It always is a lot of wait for a little show in areas like mine too David. So I have learned to accept that due to my location and weather restrictions, there are plants that will bloom seasonally, just cannot force them to grow nicely when temps are extremely hot and dry or gets too cold.
Our area is in drought too, so got to consider watering needs of the plants. My solution for my floral needs, finding plants that can bloom and grow indoors. It takes another set of discipline to grow them, but they do add color and warmth just when the weather takes a dreary turn. Or I opt to grow plants with colorful leaf variegation outdoors, that sure helps too. Of the plants that do bloom nicely indoors, I have found Phalaenopsis orchids really good, their blooms lasts from 3 to 6 months. Hoya shooting star, grows nicely indoors as long as in standing water always. Clivia plants which I just got to know last year, are quite drought tolerant and loves to be in shade, and blooms here around winter to spring. I do not even need to cut the flowers, since they do manage to bloom indoors.
