Camellia Time

Early spring is the time of year we get to marvel in the beauty of our camellias in the deep South. This is a beautiful flower. Stately with just a hint of pink. It was tagged incorrectly; it looks a lot like Moonlight Bay further down the page.

Melissa Anne has  a large white flower with ruffled petals.

I have been anxious for these delicate rose-like blooms to open before we have more bad weather. Here it is today:  Moonlight Bay! Extraordinary!

These are Betty Sheffied Supreme.

First bloom in our garden (a little weathered) is Silver Triumph.

Kick-Off!!

Stunning red and white:  Magic City!

Love this subtle pink beauty - Margaret Davis!

You can learn more about these beautiful plants at http://www.camellias-acs.com/. This is also the time to propagate by grafting.

In a few months we'll get to see if this one "takes".

If you have an opportunity, visit a camellia garden and enjoy the beauty. This would be a great time to see Magnolia Gardens  near Charleston, S. C. It won't be long before spring will be showing off its best blooms!
Kudos to Philip for all his work on the camellias!! What a great hobby!!

Camellia Time

The cold, rainy winter weather has finally given way to glimpses of springtime. Our camellias still have much growing to do, but Philip's hard work on these plants is beginning to pay off.  That being said, it is time to do grafting . . . here's the proof!

Here's one of my favorite blooms. This was planted last spring . . . Harold Paige. This is a very large bloom with very ruffled flower.

Below is Kick-Off . . .

And here is Royal Velvet . . .

Here is a large bloom that we watched in anticipation for days . . . this was a bloom off an un-named plant grafted last spring. It should be really beautiful next year!

. . . worth waiting for!!!

I can't wait to get the yard cleaned up and replant some herbs and annuals . . . I am already thinking of fresh basil on fat red tomatoes and dill on new potatoes. This must be the best time of year!!