The mound covered with with fuchsia flowers is an ice plant. If you look closely, you can see that it's a succulent and doesn't have normal stems and leaves. I just planted this one a couple of years ago, and it's a huge success, especially considering It has to survive in poor soil without being watered. Would you believe this plant has grown from one little plant from a six-pack in just a couple of years? The flowers are actually prettier in person; they almost look metallic.

Not all ice plants are winter hardy, but this one has been. It does look pretty bad in winter; in fact, it turns gray.

If you are thinking about trying one in your yard, remember there are lots of different colors. Try to find one in bloom or with a photo on the tag. Try to check the cold hardiness, too, if you want it to keep coming back.

In case you're curious about the other flowers, which also thrive in poor, dry soil, the purple spikes are penstemon and the blue flowers are flax. The spear-shaped leaves are from an iris that finished blooming a few weeks ago.