Spectacular Snowdrops on a Branch

The Japanese Snowbell is a beautiful small tree. Rounded and horizontally layered. 3/4-inch bell-shaped white flowers with yellow stamens. Dark green leaves turn yellow or orange-red in the fall. Native to Japan. Great to use as a border in a garden or to provide shade on a patio.

When choosing a location, keep in mind that the Japanese Snowbell has a moderate growth rate. It grows up to 30 feet in height and 30 feet in spread. It can be planted in zones 6 to 8. Prefers full sun to light shade and moist, acid, rich, well-drained soil. Shallow root system.

How To Start These Seeds:
Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours.
Stratification: Warm stratify for 90 days, cold stratify for 120 days
Germination: Sow seed 3/8 inch deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed.

If refrigerated upon receipt, these seeds can be stored for up to a year before you decide to use them.


Seeds found here:

 

Edible Dead Man's Fingers

Sounds gross doesn't? But really isn't. The strange fruit is also named Decaisnea fargesii, Bluebean, Blue Sausage and Blue Cucumber and is really a site to behold.

This is a shrub that is definitely different. From China, it is a deciduous shrub forming clumps of tall, upright shoots with large, pinnate leaves, themselves ornamental, up to 3 ft. in length. The somewhat unusual flowers too are attractive, yellow-green in colour and appear in early summer in drooping racemes up to 18 ins. in length. However, the main reason for growing this plant is for its quite remarkable seed pods. An eye-catching, fruiting shrub with an exotic appearance! Great for juicing.

Decaisnea fargesii is self-fertile, but will produce more fruit if planted in small groups (2 or 3 plants).

Seeds can be found here.

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Green Living Natural Moss Jewelry

And the plant saga continues. Happy New Year 2011. There is a conversation piece or two or three. Handmade natural Moss Jewelry.

Silver plated bezel cups filled with genuine alpine grown soft moss, soft to the touch. Lives on natural air and humidity. 

 

 

 

Seen on Lone Star Beadery