Spiraea Magic Carpet: From Small Shrub to Vibrant Paradise

Spiraea Magic Carpet is a deciduous shrub that is known for its colorful foliage and compact size. It is a popular choice for adding interest and beauty to gardens and landscapes. The Magic Carpet variety of Spiraea is a dwarf cultivar that typically reaches a height of only 2 feet and a spread of 3 feet. Its small size makes it ideal for gardens with limited space or for use as a border plant. Despite its small stature, this shrub makes a big impact with its attractive features. One of the standout features of Spiraea Magic Carpet is its foliage.

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

But when they tease him for being lazy, he says he is hard at work thinking and will have to find a new place to sleep, that is to think, for all the noise they are making. Quickly making off with this wonderful object, our arachnid trickster puts it to work for him, but finds the magic getting out of control when he dozes off, and subsequently forgets how to end the enchantment.

One of the standout features of Spiraea Magic Carpet is its foliage. The leaves emerge in spring and are a vibrant red color. As the season progresses, the foliage transitions to a yellow-green color, creating a multi-toned effect.

Anansi and the Magic Stick

Anansi the Spider steals Hyena's magic stick so he won't have to do the chores, but when the stick's magic won't stop, he gets more than he bargained for.

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Lazing about while all of his neighbors work hard on their houses and in their gardens, Anansi the spider is annoyed when he becomes a laughing stock, and sets out on a walk. Happening upon Hyena's place, which is neat and tidy despite its owner's indolence, Anansi discovers that Hyena possesses a magic stick which does all of the work for him. Quickly making off with this wonderful object, our arachnid trickster puts it to work for him, but finds the magic getting out of control when he dozes off, and subsequently forgets how to end the enchantment.

As author Eric A. Kimmel notes in this brief author's note, the story here, adapted from the Liberian tale of The Magic Hoe, bears some resemblance to The Magician's Apprentice. It's the classic narrative of magic getting out of control, when used by somebody who doesn't have the training to master it. This telling is entertaining, and the accompanying artwork from Janet Stevens, who also worked on Kimmel's previous Anansi retellings (Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock, Anansi and the Talking Melon, and Anansi Goes Fishing), is humorous and appealing. I particularly liked the flood scene, in which both Kimmel and Stevens are depicted - the one with a pencil, the other with a paintbrush - as being swept along with all of the animals. Recommended to readers who enjoy Anansi stories, and to young folklore enthusiasts in general. ( )

This book is a fun read aloud for children. About a lazy spider who tries to use a magic stick to do his cleaning. This book has colorful illustrations. ( )

Anansi the spider is made fun of by all of his friends because his house and yard are always a mess. He grumbles away, trying to find somewhere else to go to take a nap, but he stumbles upon Hyena's house. He sees a magic stick that takes orders from Hyena, his secret to keeping his house perfect without any work. However, the magic stick ends up being more than Anansi can handle, eventually causing a big flood when Anansi tries to take a nap. Hyena finds the stick and tells it to stop, but a big lake is left. All the animals realize that the lake is there to stay, so they must enjoy it. Anansi even builds a houseboat and lives on the lake, floating around peacefully with no responsibilities.

I liked this story and loved the fun illustrations. It's kind of hard to determine the theme or moral, however. At first, I thought it was about consequences to laziness or shortcuts. However, since the spider is still lazy at the end, I am not sure what the moral of the story is. Either way, I think that it would be a fun story to share with students and give them a glimpse into a West African folktale. ( )

a small spider gets made fun of a lot and then he finds a magic stick and there is a flood, then he sleeps on a raft

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In the fall, the leaves turn a stunning orange-red before eventually dropping from the plant. In addition to its colorful foliage, Spiraea Magic Carpet produces clusters of small pink flowers in late spring or early summer. These blossoms attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding further interest to the shrub. After the flowers fade, small seed heads develop, providing visual interest throughout the season. When it comes to care, Spiraea Magic Carpet is relatively low-maintenance. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. It prefers well-drained soil and regular watering, especially during periods of drought. Pruning is not usually necessary, but the shrub can be shaped or trimmed as desired to maintain its compact form. Overall, Spiraea Magic Carpet is a standout shrub that brings color and beauty to gardens. Its compact size, colorful foliage, and attractive flowers make it a versatile choice for various landscaping purposes. Whether used as a border plant or as a focal point in a garden bed, this Spiraea variety is sure to add a touch of magic to any space..

Reviews for "Planting Spiraea Magic Carpet: Tips and Tricks for Success"

1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the "Spiraea magic carpet". I purchased it for my garden expecting vibrant and showy colors, but the plant only produced pale and dull flowers. Additionally, it did not spread as advertised, leaving bald patches instead. Overall, I would not recommend this plant as it did not live up to its reputation and cost.

2. Sarah - 1 star - I regret buying the "Spiraea magic carpet" for my backyard. The plant was supposed to provide year-round interest, but it was lackluster at best. The foliage turned an unappealing brown color during the summer and the flowers were scarce. I expected more from a plant with such a promising name, so I would recommend considering other options instead.

3. Mark - 2 stars - The "Spiraea magic carpet" was a letdown for me. The plant struggled to thrive in my garden and remained rather stunted. The colors of the foliage were not as vibrant as I had hoped, and the flowers were limited and short-lived. I was looking for a low-maintenance and visually appealing plant, but this one simply did not deliver. I would advise others to look for alternatives that are more reliable and visually pleasing.

4. Emily - 1 star - I have had nothing but problems with the "Spiraea magic carpet". Despite providing it with proper care and maintenance, the plant failed to thrive and ended up dying within a few months. It was supposed to be a hardy and easy-to-grow plant, but it was a complete disappointment. I would not recommend this plant to anyone looking for a reliable and long-lasting addition to their garden.

Discover the Versatile Uses of Spiraea Magic Carpet