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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

April Beauties

Azalea "Coral Bells"

A florist azalea that I received when my father died 14 years ago.

Unknown azalea

Chinese Snowball (Viburnum macrocephalum)

Deutzia gracilis

Epimedium rubrum

Solomon's Seal, Jacob's Ladder, Epimedium

Leatherleaf Viburnum
(Viburnum rhytidophyllum)

Persicaria microcephala Red Dragon

Spanish Bluebells (Hyacinthoides)

Bridal Wreath Spiraea (Spiraea prunifolia)


White Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis 'Alba')

White Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis 'Alba')



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. When Azaleas and the flowers that accompany bloom, the most humble abode becomes fairyland and well-tended gardens like your own are at their most spectacular. White Wisteria on a rustic arbor is a crowning touch.

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  2. Beautiful views of my favorite season! After touring your garden, I obtained my own bit of Persicaria 'Purple Dragon.' It is growing well, and I love it! Epimedium took a while to get established, but now it is spreading well in the woodland garden and has become a favorite.

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    Replies
    1. Epimedium does take time to get established but when it does, it is lovely. One of the best ground covers for dry shade too.

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  3. It is so exciting to see your garden abloom. I know in a couple of weeks we too will have some of the same blooms. Love your azaleas. I haven't had luck with them in my garden. I planted what is supposed to be a native last year. It might have made it through the winter. It is barely showing a bit of life on the tips. Here is hope...

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    Replies
    1. I don't have too many azaleas. I now have 2 natives, was just given one by a friend. They do really well for us, I don't know why I have not planted more.

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  4. It is beautiful Phillip! Love spring.

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  5. What an enchanted garden...

    It may be a little subtle, but I think the Epimediums are my favorites of this batch of photos...

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  6. Hello, beautiful photos and wonderful plants :) Regards Monika

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  7. Spring, you are such a beauty. No wonder we all love you so!

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  8. A collection of lovely plants ! Spring has definitely sprung! Your garden looks fantastic! can't believe your Wisteria is out already, wish mine would get a move on!

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  9. Lovely Phillip. Just lovely. Happy Spring.~~Dee

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