A blooming Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is very popular at this time of the year. But its resemblance to the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) makes it confusing, not only to shoppers and gift-givers, but also to garden nursery staff members. A Thanksgiving cactus has very pointed, sharp-toothed, claw-shaped projections on its flattened “segmented stem edges” … Continue reading Thanksgiving Cactus Time
Considered the quintessential autumn flower, the chrysanthemum was first cultivated in China as a flowering herb and is described in writings as early as the 15th Century B.C. It was introduced to the Americas in 1798. The easy-to-grow, herbaceous perennials (Chrysanthemum indicum) can live for years in the New England area so long as they … Continue reading Chrysanthemums For Us!
The Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is a species of deciduous shrubs or small trees native to Japan, China, and Korea. Belonging to the Aceraceae family, they are renowned for their elegant beauty. Japanese Maple trees come in a wide variety of colors and leaf shapes. The leaves may start off green in the spring, transition … Continue reading Japanese Maple – A Symbol of Elegance
Early Fall video from October 11, 2023, at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum in Bristol, Rhode Island. Length: 2 minutes. The Van Wickles placed great emphasis on the landscape, particularly Bessie, who was an avid gardener. They hired Bristol author, gardener and landscape architect, John DeWolf to lay out the grounds. DeWolf based his over-arching … Continue reading Early Fall at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum
‘Diana Remembered’ is a medium sized hosta named after the late Diana, the Princess of Wales. As the photo shows, its leaves have begun to turn yellow and die back. Its blossoms have never appeared so late in the season – an October surprise for sure. Highly fragrant, the tubular, white flowers can reach 4″ … Continue reading ‘Diana Remembered’ Hosta – An October Surprise
