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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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Abyssinian gladiolus

Gladiolus murielae  
This is the first time I've grown these bulbs. I just picked them up at Home Depot early in the spring. Gladiolus murielae is also known by a variety of common names including "Peacock Orchid," "Sword Lily," "Acidanthera" and "Fragrant Gladiolus". It is native to the mountain areas of East Africa. They grow about 2 feet tall and bloom in late summer. They are supposedly hardy in our zone (zone 7). So far, not as much profuse bloom as I'd hoped but there has been a scattering of blooms during the past weeks.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. GailSeptember 4, 2013 at 6:16 PM

    That's a lovely flower.

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  2. aquablueroseSeptember 4, 2013 at 11:21 PM

    What a beautiful flower & photo, dear Phillip!!

    Gerri xxoo

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  3. David OliverSeptember 4, 2013 at 11:43 PM

    I like lilies a lot but not sure I like that black in the center. I guess it is black, maybe really dark purple?

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  4. Lisa at GreenbowSeptember 5, 2013 at 3:50 AM

    Maybe they need a year or so to get established. They do have a pretty bloom.

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  5. sandaSeptember 5, 2013 at 4:23 AM

    I discovered these last year and they have quickly become a favorite. My bulbs from last year survived the winter in a pot. I bought more this year and have put some of the bulbs in the ground. I love them because they are fragrant.

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  6. Kylee BaumleSeptember 5, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    I've grown these for years and anxiously await their beautiful fragrance all summer. Love them!

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  7. Shenandoah KeplerSeptember 5, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    Never heard of them, but after your photo, I will start looking for them now! Thanks for the introduction! Best to you!

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  8. UnknownSeptember 5, 2013 at 4:13 PM

    I tried those a few years back,here in Florida.They didn't bloom profusely,but they were beautiful when they did.But they didn't come back the next year.

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  9. Edith KentSeptember 5, 2013 at 4:48 PM

    Beautiful blossom. These are new to me and I'm anxious to see some my sister has growing. Great photo....makes me want to try them!

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  10. LostRosesSeptember 5, 2013 at 5:45 PM

    Beautiful, Phillip, I hope they come back for you next year and bloom profusely!

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