Chilopsis 2011- Dessert Willow

Chilopsis 2011- Dessert Willow, a photo by linfrye on Flickr.

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

In several spots of the Arboretum, we have planted this unusual tree, native to the southwestern US. We have two variations - one with pink flowers; the other with white. It's blooming now and has successfully weathered our dry, hot, humid summers.

The flowers resemble those of the catalpa tree which occurs naturally in North Carolina, while the leaves resemble those of a willow. The flowers are pollinated mostly by large bees.

We don't see this small tree planted very often in our area, but perhaps once folks see how lovely it is, there'll be more planted in our landscapes.

Our farm trip yesterday was FABULOUS!!! The weather, though warm, wasn't oppressively hot. Each farm was different not only in the things that were grown or raised there, but in philosophy, style and approach to keeping the land as a 'farm.' We walked among the rows of corn and listened to the thrumming of an emu at one farm, walked the lavender labryinth and had a wonderful lunch of lavender chicken salad and lavender lemonade at another, picked blueberries and blackberries at a different farm, and after a long day, enjoy and see huge turkeys, silken chickens, farm activities for children's trips, enjoyed home made ice cream at the last farm. WONDERFUL TIME!

Today is a day of catch up ...

Hope you have a great one!