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
Cecille could come live at my house anytime. What an amazing plant. It obviously loves where it is.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this fun post. I need to go back and read the As and Bs. Your CB looks wonderful. Mine is a very aggressive grower, and most of the time blooms are concealed by the new canes. Does yours behave like that too?
ReplyDeleteAs you progress thru the alphabet, it just gets better and better.... :)
ReplyDeleteLovely! Your garden is such a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility.
ReplyDeletePS -- My husband, our grown sons and their wives all voted AGAINST that awful amendment here in North Carolina. We live in the liberal section of the state. Our county and neighboring counties all voted against it. Asheville's county voted against it, too.
Phillip, that Cecile Brunner is fabulous! I have had the Carefree Delight in my garden for at least ten years. It is reliable with blooms and doesn't get out of bounds like so many others do. Good thing, since I'm a neglectful gardener!
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing a post like this I get really jealous, and full of zone lust. If only I were Zone 6. Your roses are all fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed the rose tour .... So beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletePhillip, you actually have roses for every letter of the alphabet? So far they are fabulous. Keep it coming!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea Phillip! Fabulous! You have happy roses. ;~))
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