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
Sweet.
ReplyDeleteHow do I find out which Lacecap I have....?
ReplyDeleteDarla, it is often very difficult to identify a hydrangea because, as you've probably noticed, they look similar and to make matters worse, most of them will look different in other people's gardens because of the soil types. I would suggest getting a book on hydrangeas (there are several good ones) and compare yours with photos and the descriptions. Good luck!
ReplyDeletePhillip - thanks for your comment. I learned to put newpaper under the mulch from Frances Worthington former garden columnist for our regional newspaper here in Upstate SC The Greenville News.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful hydrangea you have pictured. I'm not wild about lace caps but its pretty in the garden. I am in search of the little dwarf sized bushes i see around town.
Oh, how absolutley lovely.
ReplyDeleteHydrangeas' are one of my most favorite plants, although I never have much luck with them in my own garden, I do admire them form afar.
Just a lovely specimen.
Thanks Phillip.
ReplyDeleteI'm blaming you when the partner starts screeching about what I'm spending on additional hydrangeas......
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely! I love them coz they seem to bloom forever, only I couldn't get them in my city...
ReplyDeleteOkay that's it - I'm moving to Alabama where Hydrangea is a happy plant. Phillip you do so well with them! If I were a Hydrangea I'd want to live right there in your garden!
ReplyDeleteI'm really wishing for a shaded, fenced garden! Quite a lovely!
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