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| Camellia 'Magnoliaflora' and Pieris 'Valley Rose' |
Buds are budding, flowers are emerging, and the garden is getting greener. Excitement builds! It seems like it is all happening too soon and that is probably the case since the winter has been so mild. There are also mutterings about a "false spring" which is certainly understandable. It is not uncommon here to get a big snow in April. It has happened many times since we've lived here.
Proceed with caution...
I would not dream of putting any delicate plants out yet so they will remain in the garage. However, there is a flurry of activities that needs to be done. Rose pruning, cutting back perennials and grasses, transplanting, etc. etc.
It is all worth it - the garden rewards -
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| Crocus |
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| Daffodils |
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| Anenome |
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| Hellebore |
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| Camellia 'Donation' |
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| Euphorbia wulfenii |
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| Tree Heath (Erica arborea) |
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| Hebe 'Pretty in Pink' |
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| Pieris 'Valley Rose' |
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| Pieris 'Passion Frost' |
And last, but certainly not least, is the Azara which is just spectacular this year. I've never seen so many blooms. The garden is filled with the fragrance, which to me, smells like cigars. Some describe it as vanilla or a cake baking in the oven. However you describe it, it is divine.
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| Azara microphylla |
Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Your garden is looking lovely, Phillip! Your Camellia 'Magnoliaflora' looks a lot like my 'Taylor's Perfection'; however, mine is already nearing the end of its bloom cycle. I wish I could grow Pieris - that's a perfect companion for the Camellia. Fingers crossed you don't get a snowstorm in April!
ReplyDeleteThe garden rewards--yours especially! Beautiful Azara--without fragrance a garden seems incomplete--and the Camellias, Pieris, and the Hebes, and the Hellebores. Happy close-to-spring!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I love this time of year. Your Pieris 'Valley Rose' is gorgeous, with and without the Camellia. Looking forward to more spring posts.
ReplyDeleteYour Azara blooms appear orange in the photo. Is that truly their color? Because mine are definitely yellow (and smelling like chocolate cake!)
ReplyDeleteChavi