My husband decided we could wait no longer to plant the living tree we purchased at Christmas...an Incense Cedar. I'm out there helping him figure out where to plant it so it doesn't hit our sewer line and get all inspired...hey, a shovel, sod to remove, expand the border. That's a true purpose for me! 8 hours later I return to the house...fingers cramped in a shovel gripping fashion, but satisfied! Transplanted lavender, gaillardia and cape fuschia and got some of my plants awaiting a home into the ground, too...daylilies, coneflowers, lantana. My garden more and more becomes the garden I hoped it would be.
Calocedrus decurrens, Incense Cedar, is a native to Oregon, California and Nevada. Over time it grows tall (75 - 90'), but stays skinny (10 - 15'). Takes blazing summer heat and tolerates poor soil (sound familiar, Sacramento?), but likes water in this region, so should be chummy with the flowers. In the background of this picture is some penstemon, which blooms for me all summer!