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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
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Snakes and hummingbirds

With the exception of having to go get a poison ivy shot first thing this morning, today was a lovely day. At 3pm today, the temperature was 81! That is not a typo - 81 in August. Heaven!

I didn't want to do anything strenuous and get sweaty since it interferes with the poison ivy so I put the hedge trimming on the back burner and just enjoyed the day at a leisurely pace, watering and fertilizing, mowing and some light pruning here and there.

I am not a snake lover so I got quite a jolt when I walked up the side gate to water the portulaca and saw this -




This green snake is quite harmless and it eats insects in the garden. I know that now so when I come across one, I don't panic. I watched this guy for about 30 minutes. He stayed in this position for quite a while slowly making his way down the opposite side. 








He actually looks like he is smiling, doesn't he? He lingered here before turning back up and heading toward the pots of portulaca. He crawled halfway in them and lingered -



He then left the pot and started crawling up the archway over the gate -





And across the top -




In the meantime, I think the hummingbirds were miffed that I was invading their territory. One finally showed up -



After photographing the hummingbirds, I started looking for the snake again and couldn't find him. If he was in the roses and vines on the archway, his camouflage was excellent. Or he may have got in a hurry and crawled down really fast.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. LKTAugust 15, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    Such cool photos! And I hope your poison ivy rash goes away quickly.

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  2. JesterAugust 15, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    LOve the pictures, the snake look slike a pretty green ribbon!

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  3. Lisa at GreenbowAugust 15, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    What handsome visitors to your garden. The snake did look like it was enjoying itself. Hummers are so amusing. I hope your poison ivy shots help.

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  4. F CameronAugust 15, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    That snake stayed around for awhile! Usually, they slither off when I see them in the garden.

    Today's weather was fabulous! We got rain again last night and the humidity was low! It was 60 degrees on the front porch this morning. Gardening was actually pleasant.

    Hope your poison ivy problem is resolved quickly. I've never had a reaction, but I've been in it. My son doesn't get the reaction either.

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  5. BoAugust 15, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Great photos! I don't like snakes...I couldn't have gotten that close.

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  6. sherryocalaAugust 15, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    Your slithery friend was quite cooperative and photogenic, but you shouldn't have showed him climbing overhead. I'll be paranoid now in the garden. Loved the hummingbird.

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  7. KrisAugust 15, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Great photos, but I am sorry the only good snake is a dead snake. I hate snakes! We had a nice little break in heat over here too, but it was low 90's with low humidity.

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  8. Phillip OliverAugust 15, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    Thanks for all the well wishes. The shot has done wonders. This is a yearly thing for me. If I go one year without getting into the stuff, I wouldn't know how to act.

    Bo, I was about 6 ft. away - the telephoto lens helped! :)

    Sherry, I will be too!

    Kris, that is exactly what Michael says!

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  9. AnonymousAugust 15, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    You are so brave! I would have died! (Run & scream more likely) The only time I like snake is on a handbag, shoes or belt!

    Hope you feel better.

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  10. GailAugust 15, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    Now those are two fabulous critters~Great photos, too. gail

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  11. CarolineAugust 15, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    What a cool garter snake! He does look like he's smiling. If he was out and about for 30 minutes, I bet he's desperate for food and water. Can you believe I've never had poison ivy? I must be immune. Glad the shot is working!

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  12. compost in my shoeAugust 15, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    Sorry to hear about the poison ivy. I have had a lifetime of oozing. I feel for you!

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  13. AnonymousAugust 16, 2011 at 2:38 AM

    Hi. The snake is wonderful but brrr.... I've never seen a hummingbird - in Poland there are none.

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  14. sweetbayAugust 16, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    Ugh, sorry to hear about the poison ivy. The snake is beautiful. They camoflauge so well that they've startled me more than once. lol

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  15. GinnyAugust 16, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    What great photos of both the snake and hummingbird. So sorry about the poison ivy:( I had terrible cases of it as a child and have had a few as an adult - pretty miserable stuff. We've been enjoying the change in weather here as well.

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  16. ProfessorRoushAugust 16, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    Amazing that they can climb like that.

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  17. LesAugust 16, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    I think that is one of our most beautiful native snakes. For someone who was supposed to take it easy, you managed to get a lot done.

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  18. Rosedale GardenAugust 16, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Phillip I'll come & get the snake if you don't want it. I have one under my house named Fred that takes care of the field mice. I got into some poison ivy in the flower bed along the driveway. Birds must have dropped the seeds. Hope yours is better. Try out the ant gourd yet? Mary

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  19. scottweberpdxAugust 17, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    Ack! You know, I can't remember ever seeing a snake the whole time I've lived in Portland...so odd!

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  20. Pam/DiggingAugust 18, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    Your green snake is really pretty. Bit of a climber, isn't he? You'll be looking up next time you go out.

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  21. Annie in AustinAugust 19, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    If you can stay calm about having to get a poison ivy shot every year, one little green snake shouldn't shatter your cool, Phillip! Great photos.

    Isn't it odd how creepy things become fascinating subjects when we look at them through camera lenses?

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

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  22. LilyAugust 24, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    Beautiful!! Thanks! :)))

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