This Bud's For You

In a couple of weeks, I will embark on my 47th trip around the sun. That puts me at 188 seasons passed should I make it all the way around. You’d think the changing of the seasons would be blasé by now, but that couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Spring’s tiny buds have been gradually swelling and will burst open any day now, once again transforming themselves into luscious foliage and blooms. I never tire of this spectacular show. Maybe this post should be titled “Spring Spectacular.” 

The images below are just a glimpse of spring’s emergence at Sutherland. To commemorate it, I thought it would be fun to juxtapose the spring buds (photographed only one day ago) with their mature leaves. Enjoy the show.

Emperor I Japanese Maple Tree 

Ogon Dawn Redwood Tree

Climbing Hydrangea Vine

Kiyohime Japanese Maple Tree

O isami Japanese Maple Tree

Hydrangea image ©The Scott Arboretum. Emperor I image ©Shadow Nursery Inc.

Autumn at Sutherland

It’s been a dazzling fall at Sutherland; mornings crisp and clear, the daylight golden and foliage brilliant. Autumn is by far the most interesting time of year around this place with so many things in various states of decay, others hanging on for a final encore. Shadows are long and low, silhouettes revealed and trees sing out with the familiar rustle of parched leaves as they give way to the earth. It’s the sound of summer saying goodbye. Or is it winter saying hello?

As customary with a blogging gardener, I present you my fall as captured between chores and strolls at Sutherland. 

Kiyohime Japanese Maple

Japanese Maples are known for their brilliant fall color, but a few cultivars also put on an impressive spring show. Such is the case with my Kiyohime Japanese Maple, which was introduced to Sutherland last year. The spring foliage is green with red margins, but reads as copper from a distance. As the weather warms throughout the season, the leaves will become darker green. In the fall, expect a yellow-orange show.

For me, it’s just as exciting as any spring flowering tree or shrub, but then again, I’m a ‘foliage guy.’ This little tree may only reach 6-7 feet in height, but the horizontally-tiered branches can get 8-12 feet wide. It’s the perfect punctuation at the end of the Hosta garden.

I purchased this Japanese Maple from Pine View Nursery in Leitchfield, KY. I’m tempted to buy more Kiyohime to keep in the containers on the patio. Do you have a favorite Japanese Maple? If so, let me know.

Acer palmatum ‘Kiyohime’