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May Trees

Redbud 'Flame Thrower' (Cercis canadensis) As May comes to an end, I thought I would share some trees that look good now.  First, the insanely beautiful 'Flame Thrower' redbud. I always hesitate to praise this tree because of their finicky nature. So far, so good on this one which is near our front door.  Snowbell and 'Wolf's Eyes' Dogwood in the background The Snowbell tree ( Styrax japonica ) has been spectacular for many weeks. I was up on the roof of the garden shed this morning and got an aerial view of it. It looks so much larger from above. The blooms are so heavy that the branches are bending down. A few years ago, I recall standing underneath it and the roar from bees buzzing around it was deafening. Last week, I was saddened to hear no bees at all. Fortunately, there are some a week later but not nearly as many as in the past. On the opposite side is 'Wolf's Eye' Dogwood ( Cornus kousa ) which always delivers. This is a small dogwood c...

Win an unabridged CD audiobook of "Wicked Plants"

The winner is Darla of More Family and Flowers blog. Congratulations Darla and thanks to everyone who entered!


Who knew that the plant kingdom could be so dangerous? In "Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Atrocities", author Amy Stewart presents an A-Z encyclopedia of over 200 plants that can make you sick, cripple you or even kill you. Many of these plants could be lurking in your backyard although many come from far reaches of the world. Stewart weaves fascinating botanical facts with folklore, mythology, medicine and pop culture. This 4 CD audiobook (4.5 hours) is read by Coleen Marlo who was chosen Audiobook Reader of the Year for 2010 by Publisher's Weekly.


One lucky winner will receive a copy. To enter, leave a comment to this post and include your e-mail address so I can contact you if you are the winner. The contest is open through midnight Tuesday, August 23.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I listen to audiobooks all the time in the car...I hope I win...bosbowl at gmail .com

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  2. I think this would be great fun to listen to. Thanks for the opportunity. bowerbird53atsbcglobaldotnet

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  3. What an excellent "read". We listen to audio books when we travel and this would be a big hit. kmstrotheratgmaildotcom

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  4. Perfect giveaway with school starting back and us parent gardener's spending so much time in the car playing taxi! rusdar at hotmai dot com

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  5. With a half hour drive to work and back each day, I can finish it in a week. marycar@netspeednow.com

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  6. How interesting! We just bought a new house with beautiful, but neglected gardens. I've ripped out enough deadly nightshade to wipe out the town!!

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  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  8. Phillip, This will be a fun listen~
    gailtilesatgmaildotcom

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  9. Oh, how VERY cool! I wish me lucky and I THANK you! Awesome blog!
    -ALTEREDsewFittingly@gmail.com

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  10. Phillip, you give away the most interesting things! Put me in please. This sounds like something I'd really enjoy since I have a "dark side." Moo-ha-ha.
    scooterjen@tds.net

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  11. This book has been on my list. Thanks! cherylwbennett@gmail.com

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  12. Having bought my first monkshood this year (and maybe last, considering that it died within 6 weeks), I'd love to read this. Thanks for the opportunity to vie for it!

    ccwinslow at mindspring dot com.

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  13. I often checkout audiobooks from the library. They're great for a long car trip. Please enter me in the drawing.

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  14. I have been searching for this information since long time your suggestions and tips are really helpful for us..
    Thanks for the sharing this all with us..

    ReplyDelete

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