I stopped by the Lan Su Chinese Gardens last weekend–on a mission to identify a couple of plants–like the Jasmine in this post. Bill came along because my husband is an all-around nice guy and good sport. And it’s not a terrible place to visit, even if you’re not an avid gardener.
To sweeten the pot, the garden is currently decorated for Chinese New Year 2018 – The Year of the Dog.
Of course, I barely noticed the decor. Instead, I took the shot below, because I hadn’t noticed this particular shrub before. I guess that’s why it’s good to go often–always something new to notice, or at least new to me. And a membership is just the ticket.
I accidentally got a smidge of the fanciful background.
Meanwhile, Bill captured this image. Where was I?
Bill is a longtime photographer with an actual camera and big lens. His subject is generally of the autosport variety, but there seems to be appreciable finesse in this photography business. Note the reflection in the water and all.
A few more samples of what I was busy capturing. I was thinking, holy smokes, I don’t have a single Chaenomeles. That’s just crazy.
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- Fuzzy photo, but name tag.
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- Chaenomeles japonica ‘Atsuya Hamada’
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- And a little more in focus.
Honestly, I was only trying to keep track–not even get a decent shot. Sad, right? I also took more photos of the Asarum, Epimedium, and Ophiopogon, because they’re cool. You can’t have too many groundcovers.
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- Asarum splendens
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- Ophiopogon, I think. I’ll have to go back and check.
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- Epimedium
His.
Mine.
I’m like David Sedaris’ Mom and Sister as crack detectives: What could that plant be? Think. Think.
While I was at it, I thought to get a close up of the Rhodie. I need that plant. Though I’m skeptical of my ability to get one through to this stage. I’ve only killed one–so far, and it was tiny and defenseless. I should have been better.
And then Bill got this shot.
I recorded the following, not even trying for good pictures. I just need to know what it was–and duly record for posterity. I took not one, but two funky shots of Cercidiphyllum japonicum ‘Pendulum’. At least I know what it is now.
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- Cercidiphyllum japonicum ‘Pendulum’
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- Hunh, Weeping Katsura
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- Cercidiphyllum japonicum ‘Pendulum’
Dear lord. I should step up my game. And/or drag the dude along more.
If Bill hadn’t taken these shots, I wouldn’t have even realized the fabulosity that was all around.
And from all kinds of angles. Honestly!
Now that I see the pictures, I think maybe not a bad idea to go back and take in the decoration in earnest. But I can’t promise I’ll do any better. I’ll likely get distracted scouting a misguided earthworm. In my defense, you can’t just leave them stranded on the sidewalk. Besides, Bill says I’m The Patron Saint of Worms…
Cheers