Nine months of the year, the predominate colors in Southern California are muted, softened: olive green, silvery grey, buff, tan, gold.The brilliant greens of springtime are fleeting - in dry years almost evanescent.
If the rains are early, by late November the meadows are emerald green, spangled with wild yellow mustard. But by late April the grasses are turning tawny-gold, the wildflowers withering under warm dry winds.
Chartreuse is a color I'm slowly adding to the garden; Physocarpus, Frageria, Heliochrysum - the colors are almost shocking under foggy March skies, but cherished never the less. The challenge is to keep the delicate leaves from burning under our relentless August sun.
Magnolia in bud.
10 comments:
I love how fresh all the foliage looks in the spring. The leaves are brightly coloured, and haven't been munched yet. Everything is perky, little knowing what is in store for it when the heat of the summer arrives.
The photo with the water droplets on the leaves is lovely.
Northern Shade -
Thank you for your comments! It is my favorite time of year, especially for the roses. They never look quite so nice the rest of the year.
Chloe M.
Chloe - I know what you mean about that fleeting color in springtime. It doesn't last very long but would we love it so much if it did? Beautiful photos!
Jean
Jean,
Thank you!
That's a wonderful perspective. It's true, the very short period of lush green makes us value it all the more.
Chloe M.
The Golden State is well named. But I can see why you are adding that fresh chartreuse. I love the way it catches the light.
Hi Chloe, this is a color that makes everything look better. I especially love it with the blue conifers and red...well, anythings! Your photos are superb and shout out spring! :-)
Frances
Pam,
California is well named as the Golden State - but I must say in August I would give anything for the verdant green of the Eastern States!
Chloe M.
Frances,
Yes, with that glaucous blue it's awesome. Red/burgundy as well. Dusty mauves/lavenders.... the possibilities are endless - and that's what makes gardening so addictive!
Chloe M.
Do you get some of this color from Lepechinia, too? Mine is looking very chartreusey right now.
Chuck,
No, my lepuchinia is the very grey-ish variety. I'll post a picture of it this weekend.
And I'll show ya'll my new Boronia too! Dusty mauve flowers lined with acid yellow-green.
Chloe M.
Post a Comment