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
I really enjoyed the stroll through your garden. You have some beautiful blooms, and wonderful shots of them!
ReplyDeleteIt seems that after you do a Bloom Day post I have an overwhelming urge to go shopping! Last month it was the Black and Blue salvia. This month it's the red salvia...and the lilies...the lantana.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Phillip! Seems you have lot going on in your garden even without the rain that you much need. I'll give you a big Amen on the four o'clocks. I've been trying to get rid of those things for thirteen years. I'm just about to get there.
ReplyDeleteYour blooms are gorgeous. Just thinking about the fragrance of the stargazer makes me want to plant them again. I had them for years but they died out for some reason. Another mystery in my garden is that the Italian Arum has only had those berries twice int he years that it has been in the garden. I always wonder why.
ReplyDeletePhillip... Looking at your lovely photos and all that bloom makes it hard to believe there is still a drought in AL! You must be dragging the hose around a lot!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love the fragrance of the Star Gazer Lily... and I'm with you, the orange and pink lantana is a perfect pairing,
Happy Bloom Day and may you get rain, soon.
Gail
I almost forgot it was bloom day! Will have to go out with the camera. Your blooms are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGood to know about the four o'clocks I have a packet of seeds and was wondering whether to plant tem. Hmmm...maybe I'll hold off. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely list of blooms. I really like the red salvia, and also the 'Stargazer' lilies... still my favorites.
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos - I can smell the Stargazer from here. Have the beetles enjoyed Harry?
ReplyDeleteGreat pics, and I love Asiatic Lilies!
ReplyDeleteLovely July blooms, Phillip. How is the drought situation down there ?
ReplyDeleteGreat flower photos as usual. Love the lantana.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
Happy bloom day, a few days late. I'm still working my way around to see what everyone has blooming. Your blooms look great and the pictures are amazing. I aspire to have such a wonderful garden. Thanks for joining in!
ReplyDeleteCarol, May Dreams Gardens
Aww, I must have :( I really wanted him to do it because I knew he'd do a good job & I want to support his shop. But I worried that if I didn't do it that day I wouldn't have the guts! Next time I'll call and schedule something.
ReplyDeleteI love Euphorbia corollata! When I was planning my front prairie plant garden I looked everywhere & couldn't find it. I've seen it now in the Plant Delights catalogue & a few other places. I can't understand why it's so hard to find. It's such a great plant. I didn't realize it would grow so far south. You've made a good showing for Bloom Day in spite of your weather difficulties. Here's wishing you some rain!
ReplyDeleteMMD, I first read about that plant in Pam Harper's book and it took me a long time to track it down. I forget where I ordered it from but was so glad to find it.
ReplyDeleteGreat pitctures Phillip. Love the lillies. Mine are just starting to bloom here. I understant about trying to keep the garden watered. I had the same problem until we installed the sprinkler system. So much nicer now.
ReplyDeleteYour garden looks really enticing,Phillip! And I LOVE pink and orange together! With red and purple thrown in for good measure! (Think Mexico!) And I fully understand about keeping things watered! I am usually watering twice a day at this time of year!
ReplyDeletePostscript: a) thank you so much for adding Plant Whatever Brings You Joy to your blogroll.
ReplyDeleteAnd
b) I feel obliged to warn you about your arum italicum, which is one of the banes of my gardening existence. It is extremely aggressive and once it's taken hold you will never ever get it out. Never. Trust me on this. It can regenerate from a teeny tiny bit of root, so it's virtually impossible to ever rid yourself of it. Those corms will be here till the end of time... :)
Beautiful shots, Phillip! I can just smell the scent from that gorgeous stargazer lily. The last three are blooming in a pot on our front porch.
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