These Berries Didn’t Last!

Jo Ellen Roe August 7, 2013 0 Comments

Berries

Several years ago, we planted a serviceberry (Amelachier x grandiflora Autumn Brillance) in our front yard.

The serviceberry, an American native, is a  small tree of four- season interest. This  spring, it sported white  fuzzy  blossoms. These provided the red berries  that adorned the tree  in June. Now, in summer, the leaves are a lovely green, In the fall, they’ll turn a nice, glowing red to provide the autumn brilliance that gave the tree its name. In winter, the smooth gray multiple trunks will be a pleasing sight. Ultimately, the serviceberry will grow to be between 15 and 25 feet tall and wide. The berries are tart-sweet and can be used for cooking — if you get there in time. The birds may well beat you to the prize. ... Read More

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Two Is Better than One

Jo Ellen Roe August 5, 2013 0 Comments

Clematis times two

Pink and purple clematis look great together!

One clematis plant twining  up a support is lovely. Two  of complementary colors  twining up a single support  are even better. Especially  when, as in this photo, the  sweet rays of the late  afternoon sun light them up  so beautifully.

This is an easy thing to do. Simply choose two different varieties of clematis with complementary colors and overlapping bloom times. Plant one at each corner of a tower-type support in full sun. Mulch around the base, water well, and wait. For at least part of the blooming season, you’ll have a lovely sight like this one to enjoy.
The vines will twine in and around each other in their effort to get to the sun. They will create a design impossible to plan, but almost always quite lovely. Serendipity. ... Read More

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Early Morning Light Makes a Beautiful Garden Sight

Jo Ellen Roe July 21, 2013 0 Comments

Early morning light

Early morning rays of light make Serendipity Garden look especially beautiful. Photo by Chuck Roe.

One of the things that makes a garden beautiful is light. Early morning light, as in this photo, or late afternoon light, are the best. Back or side-lit plants look so much better than they often do in the straight hot sunlight of midday.

My husband was out in the backyard, on his way to taking our dog for her morning Frisbee fun, when he snapped this photo with an iPhone. Not much is blooming here other than the marigolds, but the garden looks mighty fine anyway, I think. ... Read More

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