I met Berberis darwinii yesterday at the Washington Park Arboretum. Temperatures were in the upper 30’s, so it’s always an unexpected surprise to find the unassuming December flower. This shrub is in the Pacific Connections Garden, which brings together plants from Cascadia (the Northwest), Chile, Australia, New Zealand and China. I love walking through these collections and looking for similarities and differences from our own … Continue reading Darwin’s Barberry
One of the best blues in the plant world is the berry of David’s viburnum. It sparkles like a distant northern star in the winter garden. Dawn viburnum is just peeking out in shades of pale pink, petals before foliage on this plant. Continue reading Viburnum in December
Native to Southeast Asia, the camellia comes in countless shapes and sizes. It ranges in size between a few feet to over fifty feet. It can be compact, rounded, tall, spreading, tiered or low growing, depending on species. Flower color ranges from pure white to clear red and many shades of pink, often with bright yellow stamens showing. The blossoms can have single, semi-double or … Continue reading Camellias, Never Out of Style
Embarking on botanical adventures. Mascot to rainyleaf blog. Magical and mysterious is Falaroy the elf. From Schleich action figures, here is his story: “Falaroy is a proud young elf. Falaroy rides like the wind. Despite his youth, hardly anyone can match him in horsemanship and elegance. Except maybe Feya who likes to challenge this noble elf to riding competitions. Secretly though, she admires him for … Continue reading The Botanical Journey of Falaroy
Arbutus unedo ‘compacta’ has no strawberries and is more shrub than tree, nevertheless, the strawberry tree is a versatile evergreen shrub. With glossy green leaves, similar to a laurel, flowers, fruit and a textured cinnamon-colored bark , this plant looks good year round. Usually. If it’s not too cold. It used to be okay, but lately…. It is rated to live in zones 7-10, but … Continue reading Strawberry Tree
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