Another beautiful tree named after a mountain, Omure yama has several advantages. Young plants are upright, but as the tree matures the branches become pendulous and somewhat resemble a weeping willow. This creates a cascading effect as the tree grows up to 16 feet in height and spreads 13-16 feet. The leaves are deeply divided with seven lobes and deeply divided margins, green in summer … Continue reading Japanese Maples—Omure yama
We used to be strangers, but now we’re friends. The plants and I. I didn’t know who they were, where they lived, what they did. Now we are becoming familiar. When you know someone’s name an attachment forms. A connection. It’s no longer…hey kid in the blue shirt, it becomes ‘hi Kris, what’s new?’ People become memorable, no longer forgettable. Same with plants. They slowly … Continue reading We Used to be Strangers but Now We’re Friends
Pink and orange, you can’t miss them right now. The neighborhoods are filled with Kwanzan Flowering Cherry Trees, bursting with blossoms. The flowers are a pure pink and the new leaves emerge bronzy-orange colored, making this an eye-catching color combination. Kwanzan blooms after Mt. Fuji, whose leaves are starting to take over the lovely white flowers. Unfortunately, Kwanzan is susceptible to fungal diseases, such as … Continue reading Kwanzan Flowering Cherry
Prunus serrulata, or the Japanese flowering cherry is coming on late this year, but who cares about the wait, it’s amazing. Why do people demand evergreens, safely familiar all year long, when they can have this? This flower that’s like a drug, that alters our consciousness? One glance will smooth the worries, cancel the headache and make smiles break out everywhere. I like a tree … Continue reading Mt. Fuji Flowering Cherry
This is an easy, cheap and fun craft to make with kids. Especially when the sun is shining and you are sitting under the real cherry blossoms–it’s great! First collect some branches. It’s good to get a variety, some kids want delicate stems, others want one big chunky stick. Next, buy the tissue paper colors of your choice and cut them into 1-2 inch squares. … Continue reading Kid Stuff—Flowering Cherry Craft
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