GardenBook

 Toward the exit of a shady grotto of tree ferns , cane begonias , Bromiliads, squinting a bit and reaching for the sunglasses, pulling the hat brim down.Beyond the Eugenia topiaries and across the sunny path you see more shade, really deep shade. It's compelling, the shade across the sunny path, what's in there ?   Shades on, shades off. Camera settings adjusted. Hate flash , so I'll take my chances. Crazy branching. How did this photo even come out ? It was dark in there . Nothing grows here, except for these enormous Dracaenas; there are no tags  , so I assume Dracaena draco.    The view from outside the circle.  

An instance where the common name is almost longer and more complicated than the scientific, I can't say I've ever heard anyone apply this moniker to Acacia baileyana. Now blooming here in the valley  these Acacias flaunt themselves on roadsides and the edges of vineyards , and are only maligned by those unfortunate souls who suffer the plague of allergies.

 Shrub-ish or tree-ish, Banksias are beautiful and striking, and regrettably a Sunset zone or 2 removed from my  growing conditions. A member of the Proteaceae family , Banksias are evergreen , native to Australia and way way cool.  This is Banksia marginata, and according to my faithful Botanica is highly variable in it's growth habits, depending on the site.    Banksia integrifolia. I love the grey reverse on these leaves... These photos were taken at Berkeley Botanical Garden .

 There wasn't much going on in the California zone at Berkley Botanic Gardens this past weekend. Except for this, Garrya elliptica , the Silk Tassell Bush. Quite large for a bush, but some nice dimensions for a small tree, in the 15' range according to the California Native Plant Society. How about these oustanding blooms ? And just when one needs it most, this is a winter/spring bloomer. Native to California and Oregon, the population in the wild seems concentrated around more coastal environments, though it is not unknown  inland. It surely stuck out the hook as I passed by , a detour from my route through the garden.    

The Japanese maple made an abrupt disrobing this week, the costume landing prettily and obligingly over one of the 'problem' areas. The best this corner of the garden has looked all year, however fleeting.

 Eucalyptus is an introduced presence that looms over and defines many regions of California , rows of them providing windbreaks in agricultural areas and lining highways . Many consider them to be 'weed trees' , with their year round leaf-drop and reputation for flammability-a notable example of the latter being the devastating  Oakland Hills fire of 1991 . Debates abound over the wisdom or foolishness of their presence here-Eucs are second only to Redwood in the arena of controversial trees in our fair state.  I admit that I love them. I love their looks, I love the fragrance-they are the most significant  tree of my childhood and the first tree I ever planted as a homeowner. Like a wayward and beloved friend I forgive them over and over for their defects. Ironically I don't currently own one, and in all likelihood I never will-they are far too large for my tiny lot. But I can step outside and see them along the river to the east,and on the hillside to the south....