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
Yes, I can see December and the coming of winter in your garden. Beautiful photos! I loved the one with the bird in the fountain. A robin flew to one of our birdbaths the other day and posed for the longest time, waiting for me to take its picture. Arrrg! One of the few times I was outside, without my camera!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Phillip. When I look outside at my garden I see snow coming down.
ReplyDeleteReally nice pictures. Pretty. That's something I always forget this time of year because I'm a warm weather person.
ReplyDeleteI had a pot of that bamboo the past couple of years. It was outgrowing it's pot. I stuck it into the ground under a tree where not much will grow. If it grows fine. I think I can keep it in check. If not...maybe I am thinking foolishly. Love seeing your garden in late fall. You still have lots of green.
ReplyDeleteIt still looks so nice... Love the sense of late-fall melancholy.
ReplyDeleteI can feel the crisp air meanwhile we are hot here..the kitten will soon be looking for a warm fireplace
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed the richness of your imagery particularly the arbor framed by the purple walls, Phillip, will certainly be back.
ReplyDeleteYour garden looks so wonderful and peaceful at this time of year...love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm envious of your Armand clematis. The Arboretum at NCSU had one and it was wonderful in bloom. Loved the fragrance.
ReplyDeletePictures worthy of a magazine, Phillip@!
ReplyDeleteDecember looks great in your garden!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful structure to your winter garden. Love the close-up shot of the bark and climber (what is it?).
ReplyDeleteIf you ever need someone to babysit your sweet cat? I volunteer.
Phillip you said you wanted to find swamp rose. I got mine from Antique Roses Emporium. I don't think this particular rose is a species rose, but some sort of hybrid of unknown ancestry. Whatever it is it's a really nice tough rose.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, your garden looks sooo... lovely even in winter. Job well done! I think it is one of the most difficult things to achieve in a garden to have it looking good year round. You certainly excelled in that! I love the blue painted wall. It has an amazing effect. Of course, I have to ask what is the name of the rose in the first photo. It looks like a Tea Rose to me. Wishing you a nice rest of the weekend!
ReplyDeleteChristina
Phillip, Your garden is beautiful and I am loving your photos! You have a marvelous eye for detail and composition. gail
ReplyDeleteChavliness, that is a creeping euonymus and I don't know the exact variety.
ReplyDeleteChristina, the rose is Mrs. B.R. Cant.