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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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Gardens on tour

This is a reminder that the Garden Tour is this weekend. The hours are Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 1-5. Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased at any of the gardens on the tour. Once you purchase a ticket at your first garden, you are good to go and your ticket is good for the remainder of the tour.

Also, the State Master Gardener conference is set for Monday-Wednesday, April 15-17. You do not have to be a Master Gardener to attend. Speakers include James Farmer, Erica Glasener, Walter Reeves, Troy Marden, Hayes Jackson, Cindy Shapton, Don Shadow, Dan Spaulding and David Tomlin. Visit the website for more details on the conference.

For the garden tour, in addition to our garden, there are eight other gardens that will be open. I have photographed and written about many of these gardens for Alabama Gardener magazine. They include:
Margie Anderton

Irene Fowler
Tommy Mathis


Dee Hubbert
For a list of all the gardens as well as directions, see my earlier post.

  Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowApril 9, 2013 at 3:28 AM

    OOOoooohhhhhhh. I wish I could attend. Everywhere looks so beautiful and inviting. PLEASE give us a virtual tour as soon as possible.

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  2. outlawgardenerApril 9, 2013 at 7:18 AM

    What gorgeous gardens! I too wish that I could attend but, alas, a weekend trip across the country doesn't seem to be in the cards. Looking forward to visiting vicariously though you!

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  3. CarolApril 9, 2013 at 8:20 AM

    Hope all goes well and the weather is in your favor! Carol

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  4. LarryApril 9, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    Some amazing gardens on your tour... wish we were closer! Larry

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  5. sweetbayApril 9, 2013 at 5:48 PM

    That picture of Irene Fowler's garden is incredible.

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  6. Rose Petals NurseryApril 9, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    I 2nd Lisa at Greenbow's comment..... magnificent The Gardener looks forward to your post on the tour ☼

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  7. David - Pinewood CottageApril 9, 2013 at 7:57 PM

    Wish I lived closer too. What an diverse group of excellent gardens. Hope you have a great turn out.

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  8. Phillip OliverApril 10, 2013 at 1:22 PM

    Sweetbay, Irene's garden is wonderful. If you'd like to see more photos of it, see my earlier post - http://phillipoliver.blogspot.com/2010/11/alabama-gardener-cover-story.html

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