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
Hi~~ I had to chuckle as I read your post. I do this too. This sort of crowning of the first rose to bloom each year.
ReplyDeleteI used to have a huge AC. I loved the scent. Such a gorgeous rose but the plant was too big for my humble abode. Your photo is breathtaking.
Great shot of that rose Phillip. I can't seem to get a good close up of mine because they're too high up! (I've thought of climbing out my bedroom window to get one.) Can't wait to see how your new one does.
ReplyDeleteI can see why you mourned her demise. It is a gorgeous rose. Hail to the Madame.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely rose. One I haven't grown but read a lot about. I will have to consider it for next year.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize MAC was ever peach-colored. Beautiful shot.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty one! It's such a pretty color. I can't wait to see roses in bloom here.
ReplyDeleteOh my! THAT is stunning!
ReplyDeleteCameron
Beautiful picture! MAC is on my wishlist. I have about 2 more months to go before my roses bloom. I keep track too, last year Captain Samuel Holland was the first in my garden to bloom. Thanks for posting the picture!
ReplyDeleteHappy First Rose Day! What a luscious rose, too. Our First Rose Day won't be for another 6 or 8 weeks--at least. How I envy you. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteShe is a beauty, Phillip. Sad to see when your roses go through tough times, but [sigh] it had to be so, I guess. Good to see they're back in your garden and good luck with her growing into a monstrous vine soon.
ReplyDeleteLovely rose, I can't wait to see a photo of the whole bush in bloom.
ReplyDeleteJan
Always Growing
What a beautiful color! I hadn't heard of rose rosette disease; we get mostly Japanese beetles.
ReplyDeleteI've lost several roses to RRD for the last three years. Between RRD and the Japanese beetles I've given up roses and won't replace any I lose. Madame Alfred Carriere is a lovely one. I hope she does well for many years.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Oh, she is so beautiful !, Phillip, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMy dear dont forget to visit my blog. I love nature too.. Ask all of your friends. I really appreciate your support. Thanks.........
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful antidote to the ridiculous cold earlier in the week. I'm always amazed at how adaptable plants can be!
ReplyDeletePhillip, I am sooo jealous! I know how exciting it is to have that first beautiful rose open every year.. something to celebrate for sure. I have a Purple Passion beside my front porch that is just beginning to show a little bud color. Hopefully, it will really start showing off in the next few days!
ReplyDeletePhillip, she's a beauty, for sure! I kind of see a similarity between grieving for a lost pet and the illness and loss of your rose that this new one replaced. I know you will cherish this new beauty and I hope she really blooms and glows for you! I love roses...I don't know why I'm afraid to try one in my garden. If I look at yours enough, maybe I'll venture out and be brave:-) [I have carpet/knockout roses that are lovely and are so easy to grow!) Anyway, have a Wonderful Spring, dear Phillip:-)
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip...She is lovely! Your roses are always a treat and she is special....Have a good weekend. gail
ReplyDeleteI nearly bought this rose but after deliberation decided against. Well I live and learn. It's a beauty.
ReplyDeleteAnother rose I didn't buy, possibly 'cos I read some mildew scare story or such like was Veilchenblau. This was a rose you featured earlier and again left me wondering why I didn't go for it.
Hay ho, I least I built a pergola. I like yours by the way.
Rob
Phillip, I've seen this rose on Texas blogs and it looks much paler - do you think it bleaches out more quickly in our weather? I love the pale apricot but have no space for a 20-feet
ReplyDelete'Madame Alfred Carriere', even though she's a beauty!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Annie, the color is more intense during cooler weather. When I took that photo, we had several cool days.
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