Where memories are created
Carefree Black-Eyed-Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) is a North American native species in the sunflower family. They can grow to over 3 feet tall and have daisy-like flowers with sultry dark ‘eyes’ and brightly colored petals which emanate pure joy. Each year I always look forward to where they will pop up. We currently have a bunch growing along a path in the backyard. Oh, what a glorious color they provide to the garden!
Published by Amy on Aug 14, 2018
The Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is one of the few hydrangeas native to the United States. This is a cousin to the traditional hydrangea and it’s the only hydrangea with cone-shaped flower clusters. In summer, it flowers in a creamy white and the white flowers fade to a pinkish-brown in fall. But the plant’s distinguishing characteristic is its oak leaf shaped foliage. The leathery leaves are large and turn purple, orangey-bronze in the fall just like the tree. I forgot to cut it back in the winter and all the heads are practically on the ground from the weight as you can see pictured. This plant thrives very well with little attention, little water (unlike its cousin!) and can tolerate full sun or full shade.
Published by Amy on Jul 31, 2018
Hosta or plantain lilies. These plants originate from Asia and for centuries have been used in Japanese garden architecture for its beauty. Hostas are currently the most popular perennial in the U.S. with literally thousands (I came across 6,000!) of varieties that an entire garden could be devoted to growing this alone! Hostas are shade-tolerant, low maintenance, quite forgiving, incredibly elegant, and quite possibly habit-forming. We love them at The Cottage but they are a magnet for the banana slugs so keep it baited.
Published by Amy on Jun 19, 2018
The name Rhododendron comes from the Greek words “rodon” which means “rose” and “dendron” which means “tree,” hence Rose Tree. Rhododendrons are referred to as the ‘King of Shrubs’ since they are regarded by many as the best flowering evergreen plants for the temperate landscape. These Rhodies pictured are 72 years old and the tree must be at least 9 feet tall. Oh, and what a beaut she is! Go, Rhody! Go, Rhody!
Published by Amy on May 22, 2018
Wild California Azaleas are visually compelling shrubs that fill the air with a delightful sweet and spicy clove-like fragrance. They grow along streams and in damp openings of the Coast Redwood forests. Nearby Memorial Park even named one of their campgrounds, ‘Azalea Flat’ as they grow prolific here.
My mom said my great-grandmother often talked about how these were growing everywhere in Loma Mar. As a girl, she would walk to school and smell their heavenly fragrance. We were fortunate enough to find a few to put at The Cottage in front of the gate so guests can enjoy the sweet whiff. It’s nice to keep some of the memories alive.
Published by Amy on Apr 17, 2018
Flowering Plum. Simply gorgeous. I remember when we first put it in about 6 years ago when it was a wee baby. Now, look at it! Those redwoods have some competition…
Flowering plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a small to medium-sized ornamental tree native to Asia. This tree is one of the earliest spring bloomers, harkening the arrival of the season. Although, ours always seem to bloom in late winter. The leaves sprout after the bloom fades away from the trees. Around summertime, the leaves of the tree will change color from glossy green to deep, bright burgundy. Famous poet Lin Bu of the Song Dynasty (960–1279) sums up a plum tree beautifully:
How Plum Flowers Embarrass a Garden
When everything has faded they alone shine forth
encroaching on the charms of smaller gardens
their scattered shadows fall lightly on clear water
their subtle scent pervades the moonlit dusk
snowbirds look again before they land
butterflies would faint if they but knew
thankfully I can flirt in whispered verse
I don’t need a sounding board or winecup.
Published by Amy on: Feb 13, 2018
Little pink petals are showered down all over the place (including the hot tub) like confetti. I love it.
Spiraea also commonly known as Bridal wreaths. These time tested flowering shrubs produce very attractive foliage as well as nice, full vibrant flower heads that last virtually all growing season long. They are a member of the rose family and once established, they are drought tolerant. Most varieties of spiraeas are extremely winter hardy and do not require any special protection. There are about 80 to 100 species (not sure what we have) and all have small leaves and fine, twiggy branches. Ours is starting to bloom right now as this picture was taken today.
Published by Amy on: Jan 26, 2016
#garden #gardening #flowerphotography #shrubs #whatsgrowingtuesday #cottagegarden #lomamar #sfbayarea #wherewaterfalls
Bacopa (Sutera cordata) has long, cascading stems that smother themselves in tiny, perfect, five-petal flowers from June through October. Flowers are in shades of white, pink, lavender, blue and even coral red. It’s native to the wetter regions of South Africa and likes full to partial shade. The plant must stay moist at all times, as they are originally used to the high humidity.
Bacopa is related to the water hyssop (Bacopa monnieri) or the classic Ayurvedic herb you might be very familiar with. The herb has an age-old reputation for being an effective and powerful antioxidant to reduce stress-induced anxiety and enhance cognitive abilities.
On a side note. Are you a Nintendo fan? The game ‘pikmin’ is named after Bacopa. Who knew?
“We used a variety of innovative and unusual activities to build anticipation for the Nintendo GameCube. Naming a flower after a video game is just one more way Nintendo is ‘seeding’ creative marketing.” – Peter Main, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Nintendo of America.
Wow. “Seeding?” Kind of frightening…
Published by Amy on: Jan 5, 2016
#bacopa #flowers #herb #gardening #nintendo #cottagegarden #whatsgrowingtuesday #lomamar #sfbayarea #wherewaterfalls
Few blooms say winter or the holiday’s to me, then Cyclamen. They are part of the Primrose family and native to the eastern Mediterranean climate. Cyclamen naturally bloom in the fall, winter, and spring when the weather turns cool and damp. During the hot, dry summers, Cyclamen become dormant; their foliage yellows and dies back and the plants show no signs of growth. They store energy for the next flowering season in their round tubers. Today, new cultivation methods and varieties offer longer-lasting, hardier and more regular flowering and in a wide range of colors. The plant looks delicate, but cool-weather Cyclamen are actually tough soldiers on the planting fields. So, stand attention when you see one.
Published by Amy on: Dec 8, 2015
#cyclamen #winter #flowerphotography #gardening #whatsgrowingtuesday #lomamar #sfbayarea #cottagegarden #wherewaterfalls
Lilyturf (Liriope spicata) although neither a true grass nor a lily. This grass-like perennial with clumps of arching, green leaves (we have the variegated) is used in the garden as a ground cover. Spikes of tiny violet-blue flowers appear in late summer. I read that there’s no groundcover known to humankind that’s as successful as liriope. It prevents erosion on even the steepest hillsides, it survives wet or bone dry conditions, and doing all that in full sun or deep shade. You can yank it roughly out of the ground and cram it back into the ground and it won’t complain! It’s also deer proof. Yet, I’m not sure about those banana slugs, I’ll keep you posted.
Published by Amy on: Dec 1, 2015
#groundcover #gardening #brownthumb #ornamental #grass #whatsgrowingtuesday #cottagegarden #lomamar #sfbayarea
