Like any good member of the Hamamelidaceae family, the Parrotia tree has a lovely winter bloom. It’s so small and often high up in the tree that it often goes unnoticed. Thanks to a keen student observation, we were able to enjoy this surprising little dash of color in our school arboretum this month. Parrotia persica is an all-around good tree. Glossy green summer leaves, … Continue reading Parrotia Blooming
As I was exploring the Wellington Botanic Garden today I had a chance encounter with a very unusual tree. Near the Lady Norwood Rose Garden I met a Banksia integrifolia or Banksia on a steeply sloped hillside. The first thing I noticed were the unusual seed pods, or woody cones that were persistent all over the tree. They have such an interesting shape and are … Continue reading Banksia
I’m collecting trees. I’m collecting them but not planting them in my yard or writing them into books. I’m creating a small forest in my mind, a woodland edge of heart shaped leaves and twisty curly needles. This collection that is slowly growing is my list of all-time favorite trees. As time goes by I announce my favorites ‘I’m only happy under a Snowbell’ or … Continue reading A New Dove
I wouldn’t have noticed this tree unless I saw the sign right in front of it. Most signs aren’t very interesting but when they’re in front of plants I stop and read them. This one stated that when in flower, Azara smells like milk chocolate. What?! A chocolate plant? Yum….I immediately stepped into the under story of this suddenly fascinating plant and was surrounded by the … Continue reading Azara
Variegated Stellar Pink Dogwood (Cornus kousa x Cornus florida) I’ve seen trees like this before. On the Monrovia site you can find three variegated Cornus kousa; Samaritan, Wolf Eyes and Summer Fun, but they all have white flowers. As the human race is constantly searching for the next new thing, now arrives the variegated dogwood with a Pink flower. Dogwoods always look so spindly and … Continue reading 3 Trees—New Varieties for 2015
Rainyleaf 