This gorgeous camellia is a favorite snack of our deer herd. I have been fencing it in and trimming it up to protect it.
New blooms appear for weeks through February and March. The flowers have perfect symmetry during all stages of blooming.
White by the Gate is one of my two Camellia “winter roses.”
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Edgeworthia is attracting the attention of pollinators with bright colors and fragrance.
It is a welcome sign that spring will arrive despite the present temperatures and threat of snow.
No worries. These fuzzy blooms can take the cold and ice.
I was glad to be home to enjoy this lovely shrub.
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How many hoops must I jump through to keep this shrub happy? Sometimes it looks like it is thriving and other times I must grab some clippers and cut off browning, misshappen leaves.
It is in a shaded corner, out of wind with moist soil. I cut about eight leaves off before taking this photo of the blooms. I know that is cheating/staging. Chill sticklers.
I fell in love with its variegated leaves. You can see why its name is ‘Spider’s Web’ Fatsia japonica.
Stay tuned for its black berries.
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If any of you have a clue about what is wrong by looking at the removed leaves, please message me.
My good friend, Cindy, has heard the call of the butterflies. Our winged friends need our help on their long journey across the state. More development means less weeds. This does not have to be the end of the story. Many folks in-the-know are stepping it up and planting the needed plants in their yards.
We all need to be aware that we can form a wildlife corridor for nature on the move. Carolina Cindy Nursery can help you be part of the solution in North Carolina by supplying you with the shrubs and plants that butterflies need on their journey.
This is a second calling for Cindy who helps humans as a nurse for her career. This butterfly passion is evident in her gardens which have themes, such as The Wizard of Oz and an ode to her late mother, Betty.
She has the heart of an artist, which is evident in her pottery, drawings and paintings.
She is busy perfecting her ‘She Shed’ with amenities for visitors. I wish I had that much energy and motivation. She is an inspiration.
Cindy is working on her website and Meta page. I predict she will be in full swing by spring.
As our environment gets changed by humans, we need to remember the wildlife that also call this place home. You will be rewarded by little wild friends stopping by to brighten your gardens.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565662502329
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This Fatsia has been babied a bit too much. I am bad about trusting myself in letting my plants to thrive on their own.
This shrub has been lollygagging in this spot for two seasons. I was doubting whether I had made a proper choice of placement until now.
The ‘Spider’s Web’ Fatsia has finally sent up a proper plume of new growth. The various patterns on the new leaves has reminded me why I gave it such a place of honor in my yard.
I am fascinated by variation in variegation patterns. These leaves are prime examples of this.
It has just earned its spot by the steps.
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I regret having to imprison my plants, but it is for their own protection. The local deer ate this shrub down to half its size last year.
That’s why its blooms are low to the ground. Quinces usually have a more open form.
This one is Chaenomeles, Double Take, Orange Storm.
Many plants are being moved to safer locations, but I am hesitant to dig up shrubs. My garden is going through a painful transformation due to the deer problem. It has been painful for the plants and the gardener.
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The Edgeworthia bush has perfumed the yard for weeks. Its dangling blooms are now poofy like pompoms.
This paperbush has been a joy and goes great with all the happy daffodils.
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This camellia is a super freak. It has thousands of buds on it.
I stand back and examine it in amazement.
Those pink flowers never disappoint.
Jean May works hard to please.
What a wonderful shrub!
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It is time to set Fatsia free in the garden. After a year of pampering it and potting it up, I finally believe it will be better off out in the ground instead of a pot. It has quadrupled in size.
It is an act of faith to put a plant in the ground. Is it ready? Is this the best location? Will it be beaten by weather or eaten by wildlife?
I must release my friend Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’ and hope it thrives among the Selaginella, Autumn Fern and Orange Epimedium.
A beautiful plant in a lovely spot.
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floweralley 