Slide Show: David C. Lam Asian Garden at UBC
Woodsy pathways through the David C. Lam Asian garden at the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden in Vancouver, BC
A large patch of the fabled giant Himalayan lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum), a fragrant, eight-foot tall lily that takes seven years to bring to flower – then dies! (Luckily, it makes babies before it croaks.)
This rare hop hornbeam tree (Carpinus fangiana) has stunning green catkins and these delectable crimpled leaves… the plant is so tasty that it graces the cover of "The Jade Garden: New & Notable Plants from Asia", a book w
Sinocalycanthus sinensis, a large, lovely deciduous shrub with summertime flowers that resemble single camellias from afar. Very lovely in autumn when the leaves turn yellow too.
Dienanthe bifida, a hydrangea relative with exquisitely formed flowers – and the buds are at least as lovely! It makes a lovely low shrubbery (about 3-4’ tall and plenty wider with time) for a part sun or shade area.
This lovely little tree – Alangium platanifolium – has marvelously scented, intricately formed little flowers that dangle below the big, tropical-looking leaves – perfect for lying or sitting underneath and looking up at.
Meliosma myriantha, looking for all the world like a lilac or privet from afar, but with the most stunning and sweet fragrance – in mid-summer! Very pretty and unusual and, so far, I haven’t seen it in any local gardens. Look at t
Hydrangea aspera subsp. sargentiana – definitely one of the prettiest forms of this sometimes variable plant. Love the downy foliage and stems, as well as those tight little cauliflower-like heads of flowers that open up mauvy-lilac. Yu
How about a 15-foot tree-form lacecap hydrangea capable of growing a six-inch diameter trunk? Consider Hydrangea heteromalla. Ever heard of it?
Lonicera crassifolia makes a pretty little evergreen groundcover… but I don’t see it around that much because everyone’s too busy planting invasive and boring things like vinca!
I think I found a rare Schefflera delavayi hidden in the shrubbery and discreetly unlabeled. This is one of the largest plants I’ve seen (about 8’ tall or more), and is likely one of the first to have been planted in North America
There were lots of rare rhododendrons with exquisite foliage… even without the flowers, Rhododendron kesangiae would be a wonderful addition to any shady garden. Very tropical-looking!
The gate to the other side… more to come!
