spring

Bistro orchid display

 ^^just when you need it most - the display

 is in flower November through March

sunflowers

field orchid

Broad Leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine)

A small-flowered field orchid has taken hold next to drainage downpipe.

Introduced from Europe, it is rare enough to be a novelty and is not considered 'invasive'. 

guest shots: October blossoms by Lydia

Ipomea is a large family of plants that includes sweet potatoes, moonflower, many ornamental varieties as well as the noxious weed 'bindweed'. These annual blue morning glories make a stunning addition to the garden and can be used to cover compost piles and other unsightly objects.

come n get it - Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 28

Akebia

 ^^Akebia quinata vine, spring flowers

^^akebia vine, 'silver bells'  or 'Alba' variety 

Akebia fruit is edible, if somewhat tart. The fruits are used in some varieties of

Miso soup in it's native Japan. Akebia is also deer resistant.

growing cuttings

Late winter/ early spring is a good time to start cuttings 

(clones, in WestCoast speak) of many woody plants.

This is Sarcococca, a wonderful, hardy small shrub that 

sprouts fragrant flowers December thru February.

 

 ^^select shoots 15 to 20 cm or 6 to 8 inches

 ^^strip the lower leaves and trim to 15 cm or 6 inches

 ^^dust with rooting hormone

 ^^insert the bare stems in fresh potting soil, pat soil gently to fill holes

 

^^labels help, even if you spell the name wrong. Add the date.

 ^^water and leave outside for a few months

late summer bouquet

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheeryville in May

 ^^Narcissus in fern bed, S.E. Gazebo cut flower alert

^^creeping phlox North Courtyard

 

^^Columbine, Aquilegia sp. Centre courtyard cut flower alert

 

 ^^Lewisia cotyledon, domestic variety  Centre courtyard

^^Clematis Nelly Moser Centre courtyard 

 

crosspost from stormidae