Certain plants just amaze me with their beauty!

Among these are Japanese Maples.

Green Japanese Maple underplanted with Smaller Japanese Maples and Azaleas

They have a delicate beauty that never ceases to dazzle me.

Red Leafed Japanese Maple at the Portland Japanese Gardens

This last summer I spent some time at the Portland Japanese Garden, which has an extensive collection of mature specimens all throughout the gardens.

It was a sweltering hot day in August and there were few people around. I have been there before, but I am always amazed by the immaculate care of the garden, and the expert pruning and upkeep which is so evident.

My Japanese Maple at Blue Oak Cottage

The Japanese Maples there are what I aspire my Japanese Maple will someday grow up to look like.

Supple, curvy branches pruned to perfection.

A broad sheltering canopy.

But they are slow growing, which means that it will be a while!

Here in Tehachapi a Japanese Maple needs to be carefully situated. Shelter from hot afternoon sun and desiccating wind is a must.

I recommend choosing a variety with broad leaves like the Red Maple (Acer Palmatum) Pictured here. It is able to stand up to the sometimes harsh climate of Tehachapi.

Which Japanese Maple varieties have you tried? Feel free to share you story, I would love to hear it!