Sunshine Coast/Gulf Islands

Medusa grew bigger in one year (see posting #171).
More competition.


‘Ama-no-gawa’ on O’Shea, east of Shaw in Gibsons.

 

‘Shiro-fugen’ still blooming in Gibsons. This one on Oceanmount, east of Shaw.

 

One ‘Shiro-fugen’ at St. John’s United Church in Davis Bay. Best viewed from Simpkins, south of Davis Bay Rd.

 

Three young ‘Shiro-fugen’ on Whitaker, south of Vine in Davis Bay.


Each one of them would benefit from a little TLC.

Trees looked challenged.

 

Well-established ‘Ama-no-gawa’ in the heart of downtown Madeira Park.
You cannot miss it at 12912 Madeira Pk Rd.
Protected from traffic by those rocks.

 

This could be the ‘Last Hurrah’ for the season.
Pair of ‘Shiro-fugen’ on Franklin and Cochrane are the best-looking trees in town.

 

Well…. the two young ‘Shiro-fugen’ trees on Sunnycrest Rd are hanging in there. Still respectable.



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Did I close the season down too early? Blooming Now – Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (vcbf.ca)
I figured no postings in a week meant it was time to say good-bye.

 

I was in Edmonton for a week. Nothing to post from there.

There are several micro-climates in Gibsons. The higher the elevation, the longer the cherry season. Those two young ‘Shiro-fugen’ trees on Sunnycrest Rd are in Upper Gibsons, top of the hill.
I’m finally figuring this out.

 

I went by yesterday to look at the 2 young trees (Shiro-fugen) next to London Dr*gs (Sunnycrest Road) … even yesterday, after more wind and rain — the blossoms are as lovely as @Willard describes … I am glad you pointed them out.

they are not as showy as the early season blossoms we’ve posted about … I suppose because the leaves are healthy green and conceal the blossoms a bit

plus - could it be possible - we have cherry fatigue ?! Oh sure, another blossom :)

here are some photos … not every day one sees cherry blossom with a back drop of wisteria (on the big concrete wall)

(maybe they hung on for Queen of Canada celebrations … cherries jubilee? Ouch that’s bad! The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend 2022 )

And this comical conical sheared evergreen next to the long lasting Shiro-fugen offers a whole new style to the “Gibsons Haircut look book”

i noted some blossoms were fluffy white on same branch as fluffy pink — see photos

 

Yes, they keep sending out some new flowers, and some new petals (the white ones) on the old flowers. Keep looking at them. Eventually the phylloid (leafy) looking pistils might get really leafy looking, but the veining will be different from the leaves, and they will only get to around 2cm long.

 

My neighbour Joy spotted this beautiful tree on Harmony Lane in Gibsons. It think it is 'Pandora', and if so, it is the first one we've found on the Sunshine Coast. It is also one of the largest trees around.



Long-stalked umbels, somewhat bulbous calyx tubes, and triangular sepals.

 

'Snofozam' on private driveway on St Andrews Rd east of Stella Maris Rd in Gibsons.

 

Fine pair of 'Beni-shidare' on Lower Rd, east of Cheryl Ann Rd in Roberts Creek.

 

This 'Beni-shidare' looks better than ever.

 

Thanks to Wendy Cutler and Marg Kitso for identifying this cultivar at Langdale Ferry Terminal. There are four trees planted in 4 large concrete planters.

They have several names :

Prunus incisa 'Kojo-No-Mai'
Flight of the Butterfly
Little Twist

 

Note the mountains in the fourth photo just above - @Willard's specialty. Well, they're in the two preceding that as well. Bees and birds on cherries are her other specialty.

 

My neighbour Carol Stewart spotted this 'Ito-zakura' on Medusa Street in Sechelt on March 30, 2023. It's un-pruned, thankfully.

 

'Akebono' are at stage 2 to stage 5 of blooming on the Sunshine Coast. Something for everyone.

 

Good-looking 'Beni-shidare' on Point Rd in Hopkins Landing. At least 40 years old, I was told by friendly neighbour.

 

And the power cherry scouting begins with a stop at Olga's garden. Even though they are past peak bloom, the two 'Beni-shidare' are still making a statement.


Welcome to the Sunshine Coast Wendy.

 

Another 'Beni-shidare' past peak bloom, but the rootstock called for a closer look.
On Dolphin Street, west of Inlet Street in Sechelt.

 

Fine 'Akebono' trees at St. John's United Church in Davis Bay.

 

Wendy noticed the 'Amano-ga-wa' at St. John's United Church (see posting #366 last year) is on 'Colt' rootstock.

Here it is today.
Even though the 'Colt' suckers are low to the ground and small, they are extremely fragrant.

 

Two 'Rancho' on Laurel Ave, north of Davis Bay Rd.