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
Yours really take on beautiful color! You're right about how much seasonal interest they add year round. Mine didn't really get a chance get fall color this year. In fact one gets powdery mildew by the end of summer, do you ever see that on any of yours?
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful color for Fall. Just in time for the season......Julian
ReplyDeleteI just love this shrub. I have only one. Seeing yours makes me want to hunt for another one to put someplace.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of any reason to not grow this plant.
ReplyDeleteI am so lucky to have one in my yard Phillip. They are just beautiful and are always doing something all year long!! What beautiful photos of yours!
ReplyDeleteI, like everyone, love the blooms of the other hydrangeas. I have fallen in love with this one for its leaves. Lives through the heat and drought of Texas and has larger leaves that provides a colorful show in the fall.
ReplyDeleteOooh! I love this one! Anything that makes beautiful fall foliage is a must for me. Gotta get me one next year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Dee.
Kelly
Next year mine will look similar, it's still a little small right now. You know, it's leaves have had wonderful color though.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Have you ever visited Aldrige Botanical Garden at Birmingham? It is a relativly small garden, but well worth the drive with a treasure trove of hydrangeas....
ReplyDeletehttp://www.aldridgegardens.com/
You're preaching to the choir here. I just love them. I'm still waiting to see blooms on 'Little Honey'. Hopefully, the repellent I sprayed will keep the deer from chomping on them this winter.
ReplyDeleteI have a Snow Queen Oakleaf which has produced several seedlings. I've been planting them along a dry creek. I think they will be spectacular when they get large enough to bloom.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful shrub~I've seen it massed and as a focal point and it's perfect either way! It looks wonderful with the crapemyrtle in the third photo. gail
ReplyDeleteI love the picture with the bench in the background, the first picture. I also love the last picture, the one with the round metal thing in the back. What is that round metal thing called?
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful...I love that range of colors!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful plants - thank you for sharing them with us. I'm going to see if I can buy any this weekend ..
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