Three Plants to Treasure
Kwanzan Flowering Cherry in Full Bloom
Today Shirls Gardenwatch offered up a query that went something like what three plants would take to a desert island (where anything could grow). Well, it was hard to turn down the challenge though in truth there is no one answer to such a question. I might get a totally different answer tomorrow. And I’m answering only by ignoring my edibles like the Apples and the Blueberries which are a different kind of treasure. But anyway here is at least a shot at the answer from our local hilltop. First up for enduring multi-season pleasure is the Kwanzan Flowering Cherry that holds two of our bird feeders outside the kitchen window. Not only does it have an outstanding flower display but as the flowers leave they shed so thickly on the ground that I think of it as pink snow. And the fall color is not half bad as well. In wintertime the branches are constantly occupied by the neighborhood bird population.
Petal Fall for the Kwanzan Flowering Cherry
Pink Snow
Next up I’m thinking in terms of shrubs that have given long and faithful service. In this case the Exbury Azalea ‘Gibraltar’ provokes admiring comments by all who have seen it in full bloom. It’s easy to care for, reliably hardy, and a spectacular blooming plant.
Exbury Hybrid Azalea 'Gibraltar'
And last, sinking closer to the ground, I have to choose the wonderful Glory of the Snow (Chionodoxa forbesii) which grow wildly under our maples and have naturalized out into the pasture. In truth it’s not just the wonder at the way they have taken over here but how they combine with other plants. In particular, the recurring combination with the Anemone blanda ‘White Splendour’ pleases me every year anew.
Glory of the Snow (Chionodoxa forbesii) naturalizing
Chionodoxa forbesii & Anemone blanda 'White Splendour'
Wonderful choices all! So many love that Kwanza, especially around here and I personally love almost all azaleas. This one is particularly brilliant. The only one of the three you mention I do grow is the Glory of the snow. You just can’t beat these little stalwarts and they will add charm to the island for sure.
Hi there Mac
Great choices, I picked a cherry tree too although didn’t name a variety. I like yours, very nice! You have great mix of colours here – wow that is a cracking orange to brighten up your Island. Oh… but it is the delicate ground covers that I do love and you made an excellent choice there. It will spread well on your island too
This cruising Island ship of mine has taken me to some great new blogs. I’ll be taking a trip back here again
Great set of pix! It doesn’t hurt a whit that your specimens are exemplars of their species…
What beautiful photos! Especiall the cherry, making me have cabin fever! Great choices beautiful color.
The neat thing about projects like Desert Island Plants is that exploring participants leads me to blogs I haven’t visited before. I love your choices, especially that marvelous cherry, but I’m also glad to see chionodoxa, a lovely but often underused bulb.
All your choices were good, but esp. the Kwanzan Cherry. We have two, and every year when they are in bloom, everyone comments on how pretty they are. I think it is just about my favorite spring-flowering tree.
Jan
Always Growing
Those might be my favorite 3 on the property, as well. The buttercup patch runs a close 4th, but it’s hard to beat out those Glories of the Snow…
Your images make all of these selections absolutely enticing. That shot of the pooled cherry petals is really lovely, and wow, that azalea! Thanks for sharing them.