westseattlegarden images

Coelioxys genus cuckoo bee This genus of bees lay their eggs in the nests of leafcutter bees (most commonly). Females have a point at the end of the abdomen used to pierce the leaf layers that make up the nest of the hardworking leafcutter bee that fastidiously created a nest for her own eggs. The cuckoo will lay an egg which hatches and will kill the leafcutter’s developing larvae, then will consume the pollen and nectar as it grows. The cuckoo bee is a brood-parasitic bee (= laying an egg in the nest of another bee). In the bee literature, the term cleptoparasite is also used. I didn’t notice leafcutter bees in my garden this year, but did last year. Time to 🐝 on the lookout. For more on brood-parasitic bees, see chapter 10 of The Solitary Bees (Bryan Danforth) and an article at restoringthelandscape.com. Coelioxys is a native bee. This one was enjoying chive flower nectar. Cuckoo bees don’t collect pollen. They visit flowers for nectar and some pollination may occur. #coelioxys #cuckoobee #nativebees #solitarybees #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #westseattlegarden

𝕍𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕖 𝔻𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕣 𝕋𝕠𝕦𝕣 🌸”𝐼𝓃 𝑀𝒶𝓎 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓈𝒾𝓂𝓅𝓁𝓎 𝒸𝒶𝓃’𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓅 𝒷𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀𝒻𝓊𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓋𝑒.” ~ 𝐿. 𝑀. 𝑀𝑜𝓃𝓉𝑔𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓇𝓎 💬 The farmers market today literally had the biggest Peonies that I have ever seen!! The soft pale, creamy yellow is absolutely incredible. They may just show up again on another pic or two very soon! Have a lovely week my friends 💛💛💛 VDT ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇs ᴀʟʟ ᴠɪɴᴛᴀɢᴇ sᴛʏʟᴇ ʜᴏᴍᴇ ᴅᴇᴄᴏr ᴘᴜʙʟɪᴄ ᴀᴄᴄᴏᴜɴᴛs. Dm one of our hosts to join. Hosts: Your hosts: @bethelchurchfarm @farmgirlromance @junkin_with_jill @moorevintagegrace @mytravelingboutique @rusticandeclectic @thebrocantebeachhouse @vintage.onthe.bend @vintagedecortour ꜰᴇᴀᴛᴜʀᴇᴅ ɢᴜᴇꜱᴛʜᴏꜱᴛs @jackieland_vintage @cottoncandypinkvintage @vintagelakegirl 𝒃𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅, 𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝓥𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓰𝓮 𝒢𝒶𝓁𝓈 🤍 #𝕄𝕒𝕪𝔹𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕗𝕦𝕝𝕍𝔻𝕋𝟙𝟡𝕄𝕒𝕪 #vintagedecortour #eclecticdecorgalsunite #flowerlovinfriends #lovestillphotos #brocanteandblooms #peonies #yellowpeonies #betterhomesandgardens #cottagegarden #cottagesandbungalows #westseattlegarden #westseattlefarmersmarket #westseattlegardentour #brocantegarden #romantichomes #romanticgarden #drippycandles #myvintagegardenstyle #cherub #seattlemetmagazine #vintagestyle #seattlevintageshop #westseattlelove #westseattleshop #antique_r_us

Cloud came out to help weed the buttercup this morning. # ragdoll #westseattlegarden

Genus Eumerus, Hoverflies / Flower Flies I had just sat down on the steps in front of my house when I noticed these busy flower flies. They were still ‘active’ after I ran back into my house to grab my camera. (They were balanced; I was not!) #eumerus #hoverfly #flowerfly #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #naturephotography #westseattlegarden

some pretty blooms and raindrops #sunburstbungalow #pnw #garden #flowers #westseattlegarden #urbanflowers

Genus Eumerus, family Syrphidae, hoverfly Since returning to Seattle from Boston, I have been elated to see many bees and flies, including my favorite, hover (aka flower) flies. At dusk, on newly emerging lavender leaves, I’ve seen several of this genus in my garden. #hoverfly #eumerus #flowerfly #syrphidae #diptera #arthropoda #westseattlegarden #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #naturephotography #pollinators🐝

We're looking for a few more West Seattle families to help us fill our center beds and transform them into a buffet for our pollinator friends. We've partnered with the Culturally Relevant Plants Starts Program and Garden Hotline to bring back the blooms this year, first annuals and then perennials 🦋🌼 🐝 Come learn about annuals and pollinators, while beautifying the Bee Garden and spend quality time with your biggest little helpers. Email the address listed in the flyer to save your spot . 9-10:30am Saturday May 11th Sound early? We'll have coffee and breakfast snacks - fruit and muffins. #westseattlegarden #westseattle #gardenhotline

Many thanks to our stellar volunteer crew from Madison Middle School for returning for a second week of seed repacking and labeling. We restocked the seed library at the High Point branch tonight 🙌 🌱 🐝 #westseattle #westseattlegarden #seattlepubliclibrary #westcoastseeds #gardenhotline #seedlibrary

Varied Carpet Beetle, Anthrenus verbasci This adult beetle (~ 3mm) is feeding on Sweet Cicely flowers in my garden. Fine scales of different colors create its patchwork-like appearance. Known to be a common household pest, larvae feed on organic material - clothing, fur, furniture - and dead insects. Museum insect specimens - including bees - are vulnerable to these beetles. Careful storage is required to keep specimens intact. They do play an important ecological role as scavengers outdoors of dead plant and animal material. Extension.colostate.edu, Dermestid beetles, “Some species of Dermestes, or hide beetles, are used in forensics-taxidermy to clean flesh from bones.” (And in dating remains!) Beeinformed.org, Dead out pests and more inhabitants of the hive, 9/2011 #variedcarpetbeetle #anthrenus #dermestidae #arthropoda #skinbeetles #larderbeetles #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #westseattlegarden

Leek flower reveal with remnant outer wrap Interwoven stems As limbs offering support Pilobolus dance Pilobolus is an America modern dance company, “testing the limits of human physicality to explore the beauty and power of connected bodies.” Pilobolus.org Having seen their performances, their creativity and choreography are limitless. #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #westseattlegarden #haiku #leekflower

I just had to stop and click off an image! Rhododendron 4-30-2024 #westseattle #westseattlelove #westseattlegarden #rhododendron #rhododendrons #inthegarden #inthegardentoday #plants #plantsmakepeoplehappy #sonorthwest

When (Spanish) bluebells are whitebells (and sometimes pinkbells) #hyacinthoides Hyacinthoides hispanica “White City” #hyacintoideshispanica #flowerphotography #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #westseattlegarden

Leek flowers under wrap #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #leekflower #westseattlegarden

#astrophytummyriostigma #copiapoa #westseattle #westseattlegarden #lophophora #rareplants #raresucculents #euphorbia

Galium odoratum, Sweet Woodruff A welcome groundcover in the shady space beneath our Japanese maple, this (non-native) perennial produces a glossy carpet of whorled leaves with dainty white flowers and a sweet scent when its leaves are crushed. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden (5/2018, Sweet Woodruff: Shade-loving groundcover and aromatic herb) discusses its medicinal and culinary uses. “The aromatic compound coumarin gives the leaves their fragrance and flavoring, and it also serves as a fixative in perfume making.” I’m looking forward to drying some of the leaves for sachet this year. #galiumodoratum #sweetwoodruff #fragrantbedstraw #westseattlegarden #perennials #groundcoverplants #shadeplants #fragrantplants #whiteflowers #iphonephotography #xenvomacro

And voila! The Children's Garden has been created! Our crew made it look easy but they worked hard. Thanks so much to our volunteers - both new and returning! - and our knowledgeable members from Master Composter Sustainability Stewards - Julia and Taylor. We'll keep this zone watered and should be seeing the cover crop pop up soon. Swing by and check it out. Our new pathway could use some foot steps 👣 #westseattlegarden #westseattle #beegarden #childrensgarden #pnwgardening

Genus Idiocerus, Leafhopper Sciencedaily.com, 3/18/2024, Backyard insect inspires invisibility devices, next gen tech Leafcutters coat themselves with tiny particles (bronchosomes)that have a soccer ball-like geometry with cavities, a “bronchosome armor”, helping this insect avoid predators. “The unique design of bronchosomes serves a dual purpose - absorbing UV light, which reduces visibility to predators with UV vision (birds, reptiles), and scattering visible light, creating an anti-reflective shield against potential threats.” #leafhopper #idiocerus #cicadellidae #arthropoda #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #westseattlegarden

Crimson clover, Trifolium incarnatum A neighbor’s wildflower mix with this brilliant red clover is just beginning to bloom and provides a sensational display of color keeping bees, and neighbors, happy. #crimsonclover #trifoliumincarnatum #westseattlegarden #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #fabaceae #herb #nitrogenfixer #pollinatorgarden

Do you have questions about converting an overgrown or compacted part of your yard to a thriving garden?  We have a great opportunity to get your questions answered!   We're partnering with the Master Composters/Sustainability Stewards to offer a free educational event on sheet mulching techniques and benefits.  Following the 30 minute talk we will sheet mulch the new Children's Garden which includes: 🐞covering the prepared ground with cardboard 🐝drawing out our walkways and growing areas 🦋moving soil/compost and wood chips to the appropriate areas 🪻lastly, we'll seed the growing areas with phacelia and buckwheat, two summer appropriate cover crops We will have some tools in short supply, if you are able to attend and can bring a wheelbarrow and/or shovel and/or pitchfork, that is helpful but not required.  Bring a water bottle and lunch, dress for the weather.  Light snacks provided. Many thanks for supporting our community garden! #westseattlegarden #westseattle

Mason bee promenade 🪵 This log gets full sun and is close to the bee house where the Masons have been nesting. Every day in the middle afternoon, it’s like a promenade of Mason bees resting in between foraging events! #masonbees #osmia #westseattlegarden #iphonephotography #xenvomacro

Cerastium fontanum subsp. Vulgare, Mouse-ear chickweed Love its soft fuzzy, matting green foliage and delicate blooms. #cerastiumfontanum #cerastium #mouseearchickweed #perennials #weedsareflowerstoo #westseattlegarden #iphonephotography #xenvomacro

Redstem Filaree, Erodium cicutarium Filaree can be an important spring forage groundcover for bees. A member of the geranium family, it tolerates a variety of light and moisture conditions. A look at Filaree as forager food, 3/2020, beeinformed.org #redstemfilaree #erodium_cicutarium #pollinatorgardens #weedsareflowerstoo #geraniaceae #westseattlegarden #pinkflowers🌸 #iphonephotography #xenvomacro

Osmia lignaria, Blue Orchard Bee The audience was buzzing with excitement as Osmia International awarded Peggy as ‘Pollinator Queen for the Day’ for always bringing an attitude of determination and dedication towards her job. Way to go Peggy! Let’s get the party started! 👏🎉🐝 #osmialignaria #osmia #blueorchardbee #masonbees #pollinators #pollinatorgarden #westseattlegarden #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #protectbees

Stellaria media, Common Chickweed This is a non-native annual garden weed with inconspicuous but beautiful small flowers that are a food source for pollinators. “There is nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so.” (Hamlet) To weed or not to weed, that is the question. #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #stellaria #chickweed #annualweed #pollinatorgarden #plantphotography #westseattlegarden #gardenweeds

Medicago lupulina, Black Medic This is a non-native sprawling perennial weed. It spreads through self-seeding and seeds remain viable for years. I’m drawn to its small bright yellow flowers. When mature it has a single black hard seed pod. As a member of the legume family, its roots aid in nitrogen fixation. #medicagolupulina #blackmedic #hopclover #fabaceae #nitrogenfixer #weedsareflowerstoo #perennials #yellowflowers #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #westseattlegarden

Bombus vosnesenskii, Yellow-faced bumblebee At close to 0.75 inches, this (Queen) bumblebee was resting on the hood of my car during a cold snap. #bombus #bombusvosnesenskii #yellowfacedbumblebee #bumblebee🐝 #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #westseattlegarden

Join us for our next monthly work party, this Sunday, April 7th from 10-12pm. Come out and meet fellow plant and bug enthusiasts while caretaking for a neighborhood gem! The garden has a horsetail problem and we need lots of volunteer help to get it under control so other plants can thrive. Horsetail is a native plant and we have a lot of respect for it! But, its growth is so vigorous that it will outcompete many other desirable plants. So we'll treat it as a weed in this space. We also have opportunities to help prepare the future children's garden for sheet mulching. We'll be defining the borders, knocking down dead plants and digging out others to prepare a nice flat area. As usual, dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. We'll have some light snacks. We also have an assortment of garden tools but if you have a personal favorite, you're welcome to bring it. Thank you so much! We've accomplished a lot so far in these last few months, it could not be done without our amazing community of volunteers. #westseattle #pnwnativeplants #westseattlegarden #pnwbees

Viola riviniana, Wood violet I didn’t plant violets in my garden, but they have been here for close to 30 years. I’ve always loved them, but they have overwhelmed the garden at times with one clump, becoming dozens very quickly, so many have been ‘weeded’ out. But this is a new growing season, and these violets will stay, know that they will add to a pollinator’s smorgasbord of treats. #viola #violaceae #commondogviolet #pollinatorgarden #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #woodviolet #violarivinianapurpurea #westseattlegarden See @xerces.org, Plants for Pollinators

Common fumitory, Fumaria officinalis Considered a scrambling weed, it is member of the poppy family. I love the cutwork lace appearance of its leaves and the ‘balayage’ of crimson-purple to pink to white flowers. This is the first season I’ve noticed this plant. I’ve been cautioned of its spread, but at less than 8 inches tall, it’s fitting in nicely right now and adding to the color palette of the garden if you look closely! I’ve read that it is pollinated by bees and flies but may not be their first choice due to its harder-to-access narrow tubular flower shape. native flower.co.uk, Common Fumitory #commonfumitory #fumariaofficinalis #papaveraceae #pollinatorgarden #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #weedsareflowerstoo #fumaria #westseattlegarden

Lamium purpureum, Purple deadnettle This year I am managing my garden a bit differently. Given that my mason bees emerged much earlier, by a month, before my trees and perennials were in bloom, I was grateful for assorted weeds that were blossoming, and that in past years I had removed from the garden, or at least reduced their numbers. I’m committed to learning more about weeds this year and enjoying their very beautiful colors, structures & delicate flowers. Purple deadnettle is a member of the mint family. Tho it has short fine spiky-looking leaf hairs, they do not sting and the leaf feels like soft fleece (unlike stinging nettles which are in the nettle family and pack a potent and lingering sting). I can confirm that pollinators like these weeds; as more bees appear in my garden, they are enjoying the nectar from these delicate flowers. #purpledeadnettle #deadnettle #lamiumpurpureum #lamium #lamiaceae #pollinatorhabitat #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #weedphoto #learntoloveweeds #wildaboutweeds #westseattlegarden #commonweed

Bluebell bloom time forthcoming 💙💙💙 #bluebells #hyacinthoides #westseattlegarden #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #blueflowers #flowerphotography

Landscaping Black Morel, Morchella importuna Found in urban settings in gardens and woodchip beds, and now I can add “under overwintered cardboard”! #morchellaimportuna #fungi #blackmorel #morel #urbangarden #westseattlegarden #iphonephotography #mushrooms #fungiphotography #mushroomphotography

Seattle in bloom South Seattle College and Seattle Chinese Garden #getoutside #springflowers #prunusmume #magnolia #Magnoliasoulangeana #Magnoliaxsoulangeana #southseattlecollege #southseattlecollegearboretum #seattlechinesegarden #arboretum #seattlegardens #westseattlegardens #WestSeattlegarden #WestSeattlegardening #WestSeattle #gardeningPNW #pnwgardening #Seatown #SeattleLife

In & Out Mason bees are covered with pollen and actively laying eggs in their bamboo tunnels. Home sweet home for the wee ones! #masonbees #osmia #iphonephotography #beephotography #westseattlegarden

It is always a sensational week when our fragrant flowering cherry tree is on display! #prunus #cherrytree #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #westseattlegarden

Emergence … Mason bee, genus Osmia #masonbee #osmia #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #westseattlegarden #pollinators🐝

Goldilocks My female Mason Bees are waking up. This female had the most gorgeous golden glow. And exquisite hair! All (and only) female bees have parallel rows of pollen-collecting hairs on their abdomen. Females lay an egg and make a pollen ‘loaf’ for each egg; when eggs hatch, the larva feeds on its pollen loaf. Thank you @crown_bees for being a fantastic online educational Mason Bee resource. #masonbees #osmia #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #westseattlegarden #beephotography #naturephotography #pollinators

Dividing garlic today! 🧄 Perfect companion for my young rhubarb. What’s growing in your PNW vegetable garden? #pnwgardening #growingfood #westseattlegarden #seattlevegetablegardening #garlicislife #companionplanting

Brown lacewing, genus Hemerobius A welcome garden visitor, this brown lacewing is well hidden among the leaves of this Black Lace Elderberry (Sambucus). A beneficial insect, lacewings eat aphids (& other garden pests). For more information about lacewings, including differences between brown and green lacewing life stages, see treefruit.wsu.edu. #beneficialinsects #lacewing #brownlacewing #hemerobius #arthropods #westseattlegarden #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #insectphotography

Orange-yellow fungi, Seattle Arboretum #fungi #fungiphotography #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #southseattlecollege #westseattlegarden

Corylopsis pauciflora, Buttercup Winter Hazel Corylopsis spicata, Spike Winter Hazel #corylopsis #winterhazel #southseattlecollege #yellowflowers #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #racemes #hamamelidaceae #westseattlegarden These softly scented yellow flowers bloom in late winter/early spring. Tho I first noticed them in the College Arboretum, I now see them in many neighborhood gardens. And the bees notice them too!

Singin’ the (happy) blues Grape hyacinth, Hyacinth, Squill, Lithodora #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #flowerphotography #gardenflowers #blueflowers #westseattlegarden

Mason bee, genus Osmia Most of my male Mason bees have emerged, and most of the females are still slumbering. These are some photos taken while watching one of the Mason bees emerge. The final post is a video. It’s long, so you most certainly have time to grab a cuppa, and a bit wobbly (me, not the bee). #masonbees #osmia #pollinatorgarden #pollinators🐝 #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #beephotography #westseattlelife #westseattlegarden #osmialignaria #blueorchardbee

Mason bees, genus Osmia Stout, hairy, little bodies with vibrant colors, these solitary bees are efficient pollinators. This is the week - temperatures have warmed and blooms are increasingly abundant. And the bees know it. My mason bees are waking up and joining many other bees in the garden. The final picture shows you the container where ~ 400 cocoons were safely resting and growing with a supply of pollen ‘bread’ supplied by their moms. It’s amazing to watch as they chew through their cocoons and emerge. They immediately begin grooming themselves, and often look like little acrobats as they (s)tumble a bit until they take flight within a few minutes, or less. Approximately half have emerged so far. #osmia #masonbees #pollinators🐝 #solitarybees #westseattlegarden #iphonephotography #xenvomacro

I have been on camellia bloom watch for a few weeks, and they are finally starting to open! This is camellia japonica Nuccio’s Pearl which I purchased at @westseattlenursery two years ago. The blooms start out as a slightly dark pink but as the bloom opens they turn into the most perfect pale pink. This bush is still quite young but it is loaded with buds. I agree with @digplantwaterrepeat that the Nuccio camellias are amazing. I wish I had more space to get a few more. . . . #westseattlegarden #camelliajaponica #nuccioscamellia #camellia #zone8b #zone9a #springiscoming #mygardenlife

Sericomyia chalcoyga, Western Pond Fly Foe, or mimicry Mistaken identity Deception well done The Western Pond Fly is a Hover fly (aka Flower Fly). The adult is under-appreciated in its important role as pollinator and its larvae as a natural control as they prey on garden pests. Adults are often mistaken as bees or wasps due to their black and yellow markings which protect them against predators. However, they are incapable of stinging those they might enjoy a lick of our salty sweat. Those wee feet are amazing. “Two claws and a single bristle enable the fly to grip on rough surfaces. Their rounded pads allow the fly to cling to smooth surfaces as each pad is covered in tiny tubular structures that secrete an adhesive liquid.” www.sciencephoto.com, Hoverfly foot This magnificent Flower Fly was resting on a cyclamen leaf on a cold afternoon. At just under 1 inch, it is the largest Flower Fly that I have seen; what a joy! #hoverfly #syrphidfly #flowerfly #flyphotography #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #macrophotography #naturephotography #westernpondfly #sericomyia #diptera #arthropoda #southseattlecollege #westseattlelife #westseattlegarden #batesianmimcry #pollinators #beneficialinsects #haiku

Daphne odora, Winter Daphne Elegant nosegay Wearing taffeta petals Heavenly fragrance A winter walk in my neighborhood is akin to walking in a perfumery with Daphne’s floral sweetness and a touch of citrus spice. #daphneodora #winterdaphne #winterblooming #fragrantshrubs #evergreenshrubs #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #southseattlecollege #westseattlelife #westseattlegarden #flowerphotography #haiku

Pieris japonica ‘Valley Valentine’ Winter Pieris is brightening the arboretum and bringing delight. #pierisjaponica #valleyvalentine #ericaceae #evergreenshrub #raceme #ornamentalplants #lilyofthevalleyshrub #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #southseattlecollege #westseattlegarden

Among my favorite evergreens is one that is ever-blue, the weeping blue atlas cedar with its sparkleresque clustered needles. The blue color is due to a waxy coating on the needles. I’ve been looking for additional information since green conifers also have waxy needles. I’ve read complex technical explanations about spectral reflectance; for now, I’ll happily accept the answer from Montana State University extension that the color is genetically controlled! #weepingblueatlascedar #conifer #cedrus #iphonephotography #southseattlecollege #westseattlegarden

Berries There are many terms to describe berries - botanical berries, modified berries, berry-like fruits and more. This is the berry-like conifer female seed cone of a small Juniper tree, Juniperus chinensis ‘Kaizuka’. Its powdery coating reflects light and resembles a blue spherical berry. You can see an outline on the surface which represents a fused scale. Unlike other seed cones, this cone does not open when mature. “Junipers are the only species in the Cypress family with seeds dispersed by animals, mostly birds, making the juniper the only genus in the cypress family to have increased in number of species since the ice ages of the Pleistocene.” Elizabeth Price, Native and Ornamental Conifers in the Pacific Northwest. #juniperberry #juniperseedcone #conifer #seedcone #juniperuschinensis #hollywoodjuniper #southseattlecollege #westseattlegarden #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #evergreenconifer #cupressaceae

Connect the dots! That’s a bit how I felt when I first noticed dots on the hollow decaying allium stems in my garden. They first appeared white, then gave off a bluish cast. I believe these tiny ‘dots’ are Didymium squamulosum slime mold. The last photo is taken without a clip on macro lens. The dots are just a bit smaller than they were two days ago, but fairly close to the size when I first noticed them. #slimemoldsunday #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #westseattlegarden

Mature seed-bearing cones Top to bottom: Sequioadendron giganteum, Giant Sequoia - cones can grow to 7 cm, with ~ 200 seeds per cone. This cone measured 5 cm in length. Evergreen conifer. Sequoia sempervirens, Coast Redwood - cones can grow to 3 cm with 90 - 150 seeds per cone. This cone measured 2 cm. Evergreen conifer. Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Dawn Redwood - cones can grow to 2 cm with 60 - 100 seeds per cone. This cone measured 2 cm. Deciduous conifer. Seed viability is far lower than seed counts. These trees are classified as endangered. Chamaecyparis obtusa, Hinoki Cypress. This mature cone measured 1.25 cm. Tree cultivars vary greatly in size and those found in my neighborhood are small. In the wild it is listed as Near Threatened. Evergreen conifer. Seeing Nature: Landscape Masterworks from the Paul G. Allen Family Collection served as the perfect stage for a photo. #conifers #seedcones #treecones #southseattlecollege #westseattlegarden #iphonephotography #metasequoiaglyptostroboides #chamaecyparisobtusa #sequoiadendrongiganteum #seqouiasempervirens

Yellow flowers have been symbols of friendship & abundance. On this warm sunny Friday, these yellow flowers bring fragrance and joy. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis spp) Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas) #yellowfloweringtree #yellowflowers #southseattlecollege #westseattlegarden #hamamelis #chimonanthuspraecox #cornusmas #witchhazel #wintersweet #corneliancherry #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #deciduoustrees #fragranttrees

Spring is in the air. Sunset 5:10. Long dark days are over. A slight chance of rain did not materialize today. A perfect afternoon to enjoy the warm sun and our blossoming currant. #currant #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #westseattlegarden #springisintheair

Keeping company It’s always exciting when looking through my camera lens and photographing one subject, to notice another that I had not previously seen. In this case, I noticed some fuzzy looking hairs that seemed very out of place aside these chrysalis snails. This is a Springtail that I have never seen, and very fast (the reason for a bit of blur in photos). When I gently tried to stop its scurrying by placing a twig in its path, it did a fantastic somersault onto the ground and out of view. #springtails #orchesella #orchesellavillosa #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #macrophotography #arthropods #collembola #westseattlegarden

I’m expanding my indoor seed starting set-up. I live in a 1940s bungalow so space is at a premium. I don’t have a garage or an unfinished basement or an extra room to be a plant room. I have to be creative this time of year when it comes to seed starting. Which is why I love the @gardeners Oslo grow light system. It is compact, collapsible, and stylish. I have one in my living room for my succulent collection, and added a second one this year for seed starting. In our furnace room, I have a small work bench and I’m taking a bit of space for the new Oslo shelf. I also have the GrowEase seed trays ready to go. Now to figure what I’m going to grow this year! . . . #smallspacegardening #smallspaces #seedstarting #gardeninglife #westseattlegarden #seattlegarden

I often browse the leaves and branches in my yard & often find ‘gifts’; today’s was exceptionally special. This is a bird’s nest fungus on a garden twig. #birdsnestfungi #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #basidiomycota #nidulariaceae #westseattlegarden #fungiphotography

The cold weather this weekend meant more time to flip through seed catalogs and sort through my seed packets. My seed collection has expanded. I used to just have one of these photo storage boxes - which work great for storing seeds. This year I needed to separate the veggie and flower seeds and got a second box with the lovely ombré colors. Now that the organizing is done, I’m shifting into planning mode - what seeds to start indoors, what will be direct sown, and where in the garden will everything go. Garden nerd fun! . . . #gardennerd #westseattle #westseattlegarden #urbangarden #urbangardening #growyourownfood #homegarden #ediblegarden #gardenlife #zone8garden #zone8b #zone9a #zone9agardening #pnwgardening #pnwgarden #seattlegarden #seattlegardening #washingtongarden #gardeningzone8b

Seed dispersal, Japanese anemones #japaneseanemone #seedispersal #seedpods #iphonephotography #botanical #xenvomacro #westseattlegarden #homegarden #anemonehupehensis #perennials #ranunculaceae #angiosperms

Color blast in the PNW💕 Winter heaths are flowering, helping me (almost) forget the mostly gray, short days of January. #springheath #heath #ericacarnea #winterheath #angiosperms #evergreen #needlelikeleaves #racemes #pinkflowers #westseattlegarden

Peonies are some of my favorite flowers, but in my Pacific Northwest garden they suffer from botrytis blight. This fungus causes spots on the leaves and turns the buds black before they can bloom. The solution I’ve learned is to cleanup spent foliage in the fall and start a preventative fungicide spray regimen. I use @bonideproducts copper fungicide - monthly starting now and then twice monthly when I see the red shoots starting to emerge. Looking forward to beautiful blooms in spring. . . . #peonies #westseattle #westseattlegarden #gardenlife #zone8garden #zone8b #zone9a #zone9agardening #pnwgardening #pnwgarden #seattlegarden #seattlegardening #washingtongarden #gardeningzone8b #gardeninspiration

The flowers of Darwin barberry are brightening the winter garden. Native to South America and named for Charles Darwin who catalogued it during the 1835 voyage of the ‘Beagle’, it has become a beloved garden shrub. May this holiday season shine bright and bring peace to the world. #berberisdarwinii #evergreenshrub #darwinbarberry #berberis #barberry #yellowflowers #iphonephotography #xenvomacro #racemes #winterflowers #westseattlegarden

Garden visitors #iphonephotography #westseattlegarden #xenvomacro #naturephotography

I have several lavender plants along the south side of our house and I want to add a few more. So I’m experimenting with plant propagation through cuttings. In October, I took three sprigs, stripped the leaves off the bottom third, covered the ends with rooting powder, and potted up the three soon to be plants. The pictures were taken November 12 and then today, December 20. The one on the left is doing great with lots of growth; the middle one has rooted in and is starting to show new side growth; and the third one is not rooted in at all. So two out of three is not a bad success rate for my first try at plant propagation. I should have two new lavender plants to add to the garden come spring. . . . #westseattle #westseattlegarden #urbangarden #urbangardening #gardenlife #zone8garden #zone8b #raisedbeds #zone9a #zone9agardening #pnwgardening #pnwgarden #seattlegarden #seattlegardening #washingtongarden #plantpropagation #lavender

Took a quick break from cookie baking yesterday to admire the sunset from the front garden. Spectacular! . . . #pnwonderland #pnwliving #westseattle #wintersunset #pnwgarden #westseattlegarden

December 2023. How is it December?! Where did November go? The garden has definitely gone to sleep. I got all my bulbs planted, which is a relief. Now the focus is on some minor garden cleanup, like removing hosta leaves, trimming back brunnera and baptisia, and pruning the espalier apple tree. I saw a rabbit in my front garden this week. That was a first - I’ve seen them in my neighborhood before but not in my garden. Winter project is to do research on options to protect my veggie garden. . . . #westseattle #westseattlegarden #urbangarden #urbangardening #urbanfarming #backyardgarden #frontyardgarden #vegetablegarden #vegetablegardening #growyourown #growyourownfood #homegrown #homegarden #ediblegarden #pnwliving #gardenlife #zone8garden #zone8b #raisedbeds #zone9a #zone9agardening #pnwgardening #pnwgarden #seattlegarden #seattlegardening

In the front garden, I have obelisks that I decorate with lights for the holidays. I’ve always just used the small string lights, until I saw how @wyseguide used strings of the large C9 bulbs on similar obelisks. I love the look and the brightness. Looking festive! . . . #westseattle #westseattlegarden #frontyardgarden #pnwgarden #pnwgardening #holidaygarden #holidaylights

Update on the garlic I planted in mid-October. They’ve spouted! I’ve grown garlic for years. This is the first season I’ve covered them with hoops and garden cloth or a pop-up cover (all from @gardeners). The squirrels are constantly digging in my raised beds. These covers are helping protect the precious baby garlic. The battle against those little critters is real. . . . #westseattle #westseattlegarden #urbangarden #urbangardening #urbanfarming #backyardgarden #vegetablegarden #vegetablegardening #growyourown #growyourownfood #homegrown #homegarden #ediblegarden #gardenlife #zone8garden #zone8b #zone9a #raisedbeds #pnwgardening #pnwgarden #seattlegarden #seattlegardening

The mornings this past weekend were rather crisp and frosty. I enjoyed playing with the iPhone camera features and following the tips from @growforme5b. I captured the frost on sedum, verbena blooms, ninebark leaves, ajuga, and armeria. Winter is definitely here. . . . #westseattle #westseattlegarden #urbangarden #urbangardening #gardenlife #zone8garden #zone8b #zone9a #zone9agardening #pnwgardening #pnwgarden #seattlegarden #seattlegardening

Today was a bulb planting day - Accent and Tom Pouce daffodils from @colorblends and Menton tulips from @dutchgrown_com. I upgraded my Ryobi drill and used my @power_planter auger. Game changer! Now to wait for spring blooms, and fingers crossed the squirrels leave the tulips alone. . . . #westseattle #westseattlegarden #springbulbs #seattlegarden #seattlegardening #powerplanter #teamryobi #flowergarden #pnwgardening #pnwgarden #zone8b #zone8bgardener #zone9a #zone9agardening