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Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett
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Late Spring

It has been awhile since we've had a Spring like this and I love it. It seems that we usually have one week of Spring and then are immediately plunged into Summer. This year Spring is lingering. I think the plants are appreciating that.

 
One of my favorite shrubs is Beauty Bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis). I suppose I should now call it a tree. This is a shrub that you never see in nurseries but can easily find in mail order. I think I purchased this one from Bluestone Perennials.


  
Azalea "Martha Hitchcock"

 
Florida Anise (Illicium floridanum)


Florida Anise (Illicium floridanum) - close-up of the blooms
 
A symphony of purple - Crested Iris (Iris cristata) and Chinese Ground Orchid (Bletilla striata)




 
Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis frutcosa) just beginning to bloom

In a few weeks this gazebo will be blanketed in white bloom from
the Rambler Rose "Bobbie James"
 
Mock Orange (Philadelphus)

Mock Orange (Philadelphus)

Crested Iris (Iris cristata)

Louisiana Iris "Black Gamecock"
 
Allysum "Snow Princess" (Lobularia)

Unidentified Iris with Rose "Mutabilis" in the background
 
This iris is throughout our garden. Anyone know the name?

Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus)
 
This Million Bells (Calibrachoa) over-wintered

Clematis "The President"
 
Peony "Scarlet O'Hara"

Linden Viburnum (Viburnum dilatum)
 
Swan River Daisy (Brachycome)

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. spurgeMay 1, 2013 at 7:56 PM

    Your garden looks so lush and lovely! I especially like that Florida anise - a new one for me (naturally it does not grow in the north, phooey.) That mock orange also has to be the most elegant I've ever seen. Those do grow up here, but perhaps a different variety? The ones I've seen are a bit "wild" looking, with much smaller flowers. Your iris are fantastic!

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  2. SkeeterMay 2, 2013 at 12:52 AM

    Everything looks so vibrant and happy. Your gardens are full of color and yes, we too are enjoying this long spring and it appears the gardens are as well. Lets enjoy this mild stuff while it is here, soon it will be stinking humid...

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  3. Lisa at GreenbowMay 2, 2013 at 3:56 AM

    It is exciting to see all of these blooms. It makes me anxious for things here to get blooming. I love those iris. Of course I just love seeing all of it. Soak up those lovely spring days.

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  4. CarolMay 2, 2013 at 4:29 AM

    Oh, your blooms are so pretty! Everything seems very happy in your garden.
    I think mine is enjoying the nice weather also. Have a great weekend. Carol

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  5. NicMay 2, 2013 at 5:07 AM

    Wonderful pictures! I love mock orange - I wish people would plant more of it.

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  6. outlawgardenerMay 2, 2013 at 6:58 AM

    Your garden is so lovely! Kolkwitzia amabilis is a favorite of mine as well. The peeling bark in winter, the light fresh smell of the flowers and the pretty fuzzy business that remains when the flowers drop. The bees and birds seem to like it too. Many think of it as an old fashoned plant and I've not seen it at nurseries in this area either. Love the gazebo and, well, everything in your garden!

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  7. Phillip OliverMay 2, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    Spurge, I don't know much about that mock orange. If memory serves me correctly, I purchased it at a local plant sale many moons ago.

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  8. RandyMay 2, 2013 at 8:30 AM

    Phillip,
    I LOVE the crested iris. I don't think I've ever seen it before.

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  9. LayaneeMay 3, 2013 at 6:45 AM

    I am weeks away from weigela blooms but thanks for the preview. I love a slow spring. Sigh!

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  10. Patrick's GardenMay 3, 2013 at 4:06 PM

    Gorgeous bevy of blooms. The crested iris and ground orchid duet is marvelous. Love to see a good mock orange blooming. My grandmother who lived on the edge of the Outback always was a believer in planting a mock orange near her bedroom window for the intense. Not a bad strategy if you've ever smelled one.

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  11. sweetbayMay 3, 2013 at 6:54 PM

    The beautybush is magnificent! I love the combination of ground orchids and roof iris. Your beautiful mystery iris looks like it could be 'Helen Collingswood'.

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  12. debsgardenMay 4, 2013 at 8:10 PM

    Hi Philip, I thoroughly enjoyed the look into your spring garden! Your beauty bush certainly lives up to its name. I also love your Florida anise, a plant that is now on my must have list!

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  13. ~ JackieMay 5, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    As always, your garden is delightful! I think your Iris looks very similar to Chartres.....but you'll have to do the comparing...it's hard to tell without a "real" plant to look at to feel confident about calling it!

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  14. LesMay 7, 2013 at 3:38 PM

    That iris and orchid combo bears repeating.

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