Skip to main content

Featured

May Trees

Redbud 'Flame Thrower' (Cercis canadensis) As May comes to an end, I thought I would share some trees that look good now.  First, the insanely beautiful 'Flame Thrower' redbud. I always hesitate to praise this tree because of their finicky nature. So far, so good on this one which is near our front door.  Snowbell and 'Wolf's Eyes' Dogwood in the background The Snowbell tree ( Styrax japonica ) has been spectacular for many weeks. I was up on the roof of the garden shed this morning and got an aerial view of it. It looks so much larger from above. The blooms are so heavy that the branches are bending down. A few years ago, I recall standing underneath it and the roar from bees buzzing around it was deafening. Last week, I was saddened to hear no bees at all. Fortunately, there are some a week later but not nearly as many as in the past. On the opposite side is 'Wolf's Eye' Dogwood ( Cornus kousa ) which always delivers. This is a small dogwood c...
3 comments
Read more

March Treasures

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 -

Crocus


Daffodils


Anenome

Hellebore

Camellia 'Donation'

Euphorbia wulfenii

Tree Heath (Erica arborea)

Hebe 'Pretty in Pink'

Pieris 'Valley Rose'

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.

Azara microphylla



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Email Post

Comments

  1. Kris PetersonMarch 13, 2025 at 8:01 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  2. HBMarch 13, 2025 at 2:03 PM

    The 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!

    ReplyDelete
  3. tz_gardenMarch 13, 2025 at 2:42 PM

    Like you, I love this time of year. Your Pieris 'Valley Rose' is gorgeous, with and without the Camellia. Looking forward to more spring posts.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMarch 19, 2025 at 8:23 AM

    Your Azara blooms appear orange in the photo. Is that truly their color? Because mine are definitely yellow (and smelling like chocolate cake!)
    Chavi

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts