Heronswood Botanical Garden - Early Blooms

 

The Heronswood Botanical Garden in Northern Washington State was not easy to find as there was no signage on the main road, but I didn’t give up and finally found it.  And I was glad that I persisted, as it was a beautiful woodland garden - even being amid the midst of winter.  Not far away, the hills and mountains were still covered in snow. 

In this little peace of plant paradise, I was greeted by a friendly couple who explained to me all the treasures that the garden offered.  Surprisingly, I found many flowers blooming: Hellebores in many colors, Rhododendron trees, Witch Hazel, Crocus, Snowdrops, Hazel trees, Cyclamen, and many more. 

I wandered the meandering garden paths, along small lakes and ponds.  Adding to the blooming plants were a plethora of ferns, mosses, evergreen shrubs, and even several cacti in the rock garden display.

Throughout the year, Heronswood Garden has many events, such as the Hellebores Special Sale on March 9, the Spring Sale on May 4 and 5, the Hydrangea Festival on August 10, and the Autumn Sale on September 14.  You will find more events on their website HeronswoodGarden.org

Heronswoodgarden is located off Hwy 104 in Washington State between Port Angeles and Poulsbo in the Kingston area.  The garden is open in summer from 9 am to 3 pm, Wednesday to Sunday. The winter hours from the end of October to April 1 are 9 am to 3 pm, but only on Saturday and Sunday.  Admission is $10, and youth (7 to 17) $5.

The address is 7530 288th Street NE, Kingston.  WA

Phone 360-297-9620.  Email: info at Heronswoodgarden.org

The garden is owned and operated by the Port Gamble S´Klallam Tribe. It is well worth the visit, either from Port Angeles, from Tacoma, or by a short ferry ride from Seattle.  

A hidden gem for all plant lovers and gardeners. I was fascinated by the many plants that are thriving in the Northwest States - plants that I rarely have seen before. 

Hardy Cyclamen

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Hardy Cyclamen - Becoming My Favored Fall Shade Plants

 

You might know Cyclamen as indoor plants and might have them in your house already. But did you know that there are flowering plants from the same family for your (shade) garden available? Very attractive ones that are blooming when many other flowers in your garden fade and very little is in bloom. Hardy cyclamen can help fill this gap by providing color from flowers while adding interest from leaf shapes and patterns.

'Cyclamen Coum' are smaller, garden-adapted relatives of the florist's cyclamen (C.persicum).  They are both native to Mediterranean regions and are the easiest species of cyclamen to grow in the home garden.  They are hardy to Zone 4 - 9 and grow best in well-drained soil rich in humus, and located in areas of dappled (not heavy) shade among trees and shrubs.  They are moderately drought-tolerant, very long-lived, and thrive with very little care.

Just make sure the plant has excellent drainage. When you water the plant, water from below the leaves so that the water doesn’t touch the stems or leaves. Water on the stems and leaves can cause them to rot. Soak the soil thoroughly and let any excess water drain away.

To grow cyclamen, plant tubers in early fall, about two centimeters deep, and at least ten to twelve centimeters apart.  Low mounds are their ideal habitat. The tubers do not multiply, but plants will self-sow, forming colonies.  In summer the plants go dormant and need a little moisture.  Watering in late summer and early fall breaks dormancy and encourages new growth.

Deep to light pink fragrant blossoms on stems 10 to twelve centimeters in height appear from late August through November, just before leaves develop.  In cultivation, white blossoms develop on some plants. Their foliage lasts until late spring and in a colony creates an almost evergreen ground cover. 

Cyclamen perform colorfully after other plants have stopped flowering, which gives you an extra-long season of shade-loving blooms - in a variety of hues. Blooms resemble charming butterflies and sit atop petite stems surrounded by lovely marbled foliage.

Hardiness Zone 3 to 9

Partial to Full Shade

Bloom Time: Late Summer to Late Fall

Size: 20+ cm wide, Height 10-12 cm

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