Friday, May 30, 2014

Viburnum


I have a number of different types of Viburnum in my garden. One has bloomed already but the other 3 are in full bloom now.

Viburnum opulus (Snowball Bush) is a large shrub growing at least 10' by 10'. It is hardy to Zone 3. It's extremely versatile - it will grow in pretty much any type of soil and doesn't mind sun or part shade.




The flower heads are dense but not fragrant. When the blossoms start to fall apart, it looks like there's confetti on the ground.


Very close by the V. opulus, I have Viburnum plicatum 'Popcorn' (Japanese Snowball). This shrub has nearly identical flowerheads, but is much smaller in size growing 5-8' high and 4-7' wide. It grows Zones 5-8.  'Popcorn' has strongly veined leaves which has, no doubt, prevented it from succumbing to a rotten little insect - the Viburnum Leaf beetle - which has eaten all the leaves from opulus in years past.



Doublefile Viburnum - Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Mariesii' - is one of the loveliest shrubs in my garden.



It produces white blossoms in May and obviously survives in deep shade (which is where mine is) but prefers sun to partial shade. The neatest part of this plant is that flowers bloom on distinct tiered horizontal branches. The leaves turn a lovely burgundy colour in the fall. Its a Zone 5-8 and grows 10-12' high and 12-15' wide.



The last Viburnum that I'd like to mention is the one that actually bloomed first! Viburnum x burkwoodii already bloomed in early May and is done.




Viburnum x burkwoodii grows well in full sun, Zones 4-8 and at full size is 8-10' high and 6-7' wide.
It is gorgeously fragrant and definitely one of the first delicious scents of spring.

Please check my food blog which features The (nearly perfect) Burger….:) Try it during BBQ season!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Malus moerlandsii 'Profusion'


We have a mature sized crabapple, Malus moerlandsii 'Profusion' on the front lawn.

This truly is its most magnificent time of year.



This crabapple grows 15-30' high x 20-35' wide. It grows well in Zones 4-8 and requires full sun. It prefers well-drained loam but adapts to a range of soils. We have clay.


We're a bit late this year, but usually in early May, the tree becomes covered with fuchsia pink blossoms.



Bonus! They are FRAGRANT blossoms :)




Flowers are followed by bright red crabapples that mature in fall and may even last through the winter.

Please check my food blog: the latest post is for Light, Fresh Cobb Salad.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Early Spring


Bergenia cordifolia

Sunny warm SPRING just doesn't seem to want to come to Ontario. Today, May 17th, it's 7C outside. Last summer on this same long weekend it was 26C.

WHAAAATTT????

Grumble grumble sad face.

But Mother Nature always seem to come through anyway. I really can't believe how things are getting green and plumping up despite these unseasonable temps.


Climbing Hydrangea


Ladies Mantle - Alchemilla mollis


Magnolia tree blossoms


Scattered magnolia blossoms



Bleeding Hearts - Dicentra spectabilis


Muscari - Grape Hyacinths


Deep Fuchsia Tulip


Red Darwin Tulips


Dandelion (!) (weed)


Red Twig Dogwood


Serviceberry - Amelanchier canadensis



The garden really is changing for the better, despite the weather. Let's just hope for warmer temps soon!

Please check my food blog - one of the latest posts was for Lasagna and the newest is for Zucchini Bread.