Tuesday, June 13, 2006

RIOTOUS RHODODENDRONS

On the bank in front of our house we have three rhododendron bushes, which, during the past couple of weeks have been quite spectacular, giving an almost luminous effect in the sunlight, particularly the lilac coloured two. These two are from the wilds where they have become quite a nuisance as they multiply at such a rapid rate, taking over and suffocating other vegetation. Although I love to see them on the hillside and in woodland, there are vigourous attempts taking place to chop them down in an attempt to stop their spread. Wild rhododendrons are probably the only countryside flower that has no restrictions on picking.

Because I love them so, I took the chance of planting these two on the bank, however, as soon as flowering is over they are due for a severe haircut!



13 comments:

Alice said...

Rhododendrons are such magnificent plants when in flower, although pretty ordinary the rest of the time. I understand they are quite a serious pest in Scotland.

However, I you would be hard put to find a more sensational flower and the colour range is superb. I hope you continue to enjoy yours for many years, Marion.

Sigruns German Garden said...

Marion, wonderful photos!

But I do not like the Rhodos really. But in Nymans Garden I was stunned about the big Rhododendron Trees.

Sigrun

Susie said...

I love rhododendrons too, but they don't grow really well in my garden. Must be the location or soil..
My Mom used to have one that was that beautiful deep red and she adored it...

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

So nice to see you posting again. I miss you when you are not around!! We try so hard to raise these and look you have trees!!! WOW!! Beautiful!! I would be just in awe with those in my yard!! Thanks for showing everyone..

Carole Burant said...

I've never tried growing rhododendrons and had only seen pictures in magazines of them...yours are such a beautiful colour, especially the red ones!!

HORIZON said...

Lovely photos. Everything is so much nicer when the sun is shining- lovely weather we're having. :)

Wystful1 said...

Oh my goodness, I'm speechless. Beautiful, beautiful flowers! Your yard is magnificent.

(I followed your link from flip-flop floozie's blog)

I really have enjoyed your beautiful pictures today.

Anonymous said...

Seeing your rhododendrons makes me think of a happy holiday pao and I had when we visited Stourhead. They are such a beautiful flower. I particularly like seeing them when they are still tightly in bud just before they burst into flower.

Diana61 said...

I love them to and your red one is beautiful!!

When you're cutting them, how much do you take off? I have never cut a Rhododendrun.

Diana61 said...

I love them too and your red one is lovely. How much do you take off when you cut them? I have never don it myself (yet).

Boxwood Cottage said...

Marion, have you already met Daisy from http://catsinthekitchenflorainthegarden.blogspot.com/ She lives in Cumbria UK and I have the feeling that you would enjoy reading her lovely blog!

Annie Jeffries said...

Good morning Marion. It was Carol's comment at Daisy's blog that lead me to you. I just took a stroll through your serene and peaceful site. I'll be sure to visit again soon. I have you bookmarked.

Annie

p.s. Love the kitty.

Kerri said...

Thinking of you this morning Marion....
Your rhododendrons are spectacular! Isn't it wonderful when the light gives the flowers a luminous effect? I especially like my front flower beds in the late afternoon light.
We have no such problem with the rhodos being invasive here in our cold climate. This is one plant I don't have and would like to get.