It looks wonderful, so cool and inviting. Is the bismark a self sheading palm and does it have all the seed pods too?

Beautiful tropical paradise!
I like the cute turtle. What kind of Fig tree is that?
Really well done.
Felix

terrific specimen of a caricature plant!

I've never seen one with perfect globe shape and fullness!

nice

How do you do it, Ricky? All your travels, book writing, BBQ specializing and still you have time to maintain the most stunning gardens! Just beautiful. Tell me what that White Flowering tree is in the center, please.

katkin - Both Bismarcks require trimming. Neither one has thrown seeds yet.
Felix - I got both Fig trees from Lisa and have no idea what kind of figs they are. But the birds seem to like them.
longwood - Thanks. It was 3 three-gallon cans, eight years ago! I never trim them.

cindee - I'm guessing your are refering to the White Mussaenda. That was a cutting from a friend, three years ago. There's also a yellow that's been in the ground for 9 years from a 3 gallon can.

Oh man, you mean my Musadena will get that big? can I train them to be low shrubs, they are so beautiful! Mine are creamy white with interspersed bright yellow leaf/flowers.

Oh my gosh, Ricky, just beautiful. I wish I could visit in person. Those licualas are gorgeous, as well as your incredibly beautiful crotons and the caracature plant. You are a master at combinations and layering. I hope castorp sees this. Thanks for posting.

Anna

You have the most beautiful garden! and so well manicured, all in order, all fits, nothing is out of place. I will have to work on my garden some more...

thanks for sharing those great pictures

Evelyn

Looks beautiful Ricky! You should eat some of those figs, they go great with spirits, cheese and crackers.

It's been a battle between us and the birds to get the ripe figs. They sit in the trees all day long and wait until the fruit is perfect.

Now, where did I put that shotgun?

Since you are mentioned figs, have you ever used fig leaves in making mashed potatoes?

Boil a couple fig leaves in the water with the potatoes, and their flavor with somewhat infuse int he taters and the "slime" (for a lack of a better term) from the boiled leaves creates a much creamier mashed potato.

Learned that one from the French!

lwg -- ok, next time i make puree de pomme de terre, i'll try your trick. i am a total fig nut...

ricky -- wow. it's amazing your garden and mine can be in the same state. lovely. that Musadena is amazing, totally amazing. any chance it would grow in z9?

Ricky,

I always enjoy seeing pictures of your gardens! So beautiful and lush. I can only dream of having a garden that nice. (I need some more shade!)
If you ever get bored working in your yard, feel free to come work in mine!!

Ariel

Ricky,
What is your secret in having your garden look so lush when we are having a drought? Mine is so sad looking that I wonder why I even bother weeding it.The plants that are supposed to be blooming aren't even bothering to bloom!

regine - most of the larger plants and trees are in the ground over 5 years so they are well established. Add to that a minimum of 6" of mulch, thick cover, and good organic soil and the drought has a minimal effect.

That is stunning! I always enjoy pictures of your garden.

It is paradise found!