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 ...
Fine fall foliage. I too like the looks of this Strawberry Tree but what attribute gives it it's name? The red stems? Interesting.
ReplyDeleteLisa, it produces a small, red fruit that resembles a strawberry.
ReplyDeleteThese are all gorgeous but I am particularly happy to hear you are growing to love one of my favorites, the beautiful Manzanita species. Is your strawberry tree A. unedo, or a cultivar?
ReplyDeleteI think it is unedo.
DeleteVarious sources claim that the fruit on Arbutus unedo are edible. For instance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXxTMupwbFY
DeleteWhat fantastic japanese maples! They do seem to take their time, don't they? I could never remember their foliage-turning time very well until one year at Thanksgiving, for our guests, my window was filled with the bright yellow J-maple, sun shining through it. I remember it also because of the photos from that day. Funny, how I need the photos to remember. Wow--that Shaina & Bloodgrass!
ReplyDeleteThe strawberry tree is a favorite of mine. I love everything about it, especially that it has fruit and flowers at the same time. Plus, the fruit is eatable.
ReplyDeleteThat cornus is fabulous! Your garden is a riot. Of color that is.
ReplyDeleteNice that so many things are late to color up. I'm for keeping the parade going as long as possible.
ReplyDeleteThat Acer and blood grass combo is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYou’re right, your fall colors truly are magnificent! Swoon! I miss our autumn colors already.
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