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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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Some of the David Austin Roses



A look at some of the David Austin roses in our garden.

'Golden Celebration' was moved from its previous spot where I was growing it as a shrub. There, it was a robust presence but the blooms had a tendency to flop so I am putting it next to an arbor so that it can climb. The clematis 'Chevalier' is growing with it and they make a striking combination.



'Lady Emma Hamilton' is just exquisite and I love the dark red stems. I've noticed that this rose has an unusual tendency to begin blooming from the bottom up. Blackspot has been an issue with it but not bad enough is disown her. The color is just outstanding.

'Lady Emma Hamilton'

'Lady Emma Hamilton'


'Lady of Shallot' is an early bloomer. These photos were taken about a month ago. This is one of the largest roses in the garden. It stands about 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide.

'Lady of Shallot'




The reviews drew me in for 'Olivia Rose' and it is a nice, delicate, light pink color. However, they don't seem to last very long and the shrub itself is a bit lax and unruly. The jury is still out on this one. I have discovered though that roses can take on a completely different character in their second year.

'Olivia Rose'

'Mary Rose' is doing extremely well -

'Mary Rose'


'Mary Rose'


'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' - I probably have too many red roses and I confess that the name drew me to this one. I loved the novel and wrote a research paper on it in college.


'Tess of the D'Urbervilles'


'Darcey Bussell' just added this year. This one is supposed to be a smaller, compact bush -


'Darcey Bussell'


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. chavlinessJune 19, 2020 at 11:05 AM

    I do wish you added a photograph of 'Golden Celebration' match up with clematis 'Chevalier'. It sounds amazing (maybe next post). I almost thought 'Mary Rose' was a peony: so very fluffy. No matter how many red roses you have, 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' must stay, if nothing else then for the nostalgia.

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowJune 19, 2020 at 12:24 PM

    A rose lovers dream. I really like Lady Emma H with the red stems. Olivia looks like what I would say 'blousey'. Pretty to me. I bet she takes up more space than you might want her to.

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