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
What lucious color. I have always wanted to see a spectacle like this.
ReplyDeleteWe went to the Skagit Valley Tulip festival last weekend (north of Seattle). The dates for the festival are firm even if the weather changes the dates of the floral display--nevertheless, it was peak festival timing. Luckily, we wanted to do other things in the area, anyway. When we got there, the tulips had been "topped" to prevent rain going down the stem and spoiling the bulb. So, if you miss the peak show, it's not like you'll still have plenty of slightly overblown flowers to look at...they level the fields...there's nothing but bare soil! Glad you were able to appreciate a beautiful floral display.
ReplyDeleteOh my! Now I'm a fan of the Holland Michigan Tulip Festival, and I'm going there in a few weeks. But this makes that one look wimpy! Lovely Philip, I'm sure you enjoyed it. Your photos are great!
ReplyDeleteWhat a glorious array of tulips, Phillip! We are expecting a major storm this weekend so I spent some time today gazing at my paltry few before they are squashed by snow. I'm enjoying catching up on your blog since your move. A fresh palette - exciting!
ReplyDeleteWow. I did not know such sights existed outside of the Netherlands! Great shots, Phillip :)
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the tulip fields in all of their glory! I'm glad you got to see this and even happier that you shared your great shots with us! Did you get a catalog? Did you select bulbs to order for this fall?
ReplyDeleteNo, every mailbox we tried was empty!
DeleteI love seeing the tulip fields in all of their glory! I'm glad you got to see this and even happier that you shared your great shots with us! Did you get a catalog? Did you select bulbs to order for this fall?
ReplyDeleteThis looks over-the-top, but in the best way. What an opportunity, and what good photos.
ReplyDeletewow!!!! what a beautiful display!
ReplyDeleteWOW! I would have thought you were in Holland; fantastic that this is in Oregon! I guess this means you can grow tulips there. I am jealous, as tulips wimp out after only a year or two in my garden.
ReplyDeleteWow! At first I thought you might have gone to Holland!!!
ReplyDeleteSo spectacular! Looks just like Holland!
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