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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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Thunder brings out the buds and the blooms

Sauce Magnolia "Rustic Rubra"
There is always a day in early spring (or late winter to be accurate) when you wake up and look outside and the plants are noticeably greener and buds are popping out all over. This is often preceded by a thunderstorm and I've always heard the old saying that thunder causes buds to open. We had a nice thunderstorm last week and thunder is again rumbling this morning. 

When I looked out the window this morning, the first thing I noticed that that the hedges were greener than usual and much more vibrant. There are other signs that spring has arrived.

Buds opening on the hydrangeas - don't prune them off!

Starflower (Ipheion)

Kerria (Kerria japonica)

Bear's Foot Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus)
Ornamental Kale going to seed
Vinca major
Rosemary "Arp"
Euphorbia "Despina"
Euphorbia "Despina"
Loropetalum - not sure about the vareity. It was purchased about 12 years ago at Wilkerson Mills Nursery in Georgia. I found the receipt in my garden journal and it said "Witch Hazel - Loropetalum". It is very large (see the following photo) and always blooms early and is always lovely.

Camellia "Spring Festival"
Camellia "Professor Sargent"
Camellia "Taylor's Perfection"

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. AnonymousMarch 18, 2013 at 10:24 AM

    Oh Phillip, it's gorgeous! I've heard that saying too. I think it's the nitrogen fixation caused by the thunder and lightning. Thank you for sharing it with us.~~Dee

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowMarch 18, 2013 at 11:22 AM

    We had lots of rain showers yesterday interspersed with snow showers so no bursting buds for us. It won't be long though. Seeing your buds make me more anxious than ever. Still shivering here in SW IN.

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  3. LarryMarch 18, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    Philip... This post really gets my blood moving... So very beautiful as I sit here in the midst of a snowstorm (also beautiful, but no longer welcome!)

    My Rusticated Rubra has never bloomed as it is not that old... It's getting some size now and has many healthy buds.... Perhaps this year!

    Thanks for sharing... I always love seeing your spring garden!

    Larry

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  4. LarryMarch 18, 2013 at 12:17 PM

    I meant Rustica Rubra... Sorry...L

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  5. C. C.March 18, 2013 at 3:07 PM

    So beautiful! I can tell I've been on Facebook too much when I try to click "Like" on your photos. :)

    You're just a bit ahead of us here in NC. I'm really looking forward to walking around the garden the next 2-3 weeks and seeing new growth emerge.

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  6. outlawgardenerMarch 18, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    Hooray! Beautiful spring blooms. Your magnolia is a little ahead of ours but most of your other blooms are pretty much at the same place as those here. Your garden is stunning as always!

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  7. Leslie KimelMarch 18, 2013 at 6:07 PM

    Wow, these pictures are great! My favorite is the one with the statue canopied by the saucer magnolia. I also like the shot of the delicate kerria. You've got me so excited for spring!

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  8. UnknownMarch 18, 2013 at 7:00 PM

    Your spring plantings are beautiful! My camellias,here in Florida,are just about done.They were wonderful this year,as are your's.Send some of your rain this way.We could use it here in West Central Florida.

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  9. sharonMarch 18, 2013 at 9:32 PM

    bloomin awesome!

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  10. RandyMarch 19, 2013 at 5:21 AM

    Phillip I was just wondering what something was and now I see it on your post. Colvin's entire yard, front and back is filled with star flowers right now.

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  11. AlisonMarch 19, 2013 at 9:39 AM

    We have such a long, slow, cold spring up here in the PNW, it's nice to see so much color there. Especially that white Loropetalum, it's gorgeous! Does it have a nice scent too?

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  12. EveMarch 19, 2013 at 5:04 PM

    Everything is perfect!!!!

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  13. Casa MariposaMarch 19, 2013 at 7:31 PM

    So much in bloom! It's all beautiful! I've never heard that thunder makes a plant bloom, although I have heard lightning is good for a garden because of all the extra nitrogen. However, I'm not signing up my yard to be hit by lightning! I'll just fertilize!

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  14. AnonymousMarch 20, 2013 at 4:35 AM

    That thing about thunders is funny and quite real if I think about it we had a thunderstorm here as well just before buds started to become greener!
    Your garden is beautiful and I love that euphorbia and the which hazel is huge!!!

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  15. RobinLMarch 22, 2013 at 6:59 AM

    Gah! That magnolia is fabulous! It's nice to know that someone out there is having spring. Now send it north!

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  16. AnonymousMarch 24, 2013 at 8:38 PM

    Lovely.. my favorite among all of them would be the Vinca major. As it is used as a groundcover. Although its flowers are small and rather insignificant, its evergreen appeal lasts year-round.

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  17. GailMarch 25, 2013 at 2:29 PM

    Your garden makes me happy...

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  18. LesMarch 26, 2013 at 3:51 PM

    You seem to be one thunderstorm ahead of us. We need one to blow out this awful spate of weather we are having.

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  19. gardenenvyMarch 31, 2013 at 11:59 PM

    Wow that ornamental kale going to seed is beautiful, so is that last camellia! Jeannine

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