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Autumn Leaves

'Dancing Peacock' Someone needs to write a song... :) With an atmospheric river and 30 mph winds predicted this past weekend, I was afraid the ginkgo, which had just started to turn color, would be stripped.  We were lucky though and it remains intact. Gingko 'Princeton Sentry' After the storm... The Black Tupelo (Nyssa slyvatica) changes color from the inside out - The above photo was taken last week. Here it is today - 'Wolf Eyes' Dogwood (Cornus kousa) has never had such pink color - Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea', Crape Myrtle 'Dynamite' ( Lagerstroemia ), and Persian Ironwood ( Parrotia persica ) - Japanese Maple 'Beni Hime' - Serviceberry 'Autumn Brilliance' ( Amelanchier ) with tree peonies - Stewartia pyschocamellia starts the color show early. It has since faded to a much softer color - Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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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.



















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  1. JessJune 19, 2008 at 8:31 PM

    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. chuck b.June 19, 2008 at 10:03 PM

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

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  3. JessJune 20, 2008 at 6:25 AM

    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. tinaJune 20, 2008 at 12:58 PM

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

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  5. AnonymousJune 21, 2008 at 10:42 AM

    Holy guacamole Batman - THAT's a garden!

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  6. GailJune 22, 2008 at 11:55 AM

    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. AnonymousJune 23, 2008 at 2:04 PM

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

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  8. RandyJune 24, 2008 at 3:33 PM

    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. Philip BewleyJune 30, 2008 at 8:50 AM

    Spectacular photographs. Congratulations on the article!
    Regards,
    Philip

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  10. AnonymousJanuary 10, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    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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