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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

A few early blooming rhododendrons





The rhododendrons are just beginning to bloom. The first one is the beautiful red 'Taurus'. This is one of the first I planted and it has improved every year. This is the first time it has had this many blooms.



 
'Blue Baron' is one I found at Home Depot after first moving here. It is a puny shrub but that color makes me weak.




Another small one is 'Ramapo'. It is planted next to the front steps. True to the description, it is staying under 2 feet.

'Ramapo'


And finally, 'PJM', the very first rhododendron to bloom. It has been blooming about two weeks now.


'PJM'




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver

Comments

  1. These photos make me want to dash out and purchase some early blooming Rhodies. I too love that blue one.

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  2. Azaleas were once widely planted in SoCal because they were familiar plants to the many people who moved here from elsewhere, but have been vanishing--too vulnerable to our increased heat and higher water bills. The Rhodies in your garden are marvelous. It is a treat to see them.

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