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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

Rambling Rector - the rose that almost ate our garden



The rose that almost ate the garden - Rambling Rector. You may recall I tried to remove it a few years ago and gave up. Severely pruning it back, it just came back with a vengeance and was back to the top of the pergola by the end of summer. They call it "Rambling" for a reason!




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. What can one say, but "Wow!"

    Is it fragrant?

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  2. Aaron, actually no, it is not. The garden is very fragrant though with other roses and the privet scent is very strong. I love it.

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  3. The things we find out about our plants when it's too late to do something about it. It is beautiful, but how does one tame a rose?

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  4. Wow! I have heard of the Rector, and his reputation for devouring all that lies before him, but never seen him in action,so to speak ! He lives up to his reputation ! Mind you, what a handsome chap he is !

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  5. I can hear it lurking around trying to devour you too! Quick, run to the west coast and don't tell it where you've gone. It's the only way to save yourself!

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