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
No, it never ends! And in the South, as you pointed out, fall is just the beginning. Your projects sound great. I've got a few of my own brewing. Another cold front, and I won't be able to wait any longer.
ReplyDeleteAny advice on a good book or online resource for someone just getting into gardening? I'm in CT and have a good size front lawn and backyard and I'm clueless about what I have and what I can do with it. Also, what should I do to get the yard prepped for the winter. New to all of this.
ReplyDeleteOnce we drop from the 90's to the 80's Austinites feel like gardening again, too. You have a lot of projects in mind, and the new walkway should make an enormous difference - good luck with it, Phillip!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many gardeners have an area we think of as our Secret Garden? You have one, I have one - several of my friends have such a spot, too. Perhaps creating a Secret Garden is one of the core romances of being a gardener.
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Good thing your battery is getting recharged, Phillip, with all the projects you have in mind! All great ideas, especially the larger stones for the walkway. That should look great. I love to plan and dream about my garden, but unlike you I lose my enthusiasm in the fall and don't get any battery charge till next spring!
ReplyDeleteI missed this post somehow. What a great space you have! Good luck with everything and keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteBig plans Phillip but I am sure you will get them all done. I am like lostroses my gardening enthusiasm is mostly gone now. I am working on steps up the hill on the north side of the house but it is a slow process. Good Luck!!!
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted on the progress.