Here’s another picture that shows contrasting forms and textures in the garden. In the center is a Cryptomeria japonica Gracilis’, backed by a clump of cast iron plant, Aspidistra sichuanensis ‘Spotty’. Rounding out the combination in the front is Alstroemeria psittacina ‘Variegata’
I snapped this photo of Agave geminiflora ‘Leaping Lizards’ last week, as we were bringing our tender, potted agaves in for the winter. When I gaze at this, I get the feeling that I’m either looking down on one of those three dimensional pinwheels, or an M.C. Escher drawing. The green form of this unusual
Agave desmetiana is a mysterious North American native century plant, hailing from south of the US border, toward the southern tip of Mexico. Experts still argue about exactly where, with some claiming its origin is Oaxaca, Yucatan, and Veracruz. Not only do we not know for sure where it’s from, but we don’t have concensus
Agave desmetiana – The elegant mystery century plant Read More »
Looking lovely in late August is the variegated turmeric ginger, Curcuma longa ‘Snowdrift’. Thriving in light shade, this amazing garden plant is obviously both ornamental and useful. Discovered as a mutation by plantsman Richard O’Brien, this amazing selection is late to emerge, rarely making a garden appearance before mid-June in NC. Our oldest clumps, planted
Snowdrift in Summer Read More »
We love our collection of camellias, but are aware that most people think of them primarily for their flowers. We think the foliage is almost as amazing, when the plants are well grown. There are quite a few with variegated foliage, which give added value to the garden when the plants aren’t in flower. One
In flower in mid-July is the rare, woodland crinum lily, Crinum moorei ‘Moore Stripes’. This is the only striped leaf crinum lily that we’ve found to be stable. Our only regret is that it doesn’t offset faster.
This Crinum earns its Stripes Read More »
For small gardens, we’ve long advocated a design philosophy of planting in drifts of one. Here’s a great portrait from the spring garden that demonstrated our philosophy, by combining Asarum nobilissimum, Impatiens omeiana, Trillium flexipes, Woodsia obtusa, and Aucuba japonica ‘Limbata’ in a way that uses textures, colors, and forms to make a pleasing vignette.
This combination recently caught our eye, where we planted the variegated tiger lily, Lilium lancifolium ‘Fukurin Fu’ in the midst of Clematis ‘Rain Dance’.
Looking absolutely fab in the garden now is the native dogwood selection, Cornus florida ’85 Carat’. You’ve probably never heard of this, because it hasn’t yet been commercially introduced. We acquired this in 2006, from former PDNer Jon Roethling (now Director of Reynolda Gardens), who discovered it on an Interstate 85 off ramp in Gaston
What’s Up Doc? 85 Carats, that’s what Read More »
Our Japanese maple, Acer palmatum ‘Geisha Gone Wild’ is looking rather dazzling this spring. This Buchholz Nursery introduction has amazing variegated foliage, purple with a red edge. Our plant has now topped 10′ tall after 12 years.
