We hiked into the hills and discovered spectacular displays of Rhododendron calendulaceum, commonly called Flame Azalea. Their vivid colors range from shades of red to pink, to shades of orange and gold.

We noted the location info on our GPS so we can return next year to see this special flower show.

To get an 8x10 (these are thumbnail versions), suitable for framing, email askaguide.

Pictures taken with a Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Black).

Here is a great book to help understand the complexity of this professional grade digital camera: Magic Lantern Guides: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi EOS 400D (Magic Lantern Guides).

To ensure your gardening success with the native heath plants and their domestic counterparts you may want to get a copy of: Success With Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Revised Edition. A recent edition (2004), it deserves a place on your gardening bookshelf.

Did you know Azaleas are nice for Bonsai? See Satsuki Azaleas for Bonsai and Azalea Enthusiasts.

And if you don't trust your patience with Bonsai, get an Azalea Bonsai here: Brussel's Satsuki Azalea Outdoor Bonsai Tree,

or here: Bonsai, Pink Azalea.

Don't forget Mom, here is a sweet Topiary Azalea, shipped potted: Azalea Topiary - Live Azalea Potted Plant.

To get your Azalea's (Flame or Domestic) to grow like crazy, feed them Osmocote Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Plant Food (276030).

If you are interested in propagating Azalea, or any plant these books may help:

American Horticultural Society Plant Propagation: The Fully Illustrated Plant-by-Plant Manual of Practical Techniques

Plant Propagation A to Z: Growing Plants for Free

Columbines have beem blooming for a week or so now here in Aska, they seem to thrive in shade and even this drought we are going through.

Pictures shot with a Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Black). by Cliff (A.K.A. AskaGuide) of Cherry Log, GA.

I recommend a recent beautifully photographed book on the subject: Columbines: Aquilegia, Paraquilegia, and Semiaquilegia.

Or, if you prefer instant gratification, send a Yahoo message ...