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
The pink crocus has popped out in my garden too, but now that you mentioned it, there is no sign of crocus sativa yet; I harvest the saffron if I get to it before the rain destroy the blooms. Hibiscus 'Midnight Marvel' is very nice! I love that amazing dark foliage.
ReplyDeleteI may try to harvest the saffron. That sounds like fun!
DeleteI hear ya about the hibiscus being eaten alive. Mine looks shredded. Maybe the bugs don't recognize the dark leaves?? My crazy fall crocus don't bloom. The green comes up during the spring but not a bloom the past few years. Maybe I need to move them. I miss them. Your garden looks so lush. I hope the stones help with the steps.
ReplyDeleteOh, my, amazing how much you have done. It is beautiful!
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