The Beauty of Buds

Flowers are starting to bloom and leaves are unfurling everywhere.  But before we leave the dormant season completely, I wanted to do a short visual essay on the architectural beauty that is inherent in the bud stage. The details just get more beautiful as we focus in. 

Click on the picture to enlarge it to see even more detail. 

Camellia

Apple

Callery Pear 

Close-up of lichen on Callery pear branch 

Dogwood

  

Flowering Pear

Japanese Maple

Lilac

Pieris - pink form 

Flowering Quince

 

Rhododendron 

Magnolia stellata ( Star Magnolia) 

Wisteria 

Close ups of lichens on a tiny twig

Update on radio shows

Hi there ! Once again, I got behind in my posting, but spring is on the way and there is so much to write about, and in my next post I will get to what's happening in the garden and around town, but first I have a little catching up to do.

There have been 4 (!) 'Down in the Dirt with Diana' radio shows since I last wrote. (Don't ask me where I've been.) Here's an update.  

On January 14, 2014 we talked with horticulturist Steve Schmidt about the fascinating and mysterious world of fungi, not the typical mushrooms that this usually brings to mind, but rather, the network of fungal strands that exist in enormous numbers in the soil under our feet, everywhere, and the very important relationship they have with about 90% of the plants we grow.

Listen here:  Talking About Fungi 

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On January 28, 2014 We  talked to Salem gardener, retired Science teacher and worm enthusiast Sally White all about the wonders of those little red wigglers, what great things they do for our gardens, and how we can raise them for their worm castings and for the fun of it !

Listen here: Raising Red Wigglers  

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On February 11, 2014 we had a fabulous discussion with Salem Rose Society president Maryann Bierne about the correct way to prune roses in the Pacific NW. She gave us some great information and special hints, and explained why this is such a great place to grow roses. 

Listen here:  Pruning Roses 

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On February 25 we talked to Master Gardener Harry Olson about growing our own vegetable plants from seeds. We’ll be talking about choosing the best and most interesting varieties from the great selection of seed catalogs available, get recommendations on varieties of vegetables to grow from seeds, and how to start them early in a greenhouse or in your own house.  

Listen here:  Seeds!  

Walking Around Salem - Part 3

Here is the last set of pictures from my Jan. 2 Salem walk-about.  I hope you enjoy them. There will be more coming soon. I was happy to see that some buds are starting to expand already, and some early blooming bulbs are already starting to emerge. Oh my. 

If you click on a picture, it will take you to full screen slide show.