Strawberry Tree
Since moving to Washington, I have discovered a great number of new trees. One of my favorites is the Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo ). It is a four-season tree with semi-glossy evergreen leaves and lovely mahogany bark. In autumn, clusters of white flowers appear, bearing a resemblance to Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. And then there are the little fruits, which resemble strawberries that appear at the same time as the flowers. I am not sure why, but I have only seen a few fruits on ours. I don't know if birds are getting them before I see them or what happens. The fruits are said to be edible but not very tasty (to humans). This year, our tree is loaded with flowers, the most I've ever seen. Bees absolutely love it and so do the hummingbirds. The flowers usually continue to appear straight through winter, and it can be blooming even during the coldest periods of winter. Aside from the fact that I have not seen much of the colorful fruits, the major negative note is the fact tha
I like civic/community encouragement to create beautiful public spaces and gardens! Our redeemer Church is lovely~
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful businesses. It is nice that the Churches also participate. They look great.
ReplyDeleteTotally LOVE the idea, great to see commercial businesses taking pride in maintaining a beautiful landscape.
ReplyDeleteThe Chik-fil-a is beautiful, actually they are all. What a great program. It really helps spruce the city up. Most businesses don't want to be bothered with landscaping. It is just another expense to them, and especially in todays economy. But I think that the curb appeal helps draw in customers
ReplyDeleteThey all did a wonderful job. It would be a pleasure to visit any of those winners and enjoy their landscaping.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
What a great way to encourage commercial establishments to have attractive landscaping. It makes a city so much more appealing.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
One of the prettiest Burger Kings I've ever seen. I wish the rest would take a look at your blog. Their landscapes in Charleston are totally dreadful.
ReplyDeleteLoved them all. I know it was difficult to choose among all the beautiful landscaping in the area.
ReplyDeleteI do wish Ranger Batteries would go with "less is more" concerning their signage--perhaps incorporating the fact that the building was once a fire hall. Of course, I may be the only one who would think a Dalmation holding a battery is cute...
Commercial places that also add to the beauty of the neighbourhood score a lot of points in my book. And these are truly beautiful. You can almost sense the pride they take in their community
ReplyDeleteA business that adds to the collective landscape as nicely as these have - will get my business quicker than otherwise.
ReplyDeleteIs this your personal award program, or is this part of a group effort? Either way I applaud it.
Hi Les. This is a city board that does the awards program.
ReplyDeleteNice architecture and lovely gardens!The little rock garden on the fourth picture is cute!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone here. I'd shop at a place with nice landscaping over a place without it. In my town the city hall and the local park have great landscaping... everyone else, not so much!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to propose this idea to our Mayor. She was in charge of beautifying our park and it is incredible. The jewel of the town.
What all is involved? How do businesses enter? Who picks the winner(s)? And what do they get if they win? The sign?
It is great to see community organizations and businesses beautifying their spaces! They all look great, even the fast food places. I really like the first photo, as well as Die Tech and Our Redeemer Church.
ReplyDeleteAll this reminds me of me garden.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
Man, that is the fanciest Olive Garden I've ever seen!
ReplyDeleteFlorence looks like a very clean, well-maintained place! Nice!
ReplyDelete