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Reading in 2024

  My reading was way down this year (61) compared to last (93) and I just barely made my reading goal of 60 books on Goodreads.  Glancing over my list, I see that it was a mixed bag. I read a few books that I loved but I also read quite a few that I didn't really enjoy. However, if I am not enjoying a book by the third chapter, I give it up. Life is too short and there are too many books. It looks like I did not read as many gardening books as I usually do but I read more fiction than usual.  My favorite book of the year was  North Woods   by Daniel Mason which I read last winter.  It is about the generations of people that live in a specific house in the New England woods. The first two chapters were difficult to get through (the writing styles vary with each chapter) but it picks up quickly and I couldn't put it down. Here is my complete list and dates that I finished the book. I've starred my favorites.  Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering ...
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March Bloom Day

I have not participated in Gardener's Bloom Day since I don't know when. Usually when I think of it, it is too late but I'm actually on the ball this time. As most of the country seems to be fast-forwarding toward summer, thoughts of 2007 keep creeping into my mind. That was the year we had an early spring and a devastating late freeze. I'm hoping the same fate is not lurking around the corner this year.


I actually feel like I was cheated out of a winter this year! I do enjoy winter - it gives me a chance to unwind and do things inside (like baking, catching up on movies, etc.) that I otherwise feel guilty doing when it is nice outside. Michael tells me I need to get over this but I just can't help it. I can't stand being inside when I could be accomplishing outside.


The bright side of this early spring is that I'm getting much accomplished so maybe I won't be overwhelmed later.


Gardener's Bloom Day is the 15th of each month and garden bloggers across the nation post photos of what is blooming in their gardens. To get in on the action, visit the May Dreams Gardens blog.


Carolina Jessamine announces that spring is here even if the calendar doesn't agree. Note the increasing dilapidating fence. My goal this year was to replace it but I proscrastinate (plus have you priced fencing lately?)
There are many camellias blooming at the moment but I think "Taylor's Perfection" is the prettiest.
Another camellia (unidentified) with Alabama Snow Wreath (Neviusia alabamensis) in the background
Azalea "Coral Bells"
Hellebores and Camellia "Sawada's Dream"
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Helleborus foetidus  (Bear Claw Hellebore)
Jacob's Ladder "Stairway to Heaven" (polemonium reptans)

Pansies and Candytuft

Vinca major



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. LKTMarch 14, 2012 at 9:29 PM

    I'm so jealous of your hellebores. Our puppy dug ours up.

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  2. LeaMarch 14, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    Very pretty!
    I especially like the last photograph.
    Happy Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day!
    Lea
    Lea's Menagerie

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  3. andrea/igardendaily.comMarch 14, 2012 at 11:03 PM

    Gorgeous photos! I love the Taylor's Perfection and Azalea 'Coral Bells.' I never seen an Azalea like that before. Happy Gardening and Happy Bloom Day!

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  4. LarryMarch 15, 2012 at 12:02 AM

    Your garden photos are exquisite today Philip. I too am concerned about a late freeze... we were close to 80 degrees today... absolutely unreal and we are fast approaching the point of no return as the overnight temperatures are well above the normal highs for the day. Larry

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  5. Noel MorataMarch 15, 2012 at 12:45 AM

    aloha,

    beautiful garden show, spring is gorgeous and your garden photos are beautiful :)

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  6. CyndyMarch 15, 2012 at 3:46 AM

    Spring is lovely in your garden! The Jacob's ladder shot is just exquisite and I like the use of fencing - charmingly patinated - and statuary. Happy GBBD

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  7. MarisaMarch 15, 2012 at 4:17 AM

    Such a pretty garden. The hellebores are exquisite, and I love the carolina jessamine along the fence.

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  8. Erica SmithMarch 15, 2012 at 4:50 AM

    Spectacular! Especially the shot of the camellia and hellebores together (with statue!).

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  9. spurgeMarch 15, 2012 at 7:47 AM

    Your garden and photos are outstanding! I especially like the delicate blue polemonium.

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  10. Nell JeanMarch 15, 2012 at 8:13 AM

    Pansies and Candytuft -- spring requisite.

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  11. Lisa at GreenbowMarch 15, 2012 at 10:41 AM

    Happy GBBD. I am with you about winter. Crazy weather and it better not freeze again. What worries me more is if our winter was so warm what will this summer be like?? Scary. Love that Carolina Jess.. I think it would have survived even our winter this year.

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  12. C. C.March 15, 2012 at 10:46 AM

    Very beautiful! Our camellias are also stunning, but not much else is popping except daffs, lenten rose, forsythia. I should cultivate more early-blooming plants and shrubs. In the meantime, every day I peer into the pine needles searching for new spikes of hosta foliage and other perennials. Please please please no hard late freeze.

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  13. ChristineMarch 15, 2012 at 11:08 AM

    Love all your Camellias! Lovely show. Happy GBBD :)

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  14. JessMarch 15, 2012 at 1:35 PM

    My Taylor's Perfection is one stick and a dream, but here's hoping it turns into yours! (its tiny little self does have one monster bud on it, weighing it down like a charlie brown christmas tree)

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  15. LesMarch 15, 2012 at 5:03 PM

    Your garden is lovely right now, and I do hope your fear of a late freeze stays just that and does not come true. Happy GBBD!

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  16. greggoMarch 15, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    Beautiful gardens Phillip. You should be proud...

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  17. LayaneeMarch 15, 2012 at 7:23 PM

    Your March bloom post was well worth the wait. Lovely.

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  18. LonaMarch 16, 2012 at 6:20 AM

    Phillip your spring garden is spectacular. The Jasmine is so lovely on the fence and I adore all of those hellebore's.Have a wonderful weekend.

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  19. F CameronMarch 16, 2012 at 6:59 AM

    Love the red camellia backed by the white. Your gardens are lovely! I drool over the garden vignette in your header photo!

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  20. UnknownMarch 16, 2012 at 7:46 AM

    Your garden has a calendar all it's own! Looks beautiful.

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  21. sweetbayMarch 16, 2012 at 11:12 AM

    Taylor's Perfection is a real beauty. Love the shot of the Jacob's Ladder.

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  22. RandyMarch 17, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    Love, love, love the jacobs ladder picture!

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  23. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)March 19, 2012 at 11:23 AM

    That Carolina Jessamine is a cheery soul, perfect for mid March. I wouldn't rush to update the fence, it all adds to the charm.

    Great photos, I second Freda Cameron's comment by the way,I NEED to sit on that bench.

    cheers

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  24. Becca's DirtMarch 19, 2012 at 12:15 PM

    I am in love with your gorgeous pink camellia. Forgot the name already. Love the pansy's in the angel statue. Beautiful blooms. Hope you have a nice week. I know you have been enjoying this great weather we have had lately.

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  25. Driveway paving HornchurchMarch 19, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Brilliant... your photography is pure class!! Thanks for sharing!
    landscapers Romford

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  26. Rosedale GardenMarch 19, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    Beautiful. I need to get on the stick and post some of my blooms on my blog. It's just been crazy. One of my iris I planted at ECM was in bloom today. Mary

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  27. scottweberpdxMarch 20, 2012 at 10:18 AM

    What a lovely post...so glad you made it! I always seem to be late as well...don't know how the 15th always manages to take me by surprise! Love the Jacobs Ladder...so charming!

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  28. jayneMarch 21, 2012 at 5:19 AM

    Your hellebores are so very healthy!

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  29. The Brown Recluse (TBR)March 23, 2012 at 6:16 AM

    You are a very talented photographer. LOVE these photos....beautiful place you have.
    ~M

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  30. EveMarch 24, 2012 at 4:09 PM

    Just lovely!! I'm so far behing Phillip! What a beautiful winter we had. I'll take it any year!

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