Esther's photos

Pink flowering dogwood tree. The tree is beautiful in all seasons. In the spring, it is covered by pink bracts before the folliiage appears. In the summer, it is covered with green leaves. In the fall, its leaves turn bright red. In the winter, its bark is interesting and it has red berries that attract birds. AIMG_1310

Hellikki Rhododendrons are a newer variety of rhododendron developed for harsh climates at the University of Helsinki in Finland. They are a smaller, denser variety with large, showy fuschia flower trusses. ODT: In the pink AIMG_1291

Hosta after the rain AIMG_1294

Flaiming Silver Japanese Pieris is one of the most beautiful andromeda on the market today. In early spring, clusters of fragrant small waxy flowers form that last for over a month. They are followed by flaming red new growth that turns to pink and then green leaves with white trim. AIMG_1300

Silver sword azaleas have a profusion of pink flowers in the spring that redden as they age. The evergreen leaves are variegated and provide brightness once the blooms have faded. ODT: In the pink AIMG_1283

The side area between my garage and my neighbor's fence used to be a tall weed collection. After staring at it for years, I finally cut it back and planted a small garden composed primarily of variegated hostas, rhododendrons and alzaleas. AIMG_1284

Wissahickon Rhododendrons have beautiful large trusses of flowers with lighter, spotted centers. They are hardy and can be grown in the north. ODT: In the pink AIMG_1286

Elsie Lee Azalea is a late blooming azalea that has ruffly double light lavender flowers. Although it is evergreen, it does loose many of its leaves in harsh climates, but they grown back in the spring. AIMG_1285

Resting Heliconius ismenius telchinia butterfly AxMG_2514