The Delphiniums are blooming and looking spectacular at Gaiety Hollow. The tall spikes of Foxgloves and masses of Hesperis and pink Peonies add to the show.

According to Greek mythology, Delphiniums first emerged from the spot where Ajax, the Greek god and hero of the Trojan war, died.  Here in the Northwest, native Delphiniums, or Larkspur, were used by early indigenous people to make blue dyes.

Foxglove, or digitalis lanata, contains digoxin, a toxin used to treat heart issues.  Both Delphiniums and Foxglove are highly poisonous to people and animals and should never be ingested.  Instead, just admire the striking blooms.

This past week began with light rain showers, and when the sun finally came out, the weather became quite humid.  But it looks like we can expect a stretch of sunshine for the long weekend ahead.

Happy Memorial Day and thank you to all who served.

Mark

Just a few of the sights to see at Gaiety Hollow this week. The Rhododendrons are blooming heavy and in the Parterre the dainty blossoms of a half dozen different selections of Columbine dot the landscape.

The weather has been very unusual and while I hate to be the boy that cried wolf, if it’s any indicator of what the summer has in store it could be a long and hot one. No rain for going on three weeks now and forecasted highs that are supposed to push into the low 90’s by the weekend. Time to make sun tea and stock up on ice cubes!

Happy Gardening,
Mark