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
This is a good photo. It is almost 3D. I feel like I could touch it. I agree that these blooms are worth waiting for. I know a lady that kept them for her garden. She had a space full of them blooming in summer. Also a pretty sight.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bloom!
ReplyDeleteHow are you (and your garden) faring in the below normal temps?
Happy New Year!
What a gorgeous closeup of an Amaryllis, the color is so rich. Some year I'm going to try growing them.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Maybe next year I will get one.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful flower, indeed. I usually let the bulbs recoup in the garden over the summer, and they quickly adjust to their non-forced state. They seem to want to bloom in April or so, naturally. Anyway, they are so lovely, I'll take them whenever they are ready. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Will you be able to plant this outside? I was surprised when I found I could plant potted amaryllis in my Alabama garden after they bloomed, and they would come up and bloom the next year! Just catching up with your previous post, and your garden is looking good.I love your choice of the Katsura tree! Best wishes for 2017!
ReplyDeleteOh that's gorgeous. I just bought one of that color for the garden (50% off!). Here outdoors they bloom in April.
ReplyDeleteJust lovely! Mine has been extra slow too, but now I can see the petals, so it won't be too long now. I think I bought Apple Blossom this time.
ReplyDeleteAdorable flower. Very attractive.
ReplyDelete