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
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
Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) are native to the United States, making it a low maintenance addition to the landscape. The tiny, true blue flowers with yellow centers are so lovely, as they pop all over the yard from May through October. I’ve sometimes seen the petals pink too. They’re self-seeding, spread very easily and minimal care as with most native wildflowers. Forget-me-nots have a habit of coming up where they want to rather than where you want them to – so watch out. Maybe that’s why they’re called Forget-me-nots!
Published by Amy on: Jun 2, 2015
#wildflowers #cottagegarden #whatsgrowingtuesday #lomamar #sfbayarea #wherewaterfalls
Heuchera (Heuchera maxima) or coral bells. They are North American natives but the wildflower of the past has been transformed into a whole host of hybrids with amazing colors to choose from. They send up slender, wiry stems of tiny bell-shaped, pink or white blooms. Yet it’s the foliage in delicious shades of cool lime, plum, chocolate, and more that they are grown for. Heucheras have become as ubiquitous as hostas as they are eye candy in the garden. We have several varieties growing at The Cottage. Colorful foliage is an important part of our garden because it provides patches of long lasting color for our guests to enjoy.
Published by Amy on: May 19, 2015
#wildflowers #northamerica #cottagegarden #perennials #whatsgrowingtuesday #lomamar #hybrid
UPDATE 4/4/17: Got shade? Try heucheras. These power plants with striking foliage, in a number of yummy color’s by the way, will blow you away. You’ll want one of each. They have blooms but the real eye candy is the foliage. This one pictured took a beating from all the rain California recently got and it still looks as healthy as ever. It’s got the force.
California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) of course! These cups of gold are our beloved state flower and the most beautiful of all state flowers – at least I think so! These native wildflowers are sun-loving, extremely drought tolerant, frost tolerant, self-seeding, and easy to grow in gardens. The brilliant orange flower blooms from February to June but can last into September if watered. The flowers are responsive to sunlight as they close at sunset and overcast days.
I’m sure members of the Cabrillo expedition in 1542 must of marveled at the golden hillsides off the California coast when sailing in. It’s definitely a fitting symbol for the “Golden State.”
Published by Amy on: Apr 14, 2015
#californiacoast #wildflowers #poppies #whatsgrowingtuesday #lomamar #cottagegarden #sfbayarea
Wild strawberries (Fragaria virginiana) are a common creeping plant that grows in forests, fields, lawns, roadsides, and just about anywhere! Many people treat them as weeds but I like them as a ground cover. Wild strawberries bloom from April to June yet ours are blooming early because of the warm winter we had (this picture was taken in early March). Yes, the strawberries in the grocery store/farmers market are a hybrid of the wild strawberry in case you’re wondering. And, just like the wild turkey, acorn woodpecker, Steller’s jay, deer and of course the banana slug, we can eat these too. Hopefully, before they get to them!
Published by Amy on: Mar 31, 2015
#edibles #wildflowers #strawberries #lomamar #cottagegarden #whatsgrowingtuesday
