SPRING HAS SPRUNG
By Christin Bryk
April 23, 2016
NewsWithViews.com
After a long winter it feels good to welcome spring as we have increased daylight and warmer temperatures that trigger plants to come out of dormancy and start their cycle once again. The signs of plant life refresh our senses and brings fourth gratitude for the spring season and the bountiful harvest that lies ahead.
There are many flowering trees in bloom that are exquisite this time of year. It seems that most of them currently in bloom share a common interest that the flowers emerge before the leaves which gives them greater impact of color. The flowering cherries grace us with their abundance of delicate flowers all throughout Oregon.
The akebono cherry (Prunus x yedoensis ‘Akebono’) has an upright spreading habit. The multitude of soft pink flowers in bloom and very pronounced covering the branches of the tree before the leaves unfold. This variety of flowering cherries line Portland Oregon’s riverfront park along the Willamette River and are breathtaking at this time of the year.
Kanzan cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kanza’) is a spectacular double deep pink flowering cherry that is noted to be one of the best ornamentals of the flowering cherries. This tree is the perfect choice as a specimen in the garden. Kanzan cherries have a limited lifespan up to 25 years, but is well worth the beauty it has to offer. We have a large specimen next to our office and look forward to spring to enjoy the stunning flowers it produces.
Krauter vesuvius purple leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’) is covered with light pink flowers that have darker purple stamens in the center. After the blooms dissipate the tree is covered with dark purple foliage, which provides a wonderful accent to the landscape. This variety seldom fruits which makes it a great choice for a low maintenance flowering plum to have in the garden.
The flowering pears (Pyrus calleryana) are in full force throughout the City of Grants Pass. This pyramidal tree makes an excellent shade or lawn tree in the landscape. It is often seen lining streets and sidewalks. The abundance of white clusters of flowers emerge early in spring and is very showy. The foliage is dark glossy green and changes to an impressive redish purple color in fall.
Royal star magnolia (Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star’) has a multi trunked, open branched rounded habit. Early spring the branches are covered with large double white fragrant flowers. This magnolia would be the perfect choice as a specimen or tucked into a shrub border to provide a blanket of white flowers in early spring.
There has been an abundance of shrub color throughout the surrounding landscapes. The flowering quince (chaenomeles speciosa) have been on fire with the intense shades of scarlet red that is in bloom. This plant may be used as a hedge, screen or specimen in the garden.
The bright yellow flowers of the forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia) covering graceful branches is hard to miss. This plant is low maintenance and deer resistant. The forsythia is named after William Forsythe a Scottish Botanist that was a head gardener and founding member of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Rhododendrons are a great choice to add some spring color combined with evergreen interest to the garden for year round structure. There are many varieties that have different growth rates and colors to choose from. Rhododendrons are a perfect addition to a woodland garden setting, foundation plantings or in a mixed border. Edith Bosley rhododendron has an abundance of dark deep purple flowers that are gorgeous.
Bergie Larson rhododendron buds emerge red, as they open they transform into a light orange flower that has speckles of red. This color is magnificent to have in the garden.
|
|
PJM Rhododendron is very durable and stands up to heat. The lavender-pink blooms cover the shrub in early spring. It works well in warmer areas of the garden. The green foliage transforms to a mahogany color in winter which adds winter contrast to the garden.
Now that spring has sprung hopefully you can enjoy the beauty these plants have to offer in our surrounding landscapes. We are truly blessed with the climate Southern Oregon has and the gorgeous scenery that surrounds us for all to enjoy.
© 2016 Christin Bryk - All Rights Reserved
Share
This Article
Christin is the owner of PenniesWorth Acres Nursery & Mountain View Landscaping and has been part of the landscaping industry for over 15 years. She finds a great passion in designing residential outdoor living spaces for her clients to enjoy. Using knowledge of both design and building techniques allows her to approach each project from both a creative and logical standpoint. Christin enjoys leading the transformation process, drawing upon all styles of design to create a space tailored to the end user and their families.
When she is not playing in her garden she enjoys volleyball, photography and spending time with her family, friends & animals. Christin and her husband Jedediah lives in the Grants Pass community and are both Hidden Valley High School graduates.
Website: PenniesWorthAcres.com
E-Mail: mountainviewdesign@gmail.com
