Scripps-Mesa Garden Club Uncategorized Pohutakawa, the New Zealand Christmas Tree

Pohutakawa, the New Zealand Christmas Tree

Christmas in New Zealand is summer and everywhere around the coast you will see Metrosideros excelsa, the pohutakawa, in bloom.  It’s relative, M. polymorpha, is native to Hawaii and can also be seen planted around Mission Bay in San Diego.

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Chaparral Monkey FlowerChaparral Monkey Flower

I bet there are many so called “monkey flowers” around the world and despite the absence of monkeys in southern California this is our bush monkey flower, Diplacus aurantiacus. It is perhaps our most common and distinctive flowering plant in the coastal chaparral.  Photo courtesy of S. Castellana.

Portland International Rose Test GardenPortland International Rose Test Garden

If you will be in Portland Oregon this summer be sure to check out the rose garden. Admission is free.  On 4.5 acres in Washington Park this garden displays over 10,000 plants from 550 varieties. Most varieties are new since the purpose of this garden is to test new hybrids to decide which are best  for commercial release. Post provided by BB.