by hankinslawrenceimages | Mar 4, 2010 | Flowers, Malvaceae Family
Last summer I photographed several Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus Syriacus) flowers. Rose of Sharon are members of the Hibiscus genus and the Malvaceae family. Originally native to Asia, the Rose of Sharon are grown throughout much of the US. They are hardy from Zones 5B through 9A. In the summer, it produces large showy flowers on a shrub that grows to 8 to 10 feet tall. The US Forest Service has a wonderful PDF with information about growing Rose of Sharon plants.
One of the Rose of Sharon plants I photographed last summer was in the Cataloochee section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Adjacent to the Palmer House, this Rose of Sharon had flowers in multiple colors growing on the same plant.
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
I photographed a lovely purple Rose of Sharon at the North Carolina Arboreatum in Asheville. The flowers of the Marina Rose of Sharon were used in dye making.
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
And finally a wonderful white and red Helene Rose of Sharon photographed at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.
(c) 2010 Patty Hankins
by hankinslawrenceimages | Mar 17, 2009 | Flowers
On my recent trip to Brookside Gardens, I photographed a couple of gorgeous varieties of Freesia. Freesia are a member of the Iridaceae family and are native to Africa
The first variety I photographed was Blue Bayou – with wonderful purple flowers.
Blue Bayou Freesia (c) 2009 Patty Hankins
Blue Bayou Freesia (c) 2009 Patty Hankins
The second type of Freesia I photographed was Yvonne – with flowers in lovely shades of yellow.
Yvonne Freesia (c) 2009 Patty Hankins
The freesia were part of the Garden Elements display currently on exhibit in the Conservatory at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.
by hankinslawrenceimages | Mar 7, 2009 | Flowers
I spent a couple of wonderful hours at Brookside Gardens yesterday. I’d planned on just a quick trip to see what was blooming in the Conservatory. What I found was a riot of spring colors and flowers that make up the Garden Elements display in the North and South Conservatories.
I think this is the best show I’ve ever seen in the conservatories at Brookside. I spent about 90 minutes in the conservatories and then headed out to the gardens. In the gardens, the early daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops are starting to bloom.
Here are a few photos to give you an idea what the indoor display looks like in the South Conservatory (where Wings of Fancy will be starting in May).
(c) 2009 Patty Hankins
(c) 2009 Patty Hankins
(c) 2009 Patty Hankins
I’ll post photos of some of the individual flowers from the indoor display and the gardens later in the week. But in case anyone in the DC area is ready for a dose of spring, I wanted to let you know what you’ll find over at Brookside Gardens this weekend!
The Garden Elements exhibit will be on display at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland through Sunday April 12. The conservatories are open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission and parking are free.
by hankinslawrenceimages | Feb 1, 2009 | Photo Locations
One of the quieter spots at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland is the Reflection Terrace. Dedicated in 2004, it commemorates the lives of the victims of the DC area sniper attacks in the fall of 2002.
The memorial is located at the edge of the pond in the Japanese Style Gude Garden. In the spring, a flowering haigan cherry tree and daffodils surround the memorial.
(c) 2008 Patty Hankins
In the summer, it is surrounded by greenery.
(c) 2008 Patty Hankins
The terrace has three large granite blocks with information for visitors to the memorial. The first provides a bit of history about the attacks.
(c) 2008 Patty Hankins
The second encourages visitors to reflect on what happened and hope for a more peaceful less violent world.
(c) 2008 Patty Hankins
And the third lists those who lost their lives to the snipers.
(c) 2008 Patty Hankins
Next time you’re at Brookside Gardens, be sure to stop by the Reflection Terrace. It’s well worth taking the time to visit.
by hankinslawrenceimages | Dec 23, 2008 | Euphorbiaceae, Flowers
I spent a couple of hours visiting Brookside Gardens’ Colors of the Season display in the conservatories recently. One aspect of the dispaly that really caught my eye was the variety of poinsettia (euphorbia pucherimma) on display this year. Here are a few of my favorites that I photographed.
Snowcap Poinsettia (c) 2008 Patty Hankins
Cinnamon Star Poinsettia (c) 2008 Patty Hankins
Spotlight Marble Poinsettia (c) 2008 Patty Hankins
Monet Twilight Poinsettia (c) 2008 Patty Hankins
Prestige Red Poinsettia (c) 2008 Patty Hankins
Cortez Burgandy Poinsettia (c) 2008 Patty Hankins
The Colors of the Season display will be on exhibit at Brookside Gardens until January 4. If you get a chance, stop by and see all the wonderful poinsettias.
