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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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Hydrangeas

The hydrangeas are really looking good this year! So far (knock wood) we have had sufficient rainfall and I sure hope it continues. (Click on photos for larger images)

"Annabelle" and "Madame Emile Mouillere" with hosta


"Madame Emile Mouillere" and "Bluebird"

"Madame Emile Mouillere" and "Bluebird"

Oakleaf hydrangeas "Dayspring" and Native

Hydrangea "Nikko Blue"




Oakleaf Hydrangea "Snowflake"


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. scottweberpdxMay 24, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    Wow...I'm seriously envious...they are so beautiful! I'm especially taken by that blue/purple lacecap...serious plant lust!

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  2. GrannaMay 24, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Gorgeous!

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  3. Jean CampbellMay 24, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    There is simply nothing to compare with hydrangeas and they come in so many versions!

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  4. greggoMay 24, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    Looks very refreshing and inviting.

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  5. Lisa at GreenbowMay 24, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Your hydrangeas look great. My Bluebird (you knew I would have it because of the name) never looks this good. You must have 'the soil' to make it bluuue.

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  6. Mary AnnMay 24, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Breathtaking!

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  7. SheilaMay 24, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    Oh!!! Those are just gorgeous!

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  8. LonaMay 24, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    Every time I see a posting entitled Hydrangeas I have to go check them out. LOL! Your garden is spectacular. The hydrangeas are beautiful. I adore the Bluebird lacecap.

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  9. Tatyana@MySecretGardenMay 24, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    Just stunning! I love them all!

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  10. Dirt PrincessMay 24, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    Absolutely beautiful! Your hydrangeas are doing really well! We have had some issues with mites on our hydrangeas down here

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  11. sherryocalaMay 24, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    Philip, how lovely, lovely! Believe it or not, my Limelight and Pinkie Winkie are not blooming yet. My variegated lacecap has a few flowers. Just a couple of flowers on the mopheads. Wonder why that is. Yours are definitely older than mine. Maybe that's it.

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  12. AnonymousMay 24, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    Phillip, this is one of the best Hydrangea years in a while. No late frosts! Mine are looking fabulous but if we dont get some rain soon....

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  13. sweetbayMay 24, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    Your hydrangeas are beautiful; I will always be a fan of Oak-leaved hydrangea but your white 'Madame' and the blue lacecape are wonderful are making me a convert.

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  14. Rainy Day GardenerMay 24, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    They are all so beautiful and I'm feeling a twinge of envy because I lost *both* of my hydrangea's this year. Lovely pics!

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  15. DarlaMay 25, 2011 at 4:49 AM

    I should say they are putting on an excellent show!

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  16. SueMay 25, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    OMG!!!!!!SO BEAUTIFUL.

    DO YOU GROW PEONIES AND IF SO PLEASE SHARE HOW TO DO THAT IN THE SOUTH.

    SUE

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  17. AnonymousMay 26, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Hello. Your hydrangeas are wonderful !!! Romantic garden ...
    Kate from Poland

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  18. Rosedale GardensMay 26, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    They filled out very nicely since my visit, just stunning. My oakleafs are starting to open. Had some damage from last night storm. Hope everyone will overlook it (and the weed filled beds) at my open garden Saturday. Mary

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  19. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)May 27, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    As always, a perfect show. Beautiful photographs by the way.

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