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
That must have been named Shasta Vivacious! How charming and vigorous! They're full of life! Great photos, Phillip!
ReplyDeleteNice flower, Thanks for your support, do come again pleaseeee
ReplyDeleteYou are confusing me. When I see these blooms I think it must be May already. I love these too, clean and bright.
ReplyDeleteThat's a real beauty! I love viburnum and grew several varieties at a previous house where I had enough shade. I tried one here, but it died from the transplant.
ReplyDeleteCameron
Viburnums are probably my favorite shrub species as there are so many different kinds, and they have nice flowers, fragrance, and berries.
ReplyDeleteWow -- lovely!!
ReplyDeleteI have the species and will have to try 'Shasta'. It's beautiful!
Phillip, I have a Viburnum, but it was a passalong, a tiny thing, and this will be its first year to bloom. I hope it one day looks as lovely as yours.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorites, but I don't have one of my own. Thank you for showing us yours. And, a beauty it is in spite of the pruning.
ReplyDeleteBig fan of viburnums as well, Phillip. In fact the focal point of my garden was Viburnum plicatum 'mariesii ', a relative of your doublefile. Unfortunately it declined after 20 years in my garden. I sure do miss it.
ReplyDeleteThey are very pretty. I have shrubs too that I know probably don't have the space they really need, but sometimes they're so pretty you want to have them anyway. I think yours looks very pretty!
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolute beauty.
Your photos are so sharp by the way.
Rob
Very Impressive Phillip! Is it more of a vine or shrub? The picture looks like it is running a little. I like the new photo you have in your profile too.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip...I love this shrub and always wanted one here...but never thought I had the right conditions. Btw, I've popped over to your web page and had a delightful time watching the evolution of your garden! It's wonderful...you and Michael are very talented garden designers. Have a great day gail
ReplyDeleteI have twice bought what was suppose to be a Doublefile Virburnum, but they ended up being different. I hate nurseries that don't have the correct names on their plants!
ReplyDeleteWow, what gorgeous blooms on this viburnum. I have several viburnums but they don't develop blooms properly. I think they are in too much shade. This one is so big too.
ReplyDeleteIt's a favorite of mine, as well! I have a long mixed border than turns the corner of the street, and the viburnum is the centerpiece! I think this winter's cold actually made it more spectacular! It's definitely one I can understand you making room for in your garden!
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip~~ I left a message about the flopping grasses on your Blotanical plot.
ReplyDeleteDoublefile always amuses me. We've all heard of "single file" our minds warp speeding back in time to those early years of lining up single file for our semi-orderly trek to the lunch room.
V. 'Doublefile' is like a hydrangea in spring. Very clever breeding by the plant person you mentioned. Beautiful!