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A Visit to Cistus Nursery

I rarely go to nurseries anymore since I work part-time at one and another reason being that I don't have much room for additional plants. When a garden fanatic runs out of room, the brain goes into overdrive, dreaming up ingenious ways to incorporate more plants. And another thing happens - a burning desire to obtain rare and unique plants. I've been moving plants around, a tricky process that has a domino effect. A plant is unhappy - it is getting too much shade or perhaps too much sun. There is a plant that did not get as large as you thought it would or it is just a slow grower and now it is hopelessly hidden behind a taller plant. Sometimes a plant is just a dud for reasons unknown (Rhododendron 'Golden Gate' anyone?). I find the plant in question a better home, but it means that another plant will have to be moved. And the merry-go-round continues to turn... However, for those plants that are to be discarded, a space opens up for a new one! I decided to move a Mou...

The Perry Garden

I have an article in the upcoming July/August issue of Alabama Gardener (available at a magazine stand near you!) about the garden of Leon and Dean Perry in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Leon Perry is 85 years old and moved to Alabama from Mississippi about 20 years ago when he married his wife Dean. He brought with him hundreds of rootings of his azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias and started a new garden here. It is now a mature wonderland and utterly breathtaking. It was a treat meeting him and listening to him discuss his vast knowledge of rhododendrons. I hope you can read the article - in the meantime, here are some photos that I took.



















Comments

  1. Thanks Phillip! I'm so glad we ran into each other at Sam's the other day, that worked out great for us all and it was nice seeing you again. We will definitely have to go to Rosie's soon!

    On a totally different note-Andy said you don't use worms in your compost. My container is closed (but well vented) is that why I need the worms? Or do they just hasten the process? I'm still a little fuzzy about that! If you ever need any help pulling weeds or thinning out the lilies just let me know :)

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  2. Wonderland, indeed! Wow. I esp. love that orange rhodie.

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  3. Haha, yes, if you wanted/needed any help I would gladly come over. I actually enjoy it, I think because it's so easy to see your progress. But, I know some people enjoy working in their garden alone to relieve stress, which is A-ok too.

    You are so sweet, thanks for thinking about the book and lending it to me! I'll read it quickly and get it back to you.

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  4. Awesome. So great you can supplement your article with the blog.

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  5. Holy guacamole Batman - THAT's a garden!

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  6. Wow, what a honor to see this garden! Really, I mean that! The red is gorgeous massed! I see your garden and get hydrangea envy and this one and get all rhodo envy!


    Gail

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  7. Great photos and good for you on that article! Is there anything more striking than massed rhodies?

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  8. Phillip, how wonderful that you have another article! I haven't made it that far yet. I've only read up to Chuck and Sue's Garden. (BTW Buds N Blossoms have UNBEATABLE prices on threadleaf maples.) Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading your article, can't wait. I cheated a minute ago and peeked at the fab pictures. :-)

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  9. Spectacular photographs. Congratulations on the article!
    Regards,
    Philip

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  10. I ran into this while surfing today. My dad, Leon Perry, indeed had a green thumb. I wish I had his yard transplanted into my back yard now. Thanks for the wonderful pictures and words. Jean Perry Nabers

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