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 am so glad you didn't miss Ku'ulei 'Aina. I know Christopher would have been disappointed if you had missed it. It was just as he depicts it on his blog don't you think? Only when there you can get the feeling of these mountains and grand spaces.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures! This was a wonderful way to end a great Garden Bloggers Fling. Wow, I had no idea you had seen so much before the Fling! No wonder poor Michaels hip was giving him a hard time. What a wonderful vacation you two had touring gardens....
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wondeful trip and can't wait to see all the pictures! Thanks, Carol
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are great! I've never been to Chris's home, but I don't see how anyone could just take a quick look and walk away. I want to take a seat somewhere and just stare at all of it.
ReplyDeleteSallysmom
What a beautiful garden Phillip. And the light captured in the Columbine photo is just positively divine…
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures as always Phillip. It was worth a short side trip. I bet even Micheal thinks so now that he is back home. Come back to visit if you are ever this way again.
ReplyDeleteLoved the hosta almost glowing photo!! That chimney was so interesting -- love old brickwork.
ReplyDeleteI love this garden. One question how does he keep the grass in check around the stone formation? This is my kind of vacation trip. Hope to make it next year. My daylilies and Japanese iris are in full bloom. I kid you not I took over 1040 pictures Monday morning before going to the Memorial Day ceremony in Tuscumbia where I took around 350 pictures. This year had a special meaning as I recently found out about a great uncle killed in WWI. A sad story of family forgetting him. I have that story on my new blog "The Tuscumbian" named after the old movie theater in Tuscumbia.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful garden, thank you for the tour. I loved the photography too.
ReplyDeleteI've also followed Christopher's blogs over the years and been amazed at how hard he works and the wonderful ideas he has.
ReplyDeleteIt was so much fun to see Ku'ulei 'Aina through your lens, Phillip. Your post is a beautiful blend of journalism and art!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Beautiful photos, Phillip. You've caught that magical quality of light. It was lovely to meet you both at the Fling.
ReplyDeleteSo much beauty. Your photos are stunning Phillip!
ReplyDeleteI thought the same thing as you about Outside Clyde, Phillip! Love your photos.
ReplyDeletethanks for this nice walk!!!
ReplyDeletea big hello from Madrid,
elena
I was unable to attend the Asheville Fling, though I really wanted to. I have just spent the last half hour or so looking through your posts of the tour gardens. Each one was a favorite, for different reasons, but I truly loved your views of the North Carolina Arboretum and Wamboldtopia! Thanks for your posts, and I look forward to seeing the other gardens you viewed along the way.
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