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Strawberry Tree

Since moving to Washington, I have discovered a great number of new trees. One of my favorites is the Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo ). It is a four-season tree with semi-glossy evergreen leaves and lovely mahogany bark. In autumn, clusters of white flowers appear, bearing a resemblance to Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. And then there are the little fruits, which resemble strawberries that appear at the same time as the flowers. I am not sure why, but I have only seen a few fruits on ours. I don't know if birds are getting them before I see them or what happens. The fruits are said to be edible but not very tasty (to humans). This year, our tree is loaded with flowers, the most I've ever seen. Bees absolutely love it and so do the hummingbirds. The flowers usually continue to appear straight through winter, and it can be blooming even during the coldest periods of winter. Aside from the fact that I have not seen much of the colorful fruits, the major negative note is the fact tha

One year ago today...



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. A fantastic pic, Phillip. Nice memories, but now for some global warming and positive thoughts that we don't get even flurries tomorrow!

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  2. Beautiful photo Philip... our day in the 50's will be followed by the first major snow of the season tomorrow... perhaps 6"-10" depending on who one listens to... just in time to protect against the cold that's following the snow. Larry

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  3. Now this is winter. We haven't had much winter to talk about this year. We are to get some snow by 9:30 this morning, so they say. I will believe it when I see it.

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  4. Great photo Phillip, I had a lot of fun driving around Tuscumbia after work taking pictures for the calendar. By the time I got home it was dark and don't have many from around my place. I have the depot, courthouse and stagecoach stop in the 2012 calendar and have one of the Almon house & Locust Hills I'd like to use in the 2013 calendar. Mary

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  5. you wishing or what? Nice picture but hope you don't have a chance to take another one like it.

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  6. Hard to believe. I bet now you have camellias blooming instead of snow.

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  7. I am not complaining! The snow was beautiful last year, but what a mess it made.

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  8. Beautiful photo Phillip. But I prefer green!! hahahaha!

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  9. I must have been asleep when this happened last year?!? How often does it snow there? I'd have thought...never?

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  10. Phillip what a beautiful shot of your snow-covered garden.

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  11. I had to back track on my reading a little. This picture is so magical.:0)

    When ever I need inspiration I always look at pictures of your garden.

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