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Strawberry Tree

Since moving to Washington, I have discovered a great number of new trees. One of my favorites is the Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo ). It is a four-season tree with semi-glossy evergreen leaves and lovely mahogany bark. In autumn, clusters of white flowers appear, bearing a resemblance to Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. And then there are the little fruits, which resemble strawberries that appear at the same time as the flowers. I am not sure why, but I have only seen a few fruits on ours. I don't know if birds are getting them before I see them or what happens. The fruits are said to be edible but not very tasty (to humans). This year, our tree is loaded with flowers, the most I've ever seen. Bees absolutely love it and so do the hummingbirds. The flowers usually continue to appear straight through winter, and it can be blooming even during the coldest periods of winter. Aside from the fact that I have not seen much of the colorful fruits, the major negative note is the fact tha
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Wide Shot Wednesday


Here is a wide shot of the pergola and courtyard area that we've been working on this year. Eventually we want more shade in this area. The pergola itself is already partially shaded by the apple tree on the back right and the hedge of photinia all the way across. In the front area, I've planted a Stewartia, which is visible at the left and a Japanese maple 'Osakazuki' on the right. Not visible in the photo are an Azara and a Black Tupelo (Nyssa).

 Notice everything is wet! July is normally the driest month here but we have already received an inch or two. It was a bit muggy today but the high was only 73. 

 Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 11, 2019 at 4:49 AM

    I love this area. It is really coming together. I bet your little pond looks sweet there in the courtyard looking at it from the pergola. How nice to have some wet in July for your garden. Our high yesterday was 96 and I don't have to tell you what the heat index was. UGH... it is to be a cool?? 86 here today. I am not even going to think about the heat index. Seeing all of your plants makes me want to get out there and start planting more.

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  2. Hoover BooJuly 11, 2019 at 9:08 PM

    It's very beautiful. As the trees grow it will get even better.

    Nice flamingo, too!

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  3. chavlinessJuly 12, 2019 at 8:35 AM

    You will have very happy friends and family sitting around the table, under the pergola, sipping refreshments.
    Is it begonia bonfire in the hanging planters? I love it.

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  4. debsgardenJuly 16, 2019 at 8:32 PM

    Your garden has progressed so much in the past couple of years. This pergola area is gorgeous!

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