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
Beautiful variegated foliage!
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to bring variegated shell ginger indoors, just a little piece that I can tuck in somewhere.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics == especially of the ginger and the 'Color Guard' :)
ReplyDeleteHaving had good luck with the variegated aucuba, I've added a straight species (all green) one to the garden this year. In my experience, they're pretty rare in the trade (at least here in TN).
If you like variegation, have you tried growing Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'? I've just added a couple to the garden this autumn and I'm very impressed so far!
I do have that but I don't think the variegation is that strong. I need to check it.
DeleteYou have a nice assortment of variegated foliage. Seeing your Sedum makes my blood boil. I had a variegated sedum and it back to being green. Why does this happen in my garden? I know your garden gets as hot and dry as mine from time to time. WHINE~~~
ReplyDeleteI thought I'd answer your question here so you won't miss it. The fountain grass pictured in my last blog post is actually Karly Rose grass. It looks that lovely all summer long, especially with backlighting. It's not really a winter grass though, the seedheads tend to shatter. I do highly recommend it, but after only three years it desperately needs dividing.
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