It's That Time of Year
Sidewalks of San Francisco
For a person visiting San Francisco from "The Great White North", one is struck not only the weather but also by the plant life that flourishes in this ideal mediterranean climate. I've just returned from a week in this lovely city, and again I was impressed by the quality, variety and creativity of gardening that I found there. In this post I am paying particular attention to the gardens I found in the front gardens which often overflowed onto the sidewalks and boulevards. Many of the plants that I saw there are the same that I grow outdoors and have to move indoors from November to April. And since the San Francisco plants are grown in the ground they are huge compared to my container grown collection.
Comments
As you know, we've had some sudden chilly weather lately, and I was protecting some of the Hellebores that have had their old leaves removed ( probably prematurely).
Interestingly, one of the Hellebores is a new hybrid called 'Jade Tiger' which for the last two years has started to bloom early and ends up being damages by frost. It would be interesting to know it's parentage, as perhaps one of them might be a little less than hardy in these parts.
Interesting comment on "Jade Tiger"'s possible provenance.
I see we are going down to 0c tonight, I'd better get out and cover up those hellebores!
I see you are a fan of the O'Byrne Helleborus as well! I too have 'Jade Tiger' and had mine bloom last Fall! I noticed this morning that another within the 'Winter Jewel' series, 'Cotton Candy' has two fat buds. Interesting to learn JT's parentage.
Yes I'm a fan of the Winter Jewels, in fact ,at our Hellebore sale last year, they made up the larger part of our stock.
I haven't been able to find 'Jade Star', but maybe it will be available this year. Also, I'd like to find some H. torquatus.