Fairy Blush Camellia

This little Winter flowering showstopper has been putting on quite the show since late January and it's still blooming. This variety is being grown as an espalier container plant and goes by the name of Camellia 'Fairy Blush'. With delicate, apple blossom coloured blooms you can see how it got its name. This variety of Camellia is very compact growing - reaching a maximum height and spread of 4 to 5 feet. It enjoys filtered sun and is doing very well under the awning by the men's locker room entrance. Give it a little water if the top 3" of soil get dry otherwise it's a very low maintenance plant and can stop people in their tracks to see such a delicate bloomer so early in the season. I'm a big fan!

March Treasures

I drove around the course today to to pick up odds and sods of interest. Lots of beautiful Spring blooms. (Left to right: starting at the bottom-  Euphorbia characias 'Tasmanian Tiger', Senecio cineraria, Hybrid Hellebore, Pieris japonica, Viburnum tinus 'Gwenllian', Yucca filamentosa 'Bright Edge', Forsythia x intermedia, Spirea japonica 'Goldmound', Narcissus, Tulip, Prunus serrulata, Photinia x fraseri, Magnolia x soulangeana, Hyacinthus orientalis, Vinca minor, Anemone, and Primula. 

Orange Libertia

There is a unique grass like plant that resides in the garden bed near the kiosk.  It's actually very closely related to the iris. Orange Libertia (Libertia peregrinans) is a perennial with bright orange evergreen leaves. It's a great compliment to silver or bright green plants. 

This New Zealand native grows by rhizomes and has leaves that reach up to 2 feet. It's a nice little pop of colour in the Westcoast Winter months. 

In early Spring, small white flowers appear on branched stems. You can see the dried remains of last years flowers in this picture. 

A great addition to most gardens due to it's easy going nature. It can handle sun or light shade and has moderate watering requirements. 

Spring is Coming

We are looking forward to Spring at Quilchena. Their are hints of it's upcoming arrival everywhere. I was exploring the garden surrounding the pond between #9 and #18 and came across a hopeful sign. The iris's were starting to awaken from their slumber and push through the decomposed leaf debris from last year.   What a beautiful sight!

An Annual Haircut

Last week, the Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' near the kiosk, got it's annual haircut. I cut the mass planting of ornamental grasses back before the growing season to allow for a flush of  fresh new growth to develop. It's short right now but will grow back to its original glory over the next few months.

January Treasures

I walked around the course yesterday collecting flowers, leaves and berries of interest. I was surprised how beautiful they were when I laid them out on paper. As dreary as it is out there today - beauty abounds.

Bulbs, Bulbs, Bulbs, BULBS

Tis' the Season to give and take. At Quilchena it is no different. We picked up a big shipment of bulbs from Van Noort last week and we want to give that to YOU wonderful members. We just ask that in exchange you bring a non perishable item to the office and Melissa or Kim will hand you a dozen bulbs. We have daffodils and tulips to choose from. Don't worry, it's not too late to plant them. If the ground is thawed, dig a hole and plant your bulb right side up and fill it with soil. That is it. It will be a little late at coming up but you'll get some glorious Spring colour in a few months. Please do share in this festive time of the year. The Food Bank can really use your help and we'd love to give back to you!