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Chilean Fire Bush - a hidden jewel in our garden

It is heartbreaking that this beauty is hidden in our garden but at least the hummingbirds have found it. Hidden because it is planted behind a 7 feet tall rose. I planted it there because I was under the impression that it would become a tree. It can indeed become a tree and there is one growing about a mile from our house that is around 20 feet tall.  In our garden, it is taking its sweet time and is only 4 feet tall after being planted seven years ago (2017). It did not begin to bloom until its fifth year and this is the first year flowering has been so profuse. Whenever I think about this plant, I always remember what the Gosslers said in their book "The Gossler Guide to the Best Hardy Shrubs". I quote it here: "Since this plant comes from southern Chile, we begin with a word of warning: it will not grow anywhere in the United States outside western Washington, Oregon and northern California. People wanting to grow E. coccineum in the eastern part of the country will
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Gardens on tour

This is a reminder that the Garden Tour is this weekend. The hours are Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 1-5. Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased at any of the gardens on the tour. Once you purchase a ticket at your first garden, you are good to go and your ticket is good for the remainder of the tour.

Also, the State Master Gardener conference is set for Monday-Wednesday, April 15-17. You do not have to be a Master Gardener to attend. Speakers include James Farmer, Erica Glasener, Walter Reeves, Troy Marden, Hayes Jackson, Cindy Shapton, Don Shadow, Dan Spaulding and David Tomlin. Visit the website for more details on the conference.

For the garden tour, in addition to our garden, there are eight other gardens that will be open. I have photographed and written about many of these gardens for Alabama Gardener magazine. They include:
Margie Anderton

Irene Fowler
Tommy Mathis


Dee Hubbert
For a list of all the gardens as well as directions, see my earlier post.

  Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowApril 9, 2013 at 3:28 AM

    OOOoooohhhhhhh. I wish I could attend. Everywhere looks so beautiful and inviting. PLEASE give us a virtual tour as soon as possible.

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  2. outlawgardenerApril 9, 2013 at 7:18 AM

    What gorgeous gardens! I too wish that I could attend but, alas, a weekend trip across the country doesn't seem to be in the cards. Looking forward to visiting vicariously though you!

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  3. CarolApril 9, 2013 at 8:20 AM

    Hope all goes well and the weather is in your favor! Carol

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  4. LarryApril 9, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    Some amazing gardens on your tour... wish we were closer! Larry

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  5. sweetbayApril 9, 2013 at 5:48 PM

    That picture of Irene Fowler's garden is incredible.

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  6. Rose Petals NurseryApril 9, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    I 2nd Lisa at Greenbow's comment..... magnificent The Gardener looks forward to your post on the tour ☼

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  7. David - Pinewood CottageApril 9, 2013 at 7:57 PM

    Wish I lived closer too. What an diverse group of excellent gardens. Hope you have a great turn out.

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  8. Phillip OliverApril 10, 2013 at 1:22 PM

    Sweetbay, Irene's garden is wonderful. If you'd like to see more photos of it, see my earlier post - http://phillipoliver.blogspot.com/2010/11/alabama-gardener-cover-story.html

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