New Bush for New Season
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This is its very first flower!
Different flowers on this bush will undoubtedly show up numerous times in my various future galleries.
If you're not into flowers or the art of photography, they may all look pretty much the same.
If you are into flowers or the art of photography, you will notice the differences between each new photo.
This is my first ever Rose of Sharon (Hardy Hibiscus).
This bush is part of the new landscaping project. We added a matching pair on the island mound.
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Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) isn’t just a pretty face in the garden.It’s a surprisingly eco-friendly powerhouse. H
ere are some of its standout environmental benefits:
🌿 Drought Tolerance & Soil Health
Thrives in dry conditions thanks to its efficient water use and ability to go dormant during droughts.
Improves soil structure with its root system, which enhances microbial activity and boosts organic matter.
Fixes nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic relationships, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
🐝 Pollinator Magnet
Its nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local biodiversity and pollination.
Encourages fruit and seed production in nearby plants by increasing pollinator activity.
🌱 Low Maintenance & Sustainable Landscaping
Requires minimal watering and care, making it ideal for sustainable gardens.
Suppresses weeds naturally with dense foliage, reducing the need for herbicides.
Tolerates poor soils and urban conditions, making it a resilient choice for city landscapes.
🌸 Edible & Medicinal Uses
Its leaves and flowers are edible, offering a mild, lettuce-like flavor and a mucilaginous texture that’s great in salads or teas.
Contains antioxidants and vitamin C & may help lower blood pressure.
🌎 Climate Resilience
Helps regulate soil temperature and reduce evaporation, creating a cooler microclimate around its base.
Bounces back quickly after droughts or stress, maintaining green cover and reducing erosion.
It’s a great example of a plant that’s both beautiful and beneficial.
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Summer Solstice
The summer solstice occurs because of a 23.5 degree tilt in Earth's rotational axis that may have arisen when an ancient Mars-sized body slammed into our planet billions of years ago, triggering the formation of our moon. The angle of this tilt is — to all intents and purposes — consistent all year round, and is currently fixed with the north celestial pole pointing close to Polaris, the current north star. Thanks to this tilt, we experience the changing seasons, equinoxes and solstices — events that have been celebrated by cultures around the world for thousands of years.
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