Slender Deutzia
I passed this Japanese shrub in the nursery today and made a note to myself to use it in a design. The opportunity came up shortly when a neat new client asked for a small cottage garden design with flowering shrubs that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and she likes blues and purples.
This low […]

Considering all the other ridiculous things people grow as annuals in places where they aren’t hardy, why not Restios? Some are hardy to zone 7, but even those that are decidedly more tropical could vie for attention with the tender architechtural plants that are currently hot.
I’ve only seen these in periodicals, but several species […]

Malus domestica
ROSACEAE, The Rose family
A new favorite! A medium size, late-ish apple (mid October) with clear green-gold skin, a rusty blush and beautiful reddish lenticels. It is sweet and slightly tart.
I chose it as one to serve at the studio show because it resists browning when cut. I was delighted with the flavor and texture, […]

Crape myrtle
LYTHRACEAE, The Loosestrife family
Fun facts about Crape myrtle:
1) They have gorgeous fall color!
2) They are in the same family as Lawsonia, the source of henna, Cuphea, a group of popular ornamental annuals, and Lythrum, genus of the dreaded purple loostrife.

ERICACEAE, The Heath family
At first glance it looks like Drimys..
dark pink stems,
neat, upright habit.
The spring blooms will be pink, small with crinkled petals.
But really it is pretty now.

Vitis vinifera
VITACEAE, The Vine family
It was a nice weekend in Seattle:
Yuko and her friend Zach took us to Woodinville for wine tasting. It was a beautiful misty day- perfect fall colors. First we went to Chateau Ste. Michelle, where there were peacocks on the lawn. The tour guide reminded me of Liz Lemon. One of […]

Horse Chestnut
HIPPOCASTANACEAE, The Horse Chestnut family
Volunteer Park has a winding road lined with Horse chestnut trees. The nuts were falling all over the ground (they are not edible). Michael and I had a nice time there today, walking among the beeches, cedars and glowing katsuras. The dahlia garden is fun to look at. The Asian […]

CAMPANULACEAE, The Bellflower family
Today my coworker and I visited Mostly Medicinals nursery. One of the things that caught my attention was an attractive vine I remember well from the woodland garden at Kew (in photo).
The nodding bell shaped flowers have an intricate purple and gold pattern. I knew it was tolerant of dry shade, […]

Apple
ROSACEAE, The Rose family
The first apples appeared at the farmer’s market today. One stand had Gravenstein and McIntosh. I was so excited to see them. After this long summer of berries and peaches and other delights, the best is yet to come.
Gravenstein is early, large, irregularly shaped and very fragrant. The two I bought […]

Golden Fall Raspberries
ROSACEAE, The Rose family
Fall raspberries are such a nice surprise. Just when you think berries are a thing of the past (at least for another year), fall and everbearing canes put forth a nice little crop. These golden raspberries are fragile and delicately flavored. You must eat them right away. I know golden […]