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
I love hydrangeas...Great photo.
ReplyDeleteOoh, the hydrangea is indeed wonderful, but it's that gorgeous pot that really stand out for me. I didn't realize it was red on the bottom. Cool!
ReplyDeleteI know you can change the color of the Mopheads and I know it's almost impossible to change the color of a white one, didn't know about changing the color of a Lacecap..Mine are doing fab this year as well.
ReplyDeleteEvery Twist-n-Shout that I have seen tends to be a little on the gangly side, not that I mind that.
ReplyDeleteThis must be the year for hydrangeas. My hydrangeas have the most blooms ever. I attribute this to no late frost. Wow, 40 different types of hydrangea?? Is that what you meant?? You will have blog fodder for some time. That is good. I am ready to read about them. I only have 5 different types of hydrangeas. I will look foward to seeing each of yours.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really pretty hydrangea! A great vignette with the pottery.
ReplyDeleteI had to leave all of my hydrangeas at a former home. I tucked one away here, but it didn't bloom. So, I moved it up to the fragrance garden next to the house this spring...it has bloomed the first time and the deer haven't found it (so far)
Good thing you didn't give up on the Endless Summer.
ReplyDelete*That* is why someone should grow hydrangeas! And your choice of an urn really makes the picture... you are an artist.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I have Lady in Red. This might be another good one to add to the garden.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful. I look forward to seeing more of your hydrangeas.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful delicate blue color on those hydrangea flowers.
ReplyDeletePhillip, it looks so much like 'Lady in Red' that I'm wondering what is different. Bigger blooms maybe? I would love to have that blue look but that would take too much work on my part. :-)
ReplyDeleteGenrally I think Hydrangeas are ugly. My neighbor has one planted at the start of his drive, and it looks awful. Your's doesn't look too bad. It's not a snow ball hydrangea. I love that vase, though!!
ReplyDelete~Randy
Stunning urn!! Beautiful photo. 40 different hydrangeas...
ReplyDeleteWhat a coincidence, I just posted a photo of my Twist-n-Shout today too. (It hasn't started blooming yet.) Of course when mine blooms, it's much, much pinker than that. I have acid soil envy.
ReplyDeleteLacecaps invite closer inspection. I look forward to seeing the rest of your collection.
ReplyDeletePhillip, I was just looking at this beauty this afternoon....It was sitting next to a white mophead and put it to shame! Love it and your plan to share one at a time! gail
ReplyDeleteOh wow. Great pics! I love see blues in the garden.
ReplyDeleteNice hydrangea. The varieties in the Endless Summer Collection are a great addition to the landscape.
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