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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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A beauty of a bush

Aptly named - Beauty Bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis) - I've always been puzzled as to why I never see it in nurseries or other gardens. This was one of the first shrubs planted in the garden so it has to be around 15 years old. 

The heat is ruining the blooms. The bottom photo is from last year when it was prettier.

 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. aquablueroseApril 2, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    Hi Phillip,

    It is vey beautiful! I heard about the heat you are experiencing. I am so sorry! I am praying all will be well with your beautiful garden soon.

    gerri XXXX

    ReplyDelete
  2. LesApril 3, 2012 at 4:20 AM

    I tried to offer this years ago, but it was a very hard sell. In bloom I could, but during the other 50 weeks of the year, no way.

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  3. Becca's DirtApril 3, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    It sure does brighten the area. Have a nice day.

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  4. Dee/reddirtramblingsApril 3, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    It is very pretty. I've never seen it for sale or grown here for that matter. Love yours and its blowsy way of showing itself.~~Dee

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  5. scottweberpdxApril 3, 2012 at 4:58 PM

    Even if it's an off year, it's a beauty, to be sure!

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  6. Gardener on Sherlock StreetApril 3, 2012 at 5:25 PM

    Love how it pops out of the hedge.

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  7. Casa MariposaApril 4, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    I saw beauty bush more when I lived in the south but rarely up here in northern VA. I love big, rambley blooming bushes. :o) Yours is gorgeous!

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  8. Lisa at GreenbowApril 5, 2012 at 3:18 AM

    This is indeed a beauty. From a distance it reminds me of my Wedding bouquet Spirea. The heat has left here for the time being. Hopefully things will slow down so we can enjoy the rest of the early bloomers.

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