Playfair Park - Whats happening in Playfair Park

WELCOME BACK TO OUR MONTHLY UPDATES OF
"WHAT'S HAPPENING IN PLAYFAIR PARK"

Playfair Park is considered one of Saanich's best kept secrets. It has a large grove of mature rhododendrons and azaleas, a Garry oak meadow, and a three hundred foot perennial border, considered by many who have seen it to be as impressive than Butchart Gardens. It is quiet and secluded - listen for the pair of Cooper's hawks nesting in the park.

OCTOBER 2009

Welcome to the last webpage for 2009.  Fall arrived quickly this year.  There is a chill in the air, an increase in cloudy days and rainfall.  The sun still continues to shine and the flowers continue to bloom.

In the perennial border fall asters now make their appearance.  These plants grow well in sunny locations with well draining soil.  Aster X frikartii ‘Monch’ continues to bloom. The lilac petals with yellow centres cover a sturdy multi-stemmed 2 – 3 foot plant that never needs deadheading and always looks neat and tidy.  If you are driving near Royal Oak and W. Saanich Road or West Burnside and Tillicum you can spot these hardy perennials planted in the traffic medians.  A tall 6 foot lilac Aster (species unknown) with yellow centres graces the back of the border.  It needs staking but is well worth having to provide good cut-flowers.  Native to eastern and central North America Aster ericoides (Heath Aster or Farewell-to-summer) is covered with  numerous small daisy-like white flowers on 2 to 3 foot stems.  From a distance it forms a gypsophila-like cloud amongst the perennials.  It   prefers a sunny location in well-draining soil with low the medium moisture requirements.	Aster X frikartii 'Monch'
Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod)	Also in the aster family is Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod), a tall sun-loving perennial with plumes of tiny, yellow clustered flowers good for cutting.  It is a native plant that tends to grow shorter in the wild.  In the cultivated garden it grows almost 6 feet tall and needs staking.  It is considered an invasive plant in China (Wikipedia).
Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ is a Black-eyed Susan anyone can grow.  It has 3- 4 foot strong stems with flowers of golden orange petals with brown centers.  It blends well with plantings of sedums and ornamental grasses.  Just give it sun, well draining soil, and medium moisture.  Like Solidago, it grows much shorter the less water you give it.  Remember to deadhead to keep it blooming.	Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'
Colchicum autumnale 'Waterlily Double'	Growing at the west end of the border is Meadow Saffron, Colchicum autumnale ‘Waterlily Double’.  Its flowers are large, cup-shaped double magenta-pink petals without stems.  Plant the corms in a well protected location with sun and well drained soil.  Also growing in this area in the same conditions is the iridescent pink Nerine bowdenii.  It is a summer dormant bulb from South Africa.  Divide bulbs February to March (BBC gardening website).
At the east end of the border is the late blooming, blue flowered Aconitum carmichaelii (Fall-blooming Aconite).  It grows approximately 5 feet tall and requires some staking.  It prefers moisture and some shade during the day.  Like all aconites it is highly poisonous. Wear gloves when working with this plant.	Aconitum carmichaelii (Fall-blooming Aconite)
Chrysanthemum uliginosum	If you are wondering what those tall white daisy flowers are at the back of the border are they are Chrysanthemum uliginosum or Leucanthemella serotina (Giant Daisy).  It is 6 foot tall and requires staking.  It prefers sun but can grow in shade. It needs average moisture but grows lanky with more.  It makes a good cut flower.
I always get asked about Tricyrtis hirta (Toadlily).  It is an Asian member of the lily family.  In nature it grows at the edge of a forest.  Its white or light purple flowers are unusual with dark purple spots.  Its sturdy stems require fertile soil and moisture. Some shade is preferable.	Tricyrtis hirta

I hope you have enjoyed the 2009 Playfair webpage and we look forward to continuing this next year.  Thanks for your interest.  If you have any recommendations on how we can make this site better please contact us at www.saanichparks.ca or 250-475-5522. Thank you to Kelly Mulhern, Janet Smith, and Amanda Irving for their help in getting these write-ups and photos on the web. See you in 2010!

SEPTEMBER 2009

In the border the late summer perennials are in full swing. 

Kirengshoma palmata	Kirengshoma palmata (Yellow Waxbell), is a dainty yellow woodland perennial from Japan which is uncommon in gardens.  It is a member of the hydrangea family.  Growing conditions include shade, moisture, acidic soil and good drainage.  Find a good home for it because it doesn’t like to be moved.
For late summer color Chelone oblique (Red Turtlehead) is a sturdy 3-4 foot perennial.  “Chelone” refers to the flower which is in the shape of the head of a turtle.  It prefers shade but can take some sun, likes moist, rich acidic soil.	Chelone oblique
Lobelia syphilitica	The Lobelia has become a favourite genus of mine.  Lobelia syphilitica, with blue flower spikes, grace the front of the border in partial shade.  Used in the past to treat venereal disease it is also good for attracting hummingbirds.  There are also tall bright red (with a hint of purple) and purple lobelias (varieties of Lobelia x gerardii).  As long as they get moisture they are happy.  Protect them in the winter with a covering of loose leaves.
The Ornamental Artichoke, Cynara, is presenting a fine show of blue thistle flower heads that are heavy and need to be staked.   Used as an architectural feature, its large silver leaves and stems lend itself very well to drought resistant plantings.  Full sun and good drainage is required.	Ornamental Artichoke
Koelreuteria paniculata	The colourful seed heads of Koelreuteria paniculata (GoldenRain Tree) dangle from the small tree at the west end of the border ‘en masse’.  It’s seeds can be roasted and consumed (Wikipedia).
Anaphalis margaritacea ( Pearly Everlasting) is a native perennial of dry, sunny areas.  It is attractive in dry bouquets.  First Nations people used it in a variety of ways:  as a poultice, as a skin softener for hands, or for treating influenza (Plants of Coastal British Columbia).	Anaphalis margaritacea
Hibiscus syriacus	Hibiscus syriacus ‘Blue Bird’ is a shrub for late summer.  Its drab appearance through most of the year is brightened for this short period.  It is one of the “Cinderella”s of the plant kingdom.

JULY 2009

This month at Playfair you can hear the continuous, piercing cry of the Cooper’s Hawks.  The babies have left their nest and can be spotted perched on the lower branches of the Garry Oaks in the rhododendron garden.

We are being challenged with keeping the rhododendrons well-watered through this dry spell but we are augmenting the underground irrigation system with sprinklers every weekday.  You may spot two workers removing invasive species such as Hedera helix and blackberries from the area.

The GORP site will soon get its split-rail fencing.  The red-listed Viola praemorsa will be one of the native plants protected by this initiative. 

The perennial border is now in continual color.  The tall, fragrant white lilies at the eastern end of the border is Lilium regale (Regal Trumpet Lily)-- a much desired ornamental bulb.  It will flower within the second year of seeding and is very easy to grow.  It likes some sun, some moisture, and humusy soil.

Eucomis autumnalis is the purple-leafed Pineapple Lily. Its dark strapping leaves are as attractive as its  flowers which will appear later in August. Give it moisture, some sun, a well-drained, protected spot in the garden and it will reappear the following years.

The white Aconitum napellus ‘Ivorine’ is elegant with its tall, spike like inflorescences.  Like the blue Aconitum it is poisonous and was dabbed on spears and arrows in ancient times (Wikipedia).  It prefers shade and moisture and needs to be staked.

On the western sunny side of the border is the very attractive, drought resistant Romneya coulteri, the California Poppy.  It has glaucous stems and leaves and  is usually cloaked with large, papery white flowers with  yellow centres.  Keep it restrained in an area by itself. Its roots will travel with determination into your basement if it finds a hole.  

The native Eriophyllum lanatum, the woolly sunflower, is a butterfly attractor to the garden.  You can find information on it in the Saanich Plant of the Month website ( add link?).  Another native plant, Epilobium angustifolium (Fireweed), is in full bloom in front of the rhododendron and azaleas. The bees love this plant.

Two easily grown annuals can be spotted here.  Helipterum roseum has delicate pink, papery flowers that can be dried for floral arrangements. Children (and adults) enjoy stroking the fluffy seedheads of the grass Lagurus ovatum ‘Bunny Tail’.   Both like full sun, well drained soil, and average moisture.

 If you like cycling, take the Saanich Greenway to San Juan and visit Sierra Park perennial border, which is in full bloom.  Early in the morning you can catch a number of people performing various forms of Tai chi.  You may even spot the three antlered bucks wandering through the neighbourhood together.

Lilium regale (Regal Trumpet Lily)	Eucomis autumnalis
Aconitum napellus 'Ivorine'	Romneya coulteri
Eriophyllum lanatum	Epilobium angustifolium (Fireweed)
Helipterum roseum	Lagurus ovatum 'Bunny Tail'

JUNE 2009

What a June!  After weeks of cold weather the heat hit and the perfect growing weather for plants began.  I could swear some perennials (and weeds) were growing 3 inches a day. 

See if you can catch a whiff of the fragrant Lonicera periclymenum climbing up the Rock Street entrance arbour.

The rhododendron and azalea garden was in its finest glory early in June rather than the traditional Mother’s Day week.  There are still some in flower. The native and ornamental bulbs which covered the ground have mostly set seed and dried up.  Due to the unusual dry weather the drip irrigation system is being augmented by hand watering.  So if you are walking the trails watch out for the sprinklers (unless you want to cool down from the heat). 

The male Cooper’s Hawk found a mate.  See if you can spot a tail in the nest.  Chestnut- backed Chickadee fledglings can be spotted flitting amongst the branches.

The perennial border is into its cycle of blooms.  Many visitors have been asking about the ornamental onions dotted through the border.  Allium christophii (Star of Persia) has a very large, violet “fireworks” ball and is 14 inches tall.  Allium schubertii is taller (16 inches) with a smaller, tighter ball.  Allium ‘Globemaster’ is 38 inches tall and has a very large purple sphere.

In contrast to the more brazen and common Aquilegia ‘McKenzie Hybrids’ an unusual light yellow Aquilegia chrysantha lightens up the shadier section of the border.  Oriental poppies lendt flashes of red, orange, scarlet, pink and plum to the border earlier on in the month but almost all have dropped their last petals and are approaching the dormant stage.   Silver-bladed Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oat grass) with its long seed heads contrast nicely with the small Festuca ovina-- both found in the upper, drier section of the border.

Lonicera periclymenum	Rhododendron garden
Cooper's Hawk Nest	Allium christophii
Allium schubertii	Allium giganteum
Aquilegia chrysantha	Oriental poppies
Helictotrichon sempervirens	View of perennial border

MAY 2009

Spring has come to Playfair with hot passion.  The cold weather may have kept early flowers from blooming but with the onset of warm weather color is everywhere.  Pink and white Ribes sanguineum greet you on rock Street.  Yellow Erythronium ‘Pagoda’ can be spotted at the end of the evergreen Magnolia grandifloras.

The Garry oak meadow is bluing up with camas (Camassia quamash and leichtlinii) along with spots of pink from shooting stars (Dodecatheon jeffersonnii).

There seemed to be more Sisyrinchium douglasii in bloom this year.    Fritillaria lanceolata—the chocolate lily, Pacific sanicle  (Sanicula crassicaulis), buttercups and fawn lilies (Erythronium oregonum) are all blooming at the same time.  It provided a beautiful show for the Mother’s Day Concert that was held at Playfair Park on Sunday May 10th.

The rhododendron and azaleas are far behind in color but there are some in bloom.  As you walk the trails, see if you can spot the nest of the bushtit and the new Cooper’s hawk nest in the oaks.  A Playfair neighbour says the male hawk has been trying to attract a female and two females have already found him wanting.

 A large patch of pink Erythronium revolutum can be found near the trail close to Rhododendron “Yellow Hammer”—which is a big draw for hummingbirds.   Trillium ovatum (Western trillium) is now turning pink from its original white.  Fawn lilies, camas and other native bulbs are also in bloom.  Two native dogwoods (Cornus nuttallii) are in full splendour.

The perennial border is well into its show despite the cold winter.  There were a few plant deaths (Eurphorbias and New Zealand Flax took a beating) and we are still waiting to see if some half-hardy ones are going to come back.  Hellebores,  dark orange Primula veris, lilac Primula denticulata, and varieties of Anemone De Caen--white ‘The Bride’ and magenta ‘Sylphide’ are some of the plants in bloom.  The double Caltha palustris ‘Flore Pleno’ shines in the sun while the coral/pink blooms of Pulmonaria rubra brightens up the shade at the eastern end of the border. 

Camas in the Garry Oak meadow	white fawn lillies
bushtit nest	sisyrinchium douglasii
Rhodo "Yellow Hammer"	Rhodo with Dogwood
Trillium	Hellebores and Brunnera
erythronium oregonum in rhodos	erythronium revoltum
Anemone De Caen "The Bride"	Anemone de Caen "Sylphide"
rhododendron	Primula denticulata

MARCH 2009

Welcome back to Playfair Park.  We look forward to showing you another year in the plant and wildlife here.  

It’s March 2009 and we have had another snowfall.  Despite the prolonged winter weather we are lucky to see an ever increasing amount of plants in bloom.  The rhododendrons have started their season of color.  A large pink one can be seen just off the Rock Street parking lot.  As you walk the trails in the rhododendron and azaleas flower trusses can be seen ready to burst open.  The leaves of camas and other Garry Oak meadow wildflowers are emerging at the GORP site.  Purple hellebores provide interest in the eastern section of the perennial border while a variety of bulbs are blooming.  The Cooper’s hawks have been spotted flying through the trees—no nest has been spotted yet.

Spring is coming!

Photos taken March 9th 2009

Hellebore March 2009
Large pink rhododendron off Rock St. Parking lot March 2009
	Rhododendron March 2009

September 30, 2008

Good-bye to the great late summer.  Autumn has arrived and the rains have started. Perennials that bloom in early fall are in full color.

Hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) and Veronia gigantea are great border fillers with reddish-purple flowers.  The former reseeds everywhere but is easily weeded by hand when less than 3 inches tall.  If left to grow over  that height, and a gardening implement is required. Divide every two years to keep this plant in check.  White Snakeroot (E. rugosum) is easier to maintain and does not seem to reseed.

Purple pineapple lily (Eucomis comosa)  has a thick flowering spike covered with white star-shaped flowers which requires protection from wind and heavy rain. The stem snaps easily so stake it or use as a cut flower - it blooms for several weeks.  Mulch in the winter to protect the bulb.

Moon Daisy (Chrysanthemum uliginosum) is from Hungary.  It is an elegant tall white perennial with grey-green leaves that is great for the back of the border.

Toad lily (Tricyrtus hirta) is a rhizomatous perennial from the moist woodlands of Asia.  Its quaint, star-shaped flowers are specked with purple.  Requiring no staking and being a tidy plant it should be planted next to a path to be closely appreciated.

Bugbane or Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga simplex/racemosa) is a North American member of the Ranunculus family.  This is a tall, graceful plant with long spikes of cream flowers.  Botanica notes that the rhizomes of this plant contain oestrogen-like chemicals that were used by Native Americans in childbirth and for menstruation problems.

Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’ is covered with long-lasting blue blooms this time of the year.  Its mounded shape, hardiness and tidy habit lends itself to any planting.  You can spot some happily growing in traffic medians on Royal Oak and Wilkinson.

Willow leaved sunflower (Helianthus salicifolius) is covered with sunny light yellow flowers.  It    makes a cheerful display to the middle of an island bed or the back of a border.  Of all the perennial sunflowers this is my favourite…well worth the work to keep it in bounds.

This pink fall flowering crocus (Colchicum autumnale ‘Roseum-plenum’) is a nice surprise in the garden when autumn hits.   

Several species of Salvias are still putting on a good show of color.  The bright blue Salvia patens will require potting up for the winter and kept frost free-- water only when soil is dry. The annual Salvia horminum comes in bracts of blue, pink and purple. It is a wonderful border filler and reseeds itself quite nicely. 

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora is a hardy bulb from Africa. Varieties in the border include ‘Solfatare’ which is apricot-yellow and ‘Emily Mackenzie’ with light orange flowers.  Crocosmia masonorum is the tall species with pleated leaves.

Glory Bush (Tibouchina urvilleana) is the tender South American bush that everyone enjoying the border asks about.  The purple to violet flowers cover the entire shrub.  Its leaves are felty green. This plant cannot survive in the ground through our winter.  Pot it up in the fall and place by a sunny window and water when soil is dry.   

This is the last page for the season.  Hope you have enjoyed the Playfair webpage.  See you next spring!  Thanks from Janet Veld, Kelly Mulhern and Donna Wong.

Eupatorium cannabinum	Veronia gigantea
Purple pineapple lily (Eucomis comosa)	Moon Daisy (Chrysanthemum uliginosum)
Trycyrtus hirta	Bugbane or Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga simplex/racemosa)
Aster x frikartii 'Monarch'	Willow leaved sunflower (Helianthus salicifolius)
Colchicum autumnale 'Roseum-plenum'	Salvia horminum
Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora	Tibouchina urvilleana

August 20, 2008

The perennial border continues to put on a show.  The summer has provided a good place to spot butterflies.  Woodland skippers, Admirals and Swallowtails can be seen flitting from flower to flower.  Saanich has another large perennial border at Sierra Park in Gordon Head and Gorge Waterway and Maynard Park also have perennial displays.

Blooming at the east end of the border is Cape Fuchsia, Phygelius, related to the Penstemon and Snapdragon.  Preferring light shade is Phygelius  ‘Sunburst’ which has chartreuse leaves and pink flowers. Grow it to attract hummingbirds to your garden.

Mimulus cardinalis, Scarlet Monkey Flower , is covered with yellow-throated scarlet flowers from summer to fall.  Its drawbacks are sticky, brittle stems and sprawling habit.

Two ferns add color and contrast to the shady parts of the border.  Dryopteris erythrosora, Autumn Fern, is evergreen  and can tolerate drier soils.  Athyrium nipponicum ‘Pictum’ (Japanese Painted Fern) have metallic-gray leaves with reddish tints.

Agastache foeniculum, the tall licorice agastache is a self-seeding but easily removed and is a “perfect” plant to fill holes in the border.  Upright and sturdy, its spikes of blue blend well with all perennials. 

Another tall plant, dark violet-blue Aconitum henryi ‘Spark’ (Wolfsbane) is a member of the buttercup family.  For the superstitious, if the flower cast a yellow shadow on a suspected shape-shifter’s chin, you had yourself a werewolf (Wikipedia).  A warning, this perennial is poisonous.

Polygonum amplexicaulis is one of my favourite perennials.  Star qualities include the profusion of red flower spikes from early summer to late fall, leaves that are delicately heart-shaped and requires no staking. Bees continually swarm this plant.

A beautiful self-supporting  pink windflower, Anemone x hybrida, is a delight to have in the border since it has not spread like other rhizomatous Anemones.

A pleasing combination is phlox and Gooseneck Loosestrife, Lysimachia clethroides.  The contrast of color and shape makes the maintenance effort worthwhile.

Flowers like small suns, Heliopsis scabra, requires strong staking and much deadheading to maintain a good appearance.   

Tall Echinops spaerocephalum is a Globe Thistle that lends an alien-like atmosphere to the border. The slightly prickly foliage is gray-green and its bee-attracting ball-shaped flower heads are blue-gray.  These are good for dried flower arrangements.  

Growing next to orange Crocosmia is Liatris spicata, Gay Feather, which grows in the prairies of Canada. The purple, pink or white flowers are good for cut flowers and attracting butterflies.  

Woodland skipper butterflies	Phygelius
Mimulus cardinalis	Dryopteris erythrosora
Athyrium nipponicum 'Pictum'	Agastache foeniculum
Aconitum henryi 'Spark'	Polygonum amplexicaulis
Anemone x hybrida	Phlox and Lysimachia clethroides
Heliopsis scabra	Echinops spaerocephalum
Liatris spicata

July 30 2008

Finally we have summer and the garry oak meadow is going dormant and the rhododendrons and azaleas have finished blooming.  The perennial border is at its best now till late fall. 

At the Cumberland Road end of the border is the showiest of North American columbines, Aquilegia chrysantha (Golden Columbine).  This long spurred, fragrant yellow flower reaches one metre in height and is more tolerant of sun and heat than other columbines.  Its name is from the Latin meaning dove which some people say the    flowers resemble. (Botanica, Raincoast Books, 1998).

If I could have only one lily in the garden it would be Lilium regale.  From Western China it can grow to six feet in height with up to thirty blooms.  It is heavily scented,reseeds easily and can flower in the first year. 

Monarda didyma (Beebalm) is a North American perennial herb with aromatic leaves used in Earl Gray tea.  Crush a leaf and smell!

From the Iris family is Tigridia pavonia (Tiger Flower) an ornamental plant from subtropical Mexico.  In striking shades of red with spotted centers its flowers only last a day.  Like the daylily its blooms do appear in succession. 

Dierama pulcherima (Angel’s Fishing Rod) is an evergreen perennial of the iris family.  It has long grass-like leaves with flowers of deep pink arching from wiry stems like fishing rods. 

Lobelia tupa is an unusual perennial with erect racemes of tubular two-lipped flowers of dull scarlet with a white tip on its upper petal. 

Eryngium agavifolium has spiny strap-like leaves with six foot flower stems of small greenish flower heads.  It  is a genus of the carrot family from Argentina. 

June 23, 2008

Sunnier weather is finally upon us. The cold, wet spring has not kept the flowers from blooming after all. In fact many plants seem to have enjoyed the cool temperatures and extra moisture, putting on more luxuriant growth, with blooms appearing a little later than normal, and lasting slightly longer than usual.

To the right of the Rock street entrance is Crinodendron hookerianum (lantern tree), a tall lime-loving evergreen shrub hardy in mild areas. It has waxy crimson urn-shaped and dark green leathery leaves. By the trellis is Pernettya mucronata, a lime lover covered with small white urn-shaped flowers. In the fall it is covered with large berries. This plant is unisexual so you need a male and female to get fruit.

In the sunny side of the GORP site you may find remnants of the creamy-white flowers of the poisonous meadow death camas (Zygadenus venenosus). Among the rocks is the native rose, Rosa gymnocarpa, with its light pink petals and large yellow center.

Every week the perennial border has something new to see. Below the loquat tree (Eriobotryia japonica) is Corokia cotoneaster, a shrub of yellow stars and angled branches. Geranium ‘Ballerina’, an alpine perennial with small pink flowers with dark veins nestled in deep green leaves is at ground level. The pink with purple blotched Erodium glandulosum roseum, with filigreed silvery-green leaves fronts a small rock.

Paulownia tomentosa, the empress tree, is a fast-growing, suckering hardwood with lavender-blue flowers. Its stems break easily when its large heart-shaped leaves are laden with rain or snow. The lilac balls of Allium ‘Globemaster’ contrast well against the large silver leafed ornamental artichoke, Cynara cardunculus. The flower of short Allium schubertii has an unusual star-burst shape. Polemonium carneum is a mat forming, spreading perennial with purplish pink flowers with yellow centers. Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) have been electrifying the border with its’ oranges and reds. An unusual burgundy coloured one, is Patty’s Plum. Lupinus polyphyllus ‘Russel variety’ has spire-like racemes in purple including blue, red, pink, yellow or white. Tufted panicles of fluffy mauve flowers float above divided grey-blue foliage of Thalictrum aquilegifolium.

A variety of perennial geraniums are in bloom. Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ has flowers of blue with a white center. Geranium platypetalum is a clumping, rhizomatous geranium with blue flowers with dark, raised veins. The bright magenta flowers with lime colored leaves is Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’, good for weaving through early blooming perennials. A beautiful blue, double geranium (Geranium pratense “Plenum Caeruleum ’) is also in bloom.

People have been asking about the beautiful pink and white shrubs flowering in the back of the border. These are Beauty Bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis) and Mock Orange (Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’).

East of the arbour are multi-colored columbines (Aquilega vulgaris ‘McKana Hybrids’). Dark Iris “Eye of the Tiger’ and light Iris ‘ Oriental Beauty’ are elegant chalices in the border. The pink balls at the feet of Iris pseudoacorus ‘Variegata’ is Phuopsis stylosa. Rodgersia aesculifolia, a shade and moisture loving rhizomatous plant with plumes of white flowers has large horse-chestnut leaves.

Pernettya mucronata, lime lover covered with small white urn-shaped	Crinodendron hookerianum, lantern tree
Rosa gymnocarpa	Zygadenus venenosus, poisonous meadow death camas
Lupinus polyphyllus ‘Russel variety’	Geranium ‘Ballerina’ an alpine perennial with small pink flowers with dark veins
The pink with purple blotched Erodium glandulosum roseum, with filigreed silvery-green leaves, fronts a small rock.	Paulownia tomentosa, the empress tree
The lilac balls of Allium ‘Globemaster’ contrast well against the large silver leafed ornamental artichoke, Cynara cardunculus	Allium schubertI
Polemonium carneum	Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale)
Geranium platypetalum	Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’
Kolkwitzia amabilis (Beauty Bush)	Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’
multi-colored columbines (Aquilega vulgaris ‘McKana Hybrids’).	Dark Iris “Eye of the Tiger’
Iris pseudoacorus ‘Variegata’	Light Iris ‘Oriental Beauty’

May 31, 2008

The grandeur of the rhododendron garden of Playfair Park is in full swing. The trails take you under heavily laden branches of pink blossoms while the enticing fragrance of yellow and orange azaleas tickles your nose. Flowers range in color from pale pink with orange freckles to hues of red, yellow and white to blues of Rhododendron augustinii. Unfurling leaves with magenta bracts add interest. A large native tree Cornus nuttallii (Pacific Dogwood) is in full flower— it is the white bracts that are showy. The blooms are small and inconspicuous.

Cornus Nuttallii	Rhodo
Rhodo	Rhodo and azaleas

The Camassia quamash or Common Camas, is finished blooming now. However, the Greater Camas, Camassia leichtlinii is now in full flower throughout the park and in particular throughout the Garry oak Restoration site. The yellowish flowers of Sanicula crassicaulis (Pacific sanicle) are now in bloom.

With the warm weather a different plant is blooming every other day in the perennial border.

Blue centaurea montana may be considered weedy by some gardeners but it offers a profusion of blue blooms for cutting.
Geum ‘Beech House Apricot” is covered with delicate, wavy-edged apricot-yellow flowers nestled in pinnate leaves
The elegant light blue flowering spikes of Veronica ‘Ramona’ has blue veins and blue stigmas.
The bleeding heart Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’ has satiny white hearts rather than the common pink.
A variety of hardy geraniums are in bloom.  Geranium phaeum has dark purple flowers, Geranium himalyense is blue with pink centers while the evergreen Geranium macrorrhizum has magenta flowers.
Sparaxis tricolour’s (Harlequin flower) red, yellow, purple and white flowers with yellow centers outlined in black open fully in the sun and partially close when cloudy.
Erysimum ‘John Cordington’ is a ground hugging perennial wallflower sprinkled with yellow, pink and wine-red flowers.

April 28, 2008

Despite the cold weather an increasing number of visitors are checking out the blooms at Playfair Park. Some stay for lunch, enjoying the sun and quiet space.

Sunny Fritillaria lutea maxima and sulphur-yellow Erythronium ‘Pagoda’ are in bloom at the entrance beds off Rock Street.

The Garry Oak Restoration Project (GORP) site is slowly coming into its glory. Sharing the space with white Fawn lilies is Dodecatheon hendersonii, the magenta to lavender broad-leaved shooting star. Did you know it is in the Primula family? Search intensely for the dark purple flower buds of the mottled Chocolate lily, Fritillaria lanceolata. They can be seen at the base of some of the oaks. The saucer-shaped leaves of Miner’s lettuce, Claytonia perfoliata, are bunched throughout the oak undergrowth. These make a good substitute for lettuce. The blue flowered Common camas, Camassia quamash, is barely showing color amongst the shiny, yellow buttercups. In a few weeks a sheet of blue will cover the hillside.

The rhododendrons are at all stages of flower. Closed buds mingle with flowers barely open to those that have shattered and carpet the forest floor. Fragrance from our native Oregon grape, Mahonia aquifolium, scents the air. The large camphor tree, Umbellularia californica, is in flower. Crush a leaf and smell. A large patch of pink Erythronium revolutum is next to one of the paths. The Cooper’s hawks are quieter now. The female is settling for long periods of time in its nest in the tall oaks. She may be brooding.

The perennial border is waking up. Wine-red Pasque flower, Pulsatilla vulgaris, with its bright yellow stamens bloom at the sunny, west end of the border along with a single Fritillaria lutea maxima under the Garrya elliptica. White, magenta, red and blue varieties of Anemone De Caen will dot the border with color till fall. At the shady, east end of the border the yellow daisy-like flowers of Doronicum ‘Little Leo’ shine next to the forget-me-not blue of Brunnera macrophylla. The fragrance of hyacinths and narcissi continue to scent the air.

Work continues with dividing and planting of perennials. Shrubs are being incorporated to enhance visual aesthetics in the winter and maintenance demands. Irrigation lines are being re-located to improve water coverage.

April 9, 2008

Despite the few weeks of unusual spring weather the flowers continue to appear at Playfair Park. Our native flowering currant, Ribes sanguineum ‘White Icicle’ (the white variety) greets park visitors.

The camellias are in full bloom. White fawn lily, Erythronium oregonum, has started to flower. Its recurved white flowers with yellow centers sit on slender stems that emerge from “fawn” mottled leaves. “Erythronium” comes from the Greek erythros for red, in reference to some pinkish-flowered species. See if you can spot the pink fawn lily, Erythronium revolutum. This species is confined to Vancouver Island and areas south (Pojar, J. and Mackinnon, A., Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast, Lone Pine Publishing, 1994, p. 104-105).

Also in the rhododendrons, look for Trillium ovatum. Trillium means in 3s referring to the leaves, petals, sepals and stigmas. The flower blooms early in the spring just as the robins appear or “wake up”, thus the common name of Wake Robin. Its seeds are attractive to ants who feed on its oil-rich appendages and then discard the remaining seeds. This effectively disperses the seeds in dim forest floors (Pojar and Mackinnon, p.102).

Purple hellebores are blooming in the perennial border as well as lungwort (the leaves are shaped like lungs) or Pulmonaria. The cool pink flowers contrast nicely with this variety’s silver-spotted leaves.

A Downy woodpecker and a Swainson’s thrush were spotted in the grove of oaks where the Cooper hawks have built a nest. Hummingbirds can be heard dive-bombing potential predators.

	Ribes sanguineum 'White Icicle' (foreground), Ribes sangiuneum red 'Flowering Currant' (background)
	Camellia
	Purple hellebore
	Erythronium oregonum
	Trillium ovatum
	Pulmonaria angustifolia
	Downy woodpecker
	Swainson’s thrush

April 1, 2008

Playfair is starting it's spring show.  The rhododendrons are starting to bloom, and a few are already in full colour. A favorite is the deciduous rhododendron with small vibrant, pink-blue flowers. A hummingbird was checking it out this morning. Satin flower (Sisyrinchium douglasii) with its nodding purple flowers is blooming in the Garry oak meadow. Perennials such as peonies are just starting to pop out of the ground amongst the hyacinths and daffodils.

Keep checking this site for news on Playfair Park. Click here for a location map or list of amenities.

	Sisyrinchium douglasii amongst Garry oak meadow
	deciduous rhododendron
peonies starting to peek out