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Ten July Favorites

Chaste Tree ( Vitex ) One of the highlights of the year is when the Chaste Tree blooms. It pains me that I don't know the name of it, but I suspect it is 'Shoal Creek' . I failed to record it, and I also do not remember where it came from. We sell a newer variety at Yard N' Garden called 'Flip Side ', which has stunning leaves of olive-green with a purple reverse.  A friend has the pale pink variety, but I don't think it is as pretty as the blue-colored flowers. This little tree is constantly covered with bees.  Catalpa bignoinoides   'Aurea' A large limb died over the winter, leaving a gaping hole. However, it is looking better after Michael raised some of the remaining limbs. It has bloomed profusely this year. Like the vitex, our best view of it is from the windows, where you get an elevated view. Heliopsis helianthoides 'Fire Twister' This perennial is doing much better after I moved it to a better location. I saw it last week in an ope...

Tornado update

Many of you have e-mailed and asked about the situation here with the terrible day we had on Thursday. Fortunately, our county did not receive any major damage. We were without power for a while but only limbs and some debris on the streets and property. Some towns south of us, including Michael's home town of Phil Campbell (26 dead so far), were not as fortunate and were utterly devastated. Hackleburg, just south of Phil Campbell, was even harder hit with a death toll there of 27. We have finally been able to contact most of our family members and friends from that area and they are okay. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and I appreciate your concern.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. So glad to know that you are safe. Such devastation that weather caused..so, so, sad.

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  2. Glad you are well. Here's hoping the communities can find the strength to pull through.

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  3. Such extraordinary weather conditions bringing so much devastation.

    I'm glad to hear you're all ok, but it's so terrible for so many others.

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  4. Glad to know you and your family are good & safe. Prayers to al that aren't.

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  5. Glad you and your friends and family are safe. It is truly devastating and heartbreaking for those in the path of the tornadoes.

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  6. Thank you for your post, letting us know you are alright. It is truly a devastating situation for many. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, and we so often take things forgranted. Nothing like a wake up call to appreciate our blessings.

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  7. I am glad to hear you and your family are safe. I heard on the news that these were the worst storms spawning tornades in 40 years.

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  8. Glad to know the two of you are okay!

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  9. Yes, I thought of you that night. We were lucky here in Newnan, GA that the weather missed us too. Thank goodness you are all safe & sound.

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  10. Phillip,
    Such a terrible storm system! Glad you made it OK. Sorry to hear about those two towns it must be dreadful.

    I finally saw some damage in our county two side by side large oak stumps that must have fell on the the main road about 10 minutes from here. Not been to Raleigh.

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  11. I am glad you two and your families are alright. I knew I had not heard that Florence was hit, but with the destruction so devestating and so wide-spread I wondered. This has been a terrible spring tornado-wise all across the South. It makes you ask questions about randomness, fate and circumstance.

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  12. Thanks for posting that you all are okay. I was worried when I saw the news and all the devastation. I feel for everyone who has suffered loss.

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  13. so glad y'all are ok. the deaths and devastation in MS and AL are not receiving enough attention.

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  14. So glad you did well Phillip! No damage here but it was close.

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