Brrrrrrrr- Winter in the desert

After quite a few false warnings, it seems winter has finally arrived. Although the morning is dawning sunny with bright blue skies the mountain caps have a frosting of the white stuff, and there was frost on the ground and plants this morning. The bird bath had turned into a skating rink, and the little birds were walking around on it, pecking away at the ice. I took hot water out and melted it for them. They are out there in droves today, heartily enjoying easy access to food during such cold weather.

The picture below was taken with the camera zoomed over my neighbors rooftops. My normal picture taking view of the mountains is a bit lower, and those remain snow-less.

I read somewhere that pansies will last till 15-20 degrees. I am sure it didn't get much below freezing so I wonder if these will come back when it warms up. The blossoms were frozen beauties this morning.

The pictures below were taken yesterday, when it was not real cold yet, but it had been raining off and on most of the day. The Purple trailing Lantana were planted late last summer and only really started to bloom late this fall. I am hoping they survive the cold temperatures. I really like the way the leaves of this plant turn dark with the cold. The leaves almost have a blue violet color to them, that is very attractive with the lighter purple blooms.

The little Baja Fairy Duster has been a trooper and a non-stop bloomer. The few open blooms look a bit bedraggled in the rain. The second picture shows the seed pod forming.

And my ever hopeful Hydrangea. The leaves have become even more varied with the cold weather.

Here is the Aloe I posted about earlier. The flower stalk continues to shoot out, with multiple flower heads. It is the oddest looking thing, and I watch it every day to see what happens. It is slow growing though-and I hope it still continues to bloom, even with the colder weather.

I am looking forward to the new year, and warmer weather. Winter is short in Arizona so Spring isn't far away.

With 2009 just around the corner I wish everyone a safe and happy 2009!