Octopus Hydrangea
This is the famous Vanilla Strawberry hydrangea. Such a beautiful transition in colors from light cream to pretty pink. But the shape is like an octopus, reaching it’s tentacles out, searching for food. Maybe Vanilla Strawberry is looking for sun? Nitrogen? Hydration? Space? It doesn’t seem to have found what it needs. Not on this land. Not in this pot. I’ve had this plant for … Continue reading Octopus Hydrangea
Ukigumo boo boo
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
Fall and Winter Containers
It’s time to refresh those containers full of leggy petunias and wilting zinnias. Luckily we don’t have to toss our tired pots into the shed for the winter, we can grow plants here in the Pacific Northwest year round. A winter container might not have the summer zing or the bright excitement of annuals, but we can show off engaging evergreens and subtle shades of … Continue reading Fall and Winter Containers
Peacock Gladiolus
Gladiolus callianthus is a lovely fall bloomer. I planted this bulb in early summer. Continue reading Peacock Gladiolus
Four Feisty Ferns
I’m studying plants for the CPH exam (certified professional horticulturist) and am fearful of the ferns. They are long on Latin and difficult to memorize…so many syllables! Here are some of the meanings of these four feisty ferns. (From Dictionary of Plant Names by Timber Press) Blechnum spicant or Deer Fern. This is an evergreen native fern. Blechnum is a Greek name for fern. … Continue reading Four Feisty Ferns
Rainyleaf 