The amazing Western Red Cedar or Thuja plicata is one of our lovely green trees seen up and down the Pacific Northwest Coast and into our forests. If you are a native like me you have most likely seen it hiking, biking or even walking through a local park-they are that common.
The lovely greenery has an aromatic fragrance. The wood is commonly known to also be rot resistant so you will see it used in many shingles or cedar sidings throughout the PNW. This is lovely because they grow quite tall, up to 230ft and can be harvested for many different purposes.
When I was a little one we had many in our back yard that I enjoyed climbing-most likely scaring the hell out of mom. One thing I learned, being the little eco nerd I was, is the branches tend to get smaller and less thick as you go up the tree further and further. Of course too, is I had to bring mom a piece of evidence showing her I had made it to the top! Fanny packs were in style and I would get as high as a could on those very thin little branches and bring mom a piece from the top of the tree! Fun for mom, or rather I’d say scary indeed. Little did I know then is I would end up going to the College of Forest Resources at the University of Washington!
What a lovely, wonderful tree that has always had some “moments” in my life-maybe moms’ too : )
#westernredcedar
#treeclimbing
#econerd
#universityofwashington
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A large incredible species of SO many different varieties! In my yard currently, or most commonly in so many yards, I am seeing the the Black Eyed Susan blooming.
This variety is know as Rudbeckia hirta. If I have not already explained this apologies but the first part of the latin name in always the Genus in Latin and second part in know as the species. Genus, species. I am a mega nerd so if that doesn’t fly with many-apologies.
You most commonly see this plant as a wonderful dark green leaf, dark yellow petals and and big punch of black in the center, where seeds gather-which is also what it is named Black Eyed Susan. There are both annual and perennial varieties of this flower, but most commonly seen as a perennial species here in the Pacific Northwest.
Give them a try! They are very easy to grow and produce excellent color!
#sunflower
#yellow
#landscape
#rudbeckia
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Tis the season for the Mums! This commonly known plant is usually seen in garden beds next to Pansies, decorative Cabbage (interesting right?) and Asters!
The Latin name is Chrysanthemum (and so many more species as well) It comes in a wide variety of colors seen anywhere from pink, red, orange, yellow, and many more! Usually it is seen this time of year in orange (for Halloween decor) or yellow. If you see in the image there are many different sizes as well! They range anywhere from huge blossoms around 6-8 inches in diameter to 1-2 inches across.
In the garden they can be popular year round to actually keep bugs away! Because how pretty they are there is actually an apposing smell, pests really do not like that either. This is more so of a trick than treat or truth rather than dare.
Plant this amazing little joyful blooms year round in your garden to keep those bugs away! More blooms, less bugs!
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#mum
#happyhalloween
#trickortreat
#insects
#truthordare
If you like the butterflies, like in our last post, this is another great plant! Purple or white in color, happy meaning an excel large bush that can grow in size.
Commonly know as buddleia, or know in latin, this is a beautiful addition to any yard! It attracts not only butterflies but pollinators as well-and the smell is significant! If you look closely you can see the very small tiny, tube shaped flowers which hummingbirds can stick their nose down into because if the sweet sweet fragrance this bush emits.
This large bush can grow anywhere from 6-12 feet (producing 40,000 seeds) as a well maintained species able to come in so many beautiful colors! We do recommend keeping this trimmed back it can get a little out of hand if not properly trimmed, but hey it sure does smell great!
#butterflybush
#butterfly
#purple
#bush
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Sounds like LOX but it isn’t! This flower is said to have a meaning of harmony and balance, supposedly. There is less information regarding this flower but they are still incredibly popular and in modern times and is fragrant and incredible!
Phlox, derived from the Ancient Greek word meaning "flame," is known for its vibrant, intense flower colors. There are two popular types of phlox: the tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), which grows upright and blooms from July to September, and creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), which spreads rapidly to create a beautiful ground cover in spring.
Garden phlox is native to the U.S., from New York to Iowa and as far south as Georgia, making it a beloved wildflower in many regions. On the other hand, creeping phlox is perfect for covering slopes, filling spaces under trees, and adding color to your landscape.
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#phlox
#flame
#fragrance
#perennial
The chamomile flower, a member of the Asteraceae family, is as beautiful as it is meaningful. With its delicate white petals and golden center, it closely resembles the humble daisy but carries its own unique charm. Chamomile has long been a symbol of joy, peace, calmness, and positivity, making it beloved across cultures for centuries.
Beyond its charming appearance, chamomile is deeply rooted in tradition. In many cultures, it’s considered a symbol of good fortune, with the gift of chamomile flowers seen as a wish for prosperity and happiness. From rituals and remedies to recipes, this versatile flower has played an important role in history. If you want to relax, have a cup pf chamomile tea!
Today, chamomile continues to grow in popularity, not only for its medicinal and culinary uses but also as a favorite in floral arrangements. Its sweet aroma and soothing qualities make it a wonderful addition to any bouquet. Whether you’re gifting chamomile for a birthday, a romantic gesture, or just to brighten someone’s day, this flower is sure to bring a sense of calm and happiness to the recipient.
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#peace
#positivity
#calm
#chamomile
Violas (also known as violets)
Violas are resilient plants, thriving in damp, shaded areas, and even between tiles. They can be used in the early spring or even survive through our wet fall winters here in the Pacific Northwest! Look for them for sale, starting now, or fairly soon : )
With over 500 species, they symbolize humility and modesty, often associated with love and flirtation. The violet also represents love between women, inspired by Sappho's poetry. In Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream, its "juice" causes love at first sight.
Violas were prized by ancient Greeks and Romans for their beauty and even used in wine. Today, they’re edible and perfect in salads, while in perfumes, they add a playful, fleeting note. You can candy them as well putting them on cakes, desserts and anything else that needs a little POP of color!
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#violas
#flirtation
#love
#violin
The flower can symbolize victory in struggle, conquest and heroism. During WW ll, soldiers would wear them as a sign of victory and would be gifted them for overcoming difficult battles.
Orange, their blossoming color, is the color of joy and creativity promoting a sense of wellness and emotional energy shared by compassion, passion and warmth.
The flower is also edible and can be added to garden salads for beautiful colorful or used as addition to any meal. Why not jazz up that salad with some beautiful blooms!
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#nasturtium
#salad
#orange
#victory
Calendula, also known as Pot Marigold, Holligold, Bull’s Eyes, and Gold Bloom, is a true "Summer's Bride," turning its bright face to follow the sun. With strong Solar symbolism, this vibrant flower blooms all summer long, embodying warmth and light.
The Calendula flower is a symbol of warmth and simplicity. The flower is related to sunflowers and marigolds in the plant world having the same bright, cheerful colors in both orange and yellow. There are also many medicinal properties calendula brings such as reducing inflammation, improving skin hydration and many more!
In the garden, Calendula not only repels insects but also serves as a protective charm. Plus, its edible petals add a tangy flavor and a burst of color to salads and soups, letting you internalize its sunny energy.
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#edibleflowers
#heroism
#calendula
#orange
The cosmos flower, named after the Greek word kosmos meaning "harmony" and "beauty," symbolizes balance, peace, and love. With perfectly arranged petals, they reflect the order of the universe. Different colors carry unique meanings: red for passion, pink for a mother's love, yellow for friendship, and white for devotion. Native to Mexico, cosmos flowers are not just beautiful but also pollinator-friendly, making them a perfect addition to any garden or bouquet.
The word Cosmos does not always mean out in another universe, right?
Enjoy!
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#cosmos
#harmony
#pink
#love
Architecturally beautiful, these flowers are often used in fresh or dried floral arrangements because of their long-lasting, striking appearance. They symbolize endurance and can grow in sunny conditions and handle drought conditions.
Echinops, commonly known as globe thistle, is a genus of about 120 species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It gets its name from the Ancient Greek words 'echinos' meaning 'hedgehog' and 'ops' meaning 'appearance', in reference to its spiny, globe-shaped flower heads.Globe thistles are known for their unique, spherical, spiky flower heads that resemble a globe. The flowers are typically blue or purple, although some varieties can be white or pale blue. Globe thistle can grow from 2 to 4 feet high. They bloom in late summer. We love them because of their unique round funky shape.
Have a week of endurance and lots of love!
Dandy Blooms
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#globethistle
#echinops
#monday
Frankie was so excited and then SO exhausted. She loves to play at the beach and swim. Enjoy the last days of summer!
Dandy Blooms
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#dogs
#doglife
#summer
#beachday
