Wisteria and Azaleas blooming in the Osborne Garden of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
There are some stunning vistas to be had right now at the Osborne Garden of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The Wisteria on the arbors and the azaleas bordering the central lawn are both in full bloom.
There’s also a sizable yet nearly hidden area of shade gardens. Right now, these are dominated by the flash of the Azaleas and Rhododendrons in bloom.
But the long shady borders have their own attractions, and provide lots of ideas for sun-challenged urban gardeners. Granted, this is “ideal” shade: a high canopy of shade provided by widely spaced trees with little competition from roots. Still, I’m getting some ideas for the shady border on the north side of my house.
I really like this Saruma, in the Ginger family. I saw one on the Brownstone Brooklyn Garden Walk last year. I never imagined drifts of it as I saw yesterday evening.
Saruma henryi
This is Chrysogonum virginianum “Pierre”. I’ve got the “Allen Bush” cultivar blooming in the native plant garden in my backyard right now.
Last night was the last session of my Botany class, the first of eight courses I need to complete to receive a Certificate in Horticulture from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. I start Pest Management next week, and Woody Plant Identification after that. Expect more periodic, if irregular, updates of the garden as I get to witness and record its changes every week through the summer.
Related Posts
The Osborne Garden, April 6, 2008
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Osborne Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Great photos Xris!! Would be happy to share some of that Saruma henryi if you like. (The name is also an anagram of Asarum!)
😉 Uli
Uli: Thanks! I would love to have some of that Saruma for the shady path on the north side of the house.
I first learned of the genus in last year’s Plant Delights catalog, where they also point out the anagram.
Wow!! Lovely azaleas. Our botanic gardens does not bother with them, and I understand why (different zone) but what a blaze of color!
EAL: Yeah, those azaleas elicited an audible “WOW” from me when I entered the garden.
What’s your botanic garden there? Is it snow or cold that keeps the rhodies down in Buffalo?