The Good, The Bad And the Novelty

The Good, The Bad And the Novelty

Some may think frilly tulips are gilding the lily at best
or in bad taste at worst

These frilly tulips conjure up images of toasted coconut on sickly sweet coconut cream pies

bringing a little kid-like joy and playful fun into the garden

Here is a gaping maw tulip that would scare me away if I was a bee!

It immediately reminded me of Star Trek (original series [of course]) the Doomsday Machine Episode. What do you think- can you see it? There is beauty in flowers that are blown; past their prime; on the verge of finished. But in this case, aside from the brilliant colour combinations, it was again how it brought a smile about scaring bees, and Star Trek episodes that made it beautiful.

Novelty is an essential attribute of the beautiful

- Benjamin Disraeli

Novelty is beautiful? Or is Ben saying the beautiful are novel and as the novelty wears off so does their beauty? Would impulse planting of these tulips soon result in regret as the novelty wore off? They arrive in early spring when we are in need of some cheer from the winter gloom. Tulips are gone soon having stood up cheerily to stormy spring gusts. So I think the smiles they bring won't wear off over the years, but would be enjoyed like a friend who often tells the same joke you know its coming and that expectation is what tickles you.

Gardens to See: Pictures from Glendale Gardens

Oberon in the Rhodo at Glendale Gardens

Glendale Gardens and Woodland at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific in Victoria British Columbia is a self described garden lover's paradise. In my opinion it reflects varying degrees of success (which is one of the things I like about this garden). It is really worthwhile becoming a member of this garden it has a lot to offer - check out the website.

Seed pod from the Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonica)

I like Glendale for ideas and to see the plants I want to use in my garden design as they would appear during different seasons and at maturity. Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonica) is a tree in my design plan that I got to see with no leaves and with only old seed pods on it and knew I loved it.

Rhododendron

Rhododendron

I am not a big fan of Rhododendrons. I take Rhodos on a one by one basis and make my mind up if I like them individually.

Rhododendron

Rhododendron

After getting to know this Rhodo, I think I like it; but I am not 100% convinced.
I know there are Rhodo fans who are wondering what the heck is wrong with me. And maybe they are right...


...Because I find these thorny things beautiful without hesitation


I took more pictures of decaying brambles than I did of Rhododendrons and other flowers at Glendale Gardens.


Which begs the question: What is considered beautiful and desirable in the garden?
To be continued...

Ferns Are Sexy

At Hatley Castle, a healthy walk from my house, there is an old fernery. The moss covered rockery paths and climbs are being re-discovered and restored. It is atmospheric in its dark, sunken grotto, with water gushing through heavy greenery. Right now a blood red rhodo is blooming amidst the wild setting. The Victorians were mad about their ferns, too.

It was a time when it was considered that studying the 'Natural Wonders of Creation' was an appropriate way of praising God. The study of flowers and other plants was considered to be fairly safe by the Church and could be pursued by mixed groups including men and women, whereas the study of animals was frowned upon as it might lead to embarrassing situations and 'unsuitable parallels' being drawn between the activities of animals and people!peterboyd.com

Ferns are sexy. The unfurling, striving, reaching primevial furry fronds in the dark, secretive atmosphere of the fernery. Very primal. I think those Victorians new it and were glad the church didn't catch on to it.