| A bright dogwood hedge (likely Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’) on Lakeshore Avenue East* [See Ed: below] |
You know that it would be untrue. You know that I would be a liar. If I was to say to you, this is my ‘Midwinter Fire.’ No, it probably belongs to Loblaws, whose parking lot it borders along Lakeshore East. However, it certainly lit my fire as I walked by on a cold December morning. With its mixture of yellow, orange and red, the colour of its twigs is described as flamelike. Do you agree?
This location gives it the full sun it needs to really bring out the reds. Like all coloured-twig dogwoods, new growth glows brightest. For strong winter colour, prune yours back hard in spring.
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| This shot gives you a better view of the plain brown older stems in the centre of the hedge. Prune to keep those fires burning. |
[Ed: Huh. Learn something new every day. The real name of this street is Lake Shore Boulevard East. Two words on Lake Shore. I thought the Boulevard stopped downtown. Who knew? Perhaps, you?]
7 comments
Spectacular!!!!!!!!
I have a few dogwoods and love that red color in winter. Mine are not quite so colorful as Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'. It really does look like a hedge on fire.
Sadly, I have neither the sun nor the moisture to grow these myself.
Lake Shore and Jarvis? Nice hedge for a desolate part of town…
Lake Shore and Leslie, Paul.
I have to say i miss Toronto, lived there for 5 years back in the 90´s. In fact the reason I am a gardener today is partly due to having lived there and watch the care and love for gardens, public and private, even in such a adverse weather. Lakeshore and Leslie, I remember well. Living in Lisbon now with a small garden to care for, i really profit from your post and ideas. Thank you Helen, i´ll keep coming visit (almost) everyday.
How lovely to hear, Azinheira. I hope you'll visit and comment often — and I'll try not to be too envious of your Lisbon location.