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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
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Spirea 'Ogon'


For the past month, Spirea thunbergii 'Ogon' has been the most beautiful plant in the garden. A blaze of burnt yellow and orange shades that remains unfazed by freezing nights and a deluge of rain. It has been particularly stunning during the recent long stretch of gray days. It is what I see from the window when I'm sitting at the computer and it brings much pleasure.

This particular spirea is commonly known as the "Baby's Breath Spirea" due to the tiny white blossoms that cover it in very early spring, before the leaves appear. It is the first blooming shrub and a sure sign that spring is on the way. The structure (upright and twiggy) and narrow leaves are reminiscent of a willow.  Needless to say, spring is not the only time that it is beautiful.



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  1. AnonymousDecember 9, 2023 at 4:58 AM

    You’ve made a pretty good case. I did some more reading: deer resistant and not too large (the straight green gets so much larger doesn’t it?). Thanks, I think I’ll try it.

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  2. ksDecember 9, 2023 at 5:03 PM

    So beautiful ! I love mine but here in z9 Norcal I get no fall color and it's basically evergreen. I'm going to do a rejuvenation prune. I need to see if I can restrict the size a bit.

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  3. Kris PetersonDecember 10, 2023 at 11:15 AM

    It's a gorgeous plant. I envy you the rain, if not the freezing temperatures.

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  4. Hoover BooDecember 11, 2023 at 1:36 PM

    It is especially good to have a beautiful scene outside every window of the home. More time to admire favorite plants!

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