One More
October 25, 2013
Photograph Copyright 2013 by G. W. German.
All Rights Reserved.
Bright Flowers and Florescent Leaves
October 22, 2013
First, a leftover from last Spring, Narcissus.
Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’ in bloom.
E. g. ‘Fireglow’ in Autumn #1.
E. g. ‘Fireglow’ in Autumn #2.
Common red geranium fall bloom.
Lilium ‘Stargazer’ late Summer bloom.
Photographs Copyright 2013 by G. W. German.
All Rights Reserved.
Here in Port Townsend we have a love/hate relationship with the Giant Spotted Sumatran Rats otherwise known as White-tailed Deer.
Our herd is protected, so there is no Bambi blasting within city limits. I have no doubt that, were this community to suddenly experience
a natural disaster of some sort, the herd would instantly become fair game. And deservedly so.
This privledged class of herbivore acts like the worst of the royals.
They are arrogant, aloof, and fearless in their quest to decimate every garden they can gain access to. They will devour just about anything green and juicy.
Even plants that are listed as “deer proof”. Last year they attacked my euphorbia; A plant that produces a highly toxic white sap. It didn’t phase them.
If it’s a plant you prize that will be the first item on their menu.
I don’t eat red meat but, after dealing with these ravenous pests, venison steaks sound incredibly appetizing.
Photographs Copyright 2103 by G. W. German
All Rights Reserved
Early Rhodie Dazzle
April 9, 2013
One of the most ubiquitous plants in Pacific Northwest gardens is the rhododendron. The native rhododendron is the Washington State flower.
As a fan of lengthy periods of bloom standard large-blossomed rhododendrons leave a lot to be desired by me. 50 weeks of green leaves and 2 weeks of spectacular bloom is almost too little finery for the work involved. But as a foundation shrub they make an outstanding dense evergreen backdrop for other plants such as Japanese maples that produce outstanding leaf color.
However, dwarf and species rhododendrons can offer more than just gorgeous flowers. With a little study you can find plants that have foliage that is every bit as exciting as their bloom. In autumn, some types produce leaf color so striking it is hard to believe they are related to the dull green behemoths that occupy so much space in the gardens of old houses and public parks. Still others have flowers that are scented like lilies and there are varieties that will bloom at Christmas, while some will color the yard on the 4th of July.
The rhododendron pictured above, a PJM hybrid, produces buds in March and is in its full magenta glory right now. But the thing that makes this plant an outstanding specimen is its bold after-bloom leaf color of deep mahogany. Later this summer it will provide a striking contrast to the watermelon and gold colored day lilies planted directly in front of it.
If you are interested in rhododendrons, please take the time to learn about lesser-used varieties, as well as their cousins the azaleas that can make valuable specimens for any gardener’s four or three season garden. Rhodies have much more to offer when you explore the large selection of smaller plants now available at nurseries and online.
Photograph copyright 2013 by G. W. German. All Rights Reserved.
Ah, winter has passed and spring is upon us. Which means flowers are making the natural world explode with color.
IMHO, there is nothing more enticing than the brilliant display of plant’s sexual organs.
Let’s hear it for colorful sex!
No, these aren’t real black primroses. I adjusted the photo’s color with Photoshop.
But it’s only a matter of time before we’ll see real flowers with exotic colors that have never been available before.
In just the last few years Primula hybrids have been introduced with larger flowers and brighter colors. Anything is almost possible.
Photograph copyright 2013 by G. W. German. All Rights Reserved.
Rhody Spring
October 7, 2012
Image Copyright 2012 by G. W. German
All Rights Reserved.
On Fire
October 6, 2012
Image Copyright 2012 by G. W. German
All Rights Reserved.
