Flower and Plant Favorites 2011 in my Garden

I decided to do a post revisiting a few of my favorites of 2011.

Malus Purple Prince in the Spring. You can't ask for anything
more out of a tree when it presents such beauty.

The Echinacea and Daisies were so eye catching that it was
hard to see anything else during their bloom time.

And what can be more beautiful than a Monarch Butterfly.

The Daylily Austintatious. Brightened my garden over
and over with reblooming.

My Daylily Ruby Spider is one that just caught your
eye and drew you in for closer looks.

Hydrangea QuickFire. Always lovely but the bonus
of this fall color was really a plus.

Erica Mrs Donaldson is a beautiful Heath and always looks good.

Heath Erica Yellow John is one of my favorites year round.

This lovely Heath Williamsii Ken Wilson, is another
summer bloomer that always looks good.

Of course what would be the fun without my beautiful
Yorkie Pagan in there somewhere.

My Pinus Sylvestris Glauca Nana on standard with Mums on either
side of it with some mini and small Hosta in front.

Just a few lovelies that I felt deserved a second look for 2011 and
I wait patiently for their loveliness again in 2012.

Fall Trees Malus Japanese Maple Acer Griseum

Colors on some of the trees for 2011 has been exceptional.

Acer Palmatum Fireglow. This is a dwarf Japanese Maple that should top out at 12 feet or so. It's situated in my family Hosta bed, which are all cut back now. Remains burgundy through the seasons, but thought I would include it with the Hydrangea Tar Diva in the background showing some yellow Fall color also.

Acer Griseum Paperbark Maple after planting it in late August.

Acer Griseum Paperbark Maple at the end of October. I added it for it's exfoliating bark, the red Fall color is just an added bonus. I didn't expect much Fall color this year with it being put in so recently but what a pleasant surprise it's been.

Malus Purple Prince this Fall. I love this tree and it's wonderful shape, the wonderful flowers in Spring, the beautiful Summer purplish green color and fullness, and the burgundy Fall color and then the added bonus of small purple fruits the birds eat over the Winter.

Fall Color Hydrangea CrapeMyrtle Cotinus Azalea

Hydrangea QuickFire. What a beauty this is with it's Fall colors. I have 3 of these in different areas of the yard. This one is mostly red, one is a combo of red and orange and the other is mostly orange with a little red.

Azalea Red Dwarf. I'm still surprised I have the couple of these that I do since they really like acid soil. I keep expecting them to die at some point and won't be too surprised when they do, but the Fall and Winter color is gorgeous on them.

Cotinus Golden Spirit. Just added a few months ago so I am surprised with the Fall color, but happy to see it. The yellow of the shrub added with the red is really lovely.

Crape Myrtle Centennial Spirit. The Fall colors are stunning especially with just adding this in the Spring. They are being offered here so hopefully that is because it's Winter hardy and I've provided a small micro climate with the privacy fence to keep off some of the Winter winds coming out of the northwest.

Hydrangea Quercifolia Little Honey. I added two of these a few months ago. I understand they can be difficult to get going but have them on a slope so hopefully that will do the trick and they survive. They are a yellow oakleaf selection and should set off the area I have them in if they make it.