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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

Garden Tour of the Shoals


GARDEN TOUR OF THE SHOALS
featuring "Garden Improvisations"

Saturday, April 13, 2013    9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday, April 14, 2013       1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tickets available at each garden--$5 for all gardens Saturday or Sunday


IRENE & JIM FOWLER: 106 GILLIS DR., LEXINGTON

A “ must see” garden designed by an artist and Master Gardener! Wander through her many paths and you will get lost in the beauty of the design. Wildflowers, ferns, rare perennials, native shrubs and unusual plants abound in this wonderland! Arbors and other features backdrop all the beauty of the many blooms.
Directions: Out Hwy 43 north to the Greenhill area, turn right on county road 47, go 2.7 miles, turn right on county road 33, go 1 mile turn left on county road 174, go .6 miles turn left on Gillis Dr.(dead end street) about 100 foot on right.

MARGIE ANDERTON: 271 COUNTY ROAD 68, KILLEN

This garden is a native plant bonanza! As President of The Shoals Wildflower Society, and a Master Gardener, Margie’s main interest is native plants and plantings for butterflies, hummingbirds and all other fauna. Her husband was a talented sculptor and you will notice all the wonderful wildlife carvings that abound in her garden. Don’t miss her “Redneck” area!  Her garden is surrounded by a Treasure Forest of hardwoods planted for wildlife. All the evergreens are shelters for the many birds that call this home. This is a collector’s garden so wander across streams, by bubbling rocks, ponds and you will get lost in the notion of plants, plants, plants!
Directions: Out Hwy 72 East through Killen. Turn left on County Road 31 at old “Outpost 72” restaurant. Go to 4 way stop, turn right on county road 71, go ¼ mile, turn right on county road 69 at Antioch Church, go 500 foot, turn right on county road 68. 3rd driveway on left.

CONNIE & SIMPSON RUSSELL: 250 INDIAN SPRINGS DR, FLORENCE

Although this is a small garden, it is full of wonderful surprises! As a Master Gardener, see what you can accomplish to make your home look beautiful and comfortable. Connie has an artistic flair that you don’t want to miss!
Directions: Off Hwy 72 Take Indian Springs Road all the way to the river.

TOMMY MATHIS: 2001 HICKORY HILLS ROAD, FLORENCE

This garden’s design is what makes it an artist’s delight. You know immediately that the homeowner is an artist extraordinary!  Every shade and hue of green abounds throughout the garden. So restful to the eye and mind. Don’t miss the statue that centers the garden! Tommy’s artistic flair makes this garden complete.
Directions: Off Darby Dr. Turn into Hickory Hills, On left at corner of Hickory Hills Rd and Hickory Hills Court.

DEE & CHARLES HUBBERT: 126 SANDUSKY WAY- CREEKWOOD SUBDIVISION
Dee is a certified landscape designer and Master Gardener and it shows in this indescribable garden! She calls it a backyard! We call it magnificent! Charles is a retired archeologist and stones and fossils abound throughout the garden.  The way Dee uses every item to make a statement is indescribably flawless!
Directions: Off Cox Creek, turn into Creekwood Subdivision, take first right and go one block to end of street. Her garden is on the left corner.

PHILLIP OLIVER & MICHAEL SCOTT: 502 SOUTH CEDAR STREET

Phillip and Michael have developed their garden into a showplace! This historic small bungalow garden is full of surprises and BEAUTIFUL plants. There is something in bloom throughout the seasons with roses, hydrangeas, jasmines and special treats to admire!
Directions: Going west (towards ECM), turn off Dr. Hicks Blvd 1 block after Pine Street onto South Cedar St. Go one block - on right at corner of Cedar & Limestone

BRIAN & BRENDA COLE: 129 WILDWOOD TRAIL – CYPRESS CREEK-WATERLOO RD
See what a wonderful job the Cole’s have done with a difficult home site! On the bluffs overlooking Cypress Creek, these beautiful brick terraces outline their beautiful home magnificently! With their tied planting beds and wonderful plants they have grounded what could have been a disastrous home site! Be prepared for a steep walk up to a wonderful view at the back.
Directions: Take Pine Street north, turn left onto Irvine St., turn right at 4 way stop. At bottom of hill turn left onto Waterloo Road at the UNA campus. Drive across bridge at Cypress Creek, turn left first street, then take immediate left onto Wildwood Trail (dead end St.) About middle way on left.

JANICE & B. J. KENNEDY:1917 TRESSIE STREET--BLUFFS ON COLBERT SIDE OF RIVER
MRS. JOHN A. PHILLIPS: 1919 TRESSIE STREET
These two gardens together make quiet and forceful statements. Janice, as a Master Gardener, as turned their beautiful home with a fantastic view of the Tennessee River into a paradise! Pat, whose husband was the gardener and is now deceased, is only the “caretaker” she says! But she and her son have managed quite nicely. The views from these two gardens will take your breath away!
Directions: Hwy 72 south across O’Neal Bridge, take first right. Take next right and follow street around the bluff.

Comments

  1. Congratulations on being part of the tour! People will love your garden! Are you looking forward to it? Nervous?

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  2. We were on the last tour back in 2006 and it was a great thrill. I am nervous about getting the garden in shape in time. I only have 6 weeks! Yikes!

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  3. I am marking my calendar Philip! I really want to make this trip!Don't you fret about the garden! I just know it's going to be fantastic!!!

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  4. Wonderful! Don't be nervous. Your garden looks so lovely in all the photos you post.

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  5. My garden is on tour in May, and I have been cutting back, pulling up and trimming like a mad man. Good luck with yours.

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  6. I drove by your house yesterday to see what you have in bloom On the way to Mapleton. I love the saucer magnolia in the yard. I think you have the only star magnolia that hasn't been bit by the freezing weather.

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  7. Mary, are you referring to the one in the back by the driveway circle? It is "Rustic Rubra" (I think) are tends to come after later than the other ones you see around town.

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