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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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Weeping Cherry

(Prunus subhirtella 'Pendula')

This tree is planted right next to the house, right beside the patio. We have to remember to look up to see it. It is really spectacular this year.







Stay tuned for the Yoshino Cherry trees!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. NicApril 1, 2010 at 10:00 PM

    Very pretty. There is one of these on my way to class here on campus and I was excited to see this morning that the first buds are just starting to open.

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowApril 2, 2010 at 4:15 AM

    WOW, this would certainly draw your eye up. I bet the bees are buzzing all around this beauty.

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  3. sweetbayApril 2, 2010 at 4:54 AM

    I love Weeping Cherries. Yours is beautiful.

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  4. Benjamin VogtApril 2, 2010 at 5:45 AM

    And what about your vistas out back? Wow.

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  5. AaerelonApril 2, 2010 at 5:51 AM

    Very nice! I'd love to see the cherry blossom festival in Vancouver. The trees are just so gorgeous.

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  6. Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax!April 2, 2010 at 6:24 AM

    I don't believe you'd ever forget to look up to see this!

    Lucy

    P.S. How amazing; word verification never says a word - but this one says 'silly'.

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  7. debsgardenApril 2, 2010 at 6:41 AM

    Your tree is gorgeous! It's a magic time of year.

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  8. Roses and LilacsApril 2, 2010 at 6:43 AM

    That is just beautiful! I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be hardy in my area, most cherries are not.
    Marnie

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  9. AnonymousApril 2, 2010 at 8:02 AM

    How absolutely gorgeous, Phillip! I love that delicate pink colour. They remind me of our apple orchards here in the Annapolis Valley which will be awash with that same blush pink sometime in May.

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  10. Julie HApril 2, 2010 at 8:09 AM

    Gorgeous!!

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  11. SheilaApril 2, 2010 at 2:43 PM

    That is so beautiful against the blue sky! Just lovely!

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  12. GailApril 2, 2010 at 7:30 PM

    It really is Phillip! Did you order the perfect blue sky to go with it! gail

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  13. Monica the Garden FaerieApril 3, 2010 at 9:53 AM

    What a wonderful canopy of color! My viburnum (don't know species) has a ton of fragrant pink blooms this year--more than ever before. It's heavenly. Looking forward to the Yoshino photos. Happy Easter!

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  14. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)April 3, 2010 at 12:31 PM

    Stunning it is! and yeah, I'll stay tuned for the cherries.

    Happy Easter

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  15. Dirty Girl GardeningApril 3, 2010 at 3:25 PM

    love these trees this time of year.. who doesn't. i love standing in a petal storm when the wind whips up :)

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  16. UnknownApril 3, 2010 at 4:47 PM

    Oh, Philip, this is splendid! It's too windy/chilly up here for such beauties, but I sure love yours. Happy spring to you!

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  17. Chandramouli SApril 3, 2010 at 9:26 PM

    Aaahhmmmmm.... Errrmmm..... Uhhhh.... I can't quite find a word to describe its beauty!

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  18. Anna flowergardengirlApril 7, 2010 at 9:10 PM

    Your home is so beautiful but especially now. Hugs to you today. You have convinced me to get a white picket fence. That didn't take much convincing.

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