Our upper neighbours planted an Albizia julibrissia tree (Silk tree, Mimosa tree) near our fence, so I am able to admire it from my kitchen (as always, click for a slightly larger view):
I read that it was brought to North America from Asia in 1745, and that in the Southeast parts of the U.S., it is an invasive species. However, here in the Northwest (Vancouver, BC), it seems to be quite uncommon, and I love its exotic, tropical look. The foliage reminds me of the Mimosa pudica (Sensitive plant), which is a special childhood experience which is not to be missed. The airy pink flowers are strikingly beautiful, appearing to float gently on top of the greenery.
It is a double delight then, when the hummingbirds visit the Albizia. I managed to capture a couple of photos, from my deck:
How lovely. The name Mimosa sounds so exotic and apropos, eh? I love the tree and the birds. Great shots!
ReplyDeleteNice picture! I have been watching the hummers in my yard for several weeks now, they are so much fun. Always so busy and scrappy little birds.
ReplyDeleteAn invasive species? So many things that do well are called invasive, and if you are a Darwinian gardener like me (what is fittests, survives) you like them. Far easier to cut back, than to coax something that just doesn't want to grow.
ReplyDeleteAs I told my neighbor's lawn cutter last week, a weed is a plant that is growing in the wrong place: I love th title of your blog.
Mary
Thanks for being a "follower." I enjoyed seeing what a Mimosa is, and I can completely understand the attraction for the hummingbirds. We have only the ruby-throated hummingbird here. Do you have many different kinds?
ReplyDeleteShady Gardener - I keep reading up and then forgetting what type of hummingbird we have visiting here, but it seems to always be the same kind, and it seems to always be the juvenile or female ones. I think I've only once seen one with some of the red coloration on the throat.
ReplyDeleteMary - I agree about the weeds only being plants growing in places we don't want them to. Even the dandelions would be coveted plants (for their cheery yellow blooms), if only they didn't reseed so wildly. I also enjoy many plants which are successful, and need to be "fought back" (or given away to friends). On the other hand, I am also happy to try plants not technically suited to our climate, and just see what happens.