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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
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More from Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens



The Franklin Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio was well worth the drive from Marysville (about 30 minutes). It was an overcast day with mild temperatures - perfect for a garden visit. Although the conservatories were awesome (see my previous post), the outdoor gardens were lovely as well. I saw workers everywhere tending to stunning displays. The above photo shows a raised bed near the front entrance which contained a striking agave ("Whale's Tongue"??), ornamental grasses and coneflower.

Ornamental grasses and goldenrod -



More coleus surrounding a palm in a container -



A red ribbon memorial to AIDS victims made of begonias along the driveway entry -



I grow Lespedeza (bush clover) in our garden but it not as stunning as this one because of our shade.



The centerpiece in the perennial gardens was a dramatic sculpture.
Sedum was another popular plant in Ohio - I saw throughout this garden as well as in a lot of private gardens.




One of the prettiest displays of Beautyberry (Callicarpa) that I have ever seen. This was actually on an outdoor terrace outside of one of the conservatories.



Another terrace outside the conservatory -



The Bride's Garden - a beautiful spot for a small wedding.



Seven Sons Tree (Heptacodium miconioides) -


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowSeptember 21, 2014 at 6:14 PM

    They do have some dramatic plants. My Beauty Berry is a handsome plant. It looks great with a little more room to spread.

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  2. The Graceful GardenerSeptember 22, 2014 at 8:39 AM

    So beautiful! I enjoyed the tour...

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  3. Edith KentSeptember 22, 2014 at 9:41 AM

    Such beautiful photos! Colors so bright and pretty.

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