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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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Roses already!

"Buff Beauty" (left) and "Rambling Rector" (on pergola)

The roses are a month ahead this year. I'm in the process of doing an inventory of all our roses and I plan to share photos of all of them during the next month (if I can get them photographed!). At one time, we had around 130 - 150 roses but I don't think there are as many today. There is much more shade in the garden now and that takes a toll on the roses as well as other sun lovers. 

I am not liking this early season. I haven't even had a chance to get the weeding done before the roses bloomed. Maybe the temperatures will stay in the normal range and we will at least have a long blooming period.


A hybrid musk rose named "Moonlight"




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. UnknownApril 20, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    Good grief! That's a lot of roses...I can barely keep the few I have thriving.

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  2. GailApril 20, 2012 at 12:36 PM

    They look stunning Phillip! A month ahead of time, too. Incredible isn't it! What's going to be in bloom all summer! gail

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  3. Lisa at GreenbowApril 20, 2012 at 12:48 PM

    The rose over the arch is fabulous. I just read on someone elses blog they bought Buff Beauty. If theirs grows like yours they will certainly be pleased. I can't wait to see the parade of roses in your garden. Bring em on.

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  4. rebeccaApril 20, 2012 at 1:50 PM

    Early thought they be, they are very, very beautiful. Looks like you'll be busy cataloging them all!

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  5. gardeningnaturallywithclaudia.blogspot.comApril 20, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Sooo many roses. The amount of shade has reduced our roses too. I'd love to see what your have.

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  6. MarjorieApril 20, 2012 at 2:17 PM

    What abundance! Question: are there any roses that can thrive in part sun? I live just north of Atlanta and we have two wooded acres which means NO full sun anywhere on the property. We do have one front bed with part sun and I would love to try roses somewhere!

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  7. Anne BoykinApril 20, 2012 at 5:45 PM

    I'm looking forward to pictures of your roses. These are gorgeous. Wish I had room for more roses.

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  8. F CameronApril 20, 2012 at 6:38 PM

    Your garden is always so impressive!

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  9. Rosedale GardenApril 20, 2012 at 6:41 PM

    One one and only rose bush given as a gift when I had to put my last dog to sleep is in full bloom.

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  10. Phillip OliverApril 21, 2012 at 3:41 AM

    Marjorie, to answer your question, YES, you can grow many roses with part shade. The best ones for me are the hybrid musks which can do fine with 4-6 hours sun. Here are the ones that I have - http://www.phillipoliver.net/sghmroses.html

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  11. yolanaApril 21, 2012 at 4:32 AM

    I got 'Moonlight' several years ago after seeing it on your other website and she has never let me down.

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  12. HolleyGardenApril 21, 2012 at 3:25 PM

    Oh, these are beautiful! I do hope you have a long blooming period. My roses are flushing all at different times. It's been an odd weather year everywhere this year.

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  13. The Graceful GardenerApril 23, 2012 at 6:36 AM

    So beautiful. I love visiting your blog.Your roses are an inspiration..I ordered many hybrid musk's this year and just planted Buff Beauty, Belinda and Moonlight all around my garden thanks to some of your blog posts. Looking forward to more photos.

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  14. debsgardenApril 23, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    So beautiful! I am looking forward to seeing all of your roses. Today is quite chilly here in my part of Alabama. I hope you are able to enjoy the refreshing air!

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  15. MashaApril 23, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    Your garden is spectacular! Such a profusion of blooms. I am looking forward to your inventory posts.

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  16. sweetbayApril 23, 2012 at 5:47 PM

    Every year I am so impressed by your Buff Beauty and Rambling Rector.

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