The Garden Awakens
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
Beautiful roses! Years ago I tried to grow some hybrid teas but with black spot and Japanese beetles I gave up. In the last couple of years I've tried some English shrub roses but they still seem to prone to black spot. Are there any you grow that show any resistance? I am growing several of the knockout roses.
ReplyDeleteI'm all of descriptive words. I thought "Rhapsody in Blue" had to be the prettiest one until the page finished loading. Now I don't know. I think I love 'em all.
ReplyDeleteThat Rhapsody in Blue is much more blue than mine. I assume that's a camera/color thing? It's a blackspot magnet here in Kansas.
ReplyDeleteRhapsody in Blue looks unreal. I like the yellow one best I think. No maybe that one you liked. No maybe the last one. Heck, I don't know which I like best. Beautiful, all.
ReplyDeleteSue Ellen, I grow mostly hybrid musk, noisette, polyanthas, etc. They are more resistant than hybrid teas.
ReplyDeleteProfessorRoush, the color is enhanced a bit but it was pretty vibrant. It is like you said earlier, the roses out there just look different.
Lisa, I know, it is hard to choose just one!
Wonderful collection Philip and your photos are marvelous as always! Larry
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, those roses made me drool! Mine are all resting right now, so it was fun to see all of those pretties in full bloom.
ReplyDeleteCinco de Mayo! No, the next one, no, the one after that! Rose overload is right. Heavenly!
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