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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
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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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