We spent the weekend of November 11th up in Spokane attending my nephew's wedding (ask me how old that makes me feel, after-all I was there the day that kid was born). I was surprised to see my parents still had their traditional Boston Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata I believe) hanging on the patio...
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The next morning it was obvious the color was a bit off. They've been down to 17-F in Spokane already this autumn. Those temperatures make for unhappy Boston ferns.
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They also make a Cousin Itt look-alike from blue chalk sticks (Senecio mandraliscae)
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Hakonechloa ages gracefully, even with a bit of a haircut.
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Saxifraga umbrosa 'Variegata'
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Hellebore, already blooming!
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Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' always looks good in my parent's garden. I'm quite jealous.
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As does Bergenia.
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This right here is a family tragedy, the cement donkey with his cart as been a fixture in my parents garden since the 1970's. He started out in the garden surrounding the house I grew up in, and then moved here, to this garden, in the mid 90's. Poor guy isn't gonna make it through another winter.
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The colors were so vivid during our visit. Spokane can take on a a rather greige tone over the winter, it was nice to be there before that set in.
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I only know this as Oregon Grape, not sure which Mahonia it is.
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There are the grapes.
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Seasonal color from these Chrysanthemums blended right in. Not jarring like some bedding plants can be.
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Jarring, but fabulous, Japanese Barberry I believe.
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Another great vignette of Sedum and Bergenia.
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Yuccas are worth their weight in gold in a colder climate like Spokane (Zone 5-6 depending).
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Here Y. filamentosa 'Color Guard' is putting on a little pink for the season.
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Somehow my mom manages to grow Phalaris arundinacea var. picta (white ribbon grass) without it taking over.
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Here's my current "favorite thing" in their garden. Back in spring of 2016 I planted an Agave and an Opuntia here. On a whim, just for fun. I figured the Agave would be mush once winter came (it wasn't a particularly hardy species) but the Opuntia should have stood a chance of living on. Still it rotted. So sad. But wait! What's that?
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Yep, a year later it makes a rebound from the roots.
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Lots a spikes on that little guy.
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They're scheming on a little winter protection. Cute little thing deserves a chance, don't you think?
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Weather Diary, Nov 23: Hi 63, Low 46/ Precip .22'
All material © 2009-2017 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
The next morning it was obvious the color was a bit off. They've been down to 17-F in Spokane already this autumn. Those temperatures make for unhappy Boston ferns.
They also make a Cousin Itt look-alike from blue chalk sticks (Senecio mandraliscae)
Hakonechloa ages gracefully, even with a bit of a haircut.
Saxifraga umbrosa 'Variegata'
Hellebore, already blooming!
Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' always looks good in my parent's garden. I'm quite jealous.
As does Bergenia.
This right here is a family tragedy, the cement donkey with his cart as been a fixture in my parents garden since the 1970's. He started out in the garden surrounding the house I grew up in, and then moved here, to this garden, in the mid 90's. Poor guy isn't gonna make it through another winter.
The colors were so vivid during our visit. Spokane can take on a a rather greige tone over the winter, it was nice to be there before that set in.
I only know this as Oregon Grape, not sure which Mahonia it is.
There are the grapes.
Seasonal color from these Chrysanthemums blended right in. Not jarring like some bedding plants can be.
Jarring, but fabulous, Japanese Barberry I believe.
Another great vignette of Sedum and Bergenia.
Yuccas are worth their weight in gold in a colder climate like Spokane (Zone 5-6 depending).
Here Y. filamentosa 'Color Guard' is putting on a little pink for the season.
Somehow my mom manages to grow Phalaris arundinacea var. picta (white ribbon grass) without it taking over.
Here's my current "favorite thing" in their garden. Back in spring of 2016 I planted an Agave and an Opuntia here. On a whim, just for fun. I figured the Agave would be mush once winter came (it wasn't a particularly hardy species) but the Opuntia should have stood a chance of living on. Still it rotted. So sad. But wait! What's that?
Yep, a year later it makes a rebound from the roots.
Lots a spikes on that little guy.
They're scheming on a little winter protection. Cute little thing deserves a chance, don't you think?
Weather Diary, Nov 23: Hi 63, Low 46/ Precip .22'
All material © 2009-2017 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.