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
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI know just how you feel! Since I live in a cold climate area, my Christmas joy is actually first thing in the Spring when my roses are delivered! In my garden I have over 100+ roses and most of them on their own roots. I feel that own root roses do better and last for ever.
I also like to collect antique roses such as Ispahan, Kazalik, Harrison yellow and so on ... they only bloom once a season but what a show! The scent is just unforgettable! However I am also running out of place so it will be very hard to cut down when the Spring catalog new arrival comes out around January!
Believe me I understand your dilemma! P/S I also have David Austin roses and they are not doing as well as expected! But like you I grow them because of their loveliness! California climate is totally great for them though!
Good luck! Marie Suzanne,dailyweeder.com
I really like both of the Austins you have selected. 'Heritage' is a really good performer (around here) and is a beautiful flower. 'Graham Thomas' has a lovely color and shaped flower. I hope when you get these in the ground and blooming that you post some pictures.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that link, they look like a very reputable nursery. Their search engine was good, too....I did a "zone 4" search and got 4 pages!
ReplyDeleteWell, you've picked three of my favorites that I know you'll be happy with. Graham Thomas is a very reliable performer here - it may take a while for the blooms to get going especially after a hard winter, but it just keeps on coming through the fall. And it smells heavenly.
ReplyDeleteZepherine smells even better! I have it near my back porch and it's a perfect rose for my walk-through arbor since it's thornless. Gotta love that!
I lost my Heritage through an unsuccessful transplant (Lost Roses, get it?) but it was the most prolific rose I've ever owned. You're going to be so happy with these!
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