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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

Beauty in the details


Raindrops on Japanese maple

It is 70 degrees today, cloudy with the threat of rain. Stormy weather is predicted for Saturday and of course has people on edge. The tornadoes that came through a few years ago is still fresh in the memory.



There is beauty in the garden this time of year, you just have to look for it. Often, it is lurking in the small details.

The vibrant winter foliage of Viburnum "Mohawk" with Holly "O'Spring" in the background -

Camellia "Chansonette" -

Miscanthus

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. The heavy snow smashed any grasses in the garden and all else looks weather worn here. Your camillia is gorgeous. What a nice bright spot in the garden. I hope nothing more than rain comes your way. The same storm is inundating us with rain.

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  2. The raindrops on the maple are so pretty. It is hard to find the beauty in the winter garden.

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  3. It's all beautiful!!! Love gardens in the winter...that's when we see the bones

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  4. The Winter garden has it's own rewards. The gardener as well as the plants need to rest and plan for Spring. In the PNW we call 70° summer! Wouldn't trade places with you though for fear of the tornadoes: stay safe.

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  5. Your photos are spectacular.. We are expecting a blizzard tonight and unfortunately, we are committed to being out and about in it tomorrow... Could be interesting!
    Merry Christmas...Larry

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  6. Love the color on the viburnum, it's beautiful.

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  7. Hi Phillip, Stay warm and safe. Happy Holidays!

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  8. Hi Phillip, I agree with you . On the first glance there is not much going on in my garden at this time of the year, but if I really look closely I always find something that is delightful, fascinating, and utterly beautiful. Hopefully the storm isn't too bad! Wishing you and your partner a Merry Christmas!
    Christina

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  9. It's nice to know that you still have little pretty spots around in your winter garden, because they can be so hard to find!

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  10. True that! Here, it is mostly brown, but we also had ice, and that made for some pretty pictures. Thanks for sharing Phillip. Hope you guys had a Merry Christmas.~~Dee

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