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
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.
ReplyDeleteLove 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!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Looking through a new lens, of course! :)
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteGreat 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!
ReplyDeleteGreat 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.
ReplyDeleteIf 13 won you the big money on the Lotto,you would think it was your luck number.....
Great photo, Phillip! From someone born on the 13th. Life is good! Happy New Year to you!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Phillip! Great photo, and what lens did you get?
ReplyDeleteJust think of it as 31 backwards. Happy new year to you regardless of the number.
ReplyDeleteFive golden finches and a hou---ow-ow--ows---finch.
ReplyDeleteFocus on the 20 part!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
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!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestions everybody! Masha, I got a 105mm macro lens.
ReplyDeleteHappy to find your blog today! Your photos are amazing! Of course I'm following you:)
ReplyDeleteSo that's where all of my charming goldfinches have gone for the winter! I do miss their cheery summer yellow coats around here.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year !
ReplyDeleteThanks 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 :-)
Great photo! Jeannine
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