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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

Hydrangeas

Some full views of the hydrangeas - they are really beautiful this year!









Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. This has been a perfect spring for hydrangeas. Yours look beautiful. That blue just shines in the shade. I can't wait to see how long the blooms last too. I hope Mother Nature cooperates and doesn't send a drought.

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  2. Beautiful! Mine have been nice this year too. Very dry srping, but as long as I keep my hydrangea watered, it looks awesome' LOTS of flowers, more than ever before :)

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  3. Not only are your hydrangeas beautiful, so is your garden. Love the dry stream bed.

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  4. I don't often visit here and, by chance, I think the first time I came across your blog, you were talking about hydrangeas.

    I'm not a hydrangea fan but these look lovely. Shows how important context is.

    Lucy

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  5. Everyone this year has been exclaiming how great the hydrangeas are which makes me wish I had added more sooner to the garden. I've been afraid of deer and rabbits in the best hydrangea areas. Your garden and the hydrangeas look great!

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  6. Good morning, Phillip. Your hydrangeas look lovely in the woodland setting. Those huge white blooms really make a statement.
    Marnie

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  7. They are indeed very beautiful this year!

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  8. Just exquisite! The combinations of the hydrangeas with the garden ornaments couldn't be better!

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