Mater Natura Designs

Friday, August 5, 2011

THE GREENS

ARBORVITAE FERN

This time of year, when temperatures are scorching and leaves start to curl and brown, these serene greens caught my eye and I wanted to share them for you to try in your yard!

Also introducing a new feature to my blog... PLANT OF THE MONTH. Each month, I will feature a new plant. This month (August), I recommend:

FERN

Most are forest plants and prefer shaded, moist woodlands. Some of my favorite varieties of fern are: Aborvitae Fern, Christmas Fern, Southern Shield Fern, Japanese Holly Fern and Autumn Fern, seen pictured above. It is one of the few ferns with seasonal color variation. New spring growth emerges a blend of copper, pink and yellow changing to brilliant green in summer and then rusty brown in autumn. One of the best things about ferns is they continue to look lush and green throughout fall. Some of our best family photos were taken in November in the Fern Glade at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

And now for the rest of the GREENS:

HOSTA

Pictured is 'Guacamole'. The bright green leaves really pop in the shady environment it prefers.

LAMB'S EAR

Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet'

Groundcover of soft, thick, woolly leaves adds contrast to colorful plantings. Likes sun to light shade.

BALD CYPRESS

Taxodium distichum

A conifer with feathery foliage that turns an orange brown in fall dropping to reveal the striking cinammon bark for winter interest. Likes full sun and just look at how interesting these August cones are! Pyramidal tree that grows quite large (60 feet high and 25 feet wide). Likes wet sites.

CUBAN OREGANO

Plectranthus amboinrus

Have you seen this variegated plant mixed in containers all over the place? It has that "spiller" effect which contrasts nicely with purples, pinks and reds. When you rub the leaves you get that fragrant oregano smell. It is a tropical plant that loves partial sun and is tough!

I hope you enjoyed the greens as much as I do.

STAY COOL and check back in SEPTEMBER for a new PLANT OF THE MONTH!

Photos courtesy of Mater Natura Designs

Check out some cool photo entries at:http://project64colors.blogspot.com/

Monday, July 25, 2011

WATER LILY

On a recent trip to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the water lillies had opened in the reflecting pool. Floating, rounded leaves contrasted nicely with the showy blossoms against the inky, dark water.

Water Lily is the common name for Nymphaea, the botanical name. Lotus (Nelumbo) are also in the same family (Nymphaeaceae) as water lily.

Best suited for water gardens and ponds, they like full sun and there are hardy and tropical varieties. Tropical varieties should be used only if you are in the tropical south. Many selections are fragrant.

Water Lily can be planted from April to August - so if you are considering adding to your water feature, remember this time frame for these aquatic plants.