Beech Street Gardens

Elk Cove On a Sunday Afternoon

2012-02-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

A customer came in at the store last week, said he had seen Witch Hazels and other plants in bloom and worth driving out to see them. I asked him where and he said "Bishops Close". So on Sunday I packed up my camera, a bottle of water, and headed out to Elk Cove Gardens of The Bishop's Close. It was truly a beautiful day with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. Lots of plants coming to life and creatures stirring all over. If you can manage to spare a little time to make the trek there, it would truly be worth the time.

I was able to be two feet away from this little bird to take its photo, I stood and watched it for about a half hour. It did not seem to care that I had invaded its privacy.
.

Winter Beauties

2012-02-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

I have again been inspired to start writing due to the fact that plants are awaking here at Beech Street Gardens. I feel I took to much time off but I just could not set down and do it. Seeing the gardens coming back to its beauty makes me happy and excited about the coming year.

CAMILLIA "Yuletide"

WITCH HAZEL

MAGNOLIA "Yellow Butterflies"

HELLEBORES

Fall Flower Festival

2011-11-11T07:38:00.000-08:00

Have not really wanted to post on the blog lately. Last posting was over a month ago, seems a lot longer. Will's Father has passed away since then, one of my biggest supporters of the gardens. He has always stated when they came for a visit, "Its like being in a beautiful park". I have a beautiful dwarf red leaf Maple that he grew from seed for the gardens that is the jewel in the conifer area. One of my Uncles passed away about a week and a-half, and we got news yesterday that one of Will's Aunts, his Father's sister has also passed. But enough.........I went around the gardens on Sunday and have found a number of plants still in bloom and starting to bloom. Enjoy and I will get a group of Fall foliage photographs together for the next posting.

Nice Fall Color

2011-10-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

EUPHORBIA
"BLACKBIRD"

This photograph is from April when most Euphorbias are in bloom, but I wanted to use it because of the Fall coloring. Click on the name for Euphorbia Blackbird info.

Rain, Rain, and More Rain

2011-09-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it rained like crazy, there were a couple of good downpours. I went out to Death Valley Shack for about 1/2 hour and decided to go back inside the house. Since the weather has turned I will probably not venture out if it is not warm. I'm becoming a warm weather gardener...........and I mean very warm. Anyway these are the last of the photographs of flowers at the coast from our camping trip. Enjoy!

DAYLILY "STELLA DE ORO"

LILIES

LILY

LILY (STARGAZER?)

MIXED PLANTERS

CHEERFUL WINDOW

ECHEVERIA

CALLISTEMON

Back to the Beach

2011-09-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

No, we did not go back. The photographs are more that I had that I had not posted.......I have always thought about when I retire the beach would be great. Now that I have taken a good look at the way plants behave there I think my mind is made up.

POPPY

POPPIES

MARSHMALLOW (?) & CROCOSMIA

ARTICHOKE

LILIES

MORE LILIES

GUNNERA

FUCHSIAS AND CLEMATIS

Rosa glauca

2011-09-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

Rosa glauca comes from the mountains in Central France, the Pyrenees, and also Southern Austria. The beauty of this rose species is in the foliage, and the small hips that stay on the rose through winter. Introduced in England around 1830.

A great species Rose to grow that requires very little care and offers wonderful returns. Shade tolerant and drought tolerant once established. Resistant to black spot, mildew, and rust. Will reach a height to 20' and width of 8' if left to itself, I keep mine at about 5' x 5'. I'm always pruning on mine due to the fact it will get out of control. Single clear pink flowers with a white center studded by prominent yellow stamens that are about 2"across in clusters without fragrance. Turning into hips of a beautiful orange then to a brownish-red color that are a favorite for fall decorations. Not me, I leave my in the garden. Leaves appear bluish gray in full sun (with shimmering overtones of burgundy and mauve), or with an icing of silvery gray-green in part shade. This plant is also a very good at reseeding, I always have little baby glaucas all over in the back garden. Rosa glauca is a mid-summer bloomer and can also be trained into a climber.

USDA hardiness zone 2 to zone 9

More of the Oregon Coast

2011-09-09T07:04:00.001-07:00

These are additional photos that I took while at the Oregon Coast. Wheeler, Rockaway, Cannon Beach, Seaside, Nehalem, and again Manznitia. With it being on the cooler side, Lilies have not all opened fully. So many of them still had flower buds that were not even close to opening. This is the first group,ENJOY!

POPPIES

FUCHSIAS

LILIES

CALLISTEMON

PANSIES & SEDUM

BEE ON SEDUM

A COLORFUL MIX

NASTURTIUMS AND OTHER DELIGHTS

At the Coast with Elisha Garry Landscaping

2011-09-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

The following photographs were taken at Manzanita here on the Oregon Coast. Will & I went camping a couple of weeks ago at Nehalem Bay State Park and had a great time, weather was perfect. While wondering one day in Manzanita met two gals Elisha and Kari of Elisha Garry Landscaping out of Wheeler, OR. doing maintenance at one of the hotels on the main strip. So of course any gardener knows how it is, you always strike up a conversation with other gardening people. The photographs are a little taste of their work. You can see a lot of their work through the town.

Elisha Garry Landscaping 503-812-6477

The Snapdragon Tree

2011-08-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

Chilopsis linearis
Desert Willow

Derived from the Greek words cheilos meaning "lip," and opsis meaning "resembling," referring to the flowers.

I have this planted in the side garden by the street. Its about 6' and 3 years old. A great plant that is drought tolerant and puts on a great flower show. Because of Portland being on the edge of zonal denial, I have always feared that this plant would not make it, but it is doing great. Its even planted on an exposed east area and is brave against the gorge wind. I have read listings from others that are in low zones that are growing this and not having any problems.

A large, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree native to southwestern North America and northern Mexico that is capable of growing to a height of 30 feet. The narrow leaves are reminiscent of willow leaves. The Penstemon like flowers appear in May (later here) and keep coming on until September or frost are 1 1/2" to 2" in length, showy, fragrant, and colors range from Pink, Rose/Mauve, Magenta (Pink-Purple), Bright Yellow, Purple, and White/Near White.

USDA hardiness zone (6 root hardy) 7 to zone 9

Sharon Pollen

2011-08-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hibiscus syriacus

The bees have been working on the Rose of Sharon tree like crazy. Its a tree I planted about 3 or 4 years ago and is at a height of about 10 feet now. I have never liked it, because it is not the color I was told it was (lite pink was on the tag). I was wanting a lite pink or white with a pink center. Lite purple a dime a dozen..........The one thing about the flowers is they remind me of Hollyhocks, which is another plant I have never had luck with. I even tried the hardy Hibiscus here and it died. I do not care how hardy they say they are, they are not!

The Rose of Sharon flowers in late summer to fall when few other shrubs are in bloom. Flower colors include blue, pink, red, lavender, purple, and white, depending on the variety. Most varieties grow 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide.

The flowers are produced on new wood, so prune in early spring to shape and reduce size. If you prune the shrub back to 2 to 3 buds per branch in spring, it will encourage larger flowers. Plant in a location for full sun to light shade. The Rose of Sharon prefers heat, and do well even in hot humid weather, also tolerating some drought, once established. Native to India and East Asia, it is the national flower of Korea.

USDA hardiness zone 5 to zone 9

Crab Spider

2011-08-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

Always lying in wait for a meal. I'm surprised that this little creature is on a flower that is so bright. You would think that it would want to be hid better. Last year I found one on the white Phlox in the back garden, blended in so well I almost did not see it. Come to think of it I wander how I did find it?

The larger females (typically white) have the ability of slowly changing color from white to pale green or yellow and back again depending on the flowers on which they find themselves! Red markings on the abdomen can also change in size or even disappear. The males are darker and smaller.

Better Late Than Never

2011-08-05T08:41:00.001-07:00

HEMEROCALLIS

"BARBIE IN PINK"
2005 INTRODUCTION

How could I forget a Daylily like this..................That's what happens when it blooms later than the others and planted in the back garden tucked away. I bought this variety three years ago and it is really stunning this year. When it is stated that it takes plants about three to five years to really get comfortable where they are planted, its true. Flowers on this variety will be up to 8" wide on plants around 24" to 36" in height. The ruffled edges, pink tones, the chartreuse throat, and a faint fragrance is a wonderful combination. Barbie in Pink is also a rebloomer. If you want to see some of the most outstanding colors and flower form combos visit Frank Smith Daylilies by Pete Harry.

Kwanso Daylily

2011-08-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Oops! I have one more Daylily, it blooms a little later than the others. Maybe it wants to be the center of attention? Its called a Kwanso Daylily, a orange double flower with watermarks. The colors are amazing and very different than other Daylilies we are so use to. The flowers are on the larger size and the plants are an average height and width. I know that there is a variegated foliage of this Daylily available on the market. What a combination!
I did purchase a variegated Daylily called Golden Zebra from the new nursery Finch & Flora in the Hollywood area, but it has a yellow flower and the plant looks like a Spider plant. It has not bloomed and will probably have to wait till next year to see the flowers, there are no buds showing.

USDA hardiness zone 3 to zone 9

Saturday Garden Stroll

2011-07-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

A few of the plants that are in bloom in the gardens......Enjoy!

ASIATIC LILY

HALIMIUM OCYMOIDS "SUSAN"
ORIGANUM "BRISTOL CROSS"

HARDY FUCHSIA "BLACKIE"

LILY

ASCLEPIAS SYRIACA
COMMON MILKWEED

ERICA CINEREA
"GOLDEN SPORT"

ECHINACEA PARADOX
SPECIES

CLEMATIS HERACLEIFOLIA

Lil Red Jewels

2011-07-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

SPECIES PEONY

I do not know what the actual species of this Peony is, but of course I forgot to see if there is a marker. I believe it was purchased at a Leach Botanical Garden sale about three years ago. The seed pod is fascinating in form. So when I was cleaning up the front garden a couple of weeks ago I came across the two pods, I thought I'll save them and see what they look like inside when they open. The pods open the other day and here's what I found inside. Blood red in color! I'm not sure what the other little cherry colored things are. Seeds that did not form? Anyway I would love to save the seeds and propagate them, but it would take 5 years before they would be blooming size. Anyone else up for it?

North America Native Except One

2011-07-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

Odd, only one other Phlox is not native to North America out of the 67 species and it comes from Siberia, really? Another fact: all are perennials except one is an annual. I think Phlox is over looked due to the fact that they are summer bloomers and not in bloom when most gardeners are buying their first of the season plants. I have planted the garden varieties "Phlox paniculata" which are tall between 3' to 4', but there are also Alpines, Woodland, Prairie, and Creeping. I have never seen but a few other gardens that grow the tall variety.

"WORLD PEACE"

"STARFIRE"

"LAURA"

Butterflies, Bumblebees and Hummingbirds find phlox irresistible, but its charms are not restricted to daytime pollinators. Moths may hover next to its blossoms from late afternoon to dusk. Night moths may be drawn to the flowers on summer evenings, as the sweet scent of phlox drifts across the garden. Although many phlox varieties are attractive to moths, those with pale-colored or white blossoms are true stars after dark.

One thing about phlox is they are not drought tolerant. Phlox likes fertile, organic-rich beds with good drainage and full sun. So how well do they do here at Beech Street, they do just fine. I think they can handle the conditions better than they let on.

USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 8

Nice Shades

2011-07-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

"PRIMA DONNA"
Coneflowers

ECHINACEA
Name derived from the Greek word
echino meaning hedgehog.
Due to the spiny central disk.

Prima Donna has beautiful shades of pinks, purples, and oranges. It stands about 4' in height and needs no staking due to the very hardy stalks. Echinacea is an old fashioned prairie plant resembling the daisy with swept-back petals. They are happy flowers being hardy, drought tolerant, and long-blooming. Available in many different colors and flower styles of whites, yellows, pinks, corals, purples, and reds. The last couple years there have been some outstanding varieties introduced into the market. If you want to see collections of Echinaceas that you can to add to your gardens check out Terra Nova Nursery. They are the leaders of breeding the most varieties with color and flower interest.

USDA hardiness zone 3 to zone 9

What's Up Tiger Lily?

2011-07-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

No I'm not about to review a Woody Allen film..........I'm confused as to why you did not bloom last year. You were planted in the back garden 3 years ago and bloomed the first year. Nothing last year, not even a plant stock and I was bummed. This year there are 3 of you, so that's what I'm wondering and asking what's up Tiger Lily? What were you doing last year that you could not make the scene. Were you holding out for something? Was there something you wanted and I did not give you. Ask around the garden I really do not give to much in that department. You are quite beautiful, I'm glad you showed up and made your presents known.

I'm one that does not start digging around in the beds to see what is going on with plants that do not return. If I had I would not have these beauties coming up this year. Sometimes you just have to let nature do what it is going to allow, sit back and enjoy what you get at the time.

Lilium lancifolium which at one time was L. tigrinum, but you know how the botanical world is. Lets give one plant about 10 different names or change the name so not even the novice gardener has a clue as to what they are growing or looking for. No lets give a couple of plants the same name. Stop already. Anyway the Tiger Lily is native to northern and eastern Asia, including Japan. Grows to a height of 5' to 6' tall with wonderful downward facing recurved flowers of orange to red-orange in color with purple-black freckling. Maybe it should be called the Leopard Lily??????? Basic water needs, grows in any soil type, and needs full sun. It is one of the main species used in breeding of the Asiatic hybrids.

USDA hardiness zone 3 to zone 9

Did You Have A Good Day?

2011-07-20T22:06:00.000-07:00

What a FABULOUS day it was today!!!!!!!!!!I spent the whole day working in the yard, trimming the shrubs that were getting out of control, and lopping up trees that needed to have lower limbs removed so the plants under them would do better. The front and side gardens are done and look outstanding if I say so. I spent about 6 hours and it was well worth it. Rain for tomorrow and that will be okay since I have to work.

Opuntia bloom in the front garden by the street for all to enjoy.

This Opuntia is in the cactus bed in the front garden.

Opuntias are quite an interesting plant due to the fact of it being the most successful cactus groups in terms of habitats conquered and geographic distribution. The most cold-tolerant of the lowland cacti and varying in size from 2" up to 50'+ as trees. The areas they live in are so vast, South America, Central America, North America, and Canada. I can not think of any other plant that you could see in so many other parts of the world. They have also been colonized in Europe, Australia, North and South Africa. There are three species that can be found in Oregon being Opuntia xcolumbiana, Opuntia fragilis, and Opuntia polyacantha. Most flower colors are a variety of yellows, but there are pinks, oranges, and reds.

USDA hardiness zone 3 to zone 12

One Last Time, I Promise!

2011-07-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

This is the last of the Daylilies, you have now seen all of the different flower varieties that I have planted here at Beech Street.

More, More, More..........

2011-07-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

These are a few more Daylilies that have bloomed since the blog posting from the other day. Enjoy!

New Plant Nursery In Town

2011-07-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

FINCH & FLORA
1535 NE 41 AVE.
PORTLAND, OR. 97232
503-477-8475
OPEN EVERY 9AM TO 5PM

THE GAZEBO CORNER WITH SHADE PLANTS

ARBORS AND MAPLE TREES

ANNUALS AND PERENNIALS

LOOKING FOR A BIRDBATH??????

COLORFUL POTS IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

A GREAT MIX OF PLANT MATERIAL

Be sure to step inside the store and see the great selection of houseplants, art, windchimes, outdoor bird supplies, and they even have items for kids.
Check out the sales, always something on sale.

A Day of Beauty

2011-07-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

WOW......what other plant gives so much as the Daylily. With over 60,000 registered cultivars, possibilities are amazing as to what colors or flower styles you can add to your gardens. Other flower traits that hybridizers developed include height, scent, ruffled edges, contrasting "eyes" in the center of a bloom, and an illusion of glitter which is called "diamond dust." Plus there is also evergreen and semi-evergreen. These photographs are a few that are blooming at Beech Street right now.

HEMEROCALLIS
GREEK MEANING
"DAY" & "BEAUTY"

USDA hardiness zone 1 to zone 11

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

2011-07-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

I do not know if this peculiar butterfly is the same one I have seen for the last couple of weeks, but probably. It has been spending a lot of time here.............drinking nectar from the Mock Orange (see photograph), the Verbenas in the hanging baskets and many other flowers.

I read they lay eggs on Birch, Tulip, Aspen, and Lilac which are all planted here. A goal is to have butterflies breed here at Beech Street, I have had frogs breed in the bowls in the past, but this year it was Dragonflies. I find it fascinating to have all this wildlife here at Beech Street. When you have all this happening in your gardens it shows everything is balancing out to sustain life. What else is a garden for?

The Mortagons

2011-07-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Sounds like we have new neighbors that moved in...........

I was surprised by the fact that the top photograph is a group I planted last fall and had no idea they were white. They are planted in the side garden under the Clerodendrum tree and the lilacs are planted under the big Cherry tree in the back garden.

They are the sweetest little flowers, about 3" across if even that. The fact that the flower re-curves back is what I like about the look of them. It took a couple of years for the lilac ones to become established before they bloomed, I think it was about three years. Most people would not wait that long for a bulb to bloom. But now this stand of them is over 15 years old........They say there are groups of them in Europe that are hundreds of years old. Mortagons are a group of lilies that have been in cultivation since the 1500's. So I would say they are worth growing.

USDA hardiness zone 3 to zone 10

Visiting a Friend's Garden

2011-07-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Will & I were invited out to Barbara Blossom Ashmun's home to see the gardens. It is always a treat to visit her and the wonderful plants she has charmed into growing in her flower beds.

Lots of Roses...........

Fragrant Honeysuckle

A Trio of Frogs in the Grass

Peeking Iris

Pots of Succulents

An Agave or two

Allium

Good Neighbors

More Roses

And a Parade of Irises

Barbara is an author, an accomplished writer for the Portland Tribune & Fine Gardening magazine, and has her own blog titled Garden Muse............

Queen for A Day.......or at least a week or two

2011-06-24T07:36:00.000-07:00

Oh the Clematis,
Queen of the Garden and
Aristocrat of the Climbers

CLAIR DU LUNE

HAKU OOKAN

JOSEPHINE & NIOBE

These four are what is blooming at Beech Street, another one of my most favorite flowers. Heck they are all my favorites...............The awesome thing about a Clematis is you can grow in the ground or in a pot as long as it is a variety that will grow in a pot. You can also train them on a trellis or I have a couple that I have planted at the base of shrubs. They will climb to the top of the canopy and cover the top with flowers. A good shrub to use is a Lilac, with it flowering so early in the Spring. Than the Clematis will cover the top later in the season.

USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 11

High Desert Garden in Prineville

2011-06-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

Went to Prineville and camped at the Reservoir for a few days in our vintage trailer. We always stop in at Elkins Rock Shop and visit with Judy the owner. She has one of the most interesting gardens over in that area I have ever seen. After looking and taking photos of the plants and flowers, I look for the perfect piece of petrified wood that I add to the Conifer area in the back garden. If you are in that area stop by and take a tour of the gardens. Judy will walk around with you and discuss the plants. The photographs are of some of the plants that Judy grows in the gardens.

We also went to two plant sales, first was the Crook County Garden Club and the other was the FFA at the Crook County High School greenhouses. Bought an Opuntia and Euphorbia from the club. At the high school Will purchased a herb garden in a planter and I purchased a six pack of Banana Pepper plants. Stopped at a nursery called Zone 5, they have just opened this year I purchased a few things from them to plant in the gardens here. That area of Prineville is a zone 5 and a little over 3200' elevation.

Flowers of Western America

2011-05-31T08:51:00.000-07:00

The Lewisias are flowering succulents of Western America. I have a number of them and care is very easy. Plant them in very well-drained, low fertility soils and they will flourish happily. They are great additions to rock gardens and can also be successfully grown in raised beds and containers. I have planted mine with about 75% pumice mixed in the soil and mounded the soil up a little to keep the crown dry. The flower colors are varied from white, pink, magenta (pink-purple), coral, apricot, gold (yellow-orange) They also come in deciduous species, so remember where you plant them or grow them in pots. Unglazed pots are the best to use! All will tolerate partial sun, but prefer full sun. Since Lewisia is a native plant it is perfect for the drought tolerant garden.

USDA hardiness zone 6 to zone 8

Showy Viburnum

2011-05-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

I love this Viburnum in the side garden for the fact that it looks like Hydrangea. Love Hydrangea flowers, but are not on my list of plants to grow. High maintenance in a garden does not work for me. I have looked through a couple of books and still not sure what variety this is. In February I discovered a small pink Viburnum in bloom that I had planted which a hummingbird was feeding at it. Saw it from the front window of the house, if I had not spotted the Hummingbird I would have passed over the Viburnum. Beech Street Gardens is like Willy Wonka's candy factory "Little surprises around every corner, but nothing dangerous!"
Viburnums are a plant that should be add to gardens. They are drought tolerant, showy flowers, some fruit, others are fragrant, and there are even varieties that will give you beautiful Autumn color.

The Darlings of the Pacific

2011-05-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

Pacific Coast Irises are one of my favorite flowers to have in the gardens. All three pictured are in different growing conditions and they come through the years with flying colors.

Total Shade

Afternoon Sun Only

Morning Sun Only

The Pacific Coast Native Iris are beardless iris of the series "Californicae”, and are usually labeled as Pacific Coast Iris, Pacificas, or Pacifica Hybrids. They are small, compact plants with slender, wiry rhizomes, and narrow grass-like leaves. Most Pacific Coast Irises are evergreen, growing 6 to 24 inches high and in the garden, will develop under conditions similar to those of their natural habitat.
The most important factor in the garden is good drainage. Pacific Coast Irises will not tolerate soils with stagnant water. Stagnation or excessive water promotes root damage and various diseases from which the plants cannot recover. I always mix in pumice when I plant them. If it gets overly hot you may have to give them a small drink of water, but not in the heat of the day! But another great plant for the drought tolerant garden.

USDA zone 8 to zone 9

Deciduous & Delicious

2011-05-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

EXBURY AZALEA
"ARNESON GEM"

MAY 6th

May 18th

The showstoppers of the Azaleas are the Exbury varieties, coming in a stunning collection of red, orange, apricot and gold funnel-shaped flowers. Another nice thing are the flowers range in 2" to 3" in size. They blaze into bloom in late Spring, right before their foliage appears like the Dogwoods and Magnolias that are planted here at Beech Street Gardens. The Exbury Azalea color only seems more pronounced for their "naked" blooms. The Arneson Gem is planted in the side garden and is lightly shaded, I do not think the sun hits it full force. Deciduous azaleas to me are one of the most striking flowering shrubs. The colors are vivid and bright, and often have the shades that rhododendrons can not offer.

USDA zone 4 to zone 7

Gardens of Blues...........

2011-05-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

The blues have taken over the gardens this last week. Funny how that happens, wonder what the color scheme will be next week.

CEANOTHUS
"CALIFORNIA LILAC"

IRIS

PULMONARIA ANGUSTIFOLIA

"BLUE LUNGWORT"

MYOSOSTIS SYLVATICA
"FORGET ME NOT"

HYACINTHUS

"WOODLAND HYACINTH"

CENTAUREA MONTANA
"MOUNTAIN BLUET"

CEANOTHUS
"CALIFORNIA LILAC"

Beech Street Gardens is waking up

2011-05-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Flowers are coming out all over the place................

CORNUS
"DOGWOOD"

SYRINGA

"PRIMROSE LILAC"

AZALEA

EXBURY AZALEA
"ARNESON GEM"

SYRINGA
"LILAC"

Spring is popping out all over........

2011-04-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

A few of the plants that are putting on a show in the back garden. All of the plants are in the oldest bed that is located around the cherry tree. As a matter of fact these plants were the first plantings at Beech Street when the property was purchased in 1990. This flower bed was established the following year.

Polygonatum commutatum

Solomon's Seal
USDA hardiness zone 3 to zone 9

Persicaria bistorta

Snakeweed
USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 8

Dicentra spectabilis

Bleeding Heart
USDA hardiness zone 2 to zone 9

Disporum lanuginosum
Fairy Bells
USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 8

Acer and Hostas

2011-04-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

Grafted Fernleaf Full Moon Maple that I bought a couple of years ago. I lost interest in Bonsai after that, but I love the tree so I stuck it in a pot and added the Hosta. Perfect companions..........Wish I could remember what the Hosta is that I planted in there. I will have to work on the tree a little to bring it back to a better shape. Maybe it will inspire me to get back to Bonsai, NOT.

HAPPY EASTER

2011-04-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

My big pot of tulips that I triple layered last fall.

Planted 75 bulbs in the one pot.

Fabulous Plant Sale

2011-04-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning before work I went to the Leach Botanical Garden Sale at Floyd Light Middle School. As always there are great plants to see and purchase. First tables to hit are the Leach Garden, many of the plants are from the garden itself that volunteers have potted up for the sale. Picked up a nice 5" pot of 6 yellow Trout Lilies (Erythronium americanum) at an awesome price of $4.00. Next table was Humble Roots Nursery located in Mosier, owned and operated by Andrew and Kristen, they specialize in drought tolerant native plants of the Columbia River Gorge and Pacific Northwest. I have purchased from them over the years and a nursery worth the time to see what sales they will be at. From them I purchased a one gallon Golden Current (Ribes aureum), it will have beautiful yellow flowers which turn to delightful berries, reaching a height of 6 to 8' and about 5 to 6' width. Looking forward to this shrub growing and producing fruit. Next I hit Sebright Gardens for Hostas.........the plant I have the most variates of at Beech Street Gardens than any other plant species. I purchased two one gallon plants of Earth Angel and White Ray. Somewhere along the sale I picked up an Agave Americana v. marginata and a little 3" pot of Allium oreophilum. That was it since I only had about 40 minutes to shop, but well worth the time to go.

Daughter of the Wind

2011-03-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

ANEMONE BLANDA
Grecian Windflower

A tuberous perennial valued for its daisy-like spring-blooming flowers, native to southeastern Europe, Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria. This small clump is planted in the back garden and you have to venture to see them. I planted them in the middle of a small bed, so its a surprise when you spot them. Additional flower colors of white, pink and reddish purple are available in taller cultivators that grow to as much as 8-12” tall and foliage is deeply cut and fern-like.

USDA hardiness zone 5 to zone 8

Let's Talk Lilies

2011-03-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

Lilium " Scheherazade"
Planted in the back garden, photograph taken 2010

I attended a seminar on Sunday sponsored by the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon and put on by the newest study group, the lily group. It was a double-hitter presentation by two of the Pacific Northwest's lily experts, Dr.Wayne Hoffman and Judith Freeman. Dr. Hoffman had a slide presentation and spoke of wild lilies. Judith spoke on her hybrid creations she has made. Before the presentation and after The Lily Garden had bulbs for sale which is owned by Judith. Of course I could not stand by and let others buy, me nothing. From the YG & P show and this last Sunday I have about 20 new lily bulbs to plant in the gardens. Looking forward to planting these bulbs and seeing what wonderful flowers will grace the gardens. I will try to post a list of the new lilies that I will be planting. Next month is a talk on Pacific Coast Irises, which is another great plant to include in your gardens.

Glacier Blue Euphorbia

2011-03-24T07:07:00.001-07:00

Another great Euphorbia for the drought tolerant garden. I have Glacier Blue planted in the conifer area of the back garden where it does get some shade, but it does not mind. Like all Euphorbias they will take full sun. Introduced in 2007, I must have purchased it right after that. The brightness of Glacier Blue is perfect to add to a perennial bed of pinks, yellows, and purples. It is a very compact plant reaching 18" x 18", which to me is not a large plant. Another useage for Glaicer Blue is in a container with trailing annuals. The Glacier Blue is evergreen, so even in the dead of Winter you can have some interest in your container.

USDA hardiness zone 6 to zone 11

Snake's Head Iris

2011-03-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

HERMODACTYLUS TUBEROSUS
Finger of Hermes

A Mediterranean native of Yugoslavia and Greece and has been in cultivation since the late 1500s. Botanically, it is not a true iris at all. The tuberous root bears some resemblance to the fingers of the human hand. Its common name, Snake’s Head, is said to come from the unusual coloring and shape that resembles the head of a reptile, specifically, a snake, alluding to its pointed buds that supposedly look like snake heads with open mouths. This flower has sometimes been referred to as the “widow iris” for its somber color or “black iris” for its black falls. Hermaodactylus tuberose is a lovely looking, unusual and fragrant perennial bulb with yellow-green, iris-like blooms and velvety, nearly black falls in early spring, between February and April. Not a very tall plant, about a height of 12" to 18". Very striking if planted a rockeries, beds and borders, and containers. They can naturalize in grass and will also make exceptional cut flowers.
I have a small group I planted about 5 years ago in the back garden. They are located at the corner of the path on the way to the Death Valley Shack.

USDA hardiness zone 7 to zone 9

Singing In The Dead of Night

2011-03-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

EURPHORBIA "BLACK BIRD"

Mounding, evergreen, compact, and bushy with velvety foliage that darkens to near black in full sun. Black Bird looks great and is quite striking in perennial borders as well in containers. The flowers open above bright, lime green bracts on red stems that form a compact vase shape roughly 18" x 24". I have a number of Euphorbias in the gardens, but I like Black Bird for the dark color contrast against the other plants. Another nice variety is "Glacier Blue" with its white and light bluish green striped leaves. Again if you grow these plants please be careful of the poison sap that they have. Always wear gloves working with any plant material.

USDA hardiness zone 6 to zone 9

Put On A Happy Face!

2011-03-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

I thought everyone would enjoy a happy little face today............
This Pansy is growing in the windowbox by the front door. There are many other colors planted, but this one reminds me of the sunny days ahead.

Heirloom Tomatoes "Manitoba" & "Black", Extra-Early "Legend"

2011-02-24T06:45:00.000-08:00

LEGEND

MANITOBA

BLACK on the left/ LEGEND on the right

The photographs above are the Tomato seeds that I started at work, they were up in three days. That happens when you give them heat from the bottom and top and cover with a dome. This is the first time I have ever raised Tomato plants from seeds, my Grandparents would be pleased........All three varieties are from Territorial Seed Co. They handle a lot of heirlooms, which are better varieties to raise. The Manitoba and Black are the heirlooms and Legend is an extra-early. I also have a tray of Bell peppers that are up and it took almost two weeks for them to pop up, I was told they would take the longest. Trying to figure out what flower seeds to do for the trough baskets out front of the store. Already have geranium cuttings that I rooted from last fall and I'm going to put them in the big planter in front. Planted a big tub of Dwarf Grey Sugar Peas in the greenhouse. Busy, busy, busy............Looking forward to seeing what Spring will bring us this year.

Hellebore

2011-02-10T07:11:00.000-08:00

This open flower is the same Hellebore that I posted on the 22nd of January. The flowers are amazing and beautiful, I will take a group photograph of them when more open up. A nice arrangement is to float several different varieties face up in a shallow bowl of water. I have done this in the past and it is quite beautiful on a table. The reason to float them is to enjoy the colors and patterns since they hold their heads downward in the garden. I do believe that they do not hold up well if cut for stem arrangements. Be sure to get out to the nurseries to see what varieties are out there to purchase and add to your gardens. The big push this year is more of the Winter Jewel group. There were a couple that I saw at the Yard, Garden, & Patio Show this last weekend here in Portland. Should have picked one up, but didn't, my lose.......bought more dwarf conifers instead.

Witch Hazel

2011-02-09T17:25:00.000-08:00

Hamamelis
Of Greek descent "hama" meaning together or with and "melis" meaning apple or fruit.
A reference to the fact that the flowers appear with the previous season's fruit capsules or seed pods.

The Witch Hazel is a blooming...........This shrub (tree) is in the front garden and one of the oldest plantings. It is about 15 ft. tall x 8 ft wide now and finally has a lite orange glow about it when it blooms. The flowers on this variety are very small under an inch and you need to get up close to appreciate them. They are an amazing color of orange and raspberry and look very spidery. Of course it was tagged wrong, I was wanting yellow. But I'm one that is it more of a hassle to remove it. So I have left it and it has grown into a huge and perfect shape next to the house.

USDA hardiness zone 3 to zone 8

Propagation for fun

2011-02-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

Well I have been successful with most of the plants I have been propagating at work. It's like my own science lab........In the picture there is a tray of begonias in the back, two different sessions of starts. In the front tray there are African Violets and Hoyas. The four Violets on the left are from one leaf planting that I did a couple of months ago. I still have that one leaf in another pot and there are four more new plants around it again. I have never seen it bloom and it was not tagged, no idea as to what color or style of flowers are. The Hoyas are rooted, but so slow growing. I have the feeling that it is going to be awhile before they do anything. I have a past posting on the Hoya Carnosa when it was blooming in the greenhouse here in the store. I also have starts of Spider plants, Sansevieria, Sedums, and a few other plants that I'm not sure what they are. Next I'm going to get some cuttings of the huge goldfish plant that is in the greenhouse to propagate. I started two trays of three different heirloom Tomato seeds yesterday and will see what happens, they should be up in about 10 days. I'll keep you posted.

Spring Marches Forward

2011-01-26T19:37:00.000-08:00

CAMELLIA SASANQUA "YULETIDE"

This camellia is planted in the back garden next to the house. This shrub has always been odd, it bloomed the first year that it was planted. Now three years later it has decided to bloom again, because I told it at the beginning of the season if it did not bloom it was gone! Yes, plants to listen........I love the red color of the flowers against the deep green leaves of the shrub. Across from it I have a double pink (tagged but I can not remember the name) that has always been a reliable bloomer since it was planted. This year it is covered in buds, it will be very pretty when it blooms out. They'll be perfect to take inside to enjoy.

Camellias often bloom during the cool season, varying according to the species. Winter blooms are common, flowers appearing October-March. Blooms on camellias range from pure white to dark red, as well as yellow. Some cultivators have multi-colored or variegated flowers! Flowers can be saucer shaped single flowers or double blooms. Peony form camellias have ruffled double blossoms. Being shrub sized woody perennials, compact cultivators are suitable for ground cover, raised bed or container planting. The foliage is dark green and glossy adding evergreen interest to the garden. The shrubs are typically upright or slightly weeping in their growth habit. Camellias are native to eastern and southern Asia, from the Himalaya east to Korea and Indonesia.

USDA hardiness zone 7 to zone 9

Hey There........

2011-01-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

Here come the Hellebores.............they are my favorite winter flower. Its a sign that good things are coming. Even if we still get a freeze, their little heads droop but when it warms up they perk right up. The colors that these flowers come in is an amazing rainbow. White, yellow, pink, rose, wine, black, green, apricot, fringed in a different color on the edges, painted on the inside, single or double flowers. They have names like Black Diamond, Ruby Wine, Golden Lotus to name a few. It's almost endless. Be sure to add a couple of them to your shade garden.

USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 8

Whatever the holiday is.....

2011-01-13T07:13:00.000-08:00

This is a plant that is blooming in the greenhouse at work. Beautiful red color of flowers and quite a few flowers on the plant. Also have a white tinged with pink that is also blooming, I'll take a photo of it and post it in the next couple of days.

The common holiday cacti (Thanksgiving Cactus, Christmas Cactus, Easter Cactus) comprise several closely related species in the genus Schlumbergera often called Zygocactus in older works. Commonly cultivated, numerous cultivars have been produced ranging from red, pink, lilac, purple, and peach to white and can appear in massive numbers on a single plant. They are originally forest cacti, growing as epiphytes at elevations between 3300 to 5600 feet above sea level in the Organ Mountains north of Rio de Janeiro in southeast Brazil, South America. They are called Flor de Maio (May Flower) in Brazil. Many modern holiday cactus cultivars are hybrids between Schlumbergera truncata and S. russelliana, first hybridized about 150 years ago in England.

Holiday cacti can be propagated quite easily by removing a single segment and planting it a quarter of its length deep in a pot filled with slightly sandy soil. It helps to put some kind of rooting hormone on the base of the cutting. Place the pot in a well lit area (but not in direct sunlight) and keep the soil moist. The cutting should begin showing signs of growth after two or three weeks. I have a tray of cuttings going in the greenhouse right now.

Hey Bud.........

2011-01-05T22:28:00.000-08:00

Syringa vulgaris 'Primrose'

No matter how cold it is getting here, the plants are setting buds already. This is a Primrose Lilac that is planted out in the front garden. As you can see it has lots of buds, hopefully it will bloom this season. Last Spring I had no flowers, but of course it was only its second year in the ground. Third time is always to be a charm...........The Primrose Lilac is a creamy yellow that is so light in color that it is white. It is the only "yellow" Lilac there is and takes about 5 years to start showing any yellow. Take a look on-line at pictures of the Primrose, I have never seen any in person that yellow. Thank you Photoshop............... A deciduous woody shrub that will take partial shade to full sun. Upright in habit to 8' to 10' and spreading as wide. Bloom time is early to mid-Spring.

USDA hardiness zone 3 to zone 7

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr............

2011-01-02T16:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and lets have some warmth..................All the fountains are frozen, 2 birdbaths have heaters in them as well as the 2 water bowls. So at least there are a couple of places for the birds to get water. I feel sad for the Hummingbirds that came in to the back garden this morning to use the small fountain. I turned all of them off as soon as the cold weather hit. They absolutely love that fountain for bathing, guess they have to stay dirty for another couple days. I'll have to check around and see what kind of a heater there is for small fountains, if they are made and available. Everybody stay warm!!!!!!!!

Just Peachy at Work

2010-12-27T12:30:00.000-08:00

Rhododendron from the Greek: rodon, meaning "rose", and dendron, meaning "tree"

This is a tropical rhododendron that is growing in the store that has decided to bloom this week. Yes I said tropical, I had no idea myself.................Actually we have three others that are in the greenhouse, all planted in a 1 gallon pot or smaller. A pink one bloomed a few months ago and I forgot to take a photograph. Just Peachy has a tag in the pot that states it was propagated 8/19/02 and it is about 3 ft. tall.

First discovered in 1843 in the South Pacific, these plants are native to countries like Indonesia, Borneo and Malaysia. They are often found growing in rock crevices and in trees. This tropical is not really difficult to grow. The primary considerations are drainage and location. The correct exposure must be totally protected from wind and North side cold. A protected East exposure, or perhaps with a partial South exposure is required. Perfect drainage, high humidity, protection from direct sun, year around warm weather and good air circulation are the keys to happy plants.

I Grew Peppers This Summer

2010-12-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

Forgot I had taken this picture of a couple of Bell peppers that I grew this last Summer. I usually grow a variety of peppers, my Grandmother grew peppers and everything else. Her favorite pepper to grow was Banana peppers, her and I would sit and eat them while in the garden. Her and my Grandfather also grew Black-eyed Peas, Pinto Beans, Green Beans, Tomatoes, and just a lot of other vegetables. I remember as a kid, having all these great vegetables to eat during the late Fall and Winter. Guess I took it for granted, never really thought how important growing your own food was...........anyway, I grew Hot Hungarian, Nu Mex, Bells in orange, yellow, and red. But of course it was a crap year for vegetables here this year and I mean any vegetable. My peppers did okay because of where I planted them, if it had not been so wet here it would have been a great crop. Maybe this coming season it will be better, I hope so.

For Your Gray Day

2010-12-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

These daylilies are from this last summer, planted by the patio. They are just a plain and simple spider, but I do not know the variety. Love the petal and throat contrast............Thought it would be a great photograph for a winter-like day.

Agave U

2010-12-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

AGAVE
"Silver Surfer"
Americana ssp. protoamericana x scabra intergrade features dramatic rigid silvery-blue leaves

The Silver Surfer is planted out in the front garden in the Yucca bed. Planted there at the beginning of the season. Whether it be Agaves, Yuccas, or cactus I always plant at the first of the growing season. If I purchase any plants in the fall, I hold them over in the greenhouse till Spring. Giving them a little extra grow time is better to get a good root system established where they will be living. Once again I mixed a lot of pumice (75% pumice & 25% soil) into the ground and mounded the spot up, so the plant itself will not sit in water. The Yucca bed itself is mounded and the Agave has been placed on the side of the mound. Freezing water is usually the #1 death to many plants in a garden. Pumice, pumice, pumice.............you can never use to much.

USDA hardiness zone 7(b) to zone 10

Paris is Burning

2010-11-29T08:50:00.000-08:00

Heuchera "Paris"

Heuchera beautiful and drought tolerant, one of the earliest bloomers as well as one of the last to flower. Flowers from Spring to Fall. This photograph was taken just a couple of days ago, before we had the first freeze. A long time for a plant to flower. Large, rose-pink flowers atop blue-green foliage with silver overlay. This variety comes from the great Terra Nova Nurseries, as well as many other fabulous varieties. I have this planted in the back garden on the north side of the big Cherry tree. It is about 14" wide and 14" high. A single bloom stem can last a couple of months out in the garden and if you cut them they will last over 12 days in a vase. It is also a great container plant, remember that this plant would rather be on the drier side than on the wet side during the growing season.

USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 9

Stars At Work

2010-11-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

HOYA CARNOSA
Wax Plant

The flower cluster is from the Hoya plant that is in the greenhouse at work. It is always blooming, usually about every couple of weeks there are flower clusters on it. I love Hoyas for their unbelievable flowers that always look like they are plastic. An outstanding vining plant that is quite simple to grow if you follow the basic rules. Bright indirect light, keep soil moist during growing period, average humidity, temperature no lower than 55 degrees (60 to 65 is best), infrequent re-potting they bloom best when they are root bound.

A group of 200-300 species of tropical climbing plants in the family Apocynaceae (Dogbane), native to southern Asia (India east to southern China and southward), Australia, and Polynesia. These plants were named by botanist Robert Brown, in honor of his friend, botanist Thomas Hoy.

Viburnums the Versatile Shrub

2010-11-26T08:20:00.000-08:00

This Viburnum is planted out in the side garden, it has been flowering all Summer. This photo was taken the day before the frost that hit. And of course I lost the tag so I can not tell you what it is, hopefully it is in the shed. I like Viburnums instead of Hydrangeas. Hydrangeas are a high maintenance plain and simple, not worth growing in my eyes. With some varieties of Viburnums you can get the flower look of Hydrangeas, like the one above which reminds of a Lace-Cap Hydrangea. A group of about 170+ species of shrubs or (in a few species) small trees. They are native throughout the temperate Northern Hemisphere, with a few species extending into tropical montane regions in South America and southeast Asia. In Africa, the genus is confined to the Atlas Mountains. Many species of Viburnum are popular as garden or landscape plants because of their showy flowers and berries, fragrance, and good autumn color of some forms. Flowers are white to cream & pink, fruit (drupe) is red to purple, blue, or black. Wonderful as background specimens in a border or smaller varieties in pots.

USDA hardiness zone 2 to zone 9

Variegated California Lilac

2010-11-24T11:15:00.000-08:00

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus "Zanzibar"

Planted out in the front garden by the street. When it blooms the powdery blue flowers are striking against the variegated foliage of green splashes on golden leaves. As you see it has a few blooms on it now.....Coldest November in 25 years and a few of the plants in the gardens are blooming. Have they lost their little minds, do they know what time of year it is. The majority of the species are evergreen, but the handful of species adapted to cold winters are deciduous with all species from North America. One of the best drought tolerant plants you can grow, you do not have to water them here. If you do water them you stand a chance of killing them. They do not like extra water of any kind, shape, or form. Some will live to 20 to 25 years if allowed to grow properly. A full sun exposure in well-drained to heavy clay soil. It will grow to a height of about 10' and as wide as 5'. I manicure mine so it does not take over and cover the smaller plants I have around it. I have other Ceanothus planted in other areas and they seem to do well on their without to much work. When they do go into a full bloom in the Spring the bees are thick on these plants, it is quite the show.

USDA hardiness zone 8 to zone 10

Honeysuckle Devine

2010-11-23T08:07:00.000-08:00

DIERVILLA LONICERA

I have this shrub planted out in the front garden and every year I talk about moving it out. Yak-yak-yak. The fall color is awesome, but its a plant I'm not that impressed with after all. Bought it thinking that it was going to flower more like a honeysuckle vine, NOT even a true honeysuckle........
Northern bush honeysuckle has bright yellow flowers and glossy green foliage on a deciduous shrub that is about 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Native to the eastern half of the United States and Canada. The flowers appear in early summer and last through summer, and the foliage turns a bright red in fall. Prefers full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil. I prune mine back to a basic framework in early spring, further for rejuvenation if needed. This shrub will sucker from the base. Suckers can be separated from the parent plants in spring and replanted if you want more. Powdery mildew can be a problem, but I have never had it.

USDA hardiness zone 3 to zone 10

Black Pagoda Lipstick

2010-11-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

Aeschynanthus radicans "Black Pagoda"

Decide to stray away from the gardens and show you the plant life at work. Its gotten very cold, we are to have our first freeze tonight and at 9:30 pm we finally have snow. First thing today we were to have 3 inches of snow by morning (really) and it was to start at 5pm.......Thats what they were telling us.

This a tropical that we have in the office at the store. I was very excited when it started budding out. No idea as to what it was, spent a little time looking in our major plant book and looking on line for the exact photograph of the flowers after they opened. They are a beautiful color of orange bleeding down into yellow and about 3 to 3 1/2 inches long. When it is done blooming, I'm going to try some cuttings in the greenhouse here. I'm sure we could sell a few of these starts.

This is an evergreen, tropical perennial that prefers a hot, humid climate and is suitable for growing indoors. It is considered an herb, though it is a vine and can be trained as a climber. It is often used in baskets as well. The leaves can vary from somewhat large, thick and shiny to smaller and softer, to almost succulent like. Some species are nicknamed Lipstick Plant due to their long tubular flowers that resemble red lipstick as they are budding. Bob has it sitting on his desk by the window, but it is a east facing so it gets morning sun......

Dogwood color

2010-11-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

The colors are
beautiful on the
trees again this year.
Lots and lots
of reds and reddish oranges.
With all the reds
in the leaves
it means that the
trees have had
a good growing season
and manufactured
lots of sugar.
Actually its the
way the tree is
breaking down
the sugar. This is the
Dogwood in the
front garden,
I have a post on it
from the past. Get out
and enjoy the colors of
Autumn...........

Rosa Glauca

2010-10-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

I spotted this rose years ago growing in another member's garden of the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon. It is a very popular variety among the club, mostly grown for the rose hips in the fall. They look like big red cherries...........you could even use them in a wonderful Autumn display in your home. This plant will also seed freely, I have lots of little ones coming up in the back garden under the cherry tree. I planted it in the shade so it would maintain the blueish-green leaves. Star shaped flowers are mauve-pink on the outside with a whitish center, fragrant, but very small, not very showy. In winter, the reddish-violet canes of this rose add lots of winter interest.

A species native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, from Spanish Pyrenees east to Bulgaria, and north to Germany and Poland. It is a plant that is shade-tolerant, resistant to black spot, mildew, and rust. Can be grown as a shrub or let it climb to a height of 20 feet.

USDA hardiness zone 2 to zone 9

Delicate Blooms on Tough & Hardy Plants

2010-09-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

I have many miniature roses planted at the gardens, they are great to tuck in between early Spring blooming perennials. By the time the perennials are finished the miniature roses start putting out their first buds. Nice and compact, and full of buds. Unfortunately I do not have any names on the ones pictured above. The top photograph is a variety that is a climber, it is at a height of about 5 1/2 feet. I love the flower size on these plants, nice little boutonniere style.

Miniature roses are true roses on their own root stock, bred to stay small in size and come in a wide variety of types and colors. There are climbers, trailers, micro-minis (6" to 12" tall), and mini-floras. Despite their small size, miniature roses are extremely hardy. In fact they are more winter hardy than most tea roses. Miniatures also tend to be profuse repeat bloomers. Plant and treat miniature roses the same as you would full size roses, but remember they are hardier than your hybrid teas.

USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 10

Morning Little Friend

2010-09-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

PRAYING MANTIS

TENODERA SINENSIS

An exciting morning to see this little creature on the side of the house. I was in the shower, Will came in the bathroom and said there is a surprise on the back of the house for me. Well what it is, I still have to get dressed for work......No you have to go see and take your camera, you will want to take a picture. This is the third praying mantis I have seen in the gardens since we moved in. I'm sure we have them every year, I just do not see them every year.

A beautiful insect with a voracious appetite. Being strictly carnivorous, they will eat almost any insect of a size it can overcome. Waiting in quiet ambush for hours at a time, then when an insect comes wandering by they suddenly jump out and attack. They do make wonderful backyard pets and constantly entertain while they eat insects all Summer long.

You can buy egg cases from your local garden store in the Spring, but it takes 2-8 weeks of warm weather for them to hatch. Egg cases hatch about 100-200 mantids, which continue to grow throughout Summer and reach 3" to 5" long by Fall. Next Spring think about purchasing nature's pest controls and let nature take care of your bug problems.

Say goodbye to applying sprays and dust.
Hired bugs control pests easier, safer, and better!

A Climbing Fuchsia??????

2010-09-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

FUCHSIA REGIA

No it does not climb, not this variety anyway. It is called a Climbing Fuchsia, but, while it does need support, it doesn't twine or climb by tendrils, but rather insinuates itself among the branches of its neighbors. It can get quite large, my plant has grown about 4 1/2' high. Flowers are also large for a species Fuchsia which is a native Brazilian wildflower, but not so large as many hybrids. They are long and narrow, and have red sepals and purple corollas. The summer flowers persist long into autumn, with even an odd occasional bloom in early winter. Not suitable for hanging baskets because it will become leggy in search of places to cling. But it does exceedingly well as a hardy garden plant trained to a fence or trellis. I planted mine in with a Clematis that is growing up a trellis at the corner of the garage in the side garden. What I did was weave the fuchsia stems in and out of the trellis. Mine died all the way back to the ground the last two winters. I never trim any of my hardy Fuchsias till late Spring when they start putting out new growth.

USDA hardiness zone 7 to zone 10

Humboldt County Fuchsia

2010-09-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

ZAUSCHNERIA SEPTENTRIONALIS

I have this plant out in the front garden next to the street, it has just started to put on it's show. As you can see I have it planted next to Dragon Blood Sedum, nice contrast. Beautiful red-orange flowers, I'm not sure if the hummingbirds get to this plant since it grows so low to the ground. This variety is 6" to 12" in height and spreading 12" to 18" wide that stays a handsome gray green all year long (evergreen). They put on their bright show in the late summer or fall with their trumpet-type flowers that may be scarlet, orange, and occasionally white or pink. I have never had a pest or disease problem with it either (bless the native plants). This California native is drought-tolerant but appreciates a deep soaking every now and then. They prefer excellent drainage, however they adapt very nicely to heavy clay soils which is what I have at the gardens. California fuchsias look lovely in an informal border and is excellent for stabilizing hillsides or banks. They are wonderful as a groundcover. Another variety called Zauschneria californica is an upright and may get 6-8 feet high with a spread of 3-4 feet. Local nurseries will sell different varieties of Z. californica ranging from different colored flowers, as well leaves of varying shades of greensand grays.

USDA hardiness zone 5 to zone 7

Little Rays of Sunshine

2010-08-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

HELIANTHUS MAXIMILIANII

Maximilian's Sunflower

I planted a one gallon container of this sunflower last Spring and the way this plant grows is amazing. By the end of the season it was a tenfold on the size. In the late fall I dug it up and cut it in half and gave half to my neighbor. I took the piece I kept and planted it in a different spot. Originally it was located in the front garden by the street, I had no idea it was going to get 8' tall. I moved it into the side garden and closer to the fence line. Now it is in a much better location.........It still reached 8' this year and again grew into a huge clump. The bees absolutely love this plant, all day long the flowers are buzzing with all types of bees and other insects. The nice thing about this variety is that you have so many small flowers at the same time. Once this plant starts blooming it continues into late fall. If you grow this plant you will need to do some kind of staking early. I purchased a 60" tomato cage and put it over it when it first started emerging out of the ground. The plants have gotten to wide that you do not even see the cage. A perfect solution with little work. Also keep in mind that this variety of sunflower is a perennial, most sunflowers are annuals.

An uncommon plant that occurs in NE Illinois, west central Illinois, and SW Illinois. It is adventive from the west in most, if not all, of these areas. It is possible, however, that Maximilian's Sunflower is native to a few of the western counties where it occurs in high quality natural habitats. Habitats include rocky upland prairies, hill prairies, ledges of rocky cliffs, areas along railroads and roadsides, and waste ground. This plant is more common in states that lie west of the Mississippi River. The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain clay-loam or rocky material. This plant appears to have few problems with pests or foliar disease.

USDA hardiness zone 3 to zone 8

Lilium Oriental Hybrid

2010-08-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

SUMATRA

One of the darkest red Oriental hybrids on the market, introduced by B & D Lilies in 2005. I purchased mine from Dancing Oaks Nursery this early spring and planted it out in the front garden in full sun by the street for all to enjoy. The upward facing flower color is scarlet red with a very thin edging of white. Since this is the first year for this bulb it reached the full height of 4 '. Not for shady areas, 'Sumatra' needs a sunny site for sturdy stems and the most intense color.

USDA hardiness zone 5 to zone 9

Fall Fireworks

2010-08-23T08:37:00.001-07:00

ANEMONE HUPEHENSIS

Japanese Anemone "September Charm"

I planted this in the side garden years ago where it does not receive a lot of sun. It receives most of its shade from the Clerodendrum tree, only very late in the day does it get direct sun. I treat it like a drought tolerant plant, it receives as much water as the other plants and it is one of the oldest plants in the gardens. It takes up an area about 5' to 6' wide and about 4 1/2' high. The flowering reminds me of fireworks, first the stock comes up high above the dark green foliage and then there are all these single little flower heads. Looks like a Roman candle going off. It is the perfect late summer/ early fall flowering plant.

Anemones are long-lived, fibrous-rooted perennials that are native to China. The base of the plant is a dark green clump, which produces leaves covered with soft hairs. The low foliage clumps look nice from the moment they emerge in spring until frost enforces their dormancy. Graceful, branching stems grow 2-5 feet high. They display a charming appearance that masks a tough constitution. Plantings can survive considerable neglect. They will appreciate a good mulching in climates where winters are severe. Plants are slow to establish, but spread readily if the roots are not disturbed. Varieties such as white blooming 'Honorine Jobert' and double flowered, rose-red 'Pamini' are excellent for cutting. 'Prince Henry,' a double dark pink, 'September Charm,' a single pale pink, which is planted here at the gardens, and 'Queen Charlotte,' a semi-double pink are all commonly available.

USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 8

Yum, Peanut Butter

2010-08-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

CLERODENDRUM TRICHOTOMUM

There are number of these trees in our area, a very popular deciduous tree in Portland and in our neighborhood. I have two, one in the side garden and one in the back garden. The gardens across the street have two and two houses over there are two huge trees. When these trees ramp up into full bloom during the late summer/early fall it is an intoxicating fragrance like Jasmine that lingers through the neighborhood. Then if you bruise the leaves they have the odor of peanut butter. Later in the season when the flowers are finished blooming the calyxes turn a showy red, and ultimately, bright blue fruit. For which the birds, especially the robins love to eat. Its a non stop show with these trees. Native to Eastern China and Japan. Will grow in full sun to part shade and to a height of 15ft. to 20 ft. One thing to remember is this tree will sucker freely and you could end up with more than you want if you do not keep them under control. The other common names for these trees are Harlequin GloryBower and Peanut Butter Shrub.

USDA hardiness zone 6 to zone 9

LOOK FOR MR. GOODBUD

2010-08-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

SEDUM "MR. GOODBUD"

I have dozens of sedums planted here at the gardens, remember drought tolerant. Sedums have that phrase as their middle name. I have large types like Mr. Goodbud from Terra Nova Nursery in the front gardens to small varieties that I'm using as ground covers. Now that is the perfect usage, ground cover. Helps to suppress weeds and keeps moisture in the ground.

Sedums are a large genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, members of which are commonly known as stonecrops. There are around 400 species of leaf succulents that are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, varying from annual and creeping herbs to shrubs that have water-storing leaves. Flowers tend to be in shades of pink, mauve, white, red and yellow that start out pale and deepen as they mature. Sedum flowers bloom only once; most late in the season. The bees absolutely love these plants.......No need for deadheading and they often look good right through the winter. After several years, the center of Sedum plants will show signs of dying out. Division is needed at that point, to keep the plant vigorous.

USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 9

Pink Ballerinas in the Back Gardens

2010-08-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

FUCHSIA MAGELLANICA/ MOLINAE

MAIDEN'S BLUSH

The first image that comes to mind for me is the movie "Fantasia". Very time I see Fuchsias in bloom I think of the tiny ballet dancers. I have a number of hardy Fuchsias in the gardens. I'm going to plant a few in pots this year and see how they winter over. I love to experiment to see how good plants really are. The problem is that a fuchsia is not a drought tolerant plant but I kind of baby them a little more than the other plants. I do have one planted out in the side garden under the Clerodendrum trichotomum, so far it has been okay. It stays a lot dryer out there than in the back gardens.

Nearly all fuchsia species come from the West Indies and Latin America, from Mexico and southwards. They are trees or shrubs with flowers borne singly or in racemes and bloom on new shoots. The wood is hard and the bark flaky. The hardiest species comes from southern Chile near the Straits of Magellan - Fuchsia magellanica - where the climate is damp and cool. Fuchsias grow in rock crevices and at the edges of forests where the soil is rich and well-drained. They also grow at high altitudes, the nearer the equator the higher the altitude, in misty cloud forests, cool but light. The magellanica fuchsias are the best winter hardy varieties that you can plant. In the wild, fuchsias are often pollinated by hummingbirds, but in Europe, it's mainly bees, bumble bees, and wasps. Wild fuchsia species are of a woody nature, ranging in their natural habitat from trees, such as Fuchsia excorticata, 30 feet or more high, to prostrate, creeping plants such as Fuchsia procumbens with small, petal-less, yellow/green/brown flowers. The majority are vigorous shrubs, found on high, rain-drenched, moisture laiden mountain slopes in the Andes or in dense, evergreen forests or jungles.

USDA hardiness zone 5 to zone 8

Echinacea "Double Decker"

2010-08-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

Very interesting variety planted in the front garden by the street for others to enjoy. Love the way it pops petals out of the top of the cone. A great plant for a drought tolerant garden. I believe I have a posting from a couple of weeks ago regarding Echinaceas.

Rosa "Madame A. Meilland"

2010-08-16T07:49:00.001-07:00

ROSA
"Madame A. Meilland" aka Peace

This Peace Rose is an original planting that was here when Will and I purchased Beech Street. Probably an original bush when it was first put on the market. I did not have the heart to remove it. It was so out of control, with a ten foot height and just as wide. I decided to spend a couple of years working on it to get it under control and getting new canes to come forth. The first year I removed about a third of the bush and the following year a little more like half. Now we have this beautiful rose bush with the most gorgeous flowers. Its a prize in the front garden.

Developed by French horticulturist Francis Meilland in the years 1935 to 1939. He had no name for it in the beginning, but simply called #3-35-40. When Meilland foresaw the German invasion of France he sent cuttings to friends in Italy, Turkey, Germany, and the United States to protect the new rose. It was undoubtedly the most beautiful hybrid tea rose anyone had ever seen. The rose became known as 'Peace' in the following way. Early 1945 Meilland wrote to Field Marshal Alan Brooke (later Viscount Alanbrooke), the principal author of the master strategy that won the Second World War, to thank him for his key part in the liberation of France and to ask if Brooke would give his name to the rose. Brooke declined saying that, though he was honored to be asked, his name would soon be forgotten and a much better and more enduring name would be "Peace". Over 100 million plants have been sold since the end of WWII.

USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 9

Daylilies Of The Unknown

2010-08-15T17:26:00.001-07:00

Have no idea what these varieties are but I love the colors. The burgundy flower came from Gail Austin, she did not know what the name of it was. The bottom photograph of the red flowers I received from a friend about 15 years ago. Wanted to share the flowers.........

Lilium paradalinum

2010-08-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

LILIUM PARADALINUM

Known as the panther lily or leopard lily this native of Oregon and California is a vigorous, clump-forming, rhizomatous true species lily, with strong stems bearing whorls of elliptic deep green leaves. Where it usually grows in damp areas. Typically it grows to about 3' to 3 1/2' tall, but known to reach 5' to 8'. The flowers are Turk's-cap shaped, red-orange, with numerous brown spots, usually flowering in mid summer to late summer.

I have a small group of these lilies back in the conifer area with the Lilium wigginsii. The colors are so rich and vibrant with the blending of the red, orange and yellow. I love the way the petals curl back and expose all the colors and spots. Another wonderful addition to grow here in a Great Pacific Northwest garden.

USDA hardiness zone 5 to zone 8

Cistus- Worthy Shrub

2010-08-11T22:27:00.001-07:00

CISTUS SALVIIFOLIOUS

CISTUS CRETICUS

CISTUS PURPUREUS

Perennial flowering shrubs containing about 20 species found on dry or rocky soils throughout the Mediterranean region, from Morocco and Portugal thru the Middle East, and also the Canary Islands. 4' x 4' or smaller evergreen plants with showy 5-petaled flowers ranging from white to purple and dark pink, in a few species with a conspicuous dark red spot at the base of each petal. With its many hybrids and cultivars it is commonly encountered as a garden flower.The name Cistus is from the Greek for "Box," alluding to the square shape of the seed capsules.

I have been a fan of Cistus actually the whole rockrose family for years. Some of the best drought tolerant plants that you could ever plant in your gardens. I planted the Cistus salviifolious in place of the wonderful Matilija Poppy that I always wanted. There is a poppy planted down the street and that plant gets out of control. The number one need is lots of water, SORRY. I came across the salviifolious variety (first photograph) and stated on the tag that it is a substitute for the Matilija Poppy if you were wanting that style of flower. Worked for me........Include any of the rockroses in your gardens, they will not let you down.

USDA hardiness zone 6 to zone 9

Got Common Milkweed?

2010-08-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

ASCLEPIA SYRIACA

I have planted this in hopes of attracting butterflies in the following years. I will be adding a few other varieties this fall for added color such as red, yellow, orange. The syriaca variety is okay, but not much of a bang for the buck. Odd little flowers, common is not the word I would not use.

A herbaceous drought tolerant perennial plant native to most of North America east of the Rocky Mountains contain a variety of 76 species. Plant in full sun to light shade and a bloom time from August to September. Flowers are a pink to lilac color. A favorite nectar source for butterflies and are host plants for caterpillars including Monarch butterfly larva.

USDA hardiness zone 3 to zone 8

Allium -Latin For Garlic

2010-08-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

ALLIUM STELLATUM

Allium, an interesting group of 750+ plants that are grown for decoration and cooking. Most grow in temperate climates of the northern hemisphere such as Asia, but there are a few that grow in Chile, Brazil or tropical Africa. Species grow in various conditions from dry, well-drained mineral-based soils to moist, organic soils; most grow in sunny locations but a number also grow in forests, or even in swamps / water. They vary in height between 6" to 6'. The flowers themselves come in a wide range of design as well as a great palate of colors such as purple, pink, maroon, red, white, blue, and yellow. The basic varieties of Allium that we are familiar with are garlic, onions, chives, shallots, leeks, and scallions.

I have planted a number of different varieties and have them blooming from early Spring to late Summer. The plants that I have chosen for the gardens are mostly the Mediterranean varieties due to the drought tolerant conditions here at Beech Street Gardens. If you have the opportunity to add them to your gardens DO..........They are a very delightful plant, Allium vineale, Allium siculum, and Allium christophii are just a couple of others that are a great addition to any gardens. They are truly showstoppers when in bloom. The Fall is the best time for planting. When you are picking out your other bulbs for planting this Fall add a couple of Alliums just for fun. You'll wish you had planted more.

USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 10

Species Lilium wigginsii

2010-08-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

LILIUM WIGGINSII

A very pretty species lily that is growing in the back garden in the conifer area. Looks perfect up against dark green fir trees. A rare, little-seen lily from the Siskiyou Mountains of northern California and certain areas of Oregon where it grows in bogs and under redwoods.
The stems can reach 3' to 3 1/2' and flowers that are about 3" in diameter. Several hanging turkscap flowers of pure yellow, with little orange-brown spots all over the inside. The upright leaves clothe the stem. Lilium wigginsii takes partial shade to full sun in the north, give filtered shade in the south. In the garden keep the bulbs on the dry side and the roots damp for best results. In cold areas try a thick layer of mulch to protect the bulbs from freezing in the winter.
Naturally these beauties grow in streams with the bulb sitting above the summer water level and the roots down in the water. When the streams run high in winter the bulbs are often totally covered with cold but not frozen running water. They find places in the streams where rocks or tree roots keep them from washing away in winter storms. The seeds fall down into the pebbles and stones of the creek bank and take root.
If you are new to growing species lilies give Lilium pardalinum and Lilium pardalinum subspecies a try – I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

USDA hardiness zone 5 to zone 10

New Fountain For The Back Garden

2010-08-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

I just purchased this new fountain for the back garden. I placed it where the big water bowl was, but of course I had to remove a 10' fir tree first. I really do not care about the tree it was starting to crowd out other things I like better. I love the fountain, it has a great sound, and I know the birds are going to enjoy it. Now I need to get some new plants to put around it. The bowl of the fountain is just a little over 24" and about 8" deep. But not to worry, the big water bowl was placed closer to the patio. I could never get rid of it, its where the frogs hang out at during the Spring. Remember to add water features to your gardens, all the creatures need that special attention. At this time there are 4 fountains, 5 birdbaths, and 2 large water bowls here at Beech Street Gardens and there is room to add more.

Please visit...................

2010-08-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

I have started another blog Death Valley Shack. It is where I will now post information and photographs of the succulents and cactus that live in the greenhouse here at Beech Street Gardens. I hope you stop by for a visit.

White Lilies and Wisteria

2010-07-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

WHITE ORIENTAL LILIES AND WHITE WISTERIA

What a nice combination, the oriental lily is "Garden Angel" from B & D Lilies in Port Townsend, Washington. Height about 4' and wonderful fragrance very similar to Casablanca, but blooming a couple of weeks earlier. The white wisteria is a tree form that I purchased from Portland Nursery a number of years ago. When it blooms its a big pompom of white cascading flowers on racemes about 1 1/2 to 2 feet long. At the time I planted it in the middle of the backyard, now it is in the middle of the back garden which can be viewed from the house and patio. The evening fragrance is amazing, this is the second blooming this year and there should get at least one or two more rushes of blooms before the end of the season.

Garden Angel Lily
USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 9

Wisteria Tree
USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 9

ORIENPET LILY "Scheherazade"

2010-07-29T06:52:00.001-07:00

SCHEHERAZADE LILY

Another Orienpet lily that came into bloom here at Beech Street Gardens a couple of days ago. This was the first Orienpet lily created by The Lily Garden in Vancouver, Washington that can be found all over the world. I purchased the bulb from an event Garden Fever had sponsored about three years ago. This year the flower stock is 8 1/2' to 9' tall with at least 15+ blooms on it. I noticed yesterday there are five baby stocks that have come up around the mother plant. All of them are about 1 1/2' tall and have a single huge flower bud. More lilies.......... These fragrant flowers are dramatically curved at 6", a deep red edged in gold, shading into white with the throat showing the same color pattern. It is planted in full mid-morning sun and transfers into partial afternoon shade.

USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 10

Garlic

2010-07-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

GARLIC FLOWER HEAD

Garlic is a member of the allium family which also includes leeks, shallots and onions. Individual cloves act as seeds. The bulbs grow underground and the leaves shoot in to the air. Although garlic is traditionally thought of as a Mediterranean ingredient it is also grown successfully in colder more Northern climates.
Garlic is a very friendly plant and grows well planted with other flowers and vegetables. I have a group that grows in the flower bed by the patio, they were there when Will & I bought our home. I never have dug any up, I like them for their ornamental value. The flower heads are about 4" across and stand at about 6'.

USDA hardiness zone 6

HEMEROCALLIS "LADY LUCILLE"

2010-07-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Once again, I have a great daylily blooming in the gardens called Lady Lucille. It is planted out in the side garden by the street for all the world to enjoy. This plant that was in the back garden last year and not viewed very much. Nice large plants full of flowers and oncoming buds. Flowers are 6" of intense, deep orange petals darker than sepals, with a deeper orange blush extending from the throat and a prominent whitish yellow midrib. The plant stands at 26" and bud loaded scapes at 32". This variety is known to rebloom later in the season.

USDA hardiness zone 1 to zone 11

ORIENPET LILY "Silk Road"

2010-07-21T08:07:00.001-07:00

ORIENPET LILY

An Oriental lily with garden persistence, heat tolerance and

color of Trumpet and Aurelian hybrids

This is one of the most wonderful lilies I have planted at Beech Street Gardens. I purchased a single bulb from The Lily Garden three years ago located in Vancouver, Washington and now have three 6' stocks of fabulous flowers. I planted it next to the patio where the evening air is heavy with fragrance that is divine. The color is outstanding, huge white flowers that are about 7" across with deep, intensely crimson pink throats and secondary buds on the stems that extend the blooming time. Click on the link above and take a look at the wonderful selection of lilies this Pacific Northwest grower offers.

USDA hardiness zone 5 to zone 9

CLEMATIS "Queens of the Gardens"

2010-07-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

The Clematis, the "Queen of the Gardens" and the "Aristocrat of the Climbers". I have a number of them at Beech Street Gardens and at any given time or season of the year there is one in bloom. The Clematis is an outstanding plant for flower color, size, shape and petal count. But the Clematis is not limited to being a climbing vine, I have two varieties that are a shrubby style in the back gardens. What a surprise when guests learn that they are looking at a Clematis.
What do you mean that you have not heard of a bush Clematis?

USDA hardiness zone 4 to zone 11

CLAIR Du LUNE

Clair du Lune is an outstanding show-off, I have it in the far east garden where it gets no afternoon sun. This way the flowers stay true to color and do not fade during the day. White with a dusting of lilac, darker stripe running down the center of the petal, and ruffly single flowers at 7" across.
This variety grows 8' to 10'.

HAKU OOKAN

What can I say about Haku Ookan, nothing about the color except gorgeous . This is the second blooming this year, it took up residence in a pot on the patio where it has lived for three years. It is a smaller variety growing about 6' to 8'.
The flowers are about 5" wide.

HEMEROCALLIS PARADE

2010-07-14T08:10:00.001-07:00

RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE

ORCHID CANDY

LITTLE GRAPETTE

Now that the weather is on the warmer side, the plants are out of control. There are flowers everywhere, the daylilies are the biggest show in the gardens right now.

Raspberry Smoothie is a small variety in the very back garden with Long Stocking, the plant is 24" to 28" high, scapes about 32" and the flowers are 4" wide. Deep rose pink with white and a rich chartreuse green eye.

Orchid Candy, this plant also a small variety located in the front garden came from Gail Austin, about 20" to 24" high, scapes at 26", and the flowers are on the smaller side around 3" wide. The colors are amazing, pastel pink with the center ring of delicious boysenberry and that great chartreuse green eye.

The last photograph is Little Grapette located in the back garden where you can view it from the yard or patio, a gift from my good gardening neighbors Steve & Patty. This plant is a dwarf variety, but the only dwarf part of the plant is the flowers. The plant stands at 22" to 24", scapes at 28" and the flowers are only about 2" wide. A wonderful rich purple color with a yellow center.

I will have more postings in the next week. I have a wonderful orange variety called Lucille that I want you to see. A great orange with 5" flowers.
Its outstanding.........till then, get dirty in your garden.

USDA hardiness zone 1 to zone 11

HEMEROCALLIS "Long Stocking"

2010-07-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

This has become one of my favorite daylilies in the gardens, "Long Stocking" a spider variety. Beautiful deep coral rose with a golden yellow center. The plant is on the smaller side, 28" to 30" high, scapes at about 36" with 7" to 8" wide flowers. I decided to move it this fall, I have it in the back garden and it needs to be closer to the house to enjoy it more.
Daylilies are a very important plant to include in the drought tolerant garden or any garden. Once established they are quite an amazing plant, taking full sun to partial shade. There are two main types: evergreen and herbaceous. Evergreen best suited to warm climates and herbaceous for colder. With over 60,000 cultivators to date there is a color, size, and flower shape for any spot in your garden. I trim my daylilies back to about 4" from the ground as soon as the entire plant is done blooming. Something I was taught by a good friend, Gail Austin a great daylily hybridizer here in Portland. She has since retired, but still has one of the most gorgeous gardens I have ever seen. It is partly her fault that I decide to change our gardens around, which meant that most of the grass was going to have to go.........I'm glad that happened. Include daylilies into your gardens, the flowers are amazing, a new one each day.

USDA hardiness zone 1 to zone 11

Opuntia erinacea var. columbiana

2010-07-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

This Opuntia was planted in the front garden in the cactus bed three years ago. The flowers are a beautiful golden yellow with red centers. It originally comes from the Hills Canyon of northeast Oregon with several other Opuntias. Classified a mixed blood, it is adorned with white and golden spines on clumps. Grows 6" to 8" in height and a space about 3' wide. Opuntias like full sun, sharp drainage (lots of pumice), and the occasional summer thunderstorms.

USDA hardiness zone 5

Echinacea

2010-07-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

ECHINACEA PARADOXA

Bush's Purple Coneflower

The Echinacea pictured above is a species plant that I picked up at a garden sale from one of the local clubs two years. It is an outstanding plant, about 4 foot tall X 3 1/2 feet wide and the yellow flowers are big at 4" across. A perennial native to Missouri, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

I have a number of Echinaceas planted here at the gardens. Late last year I purchased Tomato Soup, a variety that is true in color to its name. Looking forward to seeing it bloom this year. Pick up the August issue of Fine Gardening magazine, they have good article on Echinaceas. The great thing about this particular plant is the variety of colors, different petal shapes, and plant sizes. They are drought tolerant once established and do not like having wet feet. I always mix a good amount of pumice in when I'm planting.

USDA hardiness zone 3 to zone 8

Bloom in the Death Valley Shack

2010-06-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

Epiphyllum / Orchid Cactus

This is not one of my favorite cactus that I have, but it is very free growing in the greenhouse and I do not have to do to much to get it to bloom. The flowers are a very beautiful shade of pink and about 8" across. It was given to me from God only knows.....
But I have never had the heart to get rid of it. The flower in the top photograph is the flower from five days ago and the flower on the bottom is todays flower. Which is the bud in the top.

Miniature Dwarf Bearded Irises

2010-05-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

They are perfect for the border edge..........coming in just as many colors as tall bearded varieties and only a height of 2" to 8". I have a number of different colors through out Beech Street Gardens. Drought tolerant when established, this is not surprising since some of their ancestors were originally collected on the rocky cliffs of eastern Europe and western Russia. Cold winters are another environmen- tal need for dwarf irises; in fact, the colder the winter, the greater the numbers of flowers for most of these plants.

These irises will grow in more shade than the bearded irises that bloom later in the season. Perhaps that is because they bloom before tree leaves emerge.The ones pictured are Cocoa Pink at the top, Baby Blu in the middle and Kiwi Slice at the bottom.

USDA hardiness zone 3 to zone 8

Pacific Coast Irises

2010-05-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

First off the tadpoles have hatched, that was a few days ago. Not to bad, it took about two weeks. When they get a little bigger I will try to take a picture, they are soooooo tiny. The Pacific Coast Irises are blooming in the gardens. Being a Pacific Coast native they are perfect for the Pacific Northwest drought tolerant garden. Thanks to growers in California and Oregon, we now have a lovely array of iris cultivars known as the Pacific Coast hybrids (PCH). Blossom colors can range from white to light lavender to deep plum and a standard height of 18". Compact, lancelike foliage is glossy, evergreen, and pest resistant. These irises enjoy deep watering during the dry season; however, they are drought tolerant once established.

Frog nursery............

2010-04-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

Well, the frog eggs have been laid in the small water bowl. I'm not sure why the eggs were not laid in the larger bowl. Could be there are not enough plants. That's okay, I just hope that the raccoons stay away. The female has attached the egg sacks to a small red water lily and variegated bullrush. It's very exciting..........so there will soon be tadpoles!