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
Hi Phillip
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the crape myrtles are particularly beautiful this year. I love the white Natchez best, but all are beautiful. A plant with much mileage!
Have a great weekend,
Sanda
Spectacular and beautiful trees - I have heard of them but not seen them before.
ReplyDeleteI agree about cemeteries. Cemetaries are not really for the dead but for the living who mourn them. It's odd that this doesn't seem much to be taken into account. Instead of being places of reassurance and reflection they can be a bit bleak.
The crape myrtles really have put on a show this year. If you haven't been - do try and stop by Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville. I believe it might have the same kind of ambiance as your beautiful Florence cemetery.
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful, and yes lovely shapes--they've been well cared for--or at least not mutilated. They've just been starting to appear here in significant numbers the past ten years or so, and are a wonderful small tree. Thanks!
ReplyDeletebeautiful!
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way about Fairmount Cemetery in Denver..especially when the Peonys and Roses were blooming.
It is a beautiful peaceful place..
with many places to simply sit and think..
I too wish more emphasis would be on landscaping than simply green grass..
thanks for sharing..
Loui♥
ps.. please disconnect the verification thingy!
Wow, those are some huge beauties. Around here we rarely see any that big. I think they die back some winters.
ReplyDeleteSpectacular, Phillip! There are two main cemetaries here in Manhattan; "Sunset" and "Sunrise". Sunrise is a newer cemetary, low markers, only grass allowed, very depressing. Sunset is the older cemetary; trees, peonies, and even a few roses cover the graves. Much, Much better.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. After the Japanese beetles finally left the Florence area, the Crepe Myrtles finally got a chance to come into their own and shine. I have noticed that it has been a particularly good year for them everywhere I have had an opportunity to travel this summer. Just found your blog this morning. Thanks for your work!
ReplyDeleteThey are truly beautiful this year. I doubt mine will ever look like this because I am probably really pushing the zone. Even knowing that they may die back in some cold years, I will take that chance to enjoy them in the years that I can.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty and it's nice to see the old cemeteries with great plantings like this.
ReplyDeleteLovely! I can't really pick a favorite color. They are so beautiful when they grow to their true size and glory.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!! They must be around 20+ years old. They're so stately yet exhuberant. :o)
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorites and such beautiful photos. Thanks, Phillip. Yes, there was a tremendous cold snap here Christmas of 1983. All the Crepe Myrtles died, but returned slowly from the roots, so some now have about 30 years of growth. Let's make a plea with everyone to stamp out crepe murder.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh these are some beauties! I love how they have spread out also! I never noticed them as much until I lived in Mobile. There are some nice ones there also. Thanks for sharing! Carol
ReplyDeleteYou are right about old cemeteries. They are great places to find specimen trees. The crapes in your shot are lovely. Tuscarora maybe?
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to see crepe myrtles allowed to grow as nature intended! Many people don't realize what magnificent trees they can become. We had an enormous crepe myrtle behind our house when I was a child. It was taller than the two story house and nearly as wide. I had a lot of fun climbing it! The largest crepe myrtle in your photos reminds me of it.
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful! When you have a chance, you need to come to see Historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta. Many of us who garden seriously also volunteer there one day a month, and it's always a great day. It would be fun if you could make it for the second Saturday of one month when we're all there. I think you'd be in heaven!
ReplyDelete