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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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New Fence Completed

 


Wow, that was fast! In just one day and a half, Luis and a helper completed the new fence and gate and I couldn't be happier. It is quite a change from the previous fence -



The next big job will be staining it to match the other wood structures in the garden ('Mahogany Flame' is our go-to color). That will have to wait until things dry out later in the spring.

I haven't looked closely yet at the plants surrounding the fence but I think the workers were pretty careful and everything looks to be intact. The huge Armandii clematis is still there, lying on the ground. I'm going to try and get it back on the fence this weekend if weather permits.

I also love the gate. I showed Luis a photo of ones that I liked and he took it from there. He is very creative and always comes up with good ideas.


From the back (inside the garden), it also looks fantastic -




Now to decide what to grow over the gate. I moved an ornamental kiwi vine and I will probably put it on one side. Of course, I would love to add a rose but the space for it is limited (it would be planted right inside the junipers). Decisions, decisions!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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  1. Kris PetersonJanuary 30, 2021 at 6:44 PM

    It looks fabulous, Phillip!

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  2. Karin / Southern MeadowsJanuary 31, 2021 at 4:33 AM

    It looks amazing! The plants and fence will complement one another so well!

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  3. Barbara H.January 31, 2021 at 9:45 AM

    Tough problems to have! It looks amazing - such an improvement, Phillip.

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  4. Lisa at GreenbowJanuary 31, 2021 at 12:18 PM

    WOW is right. When you decide to do something...Voila. It totally transforms this area. The gate is the bomb. And what fun decisions to have to make now.

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  5. Gardener on Sherlock StreetJanuary 31, 2021 at 2:52 PM

    That will look great for years!

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  6. RobinLJanuary 31, 2021 at 5:03 PM

    Excellent work, and what an improvement over chain link! Can’t wait to see how you “decorate” it with plants.

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  7. Endah MurniyatiFebruary 1, 2021 at 12:45 AM

    Lovely! Wooden materials make everything look so natural.

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  8. chavlinessFebruary 1, 2021 at 9:38 AM

    Were the outside photos taken from the street? From a neighbor's yard? I couldn't quite make it out... Either way, the fence is beautiful. You certainly found a Master carpenter with great talent for woodwork.

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverFebruary 1, 2021 at 9:51 AM

      The first three are taken from the driveway. The fence divides the driveway from our back garden. The last three photos were taken on the garden. I hope that makes sense!

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  9. Hoover BooFebruary 1, 2021 at 4:23 PM

    Yes, wow, what a transformation! Congrats on a really successful improvement you can enjoy for years to come.

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  10. Casa MariposaFebruary 1, 2021 at 4:56 PM

    I love it! It's beautiful and perfect for your garden.

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  11. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2021 at 12:28 PM

    The gate is so in keeping with the style of the fence and still echoes the gates you liked (a real design coup)
    rickii

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