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
Fine fall foliage. I too like the looks of this Strawberry Tree but what attribute gives it it's name? The red stems? Interesting.
ReplyDeleteLisa, it produces a small, red fruit that resembles a strawberry.
ReplyDeleteThese are all gorgeous but I am particularly happy to hear you are growing to love one of my favorites, the beautiful Manzanita species. Is your strawberry tree A. unedo, or a cultivar?
ReplyDeleteI think it is unedo.
DeleteVarious sources claim that the fruit on Arbutus unedo are edible. For instance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXxTMupwbFY
DeleteWhat fantastic japanese maples! They do seem to take their time, don't they? I could never remember their foliage-turning time very well until one year at Thanksgiving, for our guests, my window was filled with the bright yellow J-maple, sun shining through it. I remember it also because of the photos from that day. Funny, how I need the photos to remember. Wow--that Shaina & Bloodgrass!
ReplyDeleteThe strawberry tree is a favorite of mine. I love everything about it, especially that it has fruit and flowers at the same time. Plus, the fruit is eatable.
ReplyDeleteThat cornus is fabulous! Your garden is a riot. Of color that is.
ReplyDeleteNice that so many things are late to color up. I'm for keeping the parade going as long as possible.
ReplyDeleteThat Acer and blood grass combo is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYou’re right, your fall colors truly are magnificent! Swoon! I miss our autumn colors already.
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