When I See the Before Picture

I really feel like all the work paid off.

While moving pictures from my old computer, I came across this one from July 14, 2008 - less than 2 years ago:

I was killing off plants to redo the area.

Yesterday you saw the same spot:
I had forgotten how different this area looked less than two years ago!

Remember this albino foliage when I brought my containers out?

Here it is today
all nice and green. I cut the two canna sprouts down and they are almost ready to leaf out.

I am thoroughly disappointed with that Elephant Ear collection I bought from Breck's.
Here is the enticing ad pic:

Here is the reality. This is Hilo Beauty.
It's says it's a robust grower reaching 24-36 inches tall and spreads 3 - 5 feet. Oh, by the way, Hilo Beauty is the plant in the front, not the one with all that lovely green foliage--that's a dahlia.

Just like Hilo Beauty, this Black Magic Elephant Ear has been growing for over a month:

Can't see it? Well, get your magnifying glass out and hold it over that tiny purple blob near the right edge.
Here is Black Magic's picture in the ad:



I think it's ridiculous to receive something this tiny without being told that is what they were sending.

The ad for the collection as a whole reads:

"Breathtaking in stature. Exotic Elephant Ears are beloved for foliage that is so astonishingly immense, you can practically hide among them."

Hmmmm....maybe if you're a slug.

Or have a decade to wait.

I am not feeling any warm fuzzies toward Breck's right now.

On a more positive note, I am liking the color formation of this canna leaf.

Pretty interesting coloration, in my humble opinion. I can't wait to see the flower. Every year it looks a bit different. I bought this one at a bargain price at a chain store and have been thoroughly enchanted with it ever since.