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
I always leave the grass in place for winter interest and for wildlife to enjoy.... This is a great tip and time for me to get out the clippers...
ReplyDeleteI do the string trick too. Makes it so much easier. Love this warmer weather.
ReplyDeleteAnd do you use the cut grass? In compost? Or as a mulch?
ReplyDelete-Ray
Now that is an excellent tip! It takes me longer to pick up all the stems than it does to cut them !! I will do the string thing next time ! Like you I always leave grasses until late winter/ early Spring before I cut them back as I think they add so much interest to the gloomy winter garden.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tip!
ReplyDeleteYes, I "bundle". And I bought a cordless hedge trimmer specifically to use on the ornamental grasses. Makes it a snap!
ReplyDeleteWhich ornamental grasses do you have Phillip and do you cut them all back the same (same time, same height)?
ReplyDeleteAaron, I cut all of them back to the ground. I have "Morning Light", "Adagio", "Northwind" and a few that I don't know the names of. :)
ReplyDeleteGood one Phillip!~~Dee
ReplyDeleteNever tried doing this but sure going to in a few days. I leave mine thru the winter too. Thanks for tip.
ReplyDelete