Category: Shrubs

Bulbs, Garden Design, Plants, Shrubs, Survival in the wild, Trees, Vines

Little Known Edible and Useful Plants for the Northwest

This week I attended the Focus on Farming Conference in Snohomish County as a volunteer with the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association.  I was lucky enough to hear a talk by Dave Boehnlein of Terra Phoenix Design.  His concept of permaculture was easy to understand.  To create systems and landscapes that provide things other than aesthetics.  He suggested some new plants  for this permaculture approach. … Continue reading Little Known Edible and Useful Plants for the Northwest

Unknown's avatarrainyleaf6 Comments
Plants, Shrubs

The Best Looking Berry on the Block

When I first saw this plant it was in the fall.  The berries shimmered with the prettiest purple I had ever seen.  Like someone had dipped them in a melted crayola crayon.  Which color would I choose from the box? Purple Heart? Vivid Violet?  Purple Pizzazz? Razzle Dazzle Rose? Perhaps Callicarpa has its own shade and hue, not yet named in the Crayola list.  Usually … Continue reading The Best Looking Berry on the Block

Unknown's avatarrainyleaf4 Comments
Plants, Shrubs, Trees

Stop and Look! We’re Almost Gone….

Now that the wind and rain have arrived, the leaves are falling fast.  Those vivid reds, golden yellows and pumpkin oranges are lighting up the landscape.  Thank goodness for deciduous plants, they are the stars of the autumn show.  Each day they show off a slightly different color, almost chameleon-like, but instead of blending in they do the opposite.  They stand out.  They turn up … Continue reading Stop and Look! We’re Almost Gone….

Unknown's avatarrainyleaf6 Comments
Insects and Disease, Plants, Shrubs

Magical Hypericum

So the sun has finally stopped shining in the great Northwest and the rain has begun to fall.  Nothing is better than that first night of rainfall, when the window is open and the noise of dropping, dripping water comes gushing in.  I forgot how loud the rain is. Soothing is the sound after three months of drought.  If you like amazing pictures of our … Continue reading Magical Hypericum

Unknown's avatarrainyleaf5 Comments
Book Reviews, Perennials, Plants, Shrubs

Encore Azalea Autumn Moonlight

This beautiful azalea, Autumn Moonlight is going into it’s autumn blooming stage and it’s amazing.  Watching plants like this Encore Azalea that repeat blooms and the Bloomerang repeat blooming lilac, I wonder.  As we manipulate and change these plants, is there a consequence?  Do we give up hardiness or a sweet beautiful scent for a profusion of flowers?  Why do we need so much more, … Continue reading Encore Azalea Autumn Moonlight

Unknown's avatarrainyleaf2 Comments