Pamela Phipps

This is a Coral Bark Japanese Maple up close.  You know my cell phone does not do it justice.

And here she is in her full glory.  Seems our colors are holding longer this year and I am very thankful for this.

Yesterday I discovered this tree on the edge of a client’s woods.  Because I had recently purchased one, I knew it was a Japanese Snowbell or Styrax Japonica.  And because it is showing such lovely fall color it was easy to see other hidden treasures!

Nearby were easily identified smaller versions with the same color and characteristics.  Babies!   I let the client know of my find and hopefully, I’ll be able to harvest these youngsters and provide my Master Gardener organizations and others with a beautiful, though small, plant.

So keep an eye out for those prizes.  And gather up this harvest next spring for sharing. 

Yes, we humans have enjoyed the warm days of October.  But our earth is dry from lack of rain.  Our trees, shrubs, gardens, and even lawns are suffering.  The stress will reveal itself over time.  Some of us have continued to drag out our hoses, especially to our newly planted or transplanted plants.

Today I am thankful for this steady, long-lasting rainfall.  It is just what we need.  What our earth needs. 

Even with messy deadheads, this is a pretty combination.  ‘Blue Horizon’ ageratum in the background and a shorter  magenta dahlia in front.