Stepping Into May
Rhododendron 'Klondyke' and Geranium maculatum May is already here and the garden suddenly explodes with growth. We spent the weekend watering (already?) because there hasn't been significant rainfall in a while. We don't have a sprinkler system so it is all manpower, dragging hoses and sprinklers. It takes two days - one for the back and one for the front - to water everything. It is possible to get it all in one day if we start really early. The rhododendrons are beginning now - 'Mandarin Lights' 'Jean Marie De Montague' 'Percy Wiseman' - beautiful but suffers from lacebug. I'm considering replacing it or maybe I will try and treat it. A favorite right now is the Chilean Potato Vine ( Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'). This plant is hardier than you might imagine. Some sources list it as a "9", others an "8". It is going on its third year in our garden, having been moved once. It is sheltered somewhat by a fence but ...
Beautiful variegated foliage!
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to bring variegated shell ginger indoors, just a little piece that I can tuck in somewhere.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics == especially of the ginger and the 'Color Guard' :)
ReplyDeleteHaving had good luck with the variegated aucuba, I've added a straight species (all green) one to the garden this year. In my experience, they're pretty rare in the trade (at least here in TN).
If you like variegation, have you tried growing Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'? I've just added a couple to the garden this autumn and I'm very impressed so far!
I do have that but I don't think the variegation is that strong. I need to check it.
DeleteYou have a nice assortment of variegated foliage. Seeing your Sedum makes my blood boil. I had a variegated sedum and it back to being green. Why does this happen in my garden? I know your garden gets as hot and dry as mine from time to time. WHINE~~~
ReplyDeleteI thought I'd answer your question here so you won't miss it. The fountain grass pictured in my last blog post is actually Karly Rose grass. It looks that lovely all summer long, especially with backlighting. It's not really a winter grass though, the seedheads tend to shatter. I do highly recommend it, but after only three years it desperately needs dividing.
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