Final Curtain Call

Hockley Valley and Windy Ridge have now gone through successive days of below freezing temperatures. The pictures are evidence of the beauty of ice crystals, creating mosaics upon the chosen leaves.



There are still standouts in the crowd brushing off any frost and cold. Gentians seem to be the star in this category.

Plant Profile

Hebe pinguifolia "Sutherlandii"



Hebe pinguifolia "Sutherlandii"

This was a surprise survivor at Windy Ridge. Hebe sutherlandii a cultivar developed in its native NewZealand in 1925 from the species that grows throughout the country called "local lilac". It has a domed well behaved shape that never needs pruning about 18"high after 5 years. It has flowered for the first time this summer.Cuttings have successfully been made.

Hockley Valley Ontario
Fall Composition

A great combination of Red Sumac and Miscanthus by a stream on the Hockley Valley on my way to work one day. If you look at the landscape picture , in the top middle is where I have gardened for over 6 years for a client.

Fall Labyrinth

Glistening milkweed seeds on field


The seeds of milkweed have dispersed on the high winds all across the cut grass with a strange almost even spacing. They were reflecting in the late day sunshine this week, quite beautiful but foreboding for the growing season to come.

A bowl of Witches Fire
Hamamelis intermedia "Diane"

I couldnt resist the purchase of this stunning show of colour.