The dry hot summer in colorful shades of pink and green. January and February are our hottest months. It was the end of February today and I already noticed for some days that the sun was up later than me. From now on the temperatures will be cooler with just some hot days between. However until the rain starts in six weeks or more, the soil will dry out more.

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The very dry aloes are hanging on to their water reserves - waiting not growing. Each season has a distinct attractiveness in the aloe and succulents garden.

Aloe microstigma turned pink and shows off very pretty in the garden, but on the mountain slopes where they grow, they are near to invisible between rocks and dry bushes. To the left and front are two different Euphorbia species.

The leaves are rolled up like narrow spikes. The fine mesemb to the right back keeps the roots cool and the green background is a good contrast against the aloes.

Not all aloes fold the leaves inward protecting the young tender leaves at the growing point. The aloe left front is Aloe khamiesensis which grows in a very harsh habitat. It is much greener than it would be in the wild. It must feel like a mild summer to this aloe.

One thing I really like about the dry summer - no weeds in summer!