Friends of the Buller Greenhouse

Leaves of three, let them be. I was taught this phrase when I was a child to help me recognize and stay out of contact with Poison ivy. Poison ivy plants may cause suffering if you get their oils on your skin, but they sure bring the colour in the fall. The brightest red and orange leaves in these pictures belong to poison ivy plants. After the leaves fall, the surprisingly woody stems and cream-coloured to pale yellow berries can still trigger reactions. The berries provide food for birds.

Some scenes from The Bloedel Conservatory and surrounding gardens (Vancouver, BC) in late August.

Look what opened today! This little beauty (Stapelia scitula) hasn't made it into our collection yet because I just brought it home from Phoenix Perennials. As it grows, I will make a cutting to share with the greenhouse.