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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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Getting tomatoes planted and buying new plants

A productive weekend. Our tomatoes and peppers are planted and I got about half of the containers planted. I found this plant at Lowe's. It is Jacob's Ladder "Touch of Class" (Polemonium reptans). I also bought Wallflower "Bowles Mauve" (Erysinum linifolium) for $1 on the sale rack at Home Depot. I have never grown wallflowers but I remember Elizabeth Lawrence praising them in one of her books.


Jacob's Ladder "Touch of Class" (Polemonium reptans)



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Rosedale GardenApril 15, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    I replanted my corn this weekend, cantalopes, cucs and watermelon. I have 3 tomatoes ready for the garden that I've been growing since Nov, but they didn't make it there. I have several small heirloom ones in the greenhouse. Finally started cleaning my flower beds last week. May have to hire some one to help before my open garden May 26. Tomorrow is another day. Mary

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowApril 16, 2012 at 8:06 AM

    I have tried that Jacobs ladder with no luck. I will be curious to see if yours does well. Maybe it needs your weather for it to thrive. Don't you just love those sale aisles?? You never know what you will find.

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  3. AudreyApril 16, 2012 at 11:22 AM

    I love your Jacob's ladder. I looked it up online to learn about it, as I have never grown one. It prefers "high quality natural habitats", I can't think of a better garden or gardener for it than you. Hope you enjoy it for years to come. Your blog is a joy to read and very interesting.

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  4. David - Pinewood CottageApril 16, 2012 at 6:15 PM

    We had frost a couple of nights this week - so we had to hold off planting tender things just yet. Never before tax day is the saying around here.

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  5. Gardener on Sherlock StreetApril 16, 2012 at 6:58 PM

    You've been very productive. Hope it all grows well.

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  6. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)April 19, 2012 at 10:33 AM

    My sister grows the perennial walflower 'Bowles mauve' and it's nigh on perfect. Flowers for ages and is easy to take cuttings from.

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