New York Times Photos
Carolyn’s Shade Gardens is a retail nursery located in Bryn Mawr, PA, specializing in showy, colorful, and unusual plants for shade. The only plants that we ship are snowdrops and miniature hostas. For catalogues and announcements of events, please send your full name, location, and phone number (for back up use only) to carolyn@carolynsshadegardens.com. Click here to get to the home page of our website for catalogues and information about our nursery and to subscribe to our blog.
‘Autumn Spirit’ (fall blooming), the lead photo in the NYT article.
Readers will soon tire of me featuring myself in my posts, especially since the recent snowdrop post did just that. However, I am bursting with excitement and will explode if I can’t do it one more time. I was recently hired by the New York Times as a free lance photographer to provide the photos for a camellia article interviewing camellia expert Charles Cresson. The print article “Camellias Ready for a Cold Snap” appeared on January 17, 2013. One photo is on the cover of the Home section with the full article on page D4. If you read the small print you will see my name. You can find the on line version here. Be sure and click through the slide show.
Unnamed Korean Camellia japonica seedling (spring blooming)
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‘Berenice Boddy’ (spring blooming)
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While letting you know about the New York Times article, I thought this post would be a good place to list helpful articles on cold hardy camellias for easy reference. I did this in the snowdrop post, and it has already proved invaluable to me. I have interspersed the article names and links with some of my favorite camellia photos to keep the attention of those of you who don’t want to read up on camellias. I am also going to list the camellias covered in each article in case a reader is interested in a particular cultivar.
‘April Tryst’ (spring blooming)
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Unnamed Ackerman Seedling (fall blooming)
December 8, 2010
“Fall-blooming Camellias Part 1”
Camellia oleifera, Elaine Lee, Winter’s Darling
click here to read
‘Moon Festival’ (fall blooming), not hardy in zone 6.
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‘Winter’s Interlude’ (fall blooming)
December 17, 2010
“Fall-blooming Camellias Part 2”
Snow Flurry, Winter’s Dream, Autumn Spirit, Winter’s Snowman, Winter’s Charm, Scented Snow, Winter’s Beauty
click here to read
‘April Rose’ (spring blooming)
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‘Winter’s Snowman’ (fall blooming)
November 10, 2011
“Fall-blooming Camellias Part 3”
Snow Flurry, Winter’s Snowman, Winter’s Star, Winter’s Interlude, Moon Festival, Carolina Moonmist
click here to read
‘Elaine Lee’ (fall blooming)
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‘Pink Icicle’ (spring blooming)
December 2, 2012
“2012 Fall-blooming Camellias”
Winter’s Joy, Winter’s Snowman, Snow Flurry, Autumn Spirit, Survivor, Long Island Pink, Polar Ice, Ashton’s Ballet, Winter’s Rose, Winter’s Fire
click here to read
‘April Blush’ (spring blooming)
January 2006
“Camellias for Cold Climates” by William L. Ackerman
details Dr. Ackerman’s cold hardy camellia breeding at the US National Arboretum in Washington, DC, and describes each cultivar’s ornamental attributes and hardiness
click here to read
‘Winter’s Beauty’ (fall blooming)
January 17, 2013
The New York Times
‘Camellias Ready for a Cold Snap” by Anne Raver
excellent article profiling cold hardy camellias for the mid-Atlantic and discussing many additional cultivars not mentioned in my articles
click here to read
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I hope that this post will act as a central reference point where I can collect information on cold hardy camellias for the mid-Atlantic. I intend to add titles and links as I discover more information about one of my favorite topics. I can see already that I have neglected spring-blooming camellias in favor of the fall-blooming varieties.
Enjoy, Carolyn
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Carolyn’s Shade Gardens is a retail nursery located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, US, zone 6b. The only plants that we mail order are snowdrops and miniature hostas and only within the US.
If you are within visiting distance and would like to receive catalogues and information about customer events, please send your full name and phone number to carolynsshadegardens@verizon.net. Subscribing to my blog does not sign you up to receive this information.
Nursery Happenings: The 2013 Snowdrop Catalogue is on the sidebar of the website and orders are being accepted. To view the catalogue, click here. There are a few spaces left in both sessions of Charles Cresson’s 2013 Winter Interest Plants Seminar. To view the brochure and register, click here.
Facebook: Carolyn’s Shade Gardens has a Facebook Page where I post single photos, garden tips, and other information that doesn’t fit into a blog post. You can look at my Facebook page here or click the Like button on my right sidebar here.
Notes: Every word that appears in orange on my blog is a link that you can click for more information. If you want to return to my blog’s homepage to access the sidebar information (catalogues, previous articles, etc.) or to subscribe to my blog, just click here.
CAROLYN'S SHADE GARDENS 
January 29, 2013 at 9:31 am
Please dont apologize for your success! The photos are beautiful and you have every right to be proud of yourself.
January 29, 2013 at 2:07 pm
Thanks, Maryanne, as you can tell I was very excited.
January 29, 2013 at 9:37 am
Congratulations Carolyn… amazing blooms which unfortunately aren’t a possibility for our gardens here. I could easily fall in love with them if they did… Larry
January 29, 2013 at 2:08 pm
Larry, I am sorry to entice you but at least you get to see pretty pictures. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 9:48 am
Good news and good fortune should be shared, Carolyn. Congratulations on the NYTimes attention to your beautiful photos. Not only do your photos make me consider additions to my garden, they also invite me to take a moment to pause and consider beauty.
January 29, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Heidi, Thanks. I am glad you didn’t mind my bragging and that a beautiful pause resulted. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 10:23 am
Congratulations!
January 29, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Thanks, Karen.
January 29, 2013 at 10:30 am
Your photos are lovely & your posts are terrifically informative. Great website!
January 29, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Vicki, Glad you are enjoying the blog. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 10:36 am
Congratulations – that is, indeed, a feather in your cap. I look forward to reading more of this when I have a little more time. I was very pleased with my own camellia this season – it’s still cranking out a few flowers, tho’ it’s getting a bit bedraggled after the severe cold.
January 29, 2013 at 2:12 pm
Murray, I have been away in a warm place so I am wondering what my camellias will look like when I get back. Even if the buds are frozen, we have had a long “fall” camellia season this year. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 10:46 am
Congratulations!! Your photos are stunning, they couldn’t have choosen more wisely:)
January 29, 2013 at 2:13 pm
Robin, Thnaks for your support. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 10:59 am
Congratulations! I can see why you were hired, the camellias and the photos are gorgeous! Jeannine
January 29, 2013 at 2:14 pm
Thanks, Jeannine.
January 29, 2013 at 11:12 am
Carolyn, you are first-class no matter what you do! Great exposure.
January 29, 2013 at 2:16 pm
Thanks, Linda, it’s nice to hear from a longtime supporter.
January 29, 2013 at 11:19 am
Congrats, never is too much to see your name in an important publication!!!
January 29, 2013 at 2:19 pm
Lula, If it happened all the time, I would get used to it. But for now I am like a little kid. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 11:28 am
Congratulations on a marvelous coup of truly lovely pictures!
January 29, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Thanks!
January 29, 2013 at 11:31 am
You should be excited! I read the article but missed the name of the photographer. Congratulations.
January 29, 2013 at 2:21 pm
Sara, It is hard to see the small letters and faint print, but most people don’t look at the name of the photographer anyway. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 11:36 am
Carolyn, I read the article but didn’t notice your photo credit. Congratulations.
Susan
January 29, 2013 at 2:22 pm
Susan, I am glad I could alert you that they were my photographs. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 11:40 am
Congratulations! Where can one find an ‘Autumn Spirit’ to purchase in the Phila suburbs?
January 29, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Laurie, If it is available, I am going to try to offer it in my first woody plant offer at the end of March. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 12:07 pm
Congratulations! Being the photog for the NYTimes article is certainly worth crowing about, and since you generously pour yourself into your informative blogposts, it’s great that you’ are sharing your successes along with your horticultural experience and expertise. Thanks for continuing to share all the excitement with us, your blog audience!
February 1, 2013 at 4:27 pm
Eric, You are such a great supporter of my blog that your kind words mean a lot to me. I hope you can stop by CSG this spring. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Congratulations!!!!!
February 1, 2013 at 4:27 pm
Thanks.
January 29, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Congratulations, of course I am very pleased to share your excitement! Well deserved too I would say. Christina
February 1, 2013 at 4:29 pm
Christina, I am glad you are here to share my excitement. It wouldn’t be as much fun without you and all my other faithful garden blogging friends. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 12:38 pm
Congratulations, Carolyn! That is really exciting! Your “Unnamed Ackerman Seedling” is just beautiful… I love the ruffle to the petals.
February 1, 2013 at 4:30 pm
Julie, I hesitated to put that one in because it isn’t for sale, but my fascination with its unusual beauty meant I had to feature it. I hope Charles Cresson will introduce it one day. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 1:19 pm
Hi Carolyn. Congratulations on some great photos. I like Pink Icicle very much. Keep informing us of your celebrity status, inquiring minds want to know!
February 1, 2013 at 4:31 pm
Patty, ‘Pink Icicle’ has such interesting shaped flowers—they remind me of the inside of a conch shell. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 1:53 pm
Wow!
February 1, 2013 at 4:31 pm
That’s how I feel.
January 29, 2013 at 2:13 pm
Congratulations! I find that I enjoy the fall blooming camellias more than the spring blooming ones, I guess just because spring already has so much to look forward to. All beautiful photos.
February 1, 2013 at 4:32 pm
Holley, I agree and that is why I have never done a feature on the spring-blooming cultivars. When the fall camellias are in bloom from October until the buds freeze in January or so, nothing can beat them. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 6:14 pm
Congratulations, Carolyn! No need to apologize. I know nothing about camellias and look forward to learning from you. P. x
February 1, 2013 at 4:34 pm
Pam, Charles Cresson is the real camellia expert and the subject of the article. I am so thankful that he introduced me to this wonderful shrub. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 8:36 pm
I was so excited and happy for you when I read about this and read the article…just awesome and they chose a fab photographer I must say!
February 1, 2013 at 4:35 pm
Donna, You are one of my biggest supporters and it means a lot to be able to share this with you. Carolyn
January 29, 2013 at 10:15 pm
I have April Tryst, hasn’t bloomed for me yet. Was hoping this year it would be doing better, maybe yes, maybe no.
February 1, 2013 at 4:36 pm
Janet, ‘April Tryst’ is a pretty good bloomer. It should have buds all over it right now. Did you start with a really small plant? Carolyn
January 30, 2013 at 8:17 am
Hi, Carolyn, and congratulations. I have been enjoying your blog since I saw a reference in a magazine late last year. The text is always so informative, and the photos so gorgeous they make me want to run to the garden and start digging. Unfortunately, I live in the Poconos — land of ice an snow at this time of the year. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to a visit to your nursery in the Spring, to hopefully start on a terrific collection of beautiful (future) blooms! Your dedication and enthusiasm are infectious.
February 1, 2013 at 4:38 pm
Maria, Now I am intrigued. In which magazine did you see a reference? I am so glad you are enjoying the blog and look forward to meeting you this spring. Carolyn
January 30, 2013 at 1:28 pm
Oh wow! Congrats!! What a beautiful display of gorgeous blooms. Your photography is amazing and to have such lovely camellias. Well done.
February 1, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Barbie, Thanks for your kind words. Most of the camellias photographed by me aren’t mine but I am slowly building up my collection. Carolyn
January 30, 2013 at 7:39 pm
Carolyn, this is great! I am so proud of you! Congratulations!!! Photographs are wonderful!
February 1, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Tatyana, I know you don’t usually have time to leave a comment so I appreciate your congrats. Carolyn
January 30, 2013 at 8:46 pm
That is wonderful, Carolyn! I will check out the article. I’m just out of the range for Camellias, which makes me very sad. They are so lovely.
February 1, 2013 at 4:41 pm
PP, Camellias are good through zone 6 if you pick the hardy varieties. You can also try them in a very sheltered micro climate in a colder zone. Carolyn
January 30, 2013 at 8:48 pm
Carolyn, I thought you were too modest when I complimented your photography skills last year (when I asked what kind of camera you used). Cheers to you!
February 1, 2013 at 4:42 pm
Karin, I remain modest about my photography skills but am happy that the NYT came around. Carolyn
January 31, 2013 at 8:25 am
I loved seeing your photos in the Times. It is such a great honor and you should be very proud. I am happy for you!!! The photos are beautiful.
February 1, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Donna, It is a great honor and at the same time it makes me laugh to see my photos there. Carolyn
January 31, 2013 at 12:08 pm
Beautiful post! I won’t get tired of enjoying your success and beautiful photos.
February 1, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Shirley, Thanks, I am glad to be able to share my success. Carolyn
January 31, 2013 at 2:36 pm
How wonderful to be asked. Well done Carolyn – you deserve it.
February 1, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Bag, Yes, that is the most exciting thing—the NYT asked me. Carolyn
January 31, 2013 at 5:36 pm
Congrats on your photos. Such a beautiful shrub but not hardy for my garden area. 😦
February 1, 2013 at 4:45 pm
SG, We are blessed in the mid-Atlantic to be the southern most range of northern plants and the northern most range of southern plants. Makes for a wonderful plant palette. Carolyn
February 1, 2013 at 9:29 am
How exciting and cool! Congratulations! And thanks for all of the Camellia information. I have not dared to plant one yet, although my neighbor has a lovely red one that starts blooming at Christmas and blooms for well over a month.
February 1, 2013 at 4:46 pm
Heidi, If you are in the right zone, then camellias are very easy to grow. Deer do like them though. Carolyn
February 2, 2013 at 6:40 am
Hi Carolyn, don’t hold back on the featuring thing we all love it. And yes, I did read the article and clicked on the slideshow. Your Camellias and pictures of them are fantastic. I often promote you as the Snowdrop and Hemerocallis lady must remember the Camellias.
February 2, 2013 at 8:45 am
Alistair, I think you are one of my biggest fans (as I am yours). I think you meant hellebore lady because to be honest I don’t even like daylilies. Carolyn
February 2, 2013 at 10:28 am
Happy day for you, Carolyn… kudos to you! I’m a lover of Camellias but the extreme winter cold and then summer heat doesn’t bode well for them in my gardens. So I so much enjoy seeing your images.
February 2, 2013 at 12:25 pm
Carolyn, I am glad I could supply you with camellias in Utah. Carolyn
February 2, 2013 at 6:23 pm
How exciting for you, and your photos of Camellias are exquisite. We love camellias over here.
February 2, 2013 at 8:43 pm
Congratulations, Carolyn! Being a featured writer *and* a featured photographer all within a few weeks is pretty great!
February 4, 2013 at 8:39 pm
Jean, Yes, I have been very fortunate. Are you coming to the flower show this year. I am giving a presentation on hellebores in the gardener’s studio. I am nervous!
February 3, 2013 at 10:36 am
I don’t know how you could ever sleep at night with excitement like this in your life– huge congratulations Carolyn!
February 4, 2013 at 8:52 pm
Linnie, I am too busy with my nursery to allocate too much time to being excited but I must admit I was thrilled for a day or two. Carolyn
February 4, 2013 at 11:31 pm
Congratulations, Carolyn! What an honor! I enjoyed looking at the slide show, and, yes, I found your name in the small print! Also, I have fallen in love with Moon Festival!
February 5, 2013 at 8:54 am
Deb, I think ‘Moon Festival’ is very unusual and lovely. You are one of the few readers to comment on it. You can probably grow it in your garden. Carolyn
February 6, 2013 at 6:11 pm
Wow, congratulations! That is quite the feather.
February 7, 2013 at 8:14 am
Les, As you can probably understand, I was quite amazed that it happened. Carolyn