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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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Twilight

A beautiful evening to be out working in the garden with the birds singing and mild and dry weather. Everything is suddenly popping out - so much to photograph yet so little time. Tons of weeding yet to be done and the garden tour is weekend after next. Panic will set in soon.

The weather man I follow on Facebook posted today that the long term outlook for next week foretold an artic front that would have us with daytime highs in the upper 20s. I fell for it for a few seconds until I realized what day it is. Haha, very funny. Not.

The Yoshino Cherry trees are just beginning to bloom. They are very fragile and are usually destroyed by rains or strong winds. I'm hoping they will last for the garden tour but I'm not getting my hopes up.

The evening sky above our driveway.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. JenApril 1, 2013 at 6:48 PM

    maybe we can have a virtual tour the day after your garden tour :) I would love to see a video of your property!

    ReplyDelete
  2. SkeeterApril 1, 2013 at 7:24 PM

    Beautiful and don't worry about the tour. Everything will fall into place and be stunning...

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  3. Cerberus German shepherdsApril 2, 2013 at 5:27 AM

    Love the flowering trees...I have dogwood and bradfords and they are starting show signs of wakening...finally...everything seems to be late..not sure if these are on time or not...

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  4. Phillip OliverApril 2, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    Jen, that is something I should do. I just need to figure out how!

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  5. RandyApril 2, 2013 at 7:36 AM

    I thought you ususally did you tours in May when the roses were in full bloom?

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  6. Phillip OliverApril 2, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    Randy, this is a tour arranged by the Master Gardeners. They set the date to coincide with the state MG conference that is being held here in Florence. I would prefer a later date and usually recommend late April - May when I invite people to come.

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  7. outlawgardenerApril 2, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    Funny weather man. Talk about panic... Phillip, your garden is always a beautiful inspiration and the tour attendees will be blown away!

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  8. sharonApril 2, 2013 at 10:05 AM

    picture doesnt do it justice !lovely!

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  9. Leslie KimelApril 2, 2013 at 11:03 AM

    Your pictures are just wonderful!

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  10. Lisa at GreenbowApril 2, 2013 at 12:45 PM

    Simply beautiful. You don't have to worry about your garden. There is so many wonderful plants no one will notice the few weeds that might escape your notice. Happy spring.

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  11. Anne BoykinApril 3, 2013 at 2:16 AM

    Phillip, I wish I lived near you, I'd come help weed! Your garden is so lovely and I know everyone on the tour is going to love it too.

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  12. sweetbayApril 4, 2013 at 4:51 PM

    Gotta love April Fool's Day, right? The Yoshino is lovely, they are blooming here too.

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  13. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 7:37 PM

    I am wishing the best of wishes for your garden tour. Of course, the garden will be fab. You are an artist Phillip. Good luck. I'm having a wedding in mine in September. This has spurred me on to try and make an even prettier garden this year.~~Dee

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  14. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 7:37 PM

    I am wishing the best of wishes for your garden tour. Of course, the garden will be fab. You are an artist Phillip. Good luck. I'm having a wedding in mine in September. This has spurred me on to try and make an even prettier garden this year.~~Dee

    ReplyDelete
  15. gardenenvyApril 6, 2013 at 7:22 AM

    Beautiful scene with the bench under your blooming trees! Jeannine

    ReplyDelete

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