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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
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Signs of life



In the midst of winter, there are buds. It was sleeting this morning when I ventured out and took this photo. This is Daphne Odora, commonly known as Winter Daphne. In a few weeks, it should be in full bloom. The blooms have a wonderful lemony fragrance.
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowJanuary 28, 2009 at 12:21 PM

    We have about 10inches of snow right now. I don't mind because I don't have to get out in it. The pussy willow has a few buds on it. That is all I can see right now.

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  2. JanJanuary 28, 2009 at 12:40 PM

    Daphne is beautiful, Phillip, even with just her buds to share! She'll be breathtaking once she's fully bloomed!

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  3. GailJanuary 28, 2009 at 1:20 PM

    phillip,

    Hi...I have wondered about this lovely plant. My dear friend from England says she dreams about it and wishes we could grow it in Nashville. It is really lovely. I love the signs of life in your garden. gail

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  4. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2009 at 2:09 PM

    I'm always glad to see winter plants especially the smell good kind.

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2009 at 3:06 PM

    I'm so happy to see this in your garden, Phillip. I left behind a huge one in my old garden and will have to search diligently this spring for one to put in my new Alabama garden.

    Barbara

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  6. F CameronJanuary 28, 2009 at 3:37 PM

    Another daphne owner! :-) Gotta love it! Mine is so fragrant. I was sitting on the front porch this past weekend and kept smelling lemons -- from all the way around on the side of the house! The wind was perfect to carry the fragrance.

    Cameron

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  7. UnknownJanuary 28, 2009 at 4:23 PM

    YEA for signs of life and colour in buds. Shall I tell you that we're getting snow again? Sigh....April seems like a long, long time from now.

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  8. DaveJanuary 28, 2009 at 5:42 PM

    Nice! I like the variegation on the leaves. Daphne should be on my list.

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  9. Sweet Home and Garden CarolinaJanuary 28, 2009 at 7:38 PM

    That's a beautiful sight, Phillip. I can't even see my 'carol mackie' daphne because we have over a foot of snow. Oh I hope she'll be okay as this is her first winter.

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  10. Chandramouli SJanuary 28, 2009 at 10:07 PM

    Can't wait to see them blooming, Philip! Do post it's bloomed photo. A fragrant flower during gray! That's something.

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  11. JonJanuary 29, 2009 at 5:21 AM

    Nice shot, Phillip. It's good to see some signs of spring starting, isn't it? Daphne looks like a shrub with lots to love.

    Jon at Mississippi Garden

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  12. SusanJanuary 29, 2009 at 8:14 AM

    I've never heard of that plant but it is lovely, especially in the midst of winter.

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  13. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2009 at 12:59 PM

    Hi Phillip, what a great shot! I have the same shrub, fully loaded for quite a while, just waiting for those warm temps. Will they ever come back?

    Frances

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  14. Bren HaasJanuary 29, 2009 at 2:23 PM

    Wonderful Signs that Spring is righ around the corner. Thank you for sharing this on such a cold winter day up North. Warm Wishes !

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  15. joeyJanuary 29, 2009 at 4:02 PM

    A lovely photo, Philip! Today I visited Cameron's garden and smelled hers ... and now yours! I've seen you posting here and there ... delighted to finally meet you :)

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  16. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2009 at 7:27 PM

    Lucky you! I haven't been able to grow one. Looks pretty even now. I'm nuts about blooms cause they are hope.

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2009 at 3:40 PM

    How lovely, Phillip. I have often wondered it Daphne would grow down here. I seem to remember reading that it isn't very long-lived. Has that been your experience?

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  18. Phillip OliverJanuary 30, 2009 at 8:50 PM

    Thanks everybody!

    Thanks for visiting Joey, do come again!

    Jan, it is only two years old and I haven't read anything about their life span. I sure hope not!

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  19. Monica the Garden FaerieJanuary 31, 2009 at 12:30 PM

    It's nice to see all the lovely plants that don't grow in Michigan! :)

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  20. JeffFebruary 1, 2009 at 11:35 AM

    Mine had the edges of its leaves burned a bit by the 14 degree night last week, but is still loaded with buds. D. odora can be short lived unless drainage is very good - they need to be high and dry, or phytophthera and other nasties can take hold quickly. Still, I've had one in the same place for about 10 years; I start a cutting or two every year, just for safety's sake. The old plant is encroaching on the pathway, but my inclination is to move the path before moving or cutting back the Daphne!

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  21. Phillip OliverFebruary 1, 2009 at 12:53 PM

    Well that explains it because mine is planted in a raised bed and it is a very dry area also.

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