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
I got a start of money plant from db's grandmother but it's never taken off. Too dry. I need to try it in another spot because it is lovely, especially in dappled shade.
ReplyDeleteI am not too good with seeds. I always have good intentions to sow some seeds but rarely do so. I love this plant. It is so pretty and I have some of those coins in a vase right now. Hard telling how old they are though.
ReplyDeleteThese are one of the mainstays of the late spring garden at my family's place. I usually cut most of of the dried seed pods when they stop looking nice or start getting in the way and put them on the compost pile. Then when I spread the compost I get lots of seedlings wherever it goes, thus ensuring lots more money plants.
ReplyDeleteI pulled most of mine up last year trying to keep the re-seeding down. They seem to multiply even without the seed pods. They are everywhere this year but a pretty sight.
ReplyDeletePretty.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite annuals. Love how they take care of themselves....
ReplyDeleteDear Philip, I am familiar with this plant in its silver-pod form. I didn't realize it has such pretty flowers! P. x
ReplyDeleteIt is a favorite of mine, as well, though I have it now coming up (along with Cleome and Verbena bonariensis)in the cracks in the pavement in the street.....don't know why the neighbors talk!
ReplyDeleteHa ha..you make me want to watch Jerry McGuire again! This is one plant I have never grown but I need to. Thanks for sharing details about yours...sounds easy.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the plants I never recognize in bloom. It is so pretty.
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