There are certain plants I always forget about using when I'm designing gardens, so I like to take trips to various public gardens around town in various seasons when different plants are in bloom -- just to remind myself about their beauty and utility.
Woodland gardens, like this one at the US National Arboretum, are awash with native deciduous azaleas in springtime, and you have to admit they have a delicate, airy quality you'll never find in one of the candy-colored azaleas that are always so popular. Some of these native azaleas were introduced in the 1800's or early 1900's and are now established in woodlands throughout the country. It's worth seeking them out in nurseries .. or hybrids of them, as you can use them to great effect on shady sites.
A native tree you don't see too often is the Carolina silverbell (Halesia tetraptera), and it's probably because the flowers are fleeting in spring. However, it's a great tree for a small patio, especially when it's near a seating area, like the bench shown here, where you can look up into the flowers. Japanese styrax trees have the same effect, but they're not native, and you won't find them out in the woods.
While at the arboretum, I also visited the dogwood section, not looking for anything unusual, just taking in the scene.But then, I stumbled upon this .. the Mexican Dogwood (Cornus florida subsp. urbiniana). Darned if I know where I'd get one, but I've never seen blossoms quite so pure white or quite so unusual. It would be a stunning specimen tree in any garden.
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