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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
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Tornado update

Many of you have e-mailed and asked about the situation here with the terrible day we had on Thursday. Fortunately, our county did not receive any major damage. We were without power for a while but only limbs and some debris on the streets and property. Some towns south of us, including Michael's home town of Phil Campbell (26 dead so far), were not as fortunate and were utterly devastated. Hackleburg, just south of Phil Campbell, was even harder hit with a death toll there of 27. We have finally been able to contact most of our family members and friends from that area and they are okay. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and I appreciate your concern.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. DarlaApril 29, 2011 at 7:14 AM

    So glad to know that you are safe. Such devastation that weather caused..so, so, sad.

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  2. Gardener on Sherlock StreetApril 29, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    Glad you are well. Here's hoping the communities can find the strength to pull through.

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  3. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)April 29, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Such extraordinary weather conditions bringing so much devastation.

    I'm glad to hear you're all ok, but it's so terrible for so many others.

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  4. JesterApril 29, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Glad to know you and your family are good & safe. Prayers to al that aren't.

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  5. F CameronApril 29, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Glad you and your friends and family are safe. It is truly devastating and heartbreaking for those in the path of the tornadoes.

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  6. JanApril 29, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    Thank you for your post, letting us know you are alright. It is truly a devastating situation for many. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, and we so often take things forgranted. Nothing like a wake up call to appreciate our blessings.

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  7. sweetbayApril 29, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    I am glad to hear you and your family are safe. I heard on the news that these were the worst storms spawning tornades in 40 years.

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  8. RandyApril 29, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    Glad to know the two of you are okay!

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  9. Anne BoykinApril 29, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    Yes, I thought of you that night. We were lucky here in Newnan, GA that the weather missed us too. Thank goodness you are all safe & sound.

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  10. Randy EmmittApril 29, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    Phillip,
    Such a terrible storm system! Glad you made it OK. Sorry to hear about those two towns it must be dreadful.

    I finally saw some damage in our county two side by side large oak stumps that must have fell on the the main road about 10 minutes from here. Not been to Raleigh.

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  11. LesApril 29, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    I am glad you two and your families are alright. I knew I had not heard that Florence was hit, but with the destruction so devestating and so wide-spread I wondered. This has been a terrible spring tornado-wise all across the South. It makes you ask questions about randomness, fate and circumstance.

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  12. JanApril 30, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Thanks for posting that you all are okay. I was worried when I saw the news and all the devastation. I feel for everyone who has suffered loss.

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  13. GingerApril 30, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    so glad y'all are ok. the deaths and devastation in MS and AL are not receiving enough attention.

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  14. EveMay 3, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    So glad you did well Phillip! No damage here but it was close.

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