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 was walking through the Washington Park Arboretum recently and was attracted to this shrub. I recognized it and my first thought was…it’s a Hebe…and it looks good in the winter! Having seen the Hebe casualties over the last few frosty winters, I was happy to note that this one was holding up well (so far). It has such a satisfying symmetrical shape with … Continue reading Hebe topiaria
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
I met Berberis darwinii yesterday at the Washington Park Arboretum. Temperatures were in the upper 30’s, so it’s always an unexpected surprise to find the unassuming December flower. This shrub is in the Pacific Connections Garden, which brings together plants from Cascadia (the Northwest), Chile, Australia, New Zealand and China. I love walking through these collections and looking for similarities and differences from our own … Continue reading Darwin’s Barberry
We saw this amazing tree today at the Washington Park Arboretum. I stopped by with one thought in mind—find Davidia involucrata, the Dove Tree or the Handkerchief Tree. I knew that it flowered in the spring or summer and wanted to witness this wondrous sight. We entered the visitors center and straight away asked where to find the Dove tree. The receptionist disappeared into a back room … Continue reading Davidia involucrata—The Dove Tree
Rainyleaf 