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
Beautiful. You're a very talented photographer. I bet you've won tons of awards. The poem warmed my heart. Thanks for sharing. We all need a little spring right now.
ReplyDeleteAnd a splendid host of daffodils indeed, Phillip. I had to learn that poem in grade 4, many eons ago, and am surprised that I remember 90 percent of it.
ReplyDeleteSuch glorious daffodils! And your photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe poem is a favorite of mine. My father loved it and used to recite it to me.
I posted it with my daffodils last spring :)
I got a bit sentimental reading it. There is something about those first flowers in the Spring that bring so much happiness to my heart. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteCool beans! That first one is especially beautiful.
ReplyDeleteOh BTW, I have been informed that the cherry tree on my blog this morning is actually a Japanese Apricot. No wonder it's earlier than all the other cherries, LOL.
Phillip, Your daffodil photos are stellar and they compliment the poem beautifully! Have a good Thursday! gail
ReplyDeleteI envy your photography skills. Awesome ones and a lovely poem.
ReplyDeletePhillip,
ReplyDeleteThose are abosolutely incredible photos! I particularly like the first one! Good job--Randy
Nothing speaks to me of spring more than daffodils. Mine are many weeks away but thank you for sharing yours.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Beautiful photographs. It'll be at least 2 more weeks before our daffodils are out in full force here.
ReplyDeleteBTW, here's a small something for you:
ReplyDeletehttp://inartliesmyheart.blogspot.com/2009/02/foundation-of-creation.html
Hi Phillip, wonderful wonderful wonderful. This is what spring is about. All the photos are gorgeous, well done and thank you. Our first daff opened today, very cold, sunny and windy. So much to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteFrances
Phillip, this is one of my very favorite poems, and your daffodils illustrate it so well.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
your photography is beautiful - thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've always enjoyed that poem-and have quoted it on a page in my blog, too. You have taken some superb photos here! This is a lovely post:)
ReplyDeleteThe daffodils are out in coastal South Carolina too, at least the earlier ones. I really like your images of the flowers just before they open fully - sometimes I think I like them best.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!! NOthing says spring like daffodils!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for bringing this poem to us. Your photos go with it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThe poem and pictures are sublime. Thank goodness daffodils never need to be "bailed out." They are hearty souls who can live 100+ years because they have few natural enemies. I always find it a paradox that pansies are hearty enough to withstand cold temperatures, and daffodils can go on forever, while man made things always have a certain shelf life.
ReplyDeleteRenee Langmuir 4/4/09