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
You are quite the adventurer. This looks like quite a demanding climb. I would love to look out from the opera box. One would feel like some of the natives of yesteryear. Beautiful views.
ReplyDeleteYou two really made the most of your trip to the Carolinas and Virginia. Just showed Lake Lure pic to my husband...we will have to run up to Chimney Rock in the fall when the temps cool off. Would be a great day trip.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I've never been and would love to go. The view is so beautiful. The stairs look like a great workout. :o)
ReplyDeletePhillip,
ReplyDeleteNever visited this place. Drove by it daily building log cabins nearby. The movie Fire Starter was being filmed when I was driving by, the crews jambed up the road there.
What fantastic views, Phillip! Thank you for sharing them, because it's probably the only way I would get to see them--if my fear of heights didn't keep me from going to the top, all those stairs certainly would have!
ReplyDeleteI realized this morning that I hadn't visited in quite awhile; I'm going to come back later when I have more time and see more of your travel photos. What a fantastic vacation the two of you must have had!
Glad to uncovered your blog and to see such views. You made me feel like I was there. Last time I was in Asheville I could walk so thee posts are beautiful but a little bittersweet.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the garden vacation I didn't get to take this year. Love the river picture. If I had climb all those steps, I'd be calling my Orthopedic surgeon to schedule the knee replacement he wants to do. Thanks for the fantastic gardens.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Phillip. I love Last of the Mohicans. I bet I've seen it 10 times.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Wish I'd had more time to check out Chimney Rock. Great photos and love your traveling diary.
ReplyDeletenot Anonymous! it's me, MA from BOISE.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, to walk all those steps but a reward waiting at the end with beautiful views! The next time we are in Asheville, we must check out this beautiful place. I just hope the elevator is working then.
ReplyDeleteI am out of breath just looking at those steps to climb. I will be in Asheville in September, so now I have somewhere else to go besides the historic district and the Biltmo'.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful view. What drama. Quite a climb though. You earned the view.
ReplyDeleteI love Chimney Rock~thank you for taking me back there!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely photos and what a gorgeous blog! I'm glad I found you.
ReplyDeleteSandra