Burgundy Lace desert willow (Chilopsis linearis ‘Burgundy Lace’) in Cultivar Garden.
Went for a walk at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in the late afternoon yesterday. It was pretty hot but not bad in the shade. Thought I’d share a few pictures of the garden in this ‘off season’ when many avoid the outdoors. A morning walk would have been delightful but by the time I walked the dog, went to the gym and met with friends and colleagues, it was late in the day. It was too hot to venture out into the Communities (the northern 50 or so acres), but hopefully next time I’ll get there early in the morning for a nice stroll in the wilds.
Peaceful bench in shade next to dormant western redbud (Cercis occidentalis).
Route 66 CA fuchsia (Epilobium ‘Route 66), large CA fuchsia with bright green leaves, blooms in front of dark green chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum ‘Black Diamond’).
Canyon Gray sagebrush (Artemisia californica ‘Canyon Gray’) used as ground cover with gravel mulch in the Cultivar Garden.
Drought-deciduous California buckeye (Aesculus californica) in Cultivar Garden. 
Roger’s Red grape (Vitis ‘Roger’s Red’) in Cultivar Garden.
Calistoga California fuchsia (Epilobium ‘Calistoga’) is a fairly late blooming CA fuchsia with lovely gray leaves, bright red flowers, and an upright habit.
Calistoga California fuchsia (Epilobium ‘Calistoga’).
Great images, Barbara. Are these all native plants? I went to the link briefly which calls this a native garden. Native plants here in the Fl.Keys are a very diverse group and fortunatly are becoming more popular as past hurricanes have wiped out many introduced tropicals. Neat blog…I'll be back.<br />Scott
One day, I too will see Santa Ana Botanical Gardens. Until then, thanks so much for your posts! <br /><br />How does Epilobium Calistoga behave when it rains? I have this beautiful tall upright Epilobium which always falls over when the first rain hits. Hard to stake, too…
Scott – yes they are all native (though there is debate about Roger's Red grape). Defining native can be a bit tricky, but the Garden defines native as: native to the state of California, California Floristic Province plants, including those that reach into Baja. Glad you enjoyed the tour.<br /><br />TM – My guess on the Calistoga is that it will flop over and be a mess with rain. We don'
Hi Barbara~~ Thanks for visiting my blog. Although our climates are vastly opposite, it looks like I'll be a regular visitor here. I have Chilopsis linearis that I grew from seed sown this past spring. In a markedly hot place where other seedlings faltered, Chilopsis thrived. I'm not sure if it will winter successfully so I'll protect it. Love the orchid/penstemon-esque blooms. <br />
What a wonderful place for a stroll. Lovely photos.
Thanks for sharing your walk. I only discovered chilopsis in the last couple of years–I wonder what took so long. Your photo should bring in a few more converts! And how can you not go for all the neat epilobiums blooming this time of year? I'm close to removing my 'Canyon Gray' artemisia, not because it's a bad plant, only that I'd placed it in too tight a spot. The big
Thanks James, Nancy and Grace. I'm glad I got to walk around before the heat turned on. Today was in the upper 90s and tomorrow and Thursday will be hot and dry as well. I am hoping to get to the Garden early when the plants are even more photogenic!