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 have so much blooming in your garden despite the cold wet weather Phillip. Seeing these blooms makes my eyes happy. The Camillia and the Hellebore is such a good combo. All of those fluffy blooms make me happy. I think barberry is such a pretty shrub but they have become invasive here. Sigh...
ReplyDeleteIt looks pretty springy Phillip. I was watching your weather move inland and thought it must be cold and wet up there. Those storms keep missing us. They go north. We did finally get some rain, but it came up from southern Texas. Which David Austin roses did you buy? I actually bought some this year too. I haven't seen Rose Rosette for a couple of years. I hope it's blown through. Happy Spring.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteI got 'Princess Alexandra of Kent' which I have wanted ever since seeing it. Also 'Lady Emma Hamilton'.
DeleteI'm glad it's not just me that's FREEZING this week ! I did manage to get out late yesterday for garden duty .
ReplyDeleteLooks it's warmer for the next few days at least . Happy Spring !
Yes, it's been way too cold for me too. I keep trying to go out and do a little something in the garden, but the wind just blows me back in the house. It's supposed to be a little warmer and drier today, so I'm going to try again. Can't wait to see your moon arch!
ReplyDeleteThey are all lovely, but that lilac daphne is new to me. It's pretty spectacular.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the wet weather. I can sympathize. We had 11 inches of rain in February! (I think one of our wettest Februaries on record.) And a good helping of rain again last night.
ReplyDeleteStill, it's making for a very Green spring, which is pretty for sure. And the reservoirs are full, I imagine!
My favorite photo here is the last one with all the colors and textures layered on top of one another and the focus artistically chosen. Good shot!
When I think of the PNW, I think of the gorgeous rhododendrons I saw on a few spring visits several years ago--so beautiful! You have some lovely blooms--how I envy that gorgeous camellia. Spring is still in the wings here--we had over 4 inches of snow on Easter!
ReplyDeleteRhododendrons are one of the plants that I plan to add more of. There are so many selections, it is hard to make a decision. I love camellias and they are spectacular here. So many blooms!
DeleteWow the lilac daphne is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI wondered if you were going to plant roses in your new garden, since you had so many in AL! My understanding is there is a lot less problems with rose diseases out west and you can grow more varieties than in the southeast.