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
Wow, look at all that GREEN. Even tho we have had above normal temps we don't have this much green. Your new garden (life) sounds so exciting. I can't wait to see it all transpire. Good luck with the house closing. First things first.
ReplyDeletePhillip, you are going to love it, and that includes the rain, fog, moss, drought tolerant plants... After moving to the PNW 23 years ago, my first impression was how beautifully dynamic it was_ still is.
ReplyDeleteOur former neighbor is from Alabama (there now for Christmas with family) and has since sold their home and moving from OR to Spokane. There is something about the Pacific northwest that beckons. And I know your garden here will be as spectacular as it was back east.
So very exciting Phillip!! I am so looking forward to following this adventure!
ReplyDeleteWinter can be a rough time to acclimatize to the PNW. One time, my dentist told me that he'd come here for school and got work as a bike messenger...in Winter...in hilly Seattle. That must have been rough--I'm surprised he stuck it out. But, you already know that your patience during Winter will be rewarded with a long and beautiful Summer. I've got my fingers crossed that your home purchase continues to move along peacefully.
ReplyDeleteForest Park is amazing! Love it. To see landscape plants, visit McMenamins at Kennedy School and at Edgefield. If you want to go with me sometime, I can try to ID the plants. amycampion at outlook dot com. Also know that there is a knowledgeable and very welcoming group of gardeners here! I think you've already experienced some of that, but email me and I'll give you some more contacts. And you must join HPSO! Welcome to the area. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, that would be great! What is HPSO?
DeleteKetzel Levine also has a sweet little book called Plant This.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for your house and future garden! And if you can make it through this December everything else will be a breeze...
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely post Phillip. And your photos are amazing. I love forest park. I agree with Amy. Mcmenamins Edgefield and Kennedy School have really interesting landscaping. I can't wait to see the results of your gardening here.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, hang in there! I'm so looking forward to your new adventures. Your photographs are beautiful. Hope 2016 is the best!!
ReplyDeleteLove the mossy tree photos, Phillip!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your new adventures in gardening and in life :)
PS - Yes, it's been crazy warm in the Southeast so far this winter. Lots of days with temps in the 60s or even 70s in Nashville. Strong winds (15-30 mph) seemingly every day. Tulips, daffodils, winter jasmine all blooming in my garden. Even a reblooming azalea sending out some flowers. And today I just saw what I think may be an ornamental plum and ornamental pear in bloom in my neighbor's garden!
What an exciting time for you Philip! I bet you are counting the days until you are in your new home, contemplating a brand new garden! Happy new year to you !
ReplyDelete