When I saw this tree last month I did a double-take. Was it in bloom? From the corner of my eye I noticed it awash in glowing color. On my second look I realized it was covered in fruit. Persistent fruit that makes this tree quite remarkable during the winter months. ‘Adirondack’ has an interesting history. It was introduced from the U.S. National Arboretum in … Continue reading Adirondack Crabapple in Winter
I visited the Washington Park Arboretum this month and it’s so nice to go in the winter. No crowds like in April when the too beautiful flowering cherries are going crazy and photographers are everywhere. Now there are frosty surprises around each bend. Curious winter blossoms and giant conifers. It’s peaceful and pretty. I want to go back! Continue reading Winter at the Washington Park Arboretum
What makes a fir a fir? Fir the birds? Fir everything there is a season? Fir whom the bell tolls? Fir ever and a day? This tree has been around fir ever. The genus Abies, which is Latin for Silver Fir, is the group that contains the true firs. Many of them are native to the Pacific Northwest and are hardy, evergreen trees. The … Continue reading The Fir Trees
Conifers generally are evergreen trees that produce their seeds in cones. Familiar friends in this family include the fir, spruce, juniper, pine and yew. There exists, however, a small secretive subgroup of conifers that dares to be different. Perhaps trying to copy their cousins the maple and the oak, these ‘evergreens’ are decidous! This select group of conifers shed their needles … Continue reading Deciduous Conifers
Sometimes Japanese Maples need protection from the sun. My Ukigumo of three years was exposed to the West facing hot afternoon sun. It tried valiantly this summer to ignore that bright celestial sphere. June and July were a breeze. August came around and with hotter temperatures and desiccation the leaves began to show signs of scalding. Brown patches appeared. Fortunately damage was minimal and no … Continue reading Ukigumo boo boo
Rainyleaf 