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Strawberry Tree

Since moving to Washington, I have discovered a great number of new trees. One of my favorites is the Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo ). It is a four-season tree with semi-glossy evergreen leaves and lovely mahogany bark. In autumn, clusters of white flowers appear, bearing a resemblance to Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. And then there are the little fruits, which resemble strawberries that appear at the same time as the flowers. I am not sure why, but I have only seen a few fruits on ours. I don't know if birds are getting them before I see them or what happens. The fruits are said to be edible but not very tasty (to humans). This year, our tree is loaded with flowers, the most I've ever seen. Bees absolutely love it and so do the hummingbirds. The flowers usually continue to appear straight through winter, and it can be blooming even during the coldest periods of winter. Aside from the fact that I have not seen much of the colorful fruits, the major negative note is the fact tha
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Happy New Year!

Goldfinches outside the kitchen window, taken with my new camera lens.

Since I have a big phobia about the number 13, I'm wondering how I'm going to cope with 2013! Yikes.

 Happy New Year!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowJanuary 1, 2013 at 8:49 AM

    That #13 will be in your mind daily. Hopefully you will get used to it. It won't hurt you. Love the photo. It looks like that new lens will be an asset. Happy New Year.

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  2. the blonde gardenerJanuary 1, 2013 at 8:55 AM

    Love the photo! One of my goals this year is to use my husband's really good camera and lenses. I love taking pics of birds, too. Maybe taking more photos will help with that pesky 13 number. Happy New Year from Arkansas!
    Brenda

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  3. UnknownJanuary 1, 2013 at 9:00 AM

    Looking through a new lens, of course! :)

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  4. HolleyGardenJanuary 1, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    I had a teacher once tell me her son returned from Vietnam on the 13th (a Friday even), so she never considered it unlucky. I have a sister born on the 13th, too. I hope this year turns out to be one of the best for you! Happy 2013!

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  5. outlawgardenerJanuary 1, 2013 at 11:58 AM

    Great picture of the Goldfinches! I predict that this year will be your best so far, filled with wonderful plants and special people. Remember, it's just a number. Happy New Year, Phillip!

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  6. UnknownJanuary 1, 2013 at 1:29 PM

    Great capture of the goldfinches.I have never seen as many as I have this year.I have to fill the feeders everyday(I should,but I don't).Love watching them.
    If 13 won you the big money on the Lotto,you would think it was your luck number.....

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  7. LostRosesJanuary 1, 2013 at 1:58 PM

    Great photo, Phillip! From someone born on the 13th. Life is good! Happy New Year to you!

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  8. MashaJanuary 1, 2013 at 3:11 PM

    Happy New Year, Phillip! Great photo, and what lens did you get?

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  9. LesJanuary 1, 2013 at 3:25 PM

    Just think of it as 31 backwards. Happy new year to you regardless of the number.

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  10. ProfessorRoushJanuary 1, 2013 at 5:07 PM

    Five golden finches and a hou---ow-ow--ows---finch.

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  11. Gardener on Sherlock StreetJanuary 1, 2013 at 6:34 PM

    Focus on the 20 part!

    Happy New Year!

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  12. JenJanuary 2, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    hey if it makes you feel any better, this is technically the 14th year of the 2000s, so your unlucky year should have been last year!

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  13. Phillip OliverJanuary 2, 2013 at 7:28 AM

    Thanks for the suggestions everybody! Masha, I got a 105mm macro lens.

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  14. KeityJanuary 2, 2013 at 7:37 PM

    Happy to find your blog today! Your photos are amazing! Of course I'm following you:)

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  15. RobinLJanuary 3, 2013 at 6:56 PM

    So that's where all of my charming goldfinches have gone for the winter! I do miss their cheery summer yellow coats around here.

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  16. LynneJanuary 4, 2013 at 6:29 AM

    Happy New Year !

    Thanks for the wonderful posts. I thoroughly enjoy your blog from my little corner of the world in New Zealand, but very seldom comment so I hope I have put that right for the New Year :-)

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  17. gardenenvyJanuary 21, 2013 at 9:41 PM

    Great photo! Jeannine

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