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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

Could this be the reason my containers don't do well?

Hmmm......





Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Glad to see my cat isn't the only one who does that...even after I put a basket with a pillow in it for her to sleep in. Darn cat!

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  2. Could very well be the reason. Amazing if anything would survive and thrive with a cat lying on it. Good luck with your containers.

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  3. Oh my! How kind of you to allow her/he to continue sleeping. I have several of my neighbor's cats enjoying my garden as well..including my birds..
    Good luck!

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  4. Keeps the birds from nesting in your containers!

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  5. Oh, that kitty is precious! You just need to teach him not to jump on other containers.

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  6. Ohai! Ya put it here fer me didja? Tanks.

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  7. Oh yes! You are growing the wonderful fur plant! I have a few of them!DL

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  8. Actually, I think your containers are doing very well as a cozy nap space! :o)

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  9. You may have solved the mystery!

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  10. Time to grow a pot of Catnip!!!!!!!!!

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  11. Loafing.

    See how clever kitty is, searching out the higher soil temperatures in the pot to kip, and elevated too - perfect.

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  12. Oh my goodness. That may explain my pot difficulties as well. Such a sweet kitty, how can you disturb her? :)

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  13. The cat says 'well this is the perfect size to cozy up in'. No plants can stand up to that. LOL.

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  14. Such a fine kitty specimen..."anyone" can grow an ole flower...LOL

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  15. Tough decisions happen every day in the garden. No doubt if you put one there for kitty, he would choose the planted one.

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  16. She looks adorable, that is if she/he doesn't poop in the pot! ;)

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