King of Orchids
Currently blooming in the orchid greenhouse is Paphiopedilum rothschildianum, an orchid that is on top of the endangered species list and has a history worthy of its nickname.
‘Tis the Season!
Camellia season has begun! Early flowering species and cultivars can be seen in bloom in several areas of the gardens. While a number of camellias bloom early in the season, most will reach the peak of their bloom in January and February, putting on a dazzling display in and around the North Vista and the Garden of Flowing Fragrance.
Green Thumb Meets Fall Colors
Whether planning ahead for spring or looking for autumn color to enjoy right now, gardeners will find plenty of inspiration at the Fall Plant Sale this weekend. The event will feature a bountiful selection of autumn-blooming flowers to lend instant “fall color” to the garden.
Out of the Bogs and Swamps
This is the time of year for a lobelia that produces glowing spikes of cardinal-red flowers that beckon Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds.
Save the Date Palm
Botanist that I am, seemingly trivial and arcane plant knowledge sometimes gets in the way of simple, normal experiences. Yesterday was Palm Sunday, which always means to me that people make convenient and curious choices while trying to round up palm fronds for decoration.
Peonies in Bloom
In the event they never bloom so beautifully again, it is worth posting a photo of a very nice clump of herbaceous peonies that exploded in bloom this week in Liu Fang Yuan. And perhaps with a few words of encouragement, any readers who plan to visit the Gardens in the next day or so should make a journey to the Plantain Court (the main courtyard) in the Chinese garden.
Orchids 101
For the first time in the history of the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show, The Huntington entered the exhibition.
Color and Change
Sunday was a dark and stormy day at The Huntington, but a rainy day is about the very best time to visit the Garden—especially if you pack a camera. Between downpours, I was in the North Vista checking out the clivias.
Four-Leaf Bromeliads?
Forget shamrocks. The best plant at The Huntington on St. Patrick’s Day is a bromeliad. At the bottom of the Desert Garden is the giant Puya berteroniana, which amazes us each year at this time with green flowers.
Mr. Huntington’s Garden Springs Forward
With this posting, I’m beginning an on-going commentary in which I hope to explain the potential mysteries of why change happens (or doesn’t) in the gardens, giving fair warning as to what plans and projects are in the offing, and making suggestions as to what corner of the grounds you might wish to explore at the moment.
