Last Saturday was a simply gorgeous fall day. A perfect day to visit the
Dallas Arboretum. The entrance was filled with pumpkins and gourds. What I wouldn't give to grow a few of these although they may have to be of the miniature variety. The theme in the gardens was definitely fall with oranges and yellows everywhere.
I think I might just grow some of this variety of Gaillardia ( Gaillardia commotion "frenzy") next year.The petal form is like Cosmos "sea shells". I particularly like the yellow and this plant seems to flower throughout the year in central Texas.
Anyone know what this plant is?
I loved this water feature.
The armadillo on the edge of the pond was eyeing the koi intently.
Even they were dressed for fall.
I know I have seen these lily pads ( Victoria amazonica) before. Kew Gardens? Do I remember seeing a photograph of a
Victorian lady standing on one?
This pot maybe left over from the summer but what a wonderful combination.
Last Saturday was a simply gorgeous fall day. A perfect day to visit the Dallas Arboretum. The entrance was filled with pumpkins and gourds. What I wouldn't give to grow a few of these although they may have to be of the miniature variety. The theme in the gardens was definitely fall with oranges and yellows everywhere.
I think I might just grow some of this variety of Gaillardia ( Gaillardia commotion "frenzy") next year.The petal form is like Cosmos "sea shells". I particularly like the yellow and this plant seems to flower throughout the year in central Texas.
Anyone know what this plant is?
I loved this water feature.
The armadillo on the edge of the pond was eyeing the koi intently.
Even they were dressed for fall.
I know I have seen these lily pads ( Victoria amazonica) before. Kew Gardens? Do I remember seeing a photograph of a Victorian lady standing on one?
This pot maybe left over from the summer but what a wonderful combination.
The Dallas Arboretum has a reciprocal arrangement with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center so there is no entry fee. What a great deal! 
Hiya,
ReplyDeleteHow I envy you such a wonderful day with blue skies and pleasant temperatures.
Isn't that the waterlily that flowers every 100 years? I think the chap who designed the Crystal Palace had one of those at Chatsworth, and designed their greenhouse to match the shape. I stood on one of those leaves when I was four. Apparently. According to family legend ;-)
Those gourds? Snap! This summer (?) I tried some. Only one came good.
Great photos. Sounds like a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteAiyana
Jenny, that plant is a variegated tapioca, or cassava. I think I saw this in Dee's garden this summer.
ReplyDeleteHi, The plant you wanted to know about is Manihot esculenta or variegated Tapioca. I'm the garden designer for the Dallas Arboretum. Thank you for visiting and love your photos!
ReplyDeleteJimmy Turner-Director of Horticulture Research and Garden Design jturner@dallasarboretum.org
Hi Joco- we have had some wonderful days recently and this was certainly one of them. However, I have to say we really want fall to come and that means no more temperatures in the 80s and some rain. I haven't come across any information of the 100 year flowering of the giant lily pad. Is it possible you were thinking of the century plant?-agave, which by the way may take 100 years to flower but it is more likely much less than that. I guess no one was counting and it certainly seemed like a long time. Tried to leave a comment on your blog but had a problem and couldn't post it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam and Jimmy for the information on the Manihot. Beautiful variegated leaves. How wonderful that you found your way to my blog, Jimmy. The arboretum is always so colorful and I marvel at how you are growing plants which I wouldn't think were hardy in Dallas. I'm only sorry I couldn't do real justice, with my camera, to all the beautiful plantings.
Thanks for taking us to another interesting place, Jenny - and and especially colorful one, too!
ReplyDeleteI've seen the picture of the lady in the long dress on the lily pad, too, but can't remember which book it was in.
Variegated tapioca...just what we need. Another lovely semi-tropical plant to try to keep alive over winter ;-]
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Good morning,
ReplyDeleteI remembered right: the original name was Victoria regia, later in some countries changed to amazonica.
And it was the inimitable Sir Joseph Paxton that got it to flower first in Europe, at Chatsworth in 1850 or thereabouts.
More on clownplants.