Shrubs

Fatsia Finally Flourishing

| Flower Roberts

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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Quince in a Fence

| Flower Roberts

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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Fatsia’s Freedom

| Flower Roberts

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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My Favorite Fall Color is PINK

| Flower Roberts

The changing leaves are spectacular in North Carolina right now. I love the yellows, the oranges and especially the reds; but the color I look forward to the most is pink.

While all the trees are showing off their leaves, my Jean May is showing off her blooms.

I enjoy views from below and above.

I planted it on the eastern side of our deck. This camellia has thrived in this spot for almost thirty years.

I walk to the railing and stick my head inside its branches. I must be careful. The bees love it, too.

I know from the many buds that ‘Jean May’ Camellia sasanqua will be blooming for weeks to come.

She is like an old friend who visits each fall. I look forward to the arrival of all that pink among the bright colors of fall.

‘Jean May’ Camellia sasanqua

This plant owns a part of my heart.

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My Fascination with Variegation

| Flower Roberts

I have put the brakes on acquiring new plants this summer.

But sometimes I cannot help myself.

I have this fascination with variegation.

When I spotted this ‘Spider’s Web’ Fatsia japonica, I snatched it up.

Despite the fact it will get much larger and need protection if planted outside in Zone 7.

All I could see was those leaves! Each is a different work of art.

The variegation changes as the leaves age.

It is evergreen, produces white ball blooms in the fall and makes black berries.

How could I resist?

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The Decorated Stick

| Flower Roberts

Sometimes I think nothing is going on around here

and then I look and realize I have been missing things.

My expensive stick ( Edgeworthia / Chinese Paper Bush) that turned into a lovely shrub over the summer has become a decorated stick.

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Its leaves have dropped to reveal silky white buds hanging down like holiday baubles.

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These glow in the morning sunshine.

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Things happen in the garden year-round in the south.

You just have to pay close attention to notice.

Flower

 

Ode to Jean May

| Flower Roberts

Every fall just as the days get shorter and the flowers start dying

a glorious angel appears in my garden.

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The season becomes brighter because of her blooms.

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Her name is Jean May.

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She is a Camellia sasanqua.

When the darkness of fall starts to dampen my spirits,

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Jean May comes to my rescue,

to remind me everything has its season.

I love Jean May with all my heart.

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She is a blessing.

Flower