Tuesday, May 19, 2009

I was cleaning out my purse . . .

And I found this haiku I had written:

Books can be the source
Of comfort, laughter and tears,
Wisdom, well-written

The yellow magnolia was photographed at Northwind Perennial Farm on May 10.

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Monday, May 18, 2009

Emerging Maple Leaves with Flowers


Emerging Maple Leaves with Flowers
Originally uploaded by Veronicastrum

Maples are most famous for their fall colors. But have you ever noticed the spring leaves as they emerge? Or the flowers?

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Madness in Merry May

One of the things that I resent about my job is that, just as things are starting to pop in the garden, things at the office are exploding and I have such limited time in the garden. But I did get a chance to get out today and see a few things.

A couple of years ago we planted a white garden behind our firepit area. I've been surprised to find that I really like working with this very limited color palette. The first year that we had the garden, I made a very, very brief stop at a garden center that was almost out of spring bulbs. I grabbed some all-white daffodils, white hyacinths and white tulips - variety unknown. I had very small numbers and spread them sparingly through the garden. I've been surprised to see that the small numbers of bright white flowers make as much impact as some larger displays.

One combination that I've really liked is Fothergilla 'Mt. Airy', Artemisia 'Nana' and the white tulips.

























Over in another area, Papaver 'Ruffled Patty' is getting ready to bloom. I read somewhere that the flowerbuds of Papavers are very frequently photographed, and I understand why.



Purple silk unfurls
Emerging from flowerbud
Beauty a-borning

Monday, May 4, 2009

White Trout Lily


White Trout Lily
Originally uploaded by Veronicastrum

Trout Lily is one of the native plant survivors. When all other woodland natives are long gone, Trout Lilies may remain. I've heard of people who live in "converted" woodlands who have these come up in their lawns. The flowers make me think of pixies.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Mayapple flower emerging


DSC_0023
Originally uploaded by Veronicastrum

The bud of a Mayapple is nestled between two sets of emerging leaves. The speckled leaves in the background are white trout lily.