SPONSORED:
Your Daily Dose of Natural Beauty, courtesy Advertiser Zenith Holland Nursery – Occold Shield Fancy Leaf Geraniums offer an interesting backstory:
There’s no denying that today’s image presents a collage of interesting tones to tickle your retinas. The variegated leaves of “fancy leaf Occold Shield geraniums” offer a splendid play of colors from light green to deep rust that provide stimulating visuals even when their colorful blooms are not yet fully emerged.
The shield patterned variegated leaves place them into the category of Zonal Geraniums, which as you may recall from our last ‘Daily Dose’ are actually pelargoniums. The particular hybrid “Occold shield” is named after the village of Occold in Suffolk, England, where it was developed by none other than the Vicar of the parish of Occold, the Rev. Stanley Stringer. Like other men of the cloth who have been drawn to the pursuit of hybridization – think Gregor Mendel and the foundations of genetics laid out in his extensive pea plant experiments, or the Parson Jack Russell of Terrier breeding fame – Rev. Stringer was fascinated with the propagation of pelargoniums and is credited with developing at least 80 distinct pelargonium cultivars in the greenhouse of The Vicarage at Occold.
The Occold Shield is arguably one of his most successful fancy leafed pelargoniums and is one of eight different pelargonium which carry the village’s name including Occold Lagoon, Occold Orange Tip, Occold Profusion, Occold Ruby, Occold Shield, Occold Surprise, Occold Tangerine and Occold Volcano.
Today’s glimpse of natural beauty prompted an interesting dive into the backstory of a surprising number of Geranium cultivars and the Anglican priest who made such a major contribution to the field. A fascinating piece on the humble village star including photos of Canon Stringer can be found here:
http://occold.onesuffolk.net/people/rev-stanley-stringer-pelargoniums/
But whether you choose Occold shield for its history or simply because it is beautiful you’re sure to be pleased with this garden favorite.
ABOUT OUR SPONSOR
This “Daily Dose of Natural Beauty” is brought to you by Zenith Holland Nursery, thanking you and the South King County community for your continuing support.
As a designated “Essential Business” member of the Food and Agriculture sector, Zenith Holland Nursery is operating daily offering a broad selection of edibles including fruits and cool season vegetable starts that can be planted now. Owner /Operator Lyn Robinson and her husband are on site daily to assist customers with their horticultural needs, while other staff remain safely at home.
If you are one of the many folks who would like to seize your stay-at-home time to plant a Victory garden, Zenith Holland can help. They are a local resource for seeds, soil and fertilizer. While practicing social distancing measures on site, they can also answer questions or orders by phone.
Established in 1907, Zenith Holland Nursery is proud to be the oldest continually operating business in Des Moines. They specialize in growing and providing quality plants ranging from hardy perennials to culinary herbs, colorful annuals, sedums, ground covers and hanging baskets. The nursery sits on just over an acre of land with eleven greenhouses.
Zenith Holland is located just south of downtown Des Moines at 23260 Marine View Drive South (map below).
Their current hours are:
-
- Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. so you can shop small, shop local, shop essential.
Zenith Holland Nursery
23260 Marine View Drive South
Des Moines, WA 98198Phone: (206) 878-7002
Website: https://www.zenithholland.com
EDITOR’S NOTE: Sponsored Posts like this are paid, “Native Advertisements” that help businesses improve their internet presence and all-important SEO. To learn more about how your business can directly reach our expanding, engaged audience in South King County, please email Theresa Schaefer at vtheresa@comcast.net.
