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
Oh my Phillip, your garden is chucked full of luscious blooms. I love some of your combinations. Santa in summer is very good. The WOP is coming along quite nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa. We are a little gaga over the fuchsias here.
DeleteBeautiful as always. I often use your photos as a screensaver on my computer. Thank you
ReplyDeleteLooking amazing! Everything seems to have filled in so quickly! You have created an incredible transformation, Phillip.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be right at home here in the PNW...
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos, I especially liked the opening combo vignettes. By the way, the steps are looking GOOOOD. Had nots seen any shots of it since you first started the project. Magnificent to see it now.
ReplyDeleteSo much to love! I really like the Giant Hyssop and the color of that Crocosmia. The Work in Progress looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteWow! Your terraced beds are well on their way to becoming fantastic. I love Fuchsia 'Santa Claus!' I am jealous of all your healthy vibrant blooms; you can guess how blooms and gardeners are suffering in Alabama's July!
ReplyDeleteThose terraced beds are coming along nicely. Great combo, that Achillea with the Mexican feather grass.
ReplyDeleteWhat a luxurious display of blooms! Your first image reminded me of the kind of pictures I used to look at in books when I first started gardening. They set me dreaming about what might be possible and you certainly have achieved it.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI'm a big fan of the Clematis viorna and the queen of the prairie.
ReplyDeleteHave you grown love-in-a-mist before? I grew it one year intentionally and had approximately a bazillion seedlings the next year. Not sure if it will behave the same in the PNW, but just warning you. It's a cute plant and easy to pull, but not sure if you want a whole garden full of it...
Aaron, I did grow it from seed in Alabama and it was amazing. I think it does reseed here as well. I will have to be careful.
DeleteYour photos of your beautiful flowers are fantastic. I was fascinated by the mimulus. I thuoght t he crocosmia I planted last year never sprang into life - but here it is this year. I am so happy.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I have never seen some of the flowers above in the real. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. Thanks for sharing your July collection!
ReplyDeleteThings are really coming along in your new garden. I also grow 'Marie Pavie.' A friend gave me one for two of our children's First Communions, and they just chug right along. Do you find it easier to grow things out there? I imagine it's much easier, but is there a lot of rain in winter? Thanks for sharing on Bloom Day. I didn't get my Bloom Day post up in time. ~~Dee
ReplyDeleteAbsolute heaven!! I really wanted to try to grow Love in a Mist but no success. Boo!
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