom, click HERE. I have done several posts showing these beauties... Hope you don't get tired of seeing them. They are all a little different from one year to the next...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Here is a surprise for you. It's not a 'hen and chick' --but it is a picture of five tiny baby Bluebirds just born this week. I've been watching the 5 eggs in the nest in our backyard for awhile --and am happy to see those precious babies come into the world. We have a new baffle on the pole --so hopefully, this group will make it. I'll keep you posted. They should grow up and fledge by about the 18th of June (give or take). Aren't they precious?
Have a wonderful Monday.
 |
| Five Bluebird Babies |
Have a wonderful Monday.
Hugs,
Betsy
The sempervivum are really beautiful and i always love to look at them, however they get too invasive in the tropics, they just dont die but geometrically multiply. That birdlets are so beautiful too, i wish they will survive. I hope you wont touch them or the parents might leave!
ReplyDeleteYour photos really enhance these succulents. In fact I think I prefer your photos to the real thing.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've seen that many different varieties, especially in one place.
ReplyDeleteBabies!!! Yea! Hope you takes lots of photos, they'll be gone before you know it.
I've seen these plants in garden centres and never thought of putting them in my own garden. Using them as an edging plant sounds such a good idea. I wonder if rabbits like to eat them?? If not they would be an even better idea. Thanks for this blog. Joan
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures Betsy and I find succulents very decorative in the garden - Love them!
ReplyDeleteOh look at these small birdies :)
Have a lovely day!
Hugs
Eva
I didn't know there were so many different succulents. Love the baby birds!
ReplyDeleteYep, you are the reason I keep trying my hand a Semps...congrats on the bluebird babies...exciting!!
ReplyDeleteI am learning so much about plants and flowers from you. I know a rose or an iris or a daylily, etc., but have never known the specific names or varieties. Thanks for teaching me!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your babies! I need some hens and chicks, they are so wonderfully old fashioned. I can't believe I don't have any!
ReplyDeleteI have hens and chicks in my yard too though mine haven't bloomed in the few years that they've been here. Have fun watching those babies grow, it will happen oh to quickly!
ReplyDeleteFive is a lot for bluebirds! I will have to reconsidered succulents as yours are certainly lovely.
ReplyDeleteAutumn Joy graced the pockets of my water garden. I loved it.
ReplyDeleteWonderful surprise.
i did not realize the hens and chicks came in so many colors. i love the pink and the ones trimmed in purple. precious tiny babies to
ReplyDeleteI think the hens and chicks are so darn cute; love them.
ReplyDeletewhat a fantastic photo of the babies....amazing.
I can't wait to see them all grow-ed up! xoxo
The Semps are gorgeous. You have inspired me to grow some in my garden as well. Mine are not nearly as lovely as yours,but they were only planted last summer.
ReplyDeleteThose baby Blues are cute and I look forward to seeing more pictures as they grow.
Ok, you have sold me on hens and chicks. Was not aware of the different varieties.
ReplyDeleteThat is a strange but great shot of the blue babies. Hope you have solved the snake problem.
My mother had "hens and chicks" growing in a tall pot that had holes for them to grow from all over the sides.
ReplyDeleteI love the photo of the baby birds--especially the hungry little one with his mouth open waiting to be fed.
Best,
Bonnie
You do have a large variety of semps. The birds look like they are very fresh from the eggs - hope they make it okay. Bev brought home a purple martin house from a crafts fair yesterday so I have a little project for this week.
ReplyDeletecongrats on the baby Bluebirds! Sure hope they make it. Your flower pictures are great as always.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't aware of the variety of colors that "hens and chicks" came in. You've sure got some beauties there. And I'm so happy to hear that you've got some baby bluebirds. I hope they grow into healthy little fledglings.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing all of your beautiful hens and chicks! I recently resisted buying a container of them about a month ago, LOL. They are so cute! And the baby bluebirds are exciting!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Semps! I need to start some of these! Tiny Bluebird babies! What are they nesting in?
ReplyDeleteyour plants are neat! good luck, baby birds!
ReplyDeleteI have got to try these plants- they are so pretty. Good luck to the nestlings!
ReplyDeleteI almost missed the babies when I clicked to see the blossoms....They look so tiny. Can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteBetsy, Your hens and chicks are wonderful! I love all of the pictures in this post! My grandmother used to grow many of them. I have grown them. I never knew that the hen dies after flowering. I always had them in a pot or strawberry pot and wondered why they would die off. Thanks for the great information.
ReplyDeleteLove your hens and chicks - both sets!!! I don't grow these sedums, but I have been eyeing them at the garden center. I just need to find a spot to put them in my garden. Yours are fabulous. I especially love the colorful group with a spot of color on the end of each leaf. And I hope your baby bluebirds will make it. How wonderful to be able to see them as they grow.
ReplyDeleteI've been growing a lot more sempervivums myself over the past couple years... love them as they fill out in the rockery and rock gardens... how neat to see the little bluebirds... we have been extremely windy this season and our yard is full of birds... many nests with little ones of various kinds have been blown from the trees... most unfortunate... Larry
ReplyDeleteBetsy, your photos are beautiful. Of course I love the bluebirds and hope they make it. They are one of my favorite birds.
ReplyDeleteI love how you have your hens and chicks in the ground like that! Do they get overcrowded like that? I have mine in pots and they seem to get overcrowded. One strawberry pot actually broke because I think they were too crowded and then the temperatures in the winter. I've been so busy I haven't even tried to fix them yet. I have sent their babies off to different blogging friends in the fall when I have lots of chicks to share. I've already promised a few to a blogging friend who lives in West Virginia this year. I've sent some to Virginia and even Florida! They are loving it in Florida.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Angela
Such a delightful post for the day, Betsy! I do love the variety of Sempervivum! Your photos are terrific! And the baby birds are so adorable! Look forward to seeing more pics of them! Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Your hen and chicks are always lovely Betsy but I'm more excited for you that the bluebirds nested again - how wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to more pics!
I know you are extremely happy!
oh, aren't they cute!! All tummies and mouths!!!
ReplyDeleteLinda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
Beautiful close shots of Semps. So many have purple edges or some variation of purple through them. Never knew what they were but along the way have taken photos of them just because they were different and caught my eye. I do hope your little babies make it this time. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteHi Betsy, I click on "HERE" to see the blooming semps and it brings me right back to the current post of today. Just thought you may want to check that out.
ReplyDeleteI have some hens and chicks in my little front yard but only the green ones. I like how they just keep multiplying and that they are so easy to grow. The ones I have my mom gave to me from her yard.
ReplyDeleteThat’s interesting and amazing about the hen and chicks! Never heard about these species... they are quiet wonderful! It’s truly surprise how u captured the real bluebird chick... one open its mouth!
ReplyDeleteYou really do have a variety of hens and chicks in your yard. They are beautiful and interesting. I used to plant these years ago in a yard I once had. I will have to have a go at it again.
ReplyDeleteYour baby birds are so special. I hope they make it also. Isn't it fun watching the nest?
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ReplyDeleteHi Betsy, Congratulations on your new brood of Eastern Bluebirds! How wonderful and a great surprise to your post. I do also like your succulent plants. Have an excellent coming week and a fine day today!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely assortment you have. I've recently purchased some and hope they will spread. Would you consider sending one or two of your chick babies to me? I'd be happy to share any plants I have with off spring with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm reminded of my grandmother's "Hens and Chicks" that she had while I was growing up. Yours are much more beautiful, though. Love the picture of the baby bluebirds! Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful!! Love all those greens and purples! And of course, I LOVE the baby bluebird pic! Our second brood is about ready to leave the nest. The young ones from the first hatching are still nearby helping to guard the babies!
ReplyDeleteI love the Hen and Chicks and have a small pot of them. They are one thing that I can grow pretty well! I didn't realize there were so many different varieties, tho! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteLucky you to have more baby bluebirds! I don't know what happened to the pair that had their nest ransacked by the snake. Haven't seen them lately.
Have a nice Monday!
Could I eat those, if i plant then I must eat,lol.Just one of my rules. Richard
ReplyDeleteThose Semps are so lovely in all the areas where nothing much else grows. Love the rosette formation! You've taken some gorgeous photos of all your varieties!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on capturing the baby bluebirds!! Yeah!
I don't have any of those in my yard but I do like them. The ones in the second picture are really pretty. I've never seen a color like that.
ReplyDeleteThose baby bluebirds are amazing. I can't believe how tiny they are
I love to have semps in my garden. Maybe I shall purchase semps if I found one. They are really beautiful and the flowers are very special. It is alwasy exciting to see your post because of your garden and there is always something new to see:)
ReplyDeleteI have learned so much from your post today. I need to put semps in my yard. Do they winter well with lots of snow?
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see the new baby birds. I hope they all survive.
Really cute and sweet birdies.
ReplyDeleteHi Betsy, love the hens and chicks. The name is cute. The bluebird babies are just adorable. Great pic's, have a wonderful evening.
ReplyDeleteMy aunt gave me some hens and chicks a few years ago. They are coming along nicely but not as nice as yours! I love hens and chicks. I loved the surprise! I will be anxiously awaiting photos of the newborns!
ReplyDeleteWell Betsy - I learned something today - I didn't know any of that - yet I had heard those names before and now I know why it is called hens and chicks. Very pretty.
ReplyDeleteAnd you little blue bird babies.
Love, sandie
The baby bluebirds are so sweet! I started growing Semps since I saw them on your blog last year. You have some beautiful varieties, I love your pictures!
ReplyDeleteYour semps are wonderful. I need to visit and relieve you from having so many LOL The surprise is great. I have been watching our boxes and enjoyed the coming and goings of the parents but have not ventured to look inside. Peace
ReplyDeleteLove hen and chicks succulents, mine are the green with purple edges but I need to get some of those red colorful ones.
ReplyDeleteWe are supposed to get some rain tonight from the storm that passed south of you,hopefully we will or I'll be doing a lot of watering tomorrow.
Good luck cleaning out the old house,I remember what we went through when hubbies mom and dad passed and we had to go through their 50 year collection of things,whew what a job !!
Blessings
Marilyn
Your hens and chicks are beautiful - but not quite as beautiful as those new baby birds! Sweet!
ReplyDeletexo Catherine
Love the surprise...so cute..
ReplyDeleteI have a pot full of hen and chicken plants. My mom started this pot, about nine years ago. Since she has passed, I baby this thing like you wouldn't believe. I love it!
These are all so beautiful and also unusual. Good luck with the baby bluebirds! Take a photo of the baffle you are using.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see baby bluebirds on my return!!! So happy for you cause I know the other incident really bothered you.
ReplyDeleteOh, such a precious surprise!
ReplyDeleteYour succulents are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo of the birdies too.
What a wonderful or rather wonderfilled garden you have there. wishing I can grow things like u. unfortunately, I justdo not have the touch
ReplyDeleteYou really make me want to plant some hens and chicks!
ReplyDeleteLove the baby bluebirds.
Oh my gosh....the babies are so delightful. I bet you are really enjoying this activity from day to day!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy dad, who loved to have flowers and garden wherever he lived, had these along the foundation of our home in Colorado....they did okay, but nothing like what you have shared. Guess maybe it's the winter temps in Colorado.
The baby birds are delightful I can't wait to see them grow. You have a great variety of succulents.
ReplyDeleteBetsy,
ReplyDeleteWhat variety you have in your garden...amazing...and the bluebird babies are so cute:)Have a great day!
Shantana
I have a big pot of Hen and Chicken, but not nearly as nice as yours. I brought it all the way from my sister's in Mississippi. She has it growing everywhere. Thanks for another great sharing of your lovely garden.
ReplyDeleteHi Betsy, I've always thought you are so blessed to have all these wonderful gifts right there in your own yard. The babies are a wonderful surprise. I love the Hen and Chicks. My mother had those in her garden and just the name of them made them special. Nature is awesome. Thank you for sharing. Hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing and beautiful plant! Nice photos also Betsy!
ReplyDelete...beautiful photos of your Hens and Chicks. You two do have the green touch!!! ...and I love seeing those little baby bills open and begging for food. So cute!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness those are just beautiful..I love the hens and chickens..I have lots of them too but not as pretty as yours..You must have had them quite a few years...Blessings, Susie
ReplyDeleteThe hens and chicks display surprising variety! Very pretty.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have a new batch of baby bluebirds. Sure hope they make it to adulthood.
Love your new header, Betsy.
That's a pretty plants. I don't blame why you love it. Thanks for sharing now I know that name of plants. My mother in-law has one of that plants is her garden.
ReplyDeleteDaughter just got me some hens and chicks for Mother's Day. I'm hoping I can keep them alive!
ReplyDeleteAww...I hope these bluebirds make it. I have at least two young ones that are coming to the feeders by themselves. And I have eggs in the nestbox again. This is the first year they have nested twice in the same box.
ReplyDeleteHow precious. I'm glad you have new blue bird babies!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love hens and chicks too. I bought some new ones this year that aren't hardy here an hope to bring them in this winter. They're more "exotic" looking!
I've never seen so many hens and chicks; you have a healthy collection!
ReplyDeleteHow precious are those teeny, tiny bluebirds; hope they make it. By the way, I thought of you today. I found a bird house for Eastern Bluebird at our local Audubon. I didn't have my good camera, so didn't get any pictures. I will go back there sometime this weekend, I hope!
I love seeing your plants, Betsy. You have such a great variety. So happy you have bird babies, too. Aren't they so cute? Thanks for sharing these awesome pics.
ReplyDeleteThe sempervivum plants look beautiful. We have them in our country too since you mentioned that they can live in different conditions. However, our variety is limited to the green ones only. You have more variety in nice colors!
ReplyDeleteI am glad that the birds decided to lay eggs in your yard because your house is often filled with so much warmth, love and happy vibes!