Halloween Tree
Which is the spookiest plant in the neighborhood? The Contorted Filbert, of course! Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ is a twisty and fascinating plant. It’s also referred to as Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick. A quick Google search for Harry Lauder reveals that he was a famous international Scottish entertainer and often performed with a twisted walking stick. A few branches from this amazing tree will provide a great Halloween … Continue reading Halloween Tree
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
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….
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
Keep Planting, The Sun is Still Shining….and Shining and Shining and Shining!
Something strange is going on here in Western Washington. As I drive down the road I see wilting trees, browning shrubs and crispy leaves everywhere. The plantings in the road medians are so close to death that I want to jump out of my car and empty all my water bottles on them. You know, the irresistible urge to water dry plants for us is just the … Continue reading Keep Planting, The Sun is Still Shining….and Shining and Shining and Shining!
Rainyleaf 