magnolia tree in Memory Garden
Magnoliaceae

I love this tree and visit it every spring! It's located in the Memory Garden behind the Pacific House.

ps 09/09/09 - I've heard rumors (and read paper publishings) that the Pacific House was to be closed September 1, 2009 due to the state budget cuts. However, it remained open over the holiday weekend, as witnessed September 6th. I hope it does stay running, as this courtyard garden is my favorite!

pss 04/11/10 - As far as we know this garden is still opened daily and is still being used for weddings, but the little museum in the Pacific House is closed. Sad.

queen's tears
Billbergia nutans
Bromeliaceae

The navy striping on the bracts is spectacular! This was at the Larkin House Garden in Monterey. The flower was also at the Carmel Valley Garden show on May 17, 2009, but my pic didn't read the details of the ID card. Phooey!

And, yes, I have a genetically short pinky finger. If I remember correctly, it's on X-some 16 or something like that.

ps 10/03/10 - I originally posted this as "Have no clue!" Thanks to gardentropics post, I finally obtained an ID for this plant. I would have never guessed it is a bromeliad.

wisteria ~ 03/29/09 ~ Cooper Molera Garden

Wisteria sp.
Fabaceae

I absolutely love wisteria! This was at the Cooper Molera Garden. I hope to someday have wisteria in a garden of my own.