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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
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Book Giveaway - The Gardener's Color Palette


I'm giving away a brand new copy of "The Gardener's Color Palette" by Tom Fischer with luscious photographs by Clive Nichols. The book profiles 100 garden plants, in chapters arranged by color, along with growing requirements, companion plant recommendations and a pronunciation guide for each plant entry.

To enter, just leave a comment with either your e-mail address or a link to your blog or website that provides a means of contacting you.

A winner will be randomly chosen next Friday, April 16th. Good luck!
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  1. Jeff VandiverApril 9, 2010 at 9:12 AM

    Count me in! Maybe I could learn some things from a book like that...

    engineeredgarden@att.net

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  2. Roses and LilacsApril 9, 2010 at 9:19 AM

    Looks like an excellent book. Can't tell you how many times I've planted things in spots only to find they clash terribly with their neighbors.
    Marnie

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  3. BrandonApril 9, 2010 at 9:29 AM

    I've read a review of this book! It looks to be a good read and a great addition to the coffee table. Count me in! brandonmoeller@yahoo.com

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  4. Sunita Mohan April 9, 2010 at 9:42 AM

    Is this open to readers outside the US? (fingers crossed!)
    This book sounds just the thing I've been looking for.

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  5. Phillip OliverApril 9, 2010 at 9:43 AM

    Hi Sunita, yes it is!

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  6. Benjamin VogtApril 9, 2010 at 10:13 AM

    Pick me. The internet vibes are calling through the random number generator.....

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  7. KellyApril 9, 2010 at 11:36 AM

    kellyhenry@prodigy.net
    thanks for the chance..

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  8. DApril 9, 2010 at 11:37 AM

    Phillip that is a generous and mighty fine giveaway! We love Tom Fischer out here in the PNW. Who wouldn't love it? Thanks for the opportunity. Diana
    http://voiceinthegarden.blogspot.com/

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  9. BoApril 9, 2010 at 12:32 PM

    Sweet giveaway!

    robertelwilson@yahoo.com

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  10. GinnyApril 9, 2010 at 12:44 PM

    Would love to be entered in your drawing!

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  11. Chandramouli SApril 9, 2010 at 12:51 PM

    Sounds like a wonderful book! I'm in :D.

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  12. MindyApril 9, 2010 at 1:09 PM

    Looks like a cool book! I love to try new color combos. Thanks!

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  13. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)April 9, 2010 at 1:22 PM

    Hi Phillip

    Clive Nichols' photography is excellent. He's up there with Jonathan Buckley in my opinion.

    Cheers
    Rob

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  14. AnonymousApril 9, 2010 at 1:25 PM

    I'd love to be counted in, too! Looks like a book I'd enjoy very much.

    angelinale@ymail.com

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  15. debsgardenApril 9, 2010 at 4:36 PM

    I need a new garden book! Since I've been blogging I haven't bought a single one. This one makes me itch! You are very kind to give away a great book.

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  16. Dirty Girl GardeningApril 9, 2010 at 4:44 PM

    gotta love free books!!

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  17. LesApril 9, 2010 at 4:45 PM

    I am in!!!

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  18. AnonymousApril 9, 2010 at 4:57 PM

    Please count me in! Jean at http://jeansgarden.wordpress.com

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  19. serial tillerApril 9, 2010 at 6:17 PM

    Sounds like a good read. Please enter me!

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  20. joeyApril 9, 2010 at 7:09 PM

    How kind, Phillip. A life-long garden student, I would love to be included. Thank you.

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  21. ElisaApril 9, 2010 at 10:15 PM

    Looks great! leeese@aol.com

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  22. MonicaApril 10, 2010 at 4:33 AM

    Sounds perfect for a beginner gardener!

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  23. Jamie, Randy and MaxxApril 10, 2010 at 6:05 AM

    You can count us in for this one, too! ;0) We could always use another great gardening education book around here.

    --Jamie

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  24. Stone Art's BlogApril 11, 2010 at 3:12 AM

    Looks like an interesting book. It is great all the inspiration you can get off the web these days, but you cant beat books for inspiration and ideas.

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  25. JenApril 11, 2010 at 7:53 AM

    i'm always interested to read more on garden color theory jenjahnke at yahoo.com (to avoid spam bots)

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  26. Dirt PrincessApril 12, 2010 at 9:15 AM

    That looks very interesting!!! Would like a shot at it

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  27. tinaApril 14, 2010 at 5:58 AM

    Your frontyard looks fabulous. I'd be happy to do away with mowing and plant mondo too. Great idea as I love mondo grass. Give me shade over sun any day and I noticed your J. maple-wonderful!

    The above picture on Wordless Wednesday is of your frontyard from outside the property. It's gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete

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