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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
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First hummingbird

This morning as I was washing the breakfast dishes, I glanced out the kitchen window and saw the first hummingbird of the season. It was flying around the archway covered with the climbing rose "Blaze", yellow honeysuckle and a white clematis that I can't remember the name of. This photo was taken two weeks ago and the honeysuckle flowers had not fully opened yet. They are open now and the hummingbird was really enjoying them.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. scottweberpdxApril 27, 2012 at 7:53 AM

    Don't you love those little guys! I haven't seen them around much this spring...but I've heard them chirping around the garden...they are so quick!

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  2. gathering lifeApril 27, 2012 at 9:45 AM

    Oh, goody. I have not seen one yet. At least I know they are coming soon!!!!

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  3. ConnieApril 27, 2012 at 10:15 AM

    Hi Phillip. Love your blog; I always enjoy your posts about your roses and hydrangeas. I wanted to know if the white flower pictured with your 'Blaze' rose is a clematis. If so, do you know the cultivar? Thanks.

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  4. rebeccaApril 27, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    What a beautiful photograph! did you use some kind of special technique? Those roses are literally jumping off the screne into the room with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  5. Cyndia MontgomeryApril 27, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    Gotta get my feeders out! So exciting to see the hummingbirds.
    LOVE that peony! So beautiful!

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  6. Phillip OliverApril 27, 2012 at 12:10 PM

    Connie-Nicole, that is a clematis and unfortunately I don't recall the name of it.

    Rebecca, some tweaking in Photoshop. It is probably just the red though, they tend to jump out at you.

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  7. TeresaApril 27, 2012 at 4:07 PM

    So pretty!

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  8. Anne BoykinApril 27, 2012 at 6:31 PM

    What a beautiful combination!

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  9. Gardener on Sherlock StreetApril 27, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    What a great combination.

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  10. CarolApril 28, 2012 at 6:25 AM

    I have had then at the feeders now for about 3 weeks. Not many-just a couple, but I love watching them. Carol

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  11. AnonymousApril 28, 2012 at 6:07 PM

    That Clematis looks like Duchess of Edinburgh. Gorgeous companions!

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  12. Tatyana@MySecretGardenApril 28, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    Wonderful, summery, cheerful picture! Those little birds can make us so happy! I need to wait many weeks to see them in my garden. Their favorite plant is red monarda. Last summer, I even saw them fighting around it.

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  13. Lisa at GreenbowApril 30, 2012 at 8:42 AM

    Yummy, I would be drawn to these flowers too. I haven't seen a hummer in my garden as yet. I have red roses blooming too. Where is my hummer?? WHINE...

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  14. Phillip OliverApril 30, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    Well Lisa, I have not seen him since! Perhaps he was a scout?

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  15. GailApril 30, 2012 at 4:12 PM

    Love when they arrive and someday hope they let me get a decent photo. gail

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  16. Mr. McGregor's DaughterMay 1, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    There's nothing to get your heart pumping like the sight of a hummer. (Cute little buggers.) I got my act together early this year & put my feeder up already, even though my honeysuckle hasn't even thought about forming buds yet.

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