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
What lovely foliage. A bright spot indeed.
ReplyDeleteI love my plume poppy, but do not trust it.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool foliage! Drab is a good way to describe my garden right now, but I don't see how that term could ever apply to yours!
ReplyDeletePhillip the plume poppy always does well for you. Nice colour to the foliage.
ReplyDeletePhilip, do you have this in shade? I love the blue color.
ReplyDeleteReally neat foliage, love how it spills into the yard.
ReplyDeleteLes, it does get out of hand sometimes but it is easy to pull up.
ReplyDeleteC.C., it is in partial shade (just a few hours sun).
What a pretty plant. Like lace in the garden.
ReplyDeleteMany MANY years ago, I received a plume poppy in a trade with someone in the east. This was done through GardenWeb.com. She warned me it could be invasive, and she begged me not to curse her because of this. Eventually I did poison it because it was taking over the bed where it was growing. That was long ago and it has popped up again after being gone for so long. I really love the plant because of the bicolor foliage, so I might have to start it in an area of the yard where it won't matter.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone interested, you can still swap plants through GardenWEb, either by mail or at one of many plant swaps throughout each state.
I was given an autumn clematis by a friend. Later I read in Southern Living that if you wanted to get even with someone,give them this plant. If you want to keep them as a friend, don't give it to them. I went back to work the next day and told her what I read. we're still friends.
ReplyDeleteDo the deer like it? I love the foliage.
ReplyDelete