Skip to main content

Featured

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
Post a Comment
Read more
Labels

Wolf Eyes Japanese Dogwood


Cornus kousa "Wolf Eyes" is a dramatic small tree that really lights up dark areas of the garden. This is one of my favorite plants and I know that is one that I will miss the most when we leave this garden. It is about 10 years old (I'm guessing) and is a slow grower. It is about 8 feet tall and about 6 feet wide. It does sulk in dry weather and appreciates a good deep watering during the dry spells. I've never been overly fond of where I placed it but couldn't find a better spot when I purchased it. Of course my motto is "Buy now, find a spot for it later." It seems to be quite happy where it is though.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Email Post
Labels:

Comments

  1. tinaSeptember 11, 2013 at 5:12 PM

    One of my favorite trees and your is the best I've seen! It lights up your garden. I hope to move mine to my new garden this winter. Mine is about 7 years old--fingers crosses. Maybe you could pack yours up too and take it with you? Cuttings at least? It's probably easier just to buy a new one. I

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 11, 2013 at 6:01 PM

    I have 2. One is getting a little more sun than it likes and it really got bit last summer. I have another one called First Lady that just shines in the garden, a green/yellow leave.

    ReplyDelete
  3. sandaSeptember 11, 2013 at 6:07 PM

    What a beautiful tree. Don't think I've ever seen one.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lisa at GreenbowSeptember 12, 2013 at 1:47 AM

    What a handsome tree. I have always wanted a wolf.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anne BoykinSeptember 12, 2013 at 1:55 AM

    Hi Phillip, Sure wish I had room for one ... I've loved them from afar. Yours looks so perfect where you have it and it just lights up the spot. Beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  6. LarrySeptember 12, 2013 at 8:18 AM

    Spectacular plant! Larry

    ReplyDelete
  7. Edith KentSeptember 12, 2013 at 8:27 AM

    Its beautiful Phillip! Since I have actually seen this tree in your garden makes it even more beautiful. Also like the firecracker vine..such bright colors.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jan JohnsenOctober 29, 2013 at 5:27 AM

    I just posted a link to this page on my Facebook page, "Serenity in the Garden blog" https://www.facebook.com/serenityinthegarden

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts