Skip to main content

Featured

Planting Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)

I don't believe I have ever grown autumn crocus ( colchicum - I love to say that word) -  although we did inherit one when we moved into this house. I moved it, and apparently it did not like that because I never saw it again. I have always wanted to grow it, but I always think about it at the wrong time of year. Plus, I never see it at nurseries (not even at Yard N' Garden Land). When a friend offered me some, I said YES. She gave me one special one called "Waterlily" and several that I guess we would call the  "average one".  'Waterlily' The question then was where on earth would I would plant them. I read that they are nice in grassy areas so I then decided to plant them along the grassy pathway in front. (This pathway is about to become a gravel pathway as I am refusing to water it daily. Michael wins this battle and gets to do the "told you so" dance .) I decided to tuck the primo one at the corner of the path next to this pot. Diggin...
Post a Comment
Read more
Labels

Focus on foliage

In my last post, I shared some photos of camellias and other flowers blooming in our late December garden. The flowers are fantastic this time of year but they are by no means the only areas of interest. Evergreen foliage is most welcome in the winter garden. The temperatures have been rather mild thus far and there are still colorful fall leaves hanging on as well.

Chinese Holly "O'Spring" (Ilex cornuta) -  This variegated holly is beautiful at all times of the year. I've seen very large specimens in books and on television but this ones seems to be happy at a diminutive size of less than 4 feet.

Italian Arum (Arum Italicum) is a member of the philodendron family. It does look like a houseplant during the winter months but it is quite hardy. Greenish white spathes (flowers) will appear in May and are pollinated by insects. The foliage then dies and bright orange berries appear in autumn, followed by new leaves and the process starts again. This plant can be invasive in some areas of the country.

 
The vibrant russet leaves of Mohawk Viburnum (Viburnum x burkwoodii  'Mohawk') are
still clinging to the shrub.

The dramatic blades of a Yucca are contrasted with the branches
from Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis).

The bright yellow leaves in the lower left are those of Spirea (Spirea japonica 'Goldmound'). Rosemary "Arp", right behind it, stays green all winter. We use it frequently in cooking.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Email Post
Labels:

Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowDecember 26, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    This winter hasn't been particularly hard on the garden...yet. That holly is gorgeous. I have an Italian Arum but it doesn't have the varigated leaves. It isn't invasive here.

    ReplyDelete
  2. David - Pinewood CottageDecember 26, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    i love the Arum

    ReplyDelete
  3. Pam/DiggingDecember 26, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    Great winter foliage, Phillip. Happy New Year to you and yours!

    ReplyDelete
  4. LarryDecember 27, 2011 at 5:43 AM

    The holly is quite spectacular! Larry

    ReplyDelete
  5. RandyDecember 27, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    Phillip, how's your Winter Daphne doing? I lost one of mine. I need to call Petals and see if they have any.

    ReplyDelete
  6. LesDecember 27, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    I am glad I am not the only gardener to appreciate O'spring.

    ReplyDelete
  7. JessDecember 27, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    Merry Late Christmas Phillip! We too are having a nearly summer like end of year and since my year 'begins' early February... yet everything is still alive now, I'm starting to wonder what to do. I mean...the hydrangeas still have all their leaves on them!

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownDecember 27, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    Your winter photos demonstrate how much attention you put into the design of your garden. How wonderful to have that beauty all year!

    ReplyDelete
  9. sweetbayDecember 27, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Love the color of those viburnum leaves!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anne BoykinDecember 28, 2011 at 12:48 AM

    Happy Holidays, Phillip. I love arum. I've killed it once but maybe I should try again.

    ReplyDelete
  11. serial tillerDecember 28, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Where did you get your O'Spring? I have not seen a variegated holly locally but would love one!

    ReplyDelete
  12. GardentinaDecember 29, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    I like the rosemary!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Phillip OliverDecember 29, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Jennifer, I can't remember where I found the holly but I know that it was local. I'll see if I can find it in my gardening journal.

    ReplyDelete
  14. rebeccaDecember 31, 2011 at 6:36 AM

    Love the color of that viburnum.

    ReplyDelete
  15. scottweberpdxJanuary 2, 2012 at 10:54 AM

    I just love all your winter foliage! That Viburnum is stunning...love that rich, sultry coloring!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment