Azaleas

I could not let Spring slip by without a few comments on the favorite blooming shrub in this area. It seems there are azaleas in nearly every yard in Gainesville. They grow unnoticed 10 months of the year, saving their glory for February and March. They are so prolific here you'd think they were given to new homeowners at every closing. This time of year it's easy to understand why people like them so much. They have a "take your breath away" impact. Most of the azaleas here are the magenta Formosa of the Azalea indica group. They require little care other than providing enough water during dry spells as they are shallow rooted, and an occasional light pruning after flowering. I have two pet peaves regarding this shrub. Often these are used as foundation plantings where they soon grow to their mature height of 8 or more feet, upon which they disportionately overwhelm the architecture of a house, block windows and create a security hazard. Much better to place them in the yard as underplantings of oaks and pines where they can get the dappled shade they prefer. My other peave is when the pink and magenta azaleas are planted with those of orange and coral shades. This so offends my color sensibilities.