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
Aren't they a handsome Hummingbird?! Maybe they will nest in your garden this summer. Wouldn't that be great!! Nice photo.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet!
ReplyDeleteStunning. You are one lucky guy.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Aren't their colors and their tiny little feet just amazing? I love hummers!
ReplyDeleteWow - great shot! I saw a hummer in my garden on Monday. It was so nice to spend some time out there, and to see that they are still there. It was just me, who was gone for a while.
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish we had these lovely little birds here in the uk! Still, I can enjoy yours thanks to your great photos Philip.
ReplyDeleteOh my! I love it! I won't see any hummers here till late May or so. Can't wait.
ReplyDeleteWell done, getting a shot of one of these elusive fellows. They were a rare sight where I lived in Massachusetts, much less rare now that I live in Washington, but no less amazing and wonderful. I hope you're also growing plants that they can feast on, then you'll see even more of them.
ReplyDeleteWe've had Annas right through the winter but the rufous have yet to arrive. They're small but combative, making for some entertaining rufous ruckus at the feeder. I'm impressed by your photo.
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