The First Peony - 'Shima-Nishiki'
The Tree Peony 'Shima-Nishiki' is the first to bloom. The name means "fire flame" in Japanese, an apt title to describe the red blooms striped with white. Occasionally, there are solid red blooms. Every year this peony gets better and seemingly overnight, the puny-looking bare branches are suddenly fleshed out with a tremendous profusion of leaves. The bush is dense, forming a 4 ft. mound. Our plant resides at the top of one of the terrace beds in back where it gets some morning sun and dappled sun (mostly shade) for the remainder of the day. We have many peonies in the garden and they all came from Adelman Peony Gardens in Salem, Oregon. It is worth a drive just to see their beautiful display garden in May. Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Stunning photos!
ReplyDeleteAzaleas do make spectacles of themselves in early spring. That first photo is a painting waiting to happen. A beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteGosh, why haven't I ever been there?
ReplyDeleteGorgeous doesn't begin to describe! Portland has some marvelous gardens. Its gentle damp climate is perfect for rhododendrons. Though I have been to Portland several times, I have not seen this particular garden. Definitely will put it on my list!
ReplyDeleteStunning! I hope you continue to fall in love with the pacific northwest as the wonders of the year unfold!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous, Phillip! Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely - such intense colors!
ReplyDeleteThose photos were practically making me drool! That first one especially, is a knockout!
ReplyDeleteYou should offer/sell theses photos to the garden as post cards. Nice work!
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