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I visited Puget Sound with the 2024 Garden Fling for the first 2 days (of 4). I thought I would post a few of my favorite pictures/moments, as I've not organized all my photos yet. From Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden. This blew my mind, not algae but a tiny fern Azolla covering the pond. I live in such a dry area, this was mindblowingly green. There was even a little sign warning people not to walk on the water.
Home to various scorched and messy areas in my own garden that need tending. The following is a mish mash. Because I had to leave some sprinklers set (106 Tuesday!) while I was away, I have several Tree of Heaven (or hell, really) sprouts coming up in the golden barrel area. Neighbor's tree, ugh.
And Troy from Waltizing Matilija had a close out sale on plants that were too large to ship. I made a quick trip out to Pittsburgh for 4 items. A back-up Hakea petiolaris, Brachychiton rupestris, Banksia prionotes and Banksia integrifolia. The prices were so good, I couldn't pass on the deal - most of them 6' tall! I have no idea where to put them, but will wait for it to cool down before I plant.
I need to go pull weeds! Hope you are feeling fine and your garden is thriving. ~Tracy
I took a couple of photos of that pond at the Rhododendron Species Botanic Garden too - it was something and the sign was a laugh (even if I suspect it was placed there for good reason). Sorry to hear of the slug and snail attack. Do you have raccoons? If so, they need to do a better job! It's the only thing they're good for in my garden. I love the Echinops.
ReplyDeleteThe sign did make me laugh, it wasn't quite THAT carpet like. We do have raccoons and skunks that are slacking on the snacking. Hope you're feeling better!
DeleteYou are truly a high-end gardener.
ReplyDeleteThat is a huge compliment, but I certainly don't feel that. I so wish I could focus, remember plant names-maybe think about design ? lol, but I love it nonetheless.
DeleteWe missed you, but a visit with Mom and Dad naturally a priority! The Echinops is choice, and you got some awesome plants from Troy!
ReplyDeleteOne of the highlights was meeting you! Yes, it was good to see my folks :)
DeleteGreat photos of very interesting plants!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lea.
DeleteSome beautiful scenes and plants! I'm so sorry I had to miss this year. Thanks for sharing some of the highlights!
ReplyDeleteThank you Beth, I wish you had been there!
DeleteUgh. I don't remember you mentioning Tree of Heaven before, but it sounds like this is not the first time it's invaded, what a nightmare.
ReplyDeleteYou ordered from Illahe! Good stuff (sorry about the slug/snail damage), I get to visit in person next week and I'm very much looking forward to it.
So glad you came to part of the Fling, it was great to meet you!
Ah, you are making the trip to Illahe - I'm very jealous of your roadtripping. I wish I had run into you more! And yeah, Tree of Heaven sucks.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear your neighbor has one of those terrible trees! Sounds like gardening keeps your parents doing well.
ReplyDeleteYes, thank you I feel so grateful my folks are still so active. That dang tree!
DeleteThat echinops fits in beautifully with your cactus & succulents. I so enjoyed meeting you and seeing your friendly face on our bus!
ReplyDeleteThank you Denise, I enjoyed meeting you as well!
DeleteHello, sending a hug... dealing with the heat I am sure can get exhausting.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carla, we're in a nice cooling now. At least for a bit ;)
DeleteBeautiful photos, and the tiny fern Azolla brought a smile. A visit with Mom and Dad and their garden is always a good thing.
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice to see them, full of energy!
DeleteI think all of us gardeners enjoy looking at something not common where we live and I love seeing plants from other points of view. Maybe one reason why this New York State blogger enjoys your garden. Except for the Tree of (not) Heaven. They are becoming more and more common here each year. My sympathies. And kudos to your parents I couldn't handle 40 more plants and I'm only in my low 70's!
ReplyDeleteThank you Alana, I fully agree with you - thrilling to see things I couldn't grow. And tempts me to test my zone. lol
DeleteI can see why they'd need a sign warning people not to walk on the water! :D
ReplyDeleteIt was so green & gorgeous!
DeleteIt was a very different gardening region for me to enjoy as well, coming from sun-baked Texas. I enjoyed your take on the Fling and hope to see you in Memphis next year!
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam, it was lovely to meet you! You were as warm and charming as everyone said you would be.
DeleteUn giardino di cactus e stagni è il massimo, si può mettere davvero di tutto in un posto come quello!
ReplyDeleteGrazie per le immagini!
Un saluto e una buona estate!
Yes, the best of both worlds!
Deletesì, il meglio di entrambi i mondi
I am so glad you are okay! I was surprised I didn't see you Lakewold that evening and didn't have a good way to get in contact with you. Thank you for being a most excellent bus buddy that first day. I had so much fun and it was super to finally meet you. I am finally back after 2 weekends away, knocked out with covid, and not able to get out into the garden to water after some more hot and dry temps. I'm sure I will have some of my own plant deaths to commiserate about soon, but in the meantime it's nice to revisit our Fling memories in between naps! I need to retry Echinops for some heat and drought color and that Stenocereus is stunning.
ReplyDeleteOh Noooooo! I hope you're feeling better, and getting lots of naps. I left again for a week, I've just returned and have so much to do.
DeleteIt's hard to come back to inland Norcal (especially in late July) from a PNW trip.That first photo is beautiful and really displays the the environment up yonder. It was great to meet you and I hope our paths will cross again .
ReplyDeletePS, I'm going to try growing Echinops ritro from seed next year-Johnnys has them. All of mine came from UC Davis Arb plant sale or Digging Dog. It's worth a try !
ReplyDelete