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.
Portland International Rose Test Garden

Related Post

InspirationInspiration
A reminder that inspiration for planted landscapes often comes from wild nature itself. This is probably Lupinus albifrons and was photographed at Eagle Rock near Warner Springs. Post provided by LJ.

Plant TumorPlant Tumor
Do plants get cancer? The answer is, ‘Yes’, if cancer is defined as dysregulated cell growth, but typically plant cancer is different than in animals. Plant cells have a rigid cell wall that limits metastatic spreading of cancer cells through the plant. Instead, the tumor grows as a single mass called a gall. Also, most plant tumors/galls are caused by a viral infection that disrupts the normal expression of genes. Here is an example that I found in my garden. I think this is an onion bulb where the new shoot has developed as a tumor of abnormal stem/leaf cells.

Elephant Foot in FlowerElephant Foot in Flower
Right now the Beaucarnea recurvata, aka elephant foot or ponytail plant, are in flower at the San Diego botanic garden. There are white, orange (shown), and red forms. Post provided by BB.