Name that flower

I am in California (work, not pleasure) and this is the view from my hotel balcony - crispy window box geraniums against a backdrop of olive trees.

Can any locals help me out with a question? On the way from the airport to the hotel I spotted hundreds of sky-blue flowers (about the size of bindweed flowers) on ground-hugging plants - seemingly wild - on the side of the highway. I thought they could be blue flax - does anyone have any other suggestions? I couldn't get a photo unfortunately as my taxi whizzed by but if I spot them again when I am on foot you can be sure of a photo ...

While I am about it, here's a tip for today: try reserving the plastic and wire twist ties that come with everything from new electrical goods to fruit packaging - they make great (free) plant ties around the garden. I have been known, if caught without a tie or a ball of string in the face of a plant that urgently needs tying up a because it's about to flop over and break, to take off my sock to hold it temporarily until I have something more, er, conventional to hand. After all, socks are strong, flexible, won't damage the plant, even if you do need to wash it before wearing it again ... you just look a bit odd walking home from the plot with one bare ankle ...

Comments

[annette]

I haven't got any suggestions myself, but this site http://www.larnerseeds.com/ sells seeds of native Californian wild flowers, so it could be a useful place to browse for ideas on what your mystery plant is...

California...oh if only. Here in England, it is the most horribly rainy, blustery day you could imagine.

[Carina O'Reilly]

It seems like just the other day we were praying for some rain.. Oh yes; it was. Now up to our socks (if wearing) in mud. California sounds nice :]

[David L]

Not morning glory, is it ? Were they the shape of bindweed flowers as well.

[Peter]

What is called the Ice Plant (lampranthus) has colonized California, and is often seen along the sides of highways. The flowers can come in many different colors, including purples, but not blue. So it may not be the plant you saw, but since it is everywhere, you would have seen it too.

[Flower Girl]

I can't name them...but really they are very beautiful flowers i love them.... it seems that im standing in a garden...these are really beautiful.. thanks for sending this post...

http://www.flowergirldressforless.com