Thursday, October 19, 2017

Harbingers of Fall

It's coming up on the season here in the L.A. area that seems to resemble Autumn. There is discernable change in some of the plants that originate in temperate areas. That change can resemble the classic fall color change with vivid hues of orange, red, and yellow -or it can be a ripening and drying out that can look similarly spectacular. Above are cardoon plants whose flower heads have dried to create star-like straw-yellow seed heads. 
Another angel on the cardoon plants with their straw colored seed heads in the Herb Garden. 


Of course this is Southern California, and although we've renamed brown 'gold' to cope with the long (up to 9 months) dry season, just add a little water and flowering trees will do their thing here. The fabulous pink flowered Floss silk trees (Ceiba speciosa) reliably bloom just around world series time. This one is located just north of the cactus and succulent garden. 

Another view of the Ceiba speciosa located north of the Cactus and Succulent garden. Notice the karst river stone with viewing hole. 

One of our most impressive specimens of Ceiba speciosa stands just east of the gateway fountain and greets Arboretum visitors as the enter. It is a variety introduced by the Arboretum in the 80's called 'September Splendor'.

This really impressive patch of Japanese anemone is hidden somewhere between the Korean steeles and Meyberg falls. 


Right now is a great time to do some hummingbird watching. There are several different species clamoring for one of their favorite nectar sources; the Mexican sage (Salvia leucantha)


Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Around the Arboretum -Early October

Mushrooms (probably Agaricus sp.) 'flushing' near the administration building. 

Mexican sage (foreground) ; Rainbow gum (tree in the background)


Can you see the Freeman's maples starting to turn color?

Madagascar Moringa tree and leafless Plumbago. 

Looking north from the road in front of the Cafe. 


Yellow Golden rain tree flowers. 

Nandina domestica (Heavenly bamboo) turning bright red and orange for the fall. 

Ceiba speciosa (Silk floss tree). 

Bauer fountain. 

Bauer fountain. 

The Canada geese are back!

Followers