Rudie V.
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rudiev.bsky.social
Rudie V.
@rudiev.bsky.social
390 followers 270 following 590 posts
Plant nerd and gardening enthusiast just outside Richmond, VA. Nature lover, dog dad, baseball fan (Go Nats!); I also love travel, playing guitar, Asian cuisine, and a good book.
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rudiev.bsky.social
Peak #FallColor in my neck of the woods right now, despite a largely dry fall. I guess temperatures have been just right. Regardless, it’s a fantastic week to be outside!
A medium sized tree (Chinese pistache) lights up the edge of some woods, leaves electric shades of orange and red Fothergilla ‘Mt. Airy’ (a relative of our native witch hazel) all lit up in yellows, oranges, and reds in my mom’s garden, , various other shrubs (still green) in the background
November 9, 2025 at 5:38 PM
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Really love the pop of oranges and reds on Chinese pistache! Fantastic small tree tolerant of heat and drought, cold hardy; seems to thrive even in compacted soils. #Trees #Plants
The image shows a striking tree in full autumn color. Its leaves are a brilliant, fiery red with hints of orange, standing out vividly against a backdrop of bare and leafless trees. The sunlight enhances the warm tones of the foliage, giving the tree a glowing appearance. The surrounding forest area is mostly brown and green, emphasizing the tree’s intense fall color. The sky above is clear and blue, providing a crisp contrast to the bright red leaves. Overall, it’s a beautiful autumn scene highlighting seasonal change and natural color contrast.
November 4, 2025 at 3:16 AM
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Walking around Forest Hill Park yesterday, I came across a genus completely new to me: Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana), a parasitic plant that subsists and grows on the roots of American beech. Completely lacking in chlorophyll, it produces small brown stems and white/purple flowers #RVA #plants
This image shows a small cluster of slender, reddish-pink plants growing on the forest floor among leaf litter and dappled sunlight. The plants have upright, unbranched stems with tiny, scale-like leaves and lack green foliage. Their color and form suggest they are a parasitic plant species that does not photosynthesize, likely **Beechdrops (*Epifagus virginiana*)**. Beechdrops are known for growing in association with beech trees, drawing nutrients from their roots. The background is softly blurred, showing green leaves and a shaded woodland environment, emphasizing the plants’ delicate and distinctive appearance. This image is a close-up photograph of a plant stem with a cluster of distinctively colored flowers. Here's a breakdown of the visual elements: * **Flowers:** The flowers are **tubular** and grow upwards in a spike-like cluster along the stalk. Each flower is a mix of **white and a deep reddish-brown or maroon color**, with the colors appearing as bold **stripes or veins** on the petals. The shape of the corolla is bilaterally symmetrical, curving slightly upward, and appears to have two lips or a hood. Small, bright **yellow-tipped stamens** are visible protruding from the mouth of some of the flowers. * **Stem/Stalk:** The central stalk is a thick, reddish-brown or maroon color, which matches the darker color of the flowers. This stalk is mostly devoid of green leaves, which is characteristic of certain types of parasitic or non-photosynthetic plants. * **Background:** The background is dark and out of focus, suggesting a **woodland or shaded environment**. Hints of green and brown blur into a soft, dark background, which makes the plant stand out. * **Lighting:** The plant appears to be well-lit, possibly by a patch of **sunlight** filtering through the trees, highlighting the texture of the stem and the fine details of the flowers. Based on its appearance—a reddish-brown, non-photosynthetic-looking stalk with tubular, two-lipped, striped flowers—it strongly resembles a species of **Broomrape** (*Orobanche*) or a related parasitic plant in the family **Orobanchaceae**.
October 26, 2025 at 1:35 PM
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October 25, 2025 at 11:49 PM
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Went for a walk this morning at one of our many great local parks, on this crisp autumn day. A few highlights
October 25, 2025 at 11:49 PM
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Spooky season in the garden! 🎃
The image shows a small garden area next to a brick wall decorated for Halloween. In the mulch bed among green plants and hostas, there are three plastic skeletal arms and hands appearing to rise from the ground, as if skeletons are emerging from the soil. In front of the plants on the grass lies a plastic skull, completing the spooky graveyard effect. The setup is surrounded by trimmed grass and partially wilted foliage, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
October 19, 2025 at 4:12 AM
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One of my favorite native wildflowers I saw at the festival was Rhexia virginica, or meadow beauty. Lovely pink flowers spring and summer, then the leaves and stems turn burgundy and red in the fall! #wildflowers #NativePlants #PlantNative
The image shows a wildflower with a striking magenta-pink blossom. The flower has four petals and a cluster of bright yellow stamens in the center. It grows among reddish and green lance-shaped leaves with noticeable parallel veins. Some reddish seed pods or spent flowers can be seen nearby on the same plant. The background consists of grasses and other low vegetation, suggesting a meadow or open field habitat. This flower appears to be **Virginia Meadow Beauty** (*Rhexia virginica*), also known as **Handsome Harry**, a native North American wildflower often found in moist meadows and sandy soils.
October 18, 2025 at 5:05 PM
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Golden hues of autumn 🍂
October 18, 2025 at 2:09 AM
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October Glory is an apt name for these maples, showing off their red splendor at the nursery! #trees
The image shows a group of young trees with brilliant red and orange autumn foliage, likely **red maples (Acer rubrum)** or a similar species known for vivid fall color. The trees are **balled and burlapped**, meaning their root systems are wrapped in burlap and tied for transport or planting. They are lined up neatly in a **nursery or tree farm**, set in rows on a sandy, slightly muddy ground. A drip irrigation line runs along the soil, indicating the trees are being maintained before being sold or transplanted. The sky above is overcast, creating a soft, diffused light that enhances the rich fall colors.
October 8, 2025 at 10:37 PM
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Lots of monarchs out and about at the nursery today ❤️
A monarch butterfly (orange wings with black striping) sips nectar from a compound, yellow butterfly bush flower, with narrow green leaves beneath it. The door frame of a greenhouse is visible in the blurred background
October 8, 2025 at 3:38 AM
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Me lately:
June 19, 2025 at 10:53 PM
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Also seen while visiting J.C. Raulston Arboretum this morning….several very compact cultivars of maples, like this Acer saccharum ‘Barrett Cole’ Appollo sugar maple. Foliage non stop from top to bottom! Imagine this tree in the fall! #trees
A very dense, pyramidal sugar maple tree, the entire trunk obscured by lobed leaves
June 14, 2025 at 7:44 PM
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Really a crime that Acer griseum (paperbark maple) isn’t more widely grown in the Mid-Atlantic and southeast. Heat tolerant, cold hardy, not bothered by pests; outstanding fall color and amazing bark, in a tree that doesn’t get much bigger than a crape myrtle or dogwood. #trees #plants
Multi-stemmed trunk of paperbark maple, color of the bark is cinnamon brown, with pieces of the bark flaking and peeling in spots, exposing smoother tissue underneath
June 14, 2025 at 7:29 PM
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A few favorites from the silent auction at the plant symposium. I might be a sucker for variegation 🤔😂
A macrophylla hydrangea with green and creamy white flecks on the leaves A butterfly bush with green and creamy white variegation
June 12, 2025 at 3:55 PM
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Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake #flowers
This image shows a close-up of a cluster of white flowers with slightly greenish centers. The petals are delicate and layered, giving the blossoms a soft and full appearance. The flowers are likely from a hydrangea, specifically an Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), as suggested by the conical shape of the flower cluster and the multi-petaled, star-like flowers. Some of the petals have small red or brown spots, likely due to age or minor environmental stress. The background is a mix of green foliage, adding depth and contrast to the white blooms in the foreground. The flowers appear to have droplets of water on them, possibly from recent rain or dew.
June 10, 2025 at 12:06 AM
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#SilentSunday #Flowers #BloomScrolling
This image shows a close-up of a beautiful bouquet of light purple and lavender hydrangeas arranged in a clear glass vase. The flowers are densely packed, showcasing their delicate, four-petaled blossoms. The light hits the petals softly, enhancing the various shades of purple and hints of blue and pink. The vase sits on a table covered with a plaid-patterned cloth in pastel tones, mainly green and pink. In the background, there’s an indoor setting with warm lighting, partially showing a wooden cabinet with potted plants and home decor. The overall mood of the image is cozy and vibrant.
June 8, 2025 at 4:16 AM
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Urgent action needed! If your Senator is any of the following, we need to derail the House version of the budget that undoes all of our progress on investment in renewable energy. I’m making calls, will you join me? #SaveCleanEnergy #ClimateCrisis #ClimateChange #USPol
The image is a numbered list of 13 names, each followed by a U.S. state in parentheses. The names appear to be those of American politicians—most are current or former members of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives. The list includes: 1. **Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)** 2. **Thom Tillis (North Carolina)** 3. **John Curtis (Utah)** 4. **Jerry Moran (Kansas)** 5. **Kevin Cramer (North Dakota)** 6. **John Hoeven (North Dakota)** 7. **Shelley Moore Capito (West Virginia)** 8. **Jon Husted (Ohio)** 9. **John Thune (South Dakota)** 10. **Lindsey Graham (South Carolina)** 11. **Susan Collins (Maine)** 12. **Josh Hawley (Missouri)** 13. **Ron Johnson (Wisconsin)** The names are in bold and the formatting is consistent, suggesting a list compiled for political reference, possibly related to party affiliation, voting records, or a policy position.
June 3, 2025 at 11:22 PM
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Love it when I have a “blank slate” for planting! This has been full of Mahonia and Nandina. I’ll teplace those with native wildflowers!
This image shows a long, narrow garden bed situated alongside a brick wall. The garden bed is currently mostly bare earth with some scattered leaves and debris, suggesting it might be in the process of being prepared for planting or recently cleared. The border of the garden bed, separating it from the adjacent grassy area, is constructed from bricks laid on their ends, creating a neat, low edging. The brick wall of the building extends upwards from the back of the garden bed. The wall is made of standard red-brown bricks with horizontal mortar lines. To the right of the image, a small portion of what appears to be steps or a doorway with a dark railing can be seen, also made of brick. The lighting suggests it is daytime, with sunlight illuminating the scene.
May 31, 2025 at 8:45 PM
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Lovely #hydrangeas in my mom’s garden; these are an older variety (pre-Endless Summer)…either All Summer Beauty or Nikko Blue. So any pruning has to be done right after the first round of flowers fades.
A large mophead hydrangea with dozens of blue flowers; it sits in the filtered shade of a nearby crape myrtle with sunlight illuminating some of the deeply veined green leaves
May 25, 2025 at 12:42 PM
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Not used to still having some fruit trees left in stock to get to see the fruits developing to this stage but it happened this time around! These pics were taken of an espalier pear and an espalier apple (Granny Smith?). #GrowYourOwn
This image shows a close-up of a small fruit growing on a tree, nestled among broad, glossy green leaves. The fruit is round with a dark reddish-purple coloration and a slightly rough texture, indicating it may still be maturing. Based on the leaf shape and fruit appearance, this looks like an Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) cultivar, particularly one of the red-skinned varieties like ‘Shinko’ or ‘Yoinashi’. The plant is growing in a container and appears to be in a nursery or greenhouse setting, with other potted plants visible in the background on a black wooden deck. The environment looks moist, possibly after recent rain. The tree is supported by a small trellis or training system, suggesting it is being groomed for structured growth. This image shows a close-up of a green apple growing on a tree. The apple is nearly round and appears healthy and unblemished. It's surrounded by lush, green leaves, and the tree is trained on a wooden support structure, likely as part of an espalier system. The environment suggests a well-maintained orchard or garden setting, possibly under partial cover or in a greenhouse, based on the background structures. The apple resembles a variety like Granny Smith or another tart green type
May 17, 2025 at 1:31 PM
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Clematis szn! #flowers #BloomScrolling
The image showcases a vibrant, deep magenta clematis flower in full bloom. It features six prominent, velvety petals that radiate outwards from a central cluster of creamy white and pale yellow anthers. The petals have a slightly textured surface with darker veins running along their length, adding depth to their rich color. The flower is set against a backdrop of lush green foliage, with several leaves visible in various shades of green. Some leaves show signs of light speckling, possibly from water or a mild powdery residue. Behind the flower, out of focus, are hints of more greenery and what appears to be a dark support structure for the climbing plant.
May 4, 2025 at 2:36 AM
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Lovely pink peony! #flowers #bloomscrolling 🪴
This image shows a large, fully bloomed pink flower, likely a type of peony. The petals are ruffled, layered, and have a soft, delicate texture. The flower has a vibrant gradient of pink shades, with a yellow-orange center made up of prominent stamens. The green, deeply lobed leaves are visible at the edges, suggesting a healthy, thriving plant. The background includes wooden planks and mossy ground, indicating the flower might be in a greenhouse or a garden bed. It’s a stunning and lush bloom—definitely a standout in any garden.
April 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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Native plant symposium coming up! Find out more about how you can help give #pollinators a chance! #gardening #nativeplants
This image is a promotional flyer for a virtual symposium hosted by the Native Plant Trust. The event is titled “Join the Movement” and will be held on Saturday, May 3, from 9 AM to 1 PM. The flyer features a bright, vibrant background of orange native flowers, with a green gradient overlay. At the top, it mentions the Native Plant Trust is celebrating 125 years. A highlighted quote in the middle reads: “The use of native plants in landscapes is really a forward thinking and courageous act because you are valuing the support that these plants offer for what remains.” Below the quote, four speakers are showcased with their names and photos: • Uli Lorimer • Edwina von Gal • Trevor Smith • Dan Jaffe Wilder The text at the bottom encourages participation, stating: “Hear from experts in ecological horticulture, ecological landscape design, sustainable gardening, and more. Join the movement to increase the beauty and resilience of New England and the planet, one native plant at a time.” The whole design is colorful, inviting, and nature-themed, aimed at promoting ecological gardening and native plant landscaping.
April 19, 2025 at 3:32 PM
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Flowers from @maymont.org park in #RVA #flowers 🌱
The image shows a vibrant cluster of deep purple bearded iris flowers in full bloom. The irises are the central focus, with several prominent blossoms in the foreground and more scattered throughout the midground. Each flower displays the characteristic structure of an iris: three large, drooping sepals (falls) and three upright petals (standards). The falls have a velvety texture and a rich purple hue, accented by a contrasting yellow or white "beard" at their base. The standards are a similar shade of purple and stand erect, creating a striking visual contrast. The flowers emerge from a bed of long, sword-like green leaves, typical of iris plants. The leaves are a cool green and provide a lush backdrop to the intense color of the flowers. In the background, there is a blurred expanse of green grass and some indistinct foliage, suggesting a garden or natural setting. The lighting appears to be natural daylight, casting soft shadows and highlighting the textures of the petals and leaves. The overall impression is one of a flourishing spring garden with the bold color of the irises taking center stage. Given the location (Mechanicsville, Virginia, United States) and the flower's appearance, it is likely a cultivated variety of bearded iris. The image shows a vibrant cluster of bright red, tubular flowers arranged on a central stem. These flowers are the focal point of the image, standing out against a backdrop of green foliage and light-colored branches. The individual flowers are elongated and slightly curved, with a noticeable opening at the end. Some of the flowers are fully open, while others are still in bud form, creating a textured and dynamic appearance. The leaves of the plant are a rich green, with a palmate compound structure, meaning multiple leaflets radiate from a central point. These leaves provide a lush and contrasting background to the vivid red flowers. The branches of the tree or shrub are visible in the background, appearing light gray or tan in color. The lighting suggests it is daytime, with natural light illuminating the flowers and leaves. Some areas are in direct sunlight, highlighting the glossy surface of the leaves and the intense color of the blossoms, while other areas are in soft shadow, adding depth to the image. The overall impression is one of a healthy, flowering plant in its natural environment. Based on the flower and leaf structure, and considering the location (Mechanicsville, Virginia, United States), this image likely depicts the flowers of a Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia). The tubular red flowers are characteristic of this species, attracting hummingbirds as pollinators. The image shows a dense and vibrant display of light pink flowers, likely belonging to an azalea or rhododendron bush. The flowers are clustered together in profusion, creating a visually rich and textured scene. Each individual flower has multiple petals, exhibiting a delicate, slightly ruffled appearance. The color ranges from a soft, pale pink to a slightly deeper rose hue in some areas, possibly due to variations in sunlight. Interspersed among the blossoms are small, dark green leaves, providing a contrasting backdrop to the abundance of pink. The leaves are oval-shaped and appear healthy and glossy in some areas, suggesting a well-nourished plant. The lighting in the image suggests it is daytime with sunlight filtering through the blooms and foliage, creating highlights and shadows that add depth to the image. Some flowers appear brighter where the light directly hits them, while others are in softer shadow, revealing the intricate details of their petals. In the background, there are hints of darker green foliage and possibly some dark, out-of-focus elements, suggesting other plants or trees nearby. The overall impression is one of a flourishing spring or early summer garden, with the pink blossoms dominating the view and creating a beautiful floral display.
April 14, 2025 at 12:49 AM
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The view from our side door! #Spring #Flowers #BloomScrolling
This image shows a vibrant, blooming azalea bush covered in light purple to lavender-pink flowers. The bush is full and dense, with hundreds of blossoms, some still in bud form. It's situated in a grassy yard with trees in the background and a small white building or shed to the right. The lighting suggests that the photo was taken during the early evening or late afternoon, with the sun setting and casting a warm glow over the scene. The overall mood is peaceful and spring-like, showcasing nature in full bloom.
April 11, 2025 at 1:08 AM