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Strawberry Tree

Since moving to Washington, I have discovered a great number of new trees. One of my favorites is the Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo ). It is a four-season tree with semi-glossy evergreen leaves and lovely mahogany bark. In autumn, clusters of white flowers appear, bearing a resemblance to Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. And then there are the little fruits, which resemble strawberries that appear at the same time as the flowers. I am not sure why, but I have only seen a few fruits on ours. I don't know if birds are getting them before I see them or what happens. The fruits are said to be edible but not very tasty (to humans). This year, our tree is loaded with flowers, the most I've ever seen. Bees absolutely love it and so do the hummingbirds. The flowers usually continue to appear straight through winter, and it can be blooming even during the coldest periods of winter. Aside from the fact that I have not seen much of the colorful fruits, the major negative note is the fact tha

Mary Livingston Ripley Garden



The last garden that I want to share from my Washington D.C. trip is the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden, part of the Smithsonian Gardens. This tiny garden, located in an alley between the Mall and the neighboring street, exudes charm. It was packed with perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees and each plant was labeled.











Comments

  1. Some alley! That's quite the little jewelbox of a garden. I'd say you had a very successful trip to D.C.

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  2. Another wonderful garden. The hardscape makes this one very different. But it's lovely. What's that thorny-leafed plant? A solanum?

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  3. And are those gigantic castor beans?

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  4. Chuck, I don't know what the thorny plant is. It was labeled but I didn't make a note of it. Those are indeed castor bean plants. Isn't that color wonderful?

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  5. The Ripley Garden is a(mainly) undiscovered gem in D.C. Whenever I'm in the city (3-4 times a yr.) I make it a point to get there. The chief gardener is a delightful, dedicated woman who loves to fill the place with unique plants. She gives tours some afternoons. It's filled with color, unique plants, many fanciful birdhouses, a great fountain, and a place to linger. Great photos.

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  6. That is some beautiful garden but the Garden Photography is even more stunning !

    Beautiful photography !

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  7. thanks for the wonderful images of the Ripley Garden. I am so glad you enjoyed the garden. I have had the pleasure of planting and maintaining the garden for the past 10 years. Yes, the thorny plant is a Solanum -- bonus points to Chuck b. It is Solanum quitoense, otherwise known as Lu-Lu Fruit or Naranjillo. easy to grow from seed -- gets quite massive (and dangerous) in one season.
    all the best - janet draper

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  8. That is one beautiful garden, Phillip. It is so much better than the one on our street because it has a lot of bold foliage, shrubs and textures.

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