Strawberry Tree
Since moving to Washington, I have discovered a great number of new trees. One of my favorites is the Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo ). It is a four-season tree with semi-glossy evergreen leaves and lovely mahogany bark. In autumn, clusters of white flowers appear, bearing a resemblance to Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. And then there are the little fruits, which resemble strawberries that appear at the same time as the flowers. I am not sure why, but I have only seen a few fruits on ours. I don't know if birds are getting them before I see them or what happens. The fruits are said to be edible but not very tasty (to humans). This year, our tree is loaded with flowers, the most I've ever seen. Bees absolutely love it and so do the hummingbirds. The flowers usually continue to appear straight through winter, and it can be blooming even during the coldest periods of winter. Aside from the fact that I have not seen much of the colorful fruits, the major negative note is the fact tha
The saucer magnolia is truly droolworthy. I may find the will to try again! I just got around to fertilizing my roses today. You wouldn't believe how my little sticks I rooted have turned into nice little bushes in 2 yrs. Can't wait to post pics later.
ReplyDeleteSeems like many parts of the country are having a good year for Magnolias. I got half the yard ready for spring last weekend, but am now working 6 days a week. The backyard will get it someday.
ReplyDeleteI can see why the saucer magnolia is your favorite right now...She's a beauty. Phillip, I think your garden looks lovely~gail
ReplyDeleteI love your photos today Philip... is that soulangiana a 'rustica rubra'? It certainly is beautiful, along with everything else on your site! Larry
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!! Your saucer magnolia is fantastic. As are the camelias. I was traveling back-to-back for four weeks and was amazed when I took the time to walk the yard this past weekend and see the daylilies popping up, weeping willow turning green, and of course, weeds everywhere. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLarry, yes that is "Rustica Rubra"
ReplyDeletePhilip,
ReplyDeleteThat walking stick is unbelievably beautiful! Those saucer magnolias are wow, so much colr. Of course the camellias are nice too!
The Saucer Magnolia is gorgeous. Ours is just showing those pink buds. After seeing yours I can't wait until it blooms. Spring has certainly sprung in your garden. Those camillias are so pretty to me. I wish we could grow them.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Everything really popped all of the sudden this year, didn't it?
ReplyDeleteOh that magnolia is a beauty, Phillip, as are your photos of it and everything else. The weeds are going crazy here, making up for the lost growing time during the long cold winter I suppose. It is a mad effort to get that bitter cress pulled before the seeds are thrown, nearly impossible. Oh well. Harry L. is otherworldly, love those catkins. :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
Oh Phillip, Your photos are stunning but how could they not be! You have so many magical corners in your garden. Lovely magnolias and your walking stick is gorgeous. Beautiful light! Your shot with the bench and Camellia is a winner! Happy Gardening! Carol
ReplyDeleteEspecially love the star magnolia!
ReplyDeleteOh I so LOVE your garden! Don't worry, I know you'll get around to all those chores.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! I'm so jealous because I can't grow camellias.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
It looks like your garden is coming back to life. That saucer magnolia...is...magnificent! And, the camellias add a lot of color to a winter weary garden.
ReplyDeleteYour garden always looks magical to me!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you were able to get out and work in the garden. Lately It seems like every time I have a day off from my job, the sky pours buckets of rain — like today! Your garden is really coming alive. I agree that the saucer magnolia is magnificent.
ReplyDeleteIt's sooo not fair you have so much life in your garden, and I'm still waiting. but your yard is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous magnolia and spring certainly seems to have made it to your garden.
ReplyDeleteMessy or not your garden is just beautiful I just love your focal points. Thanks for sharing it all with us.
ReplyDeleteWonderful images. Your garden looks beautiful.
ReplyDeletePhillip, I am absolutely enjoying your pictures of magnolias and camelia. So beautiful! You are a great photographer! The picture with a bench is charming!
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