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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
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Surprise bloom

This bromeliad always takes me by surprise when it blooms. It is like a surprise lily - it just magically appears one day. I caught a glimpse of pink this morning on the patio and there it was.

I've had this plant for years. I keep it in the house during the winter and put it outside in the spring. I always water it inside the leaves. That's all I do and I'm familiar with the rules of growing one. 

I'll post another photo when the flower opens. It is quite dramatic.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowSeptember 23, 2012 at 3:50 PM

    I just love surprises in the garden. This is a beauty. I have never had a bromeliad rebloom for me. Lucky you. Can't wait to see it in full flower.

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  2. Anne BoykinSeptember 24, 2012 at 2:16 AM

    Hi Phillip, That's exciting to see a surprise bloom, especially one so beautiful. I know you're enjoying the cooler temperatures.

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  3. Janet, The Queen of SeafordSeptember 24, 2012 at 7:49 AM

    Love it!! So fun when a plant blooms unexpectedly. I look forward to seeing it open.

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  4. Casa MariposaSeptember 24, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    I love surprise blooms. They are the sweetest. Happy Monday!

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  5. RandySeptember 25, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    How pretty, you know I should get some for winter color in the house. Do they tolerate the dry air inside during winter?

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  6. Phillip OliverSeptember 25, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    Randy, they do. I've not had any problems with them inside.

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