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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
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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
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  1. BoAugust 16, 2011 at 9:45 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lisa at GreenbowAugust 17, 2011 at 3:46 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  3. MarjorieAugust 17, 2011 at 4:24 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  4. DarlaAugust 17, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rosedale GardenAugust 17, 2011 at 5:13 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  6. HannahAugust 19, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    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!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. HannahAugust 19, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. GailAugust 19, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Phillip, This will be a fun listen~
    gailtilesatgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  9. UpLATEagainAugust 19, 2011 at 8:44 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. serial tillerAugust 21, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  11. CherylAugust 21, 2011 at 3:28 PM

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

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  12. C. C.August 22, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Peggy HillAugust 22, 2011 at 1:46 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. DarlaAugust 24, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    I answered your email,:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Plant LibraryAugust 26, 2011 at 9:13 PM

    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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