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 ...
Stunning! I guess they don't need to be tucked under the trees like they do at LaRue's!
ReplyDeleteOh my, these are just glorious. I just love rhodies. Unfortunately I have never been able to grow them. I can't figure out why. When I drive through town this time of year I see them blooming their heads off here and there. These photos make me want to try again.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, these rhododendron are spectacular, indeed! I just love them!
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me of our visit at Stourhead an amazing garden in England, where I saw the most mature and stunning rhododendrons in my life. I am sure you would have enjoyed a visit there as well.
Anyhow, back to the rhodies in the nursery. How could you restrain yourself from buying them all?
Warm regards,
Christina
Yowza! Those rhododendrons are incredible! Now you need some at your new place, am I right?
ReplyDeleteThose rhodies are gorgeous!
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