The Garden Awakens
Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett
Oh my goodness, that is stunning. I planted one 2 years ago. Last year it didn't bloom at all. This year it's about 4'-5' tall and has dozens of blooms, but they're still lime green. Can't wait until it's as huge and beautiful as yours! Did you prune it to shape it like that?
ReplyDeleteSnowballs in March. WOW. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteC.C., it hasn't been pruned except for some of the older limbs. Actually, it probably needs it. I'm thinking about doing some pruning on it this year after the blooms fade. It grows fast once it gets going.
ReplyDeleteWow! Your yard is stunning!
ReplyDeleteIt looks good enough to eat, Phillip! How wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, LOVE your flowers! Your blog header is gorgeous, too...I assume that's your own doings, too? Just beautiful!
ReplyDelete~Margaret
Wonderful! I grow common snowball, viburnum opulus Roseum, which I hope wont get so big :). Your is simply amazing.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Do they have any scent?
ReplyDeleteHi Christine, unfortunately they do not!
ReplyDeleteI need statues!
ReplyDelete