Knock-out Plants, Foliar Delights, Fun Names to Say and Some Behind the Scene Peeks

Ahh, yes.  Here we are at the Enjoy Centre.  The sweet scent of the greenhouse permeates the air as we meander through the aisles.  Every sense is on full alert.  The sights, the aromas, the soft humidity lingering in the air.....  And mingled in with that is the faint trace of baked bread scent in the air.  Tomorrow, I will show you the bakery with loaves so enormous you could have a cocktail party and have leftovers!

The sight of the intertwined trunks of these two trees drew me near.  

I've always had a penchant for the out-of-the-ordinary, especially in the garden.

When you visit the Enjoy Centre, and take a walk through Holes, be sure to take advantage of the public viewing area of the growing greenhouses.  

They are roped off, but you have a terrific view of the behind the scenes regardless.

What is so unique and mesmerizing is the watering system for the hanging baskets.  I am told the watering station is to the left in the photo, and the baskets are slowly conveyed along a track through the watering station.  It is something you just have to see.

Above is a close-up of the hanging strawberry planters.  

They too are watered using the same method as the previously shown flowering hanging baskets.

Are you ready for some foliar delight?  I can't decide which one(s) I want.  What would you choose?

I love the arrow shape of the foliage of these two 

Alocasia.  We found many "architectural" plants in this area that had me yearning to take them home.

 

Above, the houseplant greenhouse which we could view from the annual greenhouse.

If only I had the room!

Even when the leaf is dying, the Banana Maurelii is attractive with shades of red, yellow, bronze on the perimeter of the foliage.  I love that the underside of the leaves is wine/burgundy!  My favourite colours!

Wow!  I mean WOW!  This is a stunner!  A knock-out plant like this is perfect as the focal point, 

whether it be near the front door or to accent a feature in your garden,

 this Acalypha wilkesciana would be amazing!

Say this name a few times and you'll find yourself trying out other accents to accompany it!  It's catchy!  Consider yourself warned!  Both K and I had a few moments of fun with this one!

Some of the tomato plants already have fruit!  This year I am trying the yellow cherry tomatoes.  I forget their name at the moment, but I am definitely going back for them!  They are sweet and divine in salads and vegetable platters, or just for a snack.  K swears by them so of course I have to try them!!!

Until next time, when we visit the perennials, trees and shrubs area, 

take care and happy garden dreaming!

PS, despite my obvious love for all I have posted here, I am not in employ by the Enjoy Centre nor Holes.  I just love to showcase that which I enjoy, knowing you will love it too!!

There's a Nip in the Air and Conclusions

There is no doubt that it is officially autumn.  When I left for work this morning at 6 am it was only 2 degrees Celsius, barely above freezing.  There are quite a few barren-esk (I take the liberty to make my own word here) trees in the city already.  Rumour has it it is more to do with an abnormally dry fall than the temperatures or the decreasing day light hours.  

Maples are showing off their striking frocks, celebrating the briskness of the air, while the Pink Diamond Hydrangea is now truly pink.  The peonies leaves are vibrant in red and the deep purple of the Schubert Chokecherry is a strong contrast juxtaposed with the yellow foliage of the neighbouring trees.  It is beautiful, no doubt, as every season has its beauty.  Last week we had day time temperatures near and just above 30 degrees Celsius.  Today it is only 18 with a strong cool wind, another contrast that marks the change of seasons.  To everything...turn, turn, turn.......

While you are here, please be sure to drop by for a visit with Glenda at Tootsie Time to see what's new in her neck of the woods as she hosts Fertilizer Friday/Flaunt Your Flowers.

In case you were wondering, my Endless Summer Hydrangea did not flower this year though it grew to almost double its size of last year.  As you may recall I moved it to a sunny bed where it grows luxuriously, though it wilts during the heat of the day.  Perhaps next year will be the year it decides to bloom again.  Fingers crossed.

Paper Pots Product Trial Update:  I found this to be a satisfactory planting solution for my Lemon Boy Tomato.  The plant grew tall and healthy, produced a few good tasty fruit, and is still going strong.  If it weren't for the tendency to retain moisture, which isn't a good thing when you are beating rainfall records, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.  If it holds up, I will try it again next year but will add a few drainage holes to see if it works better.  All in all, I was pleased with this product.

Flowers Are Nice But............

A variety of foliage plants can really bring a landscape to a new level.  Do you recognize these?  Above is a Black Lace Elder leaf juxtaposed against a peony leaf.  (looks like my peony needs iron).

Do you recognize the foliage in these photos?