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
Hey, Phillip--Sorry I've been away for so long. Hellebores are one of my favorites--we're behind you because mine are just starting to open. I'm meeting Jeff (Transitional Gardener) at a hellebore festival in VA tomorrow--I'll be posting about what we find!
ReplyDeleteHey, I've missed you!
ReplyDeleteThat first shot is a stunnner. It reminds me of raspberry sherbet.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip,
ReplyDeleteReally fine photo Philiip;-) Quite lovely...My hellebores are coming along nicely. I did add a new one to the mix...Golden Lotus, a sweet double yellow that would look fantastic with your mixture...I am this excited to have it! have a good weekend. When do you think you will head up here or did I miss you?
Gail
Phillip, isn't the smell of fresh dug dirt just the right ticket to get our mojo working?!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots on this post as usual.
Thanks for sharing them
Jon at Mississippi Garden
Thanks Les and Jon!
ReplyDeleteGail, my Nashville trip got sidetracked but I still want to visit soon. I'll let you know when I do.
Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteI am so ready for spring. The planting of azaleas -- isn't that just perfectly southern?
Cameron
Yes, I must get some. Too bad I'm missing this season's blooms, but there's always next year!!
ReplyDeleteBTW, what type of library-ism do you work in? There was a specialty library where I used to work; one of my friends is a librarian, too, so I hear a lot about that universe.
That's a gorgeous one! 12 new ones at once, how lucky! I never realized all the choices either until I started seeing them on so many blogs. I just have a few varieties. Have you tried a Corsican hellebore yet? They do well in a more sunny area. I think you're right that it's H. orientalis
ReplyDeleteIt looks like your morning was much like ours in Georgia. The perfect day to enjoy the mist and take a stroll. I got distracted, as well, and spent much more time taking photos than doing any pruning!
ReplyDeleteI just love hellebores, but right now I only have white. After seeing your photos, I need to consider getting other colors. Yes, spring is here with all its attending chores. I will be cutting back my monkey grass this weekend.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
Hi Phillip, wowee, that is a gorgeous hellebore! I have never seen one with that coloration, but only have the H. orientalis and one new H. niger this year. Twelve new ones is like winning the hellebore lottery! Thanks so much for the link love, my friend. :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
Hi Phillip, that bottom photo sure looks like my 'Blue Lady.' I think it's orientalis. Those photos are great, and I know you're enjoying the Hellebores.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteHi there -- found you via a comment on Rurality. I've been prowling around for local gardening blogs as a means of educating myself. I know those flowers as Lenten Roses. Gardenrant.com has some amusing posts about scientific vs common names. Now I know both -- thank you!
ReplyDeleteWe need a shot of warmth to get our blooms going. Only one hellebore is blooming now. The crocus is all in a tight wad. Come on spring time...
ReplyDeleteI have several Hellebores. Not only are the flowers beautiful, but I love the summer foliage!
ReplyDelete