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
You are such a good photographer Phillip. These beautiful scenes give me courage to face the rest of this winter. I know there will be blooms in the future. Happy New Year to you too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat for the eyes, such gorgeous photos! August and January my favorites--the texture on the petals in August and the graceful drape of the snow-covered tree in January--perfect.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post idea, I hope you keep doing it in the future. I love November's yellow-purple vignette. Such a vibrant display as the garden slows down is quite an achievement and a sign of a gardener's talent. I also love the wavy motion of Carex comans (if only it didn't reseed so prolifically).
ReplyDeleteGarden blogs that I used to follow that sadly no longer are there used to do an end of the year post with highlights from each month. Love your photos. They are certainly beautiful
ReplyDeleteJust coming out of the deepest freeze here in decades, my eye is drawn to anything that radiates warmth, so I lingered over August for some time. After that warmup, even the small hot flashes among the frosted strawberry foliage of December were effective; that one's my favorite, in fact.
ReplyDeleteBut they're all excellent. July is just smashing; isn't 'Marie Pavie' a great rose? And you've accompanied her brilliantly. Thanks for the beauty!
These are gorgeous! Especially love Jan and March. This may inspire me to do favorites next year instead of my usual "Best of the Rest" from leftover photos.
ReplyDeleteGreat plant groupings and great photos. The January image was so striking I had to see what else you picked.
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