All of us here in the Bay Area have been lucky these past few days...70 degrees in February! Of course, it makes you start thinking about spring, even though our winter is far from over.
I know many of you love gardening as I do and can't wait 'til you can begin planting and creating. May I recommend my all-time favorite plant? Viburnum Opulus, commonly called 'Snowball Viburnum'.
In the spring it has these incredible flower heads that look like giant Snowballs.
Here it is in my garden last August. I think the green foliage on the Snowball is still very pretty without any blooms.
And here is the Snowball late September. LOVE how the leaves are turning color.
Over several weeks the leaves turn into deep reds, rust, and orange.
Here is the Snowball right now, no leaves or flowers but still stately.
And this is how it will look again by the end of March!! The clusters start out green, and then gradually turn white over time.
See the Snowballs?
Okay.....so I know what you're waiting for. Uh-huh, I do. You're thinking I'll sneak in a photo of Edward Scissorhands or Johnny Depp because I'm talking about my garden, right? Like here, or here, here...or here.
Well, there's not a Snowball's chance in hell!
Ha! Who knew??!!! I told you the Snowball was my all-time favorite.
(Hey, it's been over 2 months since he stopped by!)
Visiting from sandra evertson's blog. log. I saw you said bay area and I though you must be visiting the filoli house - but this is your back yard? lucky you!
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | March 11, 2008 at 10:12 PM
My grandmother had snowball bushes in her garden and I have always loved them! I planted one in my garden two years ago and it always reminds me of my grandmother. I remember cutting bouquets of them and how they always "snowed" a little as I gathered them:>) Just found your blog, love it!
Posted by: Kathleen Grace | February 29, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Donna, You post the most beautiful photo's of that man!
I was so excited to see you post on "Snowball." I just discovered this plant in Wal-Mart of all places two days ago. Thrilled, it is already planted and ready to go.
Actually I don't recall ever seeing this plant here in my neck of the woods. When I was a flight attendant and based out of Memphis, I'd pass by this one house that had this planted smack dab in the middle of their lawn. I stared at it every time I cruised by. Researched a little, discovered it's name and hoped to have one some day.
Thanks for the beautiful pictures. I can't wait to see how it does!
Posted by: Val | February 28, 2008 at 11:02 AM
dear Shawna, Donna, bo bawna,
if Mr Darcy suddenly stepped out the snowball hedges with his clothes dripping wet from swimming in your ponds, I would not be a bit surprised...it is indeed a beautiful paradise.
now about your gardener...Johnny.
I'm glad to see that you've let him take a little break there at the end of the story.
what a lucky girl you are.
xo,Christine
Posted by: Christine Crocker | February 21, 2008 at 10:39 AM
I REALLY REALLY want to sit in your garden and sip Champagne!
Johnny can come to if he wants.
Posted by: Country French Antiques | February 18, 2008 at 08:55 AM
miss d. O...
the garden of yours is stunning,and i was proud to spot you already on Victoria home page, a teaser to remind us to
look forward.
can't wait to see it :)
~connie
Posted by: cgs | February 18, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Your garden is simply enchanting! So very lovely! You certainly have a green thumb!
Sandra Evertson
Posted by: Sandra Evertson | February 17, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Oh Donna...I LOVE your garden!
The snowballs are quite a lovely site!
JD's not too bad either...
Have a fabulous day...
Priscilla
Posted by: Flea Market Queen | February 17, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Donna,
I want to come play in the plush garden!! It is beautiful! I haven't seen green in months....Just blankets of white around here.
THanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Sylvia | February 16, 2008 at 09:45 PM
I love it when Johnny frolics in your garden! Your garden is beautiful and Snowballs have always been a favorite of mine.
c
Posted by: Cindy | February 16, 2008 at 06:10 PM
OMG Donna! What a beautiful garden, you are so lucky! How nice that Johnny was able to be your model too:)
Hugs,
Carol
Posted by: Raised In Cotton | February 16, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Your garden is a wonder... but Johnny, sigh... he is a miracle!
Posted by: Dale | February 15, 2008 at 10:34 PM
that's it!! it's OFFICIAL!! I'm gettin' me one of them there plants...and some gardening gloves so you can plant it for me!!
xoxo
Posted by: colleen | February 15, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Darn it, now I can't even remember what your post was about? something to do with snowflakes? or was it snow cones? or uh, tennis balls....I lost all sense at the last photo.
You ARE Donna right, almost forgot where I was...oh yea, swooning and drooling.
XOXOXO
p.s. LOVE your garden.
Posted by: Lisa Oceandreamer | February 14, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Okay lovely, it is official!!! I am moving into your garden with my sleeping bag.... Survivor, Donna's garden!! hahaaaa, I can handle it, let me in!! ;) xoxoxox
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | February 14, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Happy Valentine's Day, Donna. Rodger and I need you to visit our yard and make some changes!!! I have a snowball plant, but it doesn't look like yours, what gives? Have a wonderful Valentine's Day with your "peacock".
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon at American Harvest | February 14, 2008 at 02:40 PM
You have a beautiful garden! With or without scissorhands! Viburnum (we call it Olvon) is one of my favorites too. I also like Hortensia Annabelle wich looks almost the same.
Happy Valentines Day to You and Your loved ones!
Liisa
Posted by: Liisa | February 14, 2008 at 02:36 PM
I love, just love your beautiful garden! The snowballs are some of my favorite flowers. Thank you so much for the encourgement on the shoes.
Happy Valentine's Day!!
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy ~ Fete et Fleur | February 14, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Happy Valentines Day Donna!!!
I love your garden in all its seasons... and I'll take one of those snow cones from the man himself, thank you very much!
Saw a clip of him the other night from Cry Baby... swoon...
Thanks for the thanks, it was an honor to be a part of eb's bloglandia dancing, and I'll watch out for that crown of ice, which has indeed melted in this glorious weather!!!
Spring Flowers to you sweet friend!!! XO
Posted by: Lea | February 14, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Happy Hearts Day Donna! Your garden is breathtaking even without Johnny caressing your snowballs!
Posted by: Melissa | February 14, 2008 at 09:40 AM
In watching my DVD's of Will & Grace I learned that Jack McFarland loves Johnny Depp too.
Where will you plant the corn?
Oh my goodness but your garden is a paradise!
Christine
Posted by: Christine LeFever | February 14, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Your gardens are truly divine!!! I too love the snowball. I got two new ones last year and I can see the new buds on it...can't wait for something to bloom. Love that photo of Johnny Depp is he your valentine?
Posted by: Queen of Tarte | February 14, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Oh Sweetie! HAPPY HEARTs DAY! I should have guessed that yummy Johnny would be in your garden today! Hope you are well, still looking forward to meeting him in person/theatre with you!
Posted by: Ulla | February 14, 2008 at 08:10 AM
I love your Garden! It is so romantic! I am going to have to try some Virburnam! I have been having major rabbit and gopher problems! They have just ruined my garden!! Happy Valentines Day! Smiles~ Joy
Posted by: Joy | February 14, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Oh my gosh, you are so lucky...70 degrees. We have been averaging about 12. I love viburnums. Have you tried a variety known as the Korean Spice Bush? It smells heavenly when it blooms.
Posted by: karen | February 14, 2008 at 06:00 AM
Snow ball or not, I stand by my words. Your's is the prettiest garden in the world! ADORE your garden!
Happy Valentine's Day Friend!
Love,
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | February 14, 2008 at 05:55 AM
Good medicine, Donna! Happy Valentine's Day! Love the snowball bush - I had one at a prior residence and picked large bundles when they bloomed (even if they did shed all over).
Posted by: Dorian Fletcher | February 13, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Happy Valentines Day Donna!
My grandma had a snowball bush, they
are so pretty, and so is your beautiful garden, like a park.....
The weather was beautiful the last couple of day, wish it would last
Pinkie Denise
Posted by: Pinkie Denise | February 13, 2008 at 09:10 PM
If you weren't such a darling I would be so jealous. No, not of Johnny. I love Snowballs, LOVE THEM! But they don't really do well here in Southern Ca.
Happy Valentines, friend.
xo Lidy
Posted by: frrenchgardenhouse | February 13, 2008 at 08:15 PM
How dare you tease us with those wonderful pictures of your yard. We just had another snow storm today and my snowball bush is full of snow! Now I know why your garden is so beautiful...look who your gardner is! Priceless!
Posted by: Alice | February 13, 2008 at 08:09 PM
Are you doing this to torment those of us living in the Northeast where it is still snowing?All that lush green and beautiful lawn.And to add insult to injury you have to throw in that delight that's in our Valentine's fantasy!
You are cruel but we love ya anyways.Have a Happy Valentine's Day and I don't want to know what you and Johnny are up to.
XO Susan
Posted by: Miss Maddie's | February 13, 2008 at 03:13 PM
I cant believe that's your garden. Are you in the Oakland hills? If that were my garden I'd never leave. Is Johnny moonlighting as your gardener?
Posted by: Christine | February 13, 2008 at 03:11 PM
oh Donna!!! you crack me up:) and your garden *sigh* well, it is just gorgeous!!! lucky you to live with such beauty:)
Posted by: Lori | February 13, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Hi Donna,
You have such a beautiful garden.
We have had nice weather here for a few days as well.
I love Johnny Depp!!!
Thanks for the lovely Springtime.
Have a Happy Valentine's Day!
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | February 13, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Donna!! You always crack me up with the Johnny Dep thing! I love your snowball bush, is it a bush? Looks like a snowball tree...and it is quite stately! You can tell you have quite the green thumb by your photos. Everything's so lush ~ just beautiful! xxoo, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | February 13, 2008 at 11:11 AM