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
I didn't notice any mistakes on your steps. I think the plants around it to soften the edges is a good idea tho. I agree that you needed a path to the front door. It is most welcoming with the arbor over the steps. Your new selections of flowers are beautiful. Roses are yummy. The blues have it though.
ReplyDeleteA lot of work! Looking great.
ReplyDeleteJust thinking about building steps makes my head 'bizzy' as I contemplate risers, treads and materials.
ReplyDeleteDo penstemons attract hummingbirds with their little bells/trumpets?
Jean, yes they do!
DeleteThose steps are amazing Phillip! As is the pathway! You did it! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteYour pathway looks fabulous, and I love that you're enjoying the sempervivum flowers. They are odd but terribly cool.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lisa -- I don't see any errors on the steps. I'm sure they'd look with plants alongside, but I don't think you need to worry about camouflaging your handiwork.
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the nicest looking Gauras I've seen in a while. Fantastic!
Oh and your gravel path looks great. Kudos.
Low humidity?! A man can only dream... ;-)
The Impressionist rose is gorgeous. I can see why it is a favorite! I like your pathway and the steps. Great job! No doubt this is going to lead to more planting, and your garden is going to grow and grow...
ReplyDeleteLove to see so many colors of flowers there. Especially roe Mutabilis. I have ever seen some of them in the real here. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHello there Phillip ... I am such a fan of gravel paths ... they are so common in Europe , I missed them when we moved back to Canada ... and yet ? I didn't do gravel for my own paths .. flagstone took over because it seemed easier.
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful eye for placement ... and your plants are so pretty ... I let my sempervivium do their thing too and smile over how funny they can look ...
That statice with that deep violet blue is stunning ... I need more blue in my garden now that I think of it after seeing yours !
Pretty pictures : )
Your path and steps look great! Congratulations on getting that out of the way. My question is, will you recreate that amazing purple (concrete? stucco?) wall from your former garden somewhere in your new place?
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely pathway Philip, I just love pea gravel paths! We put pea gravel around our vegetable garden this year, and it's nice and crunchy when you walk on it. You've made a TON of progress around there already. Good job!
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