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Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back.  'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini
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Happy New Year!



It is sunny and cold today as I sit here watching the birds outside the window and contemplate an article assignment that is due in 5 days. Perhaps my New Year's resolution should be to stop procrastinating and get things done. I don't know, I think I might work better under pressure. :) The photo above is actually from 2007. We've already had some snow this winter and I'm sure we have more on the way in 2011.

I hope everyone had a nice New Year's Eve and Day. We were actually awake this year to see it in (unheard of, we are rather unexciting homebodies). We invited a few friends over for some chili and a game of Mexican Train dominoes and we had a great time. We toasted the New Year in with thunderstorms brewing outside as we had a quick sip of champagne and some kisses before getting back to our game.

Resolutions? I'm not making any this year. I'm hoping that we have a great gardening year and better weather this year. And please - no drought! I don't have any major projects in mind for the garden. I will be sharing some of my blog postings with Alabama Gardener magazine this year (as soon as I have the link for that, I will pass it along). I am also determined to update my regular website (A Southern Garden) as I have neglected it this year.

In the meantime, I wish all of you out there peace, health and happiness for 2011!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. C. C.January 2, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    Happy New Year! Your blog inspires me, and I look forward to reading more in 2011.

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  2. serial tillerJanuary 2, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    Happy New Year Phillip! I am hoping for a banner gardening year too and echo your sentiments. I wish you health and prosperity (and also to your garden!)

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  3. Rosedale GardensJanuary 2, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    Happy great Gardening this year. Congratulations on the Alabama Gardener gig. I've been meaning to subscribe the magazine & hadn't gotten around to it. I'll have to now. Check out some new varieties of petunia, one call Black Velvet, another Phantom and one called Pinstripe. I saw them in the Jung Seed and White Flower catalogs. Mary

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  4. CarolJanuary 2, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    Happy New Year Phillip! I work better under pressure too! May many blessings come your way in 2011!

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  5. Digital Flower PicturesJanuary 2, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    Happy New Year and will join with you hoping for a good upcoming season.

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  6. debsgardenJanuary 2, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    Mexican Train! A friend introduced me to this game a couple years ago, and now I'm addicted. I also am hoping for no draught, and please, no tornados either, and could we keep the summer temps below 95?

    I look forward to reading your blog this year, and I am going to subscribe to Alabama Gardener, as well. Unfortunately, they already had enough Alabama bloggers when I sent for info, but I am on their back-up list if someone falls through. Thanks for putting a good word in for me. I do hope to break into the publishing world. My blog is my little toe dipped into the water!

    Have a great year, filled with many good gardening days!

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  7. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)January 3, 2011 at 1:52 AM

    Happy New Year, I managed to stay awake to see it in this year too.

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  8. DarlaJanuary 3, 2011 at 3:38 AM

    Regardless of the year or season, the entrance to your home is beautiful. Glad you ushered the New Year in with happiness, now that's a good start!

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  9. EveJanuary 3, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    Happy New Year Phillip to you ane yours! I second the no drought hope! Sometimes working under pressure brings out the best, don't try to change something that works! I look forward to seeing your spring gardens!

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  10. LesJanuary 3, 2011 at 4:23 AM

    Peace, health and happiness to you as well. I have been asked to blog for Va. Gardener and really need to get my first aritcle written.

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  11. Lisa at GreenbowJanuary 3, 2011 at 5:05 AM

    Happy New Year Phillip. Love this photo. I will look forward to reading all you post about your lovely garden.

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  12. DJanuary 3, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    Phillip, we wish you and your family a Happy and healthy New Year filled with many blessings. Thank you for being a part of our 2010.

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  13. GailJanuary 3, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    Happy New Year Phillip to you and Michael~ No floods or droughts is all I ask~and one more thing: that the local nursery really offer dynamite plants this year! gail

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  14. still goodJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    Happy New Year, Phillip! We stayed up until midnight, too. I'm still surprised we made it. New Year's Eve is also the anniversary of when Todd and I met, 14 years ago now. What is Mexican Train?

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  15. Tallulah's Antique ClosetJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    Hi Phillip, Your garden sure dosr look very pretty! And the snow just adds that much extra magic to the garden. From what I see in the pic. Have a good evening.............Julian

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