Stunning Calochortus blooming in a kick-ass garden

Calochortus fimbriatus

There is a remarkable garden in Berkeley (California, of course!) that has perhaps the most exquisite design showcasing succulents outdoors imaginable. I've blogged about Kipp McMichael's gem of a garden before...(click on the last sentence to access that post). Kipp is also a keen lover of bulbs, which I suppose could be considered root succulents.. especially Calochortus. I was tipped off by Kiamara Ludwig (the Bay Area's factotum) that he had some special ones blooming--at the end of July no less. So Jan and I hightailed it to Kipp's Ashby paradise, and were greeted with a spectacle I simply have to share! Three species of Mariposa lilies of the C. weedii alliance (mostly Southern California). I took a lot of pictures, which seem to have turned out pretty well..

Calochortus fimbriatus

It's worth comparing the different clones: the flowers somehow remind me of faience, or perhaps stained glass--or the Nasrid decoration on the plaster at Alhambra. The colors, however, are somehow reminiscent of something I can't quite put my finger on: a sort of very subtle Art Deco palette, or perhaps Pre-Raphaelite colorization. Whatever it is, I love it!

Calochortus fimbriatus

Notice the little windows at the base of the petals--for insects to escape? For the heck of it?

Calochortus fimbriatus

Calochortus fimbriatus

Calochortus fimbriatus

No, Virginia, the Mangave foliage belongs to a different taxon!.

Calochortus plumerae

There weren't quite as many of this lovely pink taxon. I know bright pink isn't so fashionable any more, but surely this soft lavender-pink passes muster. Does for me!

Calochortus plumerae

A glimpse of a corner of the amazing garden (a sort of palette cleanser before we see the last Mariposa..)

Calochortus weedii v. intermedius

This shows how they grow--quite tall!

Calochortus weedii  v. intermedius

I Googled the species--which is often a soft yellow tint--but here we are back to the faded flannel tones I find very evocative...

Calochortus weedii  v. intermedius

Just LOOK at all those flowers. And don't they complement the agave wonderfully!

Calochortus weedii  v. intermedius

Calochortus weedii  v. intermedius

The last show, showing the Mariposa dancing with the cycad. 

When I punched Kipp's address into my GPS I was amused that a note the APP proclaimed "Succulent yard"with a five star rating. I'd give it six stars myself!

 By the way, Kipp has a fantastic Powerpoint presentation on Calochortus on the Pacific Bulb Society's website. Check it out!