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
For heavens sake cover it. The rains will be heavy and won't take mercy. It sure is bootiful. So how much water do they need. I have one and it's drooping during the day. I'm afraid to over water it. Don't they like it a bit on the dry side?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful. You could also (God forbid) pick them and put them in a pretty vase...
ReplyDeleteOh, you sure should over it! That exquisite beauty needs to be preserved. Love the way their petals are arranged!
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, thanks for posting this gorgeous photo! This is the third tree peony in my garden and has never bloomed, but it looks healthy. It really does look like the photo on the tag too. Yours is just divine and the capture is number one!
ReplyDeleteFrances
Spectacular! I have seen several pictures of very nice Japanese umbrellas positioned over tree peonies so the blossoms will last longer, maybe that is what you should do.
ReplyDeleteI love Tree Peonies! I have 6 including one that looks like your pic. But I'm not sure of the name.
ReplyDeleteI'm coming to see your garden! :-) That's just stunning. BTW--did you ever find a garden gate?
ReplyDeleteCameron
Nice photograph. I too saw a tree peony at Lowe's last year and contemplated buying it but didn't. Now, seeing this, I wish I had. It really is nice.
ReplyDeleteI fascinate myself, from time to time, by making a tree out of a bush and the last one I did was about 8 years ago. I cut off a small limb from a Rose of Sharon bush because the blossoms are creamy white with blushing red centers. The bees love it. I stuck that in the ground and when it took root and began to leaf out, I would pinch off most of the buds or leaves. And as it grew larger and the twig got to be an inch in diameter I had to cut off the lower branches and now it is a tree, rose of sharon and looks great.
That's gorgeous. I'd cover it.
ReplyDeleteWe have about 4 or 5 tree peonies. They're great.
It's a beauty Phillip...save it if you can! I put a patio umbrella over mine one year!
ReplyDeletePhillip it's beautiful and you've photo'd it so well.
ReplyDeleteI think you should cover it.
Rob
Oh yes, cover it if you wish to enjoy those blooms longer. It is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThat is a pretty one. I think you're lucky to have 3 flowers already! My tree peony is quite a bit older and I only see 3 buds on it this year.
ReplyDeleteIf you're lucky enough to have something like that in your garden, I would erect a big old beach umbrella over it to protect it from the coming rain. Forecast for AL seems to be heavy rains....let the neighbors talk....get an umbrella for her!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bloom!
ReplyDeleteI love the tree peonies--the flowers are so large and they smell so nice. A neighbor has these and always cuts me some blooms.
ReplyDeleteI was looking into buying a tree peony. I live in Cullman, AL. Are there any nurseries central or north Alabama that sell them? And, if so, when would I want to plant one?
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