Fucrea variegata

 

Nelumbo nucifera

 

Manihot esculenta 'variegata'

 

Musa 'Siam Ruby'

 

Caesalpinia pulcherimma

 

Highlights from Dallas Arboretum

I just spent a sweaty morning touring the Dallas Arboretum. What a great garden! We are trialling a number of our new varieties here and its a great garden to test heat and humidity tolerance. One thing that we do not see much of in Northern California are heat and humidity loving plants that thrive down here in Dallas.

 

 

Sisyrinchium Breeding - Japan

 

Ceanothus Tuxedo

 

California Natives arround the Globe

In my travels oversees its interesting to see how California natives are utilized in other parts of the world. Most of you are familiar with Ceanothus Tuxedo, a black leaf selection with lavender flowers in fall. It was discovered by Irish Nurseryman Pat Fitzgerald. Check out his blog.

http://fitzgerladnurseries.blogspot.com

Also, check out these sisyrinchium hybrids from a company in Japan. The yellow one is my favorite.

Gaillardia Trial

I can't believe its August already! Summer has been busy with travel and trade shows. Summer is also a great time to evaluate perennials in our trials. Each summer I plan a grow out trial were I acquire all the commercial varieties available of a particular genus. This year we compared Gaillardia, an ever growing genera with lots of new hybrids coming to market. Here is an overview of some of the trial highlights.