10/17/2024
As you wander through the gardens at Kalama Harbor Lodge, you’ll find some unique floral gems that are putting on quite the show this season. Take the Gordlinia grandiflora, for example. This small tree is at its best right now, combining vibrant fall colors with stunning white blooms. Picture this: deep red foliage with large, 4-inch flowers scattered across its branches—it’s like the tree can’t decide whether to dress for summer or autumn. At 15-20 feet tall, it’s a striking sight and a true testament to its East Coast hybrid roots.
Further down the hill towards the beach, you’ll come across the Colletia hystrix, known as the Barbed Wire Bush. Don’t be fooled by its spiky, tough look—beneath that sharp exterior lies a soft side, as it surprises you with masses of tiny, fragrant flowers. Growing to about 5 feet, this evergreen adds a sculptural element to the landscape, and while it’s drought-tolerant, it’s also tough as nails, literally!
Lastly, tucked away on the beach hill is our Grevillea victoriae 'Murray Valley Queen'. This one’s a real winter wonder. While its green leaves are lush year-round, it’s the blooms that steal the spotlight, especially when Anna’s Hummingbirds come flocking to sip from its orange flowers. Blooming in the coldest months, it’s like a pop of warmth in the middle of winter—just what the garden needs.
Each of these plants has a story to tell, adding texture, color, and life to Kalama’s gardens no matter the season. 🌸✨
