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Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back.  'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini
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Surprise bloom

This bromeliad always takes me by surprise when it blooms. It is like a surprise lily - it just magically appears one day. I caught a glimpse of pink this morning on the patio and there it was.

I've had this plant for years. I keep it in the house during the winter and put it outside in the spring. I always water it inside the leaves. That's all I do and I'm familiar with the rules of growing one. 

I'll post another photo when the flower opens. It is quite dramatic.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowSeptember 23, 2012 at 3:50 PM

    I just love surprises in the garden. This is a beauty. I have never had a bromeliad rebloom for me. Lucky you. Can't wait to see it in full flower.

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  2. Anne BoykinSeptember 24, 2012 at 2:16 AM

    Hi Phillip, That's exciting to see a surprise bloom, especially one so beautiful. I know you're enjoying the cooler temperatures.

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  3. Janet, The Queen of SeafordSeptember 24, 2012 at 7:49 AM

    Love it!! So fun when a plant blooms unexpectedly. I look forward to seeing it open.

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  4. Casa MariposaSeptember 24, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    I love surprise blooms. They are the sweetest. Happy Monday!

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  5. RandySeptember 25, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    How pretty, you know I should get some for winter color in the house. Do they tolerate the dry air inside during winter?

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  6. Phillip OliverSeptember 25, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    Randy, they do. I've not had any problems with them inside.

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