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
Beautiful photos, as usual! I so wish we could come for the tour/conference. Would you like me to ask Andy anything about the internet stuff? I cannot wait for your new blog, Andy told me about it awhile back! I tried to think of a name but the only thing I could come up with was Sustaining Dirt, but I'll try harder :) He was thinking of something with Yellow Hammer in it, like Yellow Hammer & Nails. He said he'll try harder too. Have you ever seen The Walden Effect or Cold Antler Farm blogs? We have enjoyed reading them.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I can't believe all the things you have blooming in January!. :-)
Next, I don't know why you need to keep your land line. You blog photo's are on your blog, not on your internet provider. Also, your blogs are hosted by blogger and weebly, not your internet provider. Switching internet providers won't change that.
And one other thing you could try if you decide to stay with your provider. Ask for a better rate. Look what other services are charging and tell them your thinking of changing if they can't give you a better deal. 100% of the time, I've gotten a better deal. :-)
And one more thing....
On your new blog about the family property, call it... Our future home and garden
I like that. :-)
You can always change it when it becomes your home.
Phillip, I can see you are going to love that new lens! The photos are tack sharp and full of color.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Wayne -- tell your provider you are considering a change and I'll bet they will suddenly come up with some savings for you. "Thems that ask, get."
How about "Even Better Homes and Gardens" for your blog. Or "From the Ground Up". (Once a copywriter, always a copywriter.) By the way I'd like some help starting a second blog. I will still do The Dirt Diaries but want to work on one about oldies music. My webmaster has been falling down on the job lately so I am looking for someone new.
You have more blooming in your garden,than I do,in Florida.I can't believe your Honeysuckle is blooming already.Mine is growing but no blooms yet.But my Camellias are beautiful this year!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
Hi Phillip, I love your first photo of the "gray garden"! Besides that it is very peaceful it shows clearly what great design job you have done creating structure in the garden! How awesome that you have so many beautiful and interesting plants blooming by the end of January. I take your post as a reminder that I have to plant for more diversity as well. It is not all about roses ;-)! The photo of the camellia is incredible. Happy gardening, can't wait for spring!
ReplyDeleteChristina
I'd say Wayne is right. All your photos are stored by the blog or website not the internet service provider unless your ISP is actually hosting one of your web addresses.
ReplyDeleteHow about Family Dirt for the new garden blog? Does the property have a name? Will the new garden have a name? A location based name? Just ideas to get you thinking.
The "gray Garden" looks like my garden. I can't imagine having so many blooms. We are having freezing rain right now. UGH... I am ready for spring and all that comes with it. I think your new garden name will come to you when you start making the garden.It won't be as much therapy when you are able to go there and garden full time. It will be more like home. Is there a feature you can incorporate into the name?? I know what you mean about the land line. I guess you can look at it like you are paying for the convenience.
ReplyDeleteMy only concern is if you have too many blogs, you might find yourself feeling like one is neglected, which can make you feel pressured about posting in it, which can make it even MORE neglected! I have just seen it happen on other blogs I follow, but maybe you will be able to balance them all. I just think, hey they are both gardening related, why not use a tag for your other properties updates? But that's just me, worrying that I won't get the best of both worlds. I am so excited to read all about the process at your new property. Don't neglect any details! And I can't wait to see more updates on your website, too :)
ReplyDeleteHow about "The Family Plot"?
ReplyDeleteNice, Les.
ReplyDeleteLoving your gray garden. It's certainly much nicer than Gray Gardens was in the documentary! You've lots of great winter bloomers. Always amazed by folks who have roses blooming this time of the year! New blog: Les's idea is inspired! This will be your retirement place, right? Maybe something like between dirt therapy and dirt nap?
ReplyDeleteHi..
ReplyDeleteAll of the photographs of flowers are wonderful !!
Keep on blogging for more posts...
Good Luck !! Melbourne florist
Thanks for the name suggestions! You have given me some ideas. As for a name for the property, Michael wants to call it "Shady Pines" because we are Golden Girl fans and there are plenty of pine trees growing there. I don't know though... Still thinking!
ReplyDeleteHmmmmmm, how about Breaking Ground? or Differnt Dirt, Still Therapy. :0)
ReplyDeleteDo you still pay a full bill on your land phone? In other words, are you paying for long distant service on your bill? We had Bell south AKA: AT&T remove the long distant service on our land line and it saved tons of money. Every little bit helps....
ReplyDeleteGarden has some glow for Winter days. Love those winter blooms...
Has anyone suggested Dirtier Therapy? :) Touring your garden is a great reason to drive from Georgia for this conference!
ReplyDeleteHi Philip! I found your blog browsing picture on google and I immediately subscribed. I love your garden, even in January!
ReplyDeleteAlberto.
So many beautiful blooms! I forget about mahonia! I really should find a place for that in my garden. And winter jasmine, too! Do we ever think we have enough plants???!! I can't believe your roses are blooming! How wonderful!!! And the camellia is stunning!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to be on a garden tour. I would love to have a garden that rates that one day but life doesn;t seem to leave me in one place long enough! Maybe this time. Love the blog and would look forward to seeing what else you are doing on the family property. Carol
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! This is such an incredible season, everything blooming at once. Prunus mume,which usually starts to bloom now is finished already but Prunus 'Okame' is starting! Will there be anything left for spring??
ReplyDeleteI hope this is the year I finally get to see your garden.
For your new blog, I was thinking something on the lines of "GARDENING FOR THE FUTURE" or BUILDING A GARDEN.
Good luck such a fabulous project!
Roses in January would be awesome! I can't get over how many things you do have blooming at this time of year. I think I need to move south!
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ReplyDeleteReally i appreciate the effort you made to share the knowledge.The topic here i found was really effective to the topic which i was researching for a long time.
In noticing the speaker lineup, I've really been disappointed in HGTV lately. They have cut out so many of the gardening shows.
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