White Eastern Redbud

White Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis 'Alba'

(SER-sis) (ka-na-DEN-sis)

Synonyms: Canadian Redbud, Judas Tree

This tree’s name doesn’t really make sense because there is nothing red about it. The tightly crossed buds of this tree are a slightly greenish white and the flowers open to a pure white.

The white flowered form is much rarer than the pink/red flowering ones. Neither of these trees are what I call common although quite often they pop up unexpectedly. Red buds, in general, are what I consider a short-lived and weak tree that has a spectacular few weeks in the spring. Then they fade back in to obscurity for the rest of the season. They simply fall over or snap if not pruned properly. We have repaired several (with nuts, bolts, washers and wire) and had them live for several years after that.

Merry Christmas to all. Since I have kids now the season takes on a slight bit more magic and meaning to me.

Blue Columbine

Columbine

Aquilegia

(a-kwi-LEE-jee-uh)

This wonderful colored Columbine came up in a patch of seedlings. The mother plants have long since disappeared only being vigorous for a couple of seasons. I was happy to have it and hopefully it will seed itself.

It’s coming to the time of year where I gather up a lot of pictures for use during the winter. There could be pictures from any time of the year.

Cappadocian navelwort

Omphalodes cappadocica

(om-fal-LOW-deez) (kap-puh-do-SEE-ka)

"The little windflower, whose just opened eye is blue as the spring heaven it gazes at."

William C. Bryant

This is a nifty shade groundcover if you can provide the right moisture and light.

American Pussy Willow

American Pussy Willow

Salix discolor

(SAL-iks) (DIS-kol-or)

Wordless Wednesday

Phalaenopsis Orchid

 

 Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis

(fay-lay-NOP-sis)

Synonym: Moth Orchid

This blog defaults to Orchids so here are some black and whites I took earlier this year.

Phalaenopsis is easy to grow and get to bloom at home (click the label for more info on that). All the black and white photos on this blog are shot in monochrome and are not conversions.

Right now I am enjoying the mild weather and getting a lot of end of the season jobs done.

Kousa Dogwood

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Wordless Wednesday

Kousa Dogwood
Cornus kousa
(KOR-nus) (KOO-sa)