Mike the headless chicken

I have nicknamed this Schefflera delavayi "Mike" as of today. It's hard to describe how very much Mike actually gives the impression of several chickens upended and stuffed into last year's schefflera stalk. Here are some photos that don't quite do justice to Mike's actual appearance. And, no, I'm not going to post any photos of Mike the headless chicken. That's what google is for.

On a sweeter note, the angel in the devil garden (aka Giant Himalayan Lily or Cardiocrinum giganteum) is clearly headed for bloom this year. That's a 5.5 foot fence behind her. I'll call her the Angel of Death so she fits into the theme better, which is apropos since this stalk will die after blooming. I'm grateful for the two offsets she generated this year, they make me feel less conflicted about jumping up and down and clapping my hands in glee over her impending divine death. (Amanda, thank you for the "Angel of Death" idea)

 

sparks fly

Spring is heating up, and today I was taking note of all the plants that are emerging "hot" or otherwise reminiscent of flame.

Rhus typhina "Tiger Eyes" (sumac)

This "Fire Flame" tulip looks just like a candle next to the bamboo (Tulipa acuminata). The coloration seems to vary a lot between bulbs (varying degrees of yellow/orange/red).

Euphorbia "Fen's Ruby"

Euphorbia "Blackbird" and Heuchera "Fire Alarm"

Euphorbia "Bonfire"

 

Lobelia fulgens "Elm Fire" just emerging.

Athyrium nipponicum "Burgundy Lace"

Even the burgundy pineapple lily (Eucomis comosa "Oakhurst") is joining in...

Perhaps cheating, since this a houseplant, but these brilliant red begonia leaves certainly follow the theme. They look dark green until light shines through them.

 And to close with perhaps the most dramatic, the dogwood (I don't know the variety) is burning especially bright today. Happy Spring!