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Planting Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)

I don't believe I have ever grown autumn crocus ( colchicum - I love to say that word) -  although we did inherit one when we moved into this house. I moved it, and apparently it did not like that because I never saw it again. I have always wanted to grow it, but I always think about it at the wrong time of year. Plus, I never see it at nurseries (not even at Yard N' Garden Land). When a friend offered me some, I said YES. She gave me one special one called "Waterlily" and several that I guess we would call the  "average one".  'Waterlily' The question then was where on earth would I would plant them. I read that they are nice in grassy areas so I then decided to plant them along the grassy pathway in front. (This pathway is about to become a gravel pathway as I am refusing to water it daily. Michael wins this battle and gets to do the "told you so" dance .) I decided to tuck the primo one at the corner of the path next to this pot. Diggin...
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The Garden of Peter and Jasmin Gentling

Day 2 of the garden tours (Saturday) on the Asheville Garden Bloggers Fling took us way up the mountain to the lush, verdant garden of Peter and Jasmin Gentling. The drive up was not for the faint of heart. Michael, who has a fear of heights, kept his sunglasses on and head averted to avoid glancing at the deep ravines and valleys on the way up. 

All of the gardens on our tour were fascinating in their own unique way. This one was my personal favorite. 





The garden is composed of a series of terraces on a steep hillside. This wall is about 5 feet high.




That is a dwarf hemlock on the right - I didn't know there was such a thing.


Strong legs required for this garden!





One highlight of the trip was discovering new bloggers. Ira Wallace (strolling above) blogs for Mother Earth News and is an expert on vegetable gardening in the Southeast. A fascinating woman!

That is Pam Penick in front whose popular blog Digging was one of the first gardening blogs I read and influenced me to start blogging. 


Busy, busy  bloggers
Peter Gentling is a master at combing textures
I don't know the kitty's name but he/she was after something and after seeing a bouncing gray object, I realized that it was a rabbit. The rabbit escaped unharmed!

Poppies, lilies and allium



A great place for contemplation
 


 




The Gentling garden is open by appointment. For more great gardens in the Asheville area (both private and public) visit Explore Asheville.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Pam/DiggingMay 24, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    So many lovely wide shots, Phillip. This garden was truly special, and you captured it so well.

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  2. Pelageya, русская американкаMay 24, 2012 at 11:37 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. Tatyana@MySecretGardenMay 24, 2012 at 11:39 AM

    Phillip, thank you for this tour! I love the plant combinations, textures, stone work and, of course, seeing familiar faces!

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  4. GailMay 24, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    Phillip, You did capture this garden beautifully...

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  5. SkeeterMay 24, 2012 at 11:54 AM

    After seeing this garden, The Saint and I have decided we need to add more green to the garden and spend less time on color! Would make for less work in the long run. But takes time for the growth of greens and I like my instant gradification. There gardens were impressive...

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  6. Lynn HuntMay 24, 2012 at 12:25 PM

    Some really gorgeous shots, Phillip. Mine didn't come out nearly as well ): But I saw myself in the busy bloggers picture which was nice.

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  7. F CameronMay 24, 2012 at 4:07 PM

    Looks lush and tranquil.

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  8. CarolMay 24, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    Thanks for these pix, Phillip. Would love to go on one of these tours one day. Several bloggers from Texas that I visit went. So enjoyed these! Hugs, Carol

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  9. debsgardenMay 24, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    Oh, my! What a gorgeous garden. Just today my husband and I were talking about terracing a particular part of our yard. I will have to show him your post for inspiration!

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  10. Wicked GardenerMay 24, 2012 at 5:16 PM

    Beautiful!!

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  11. Rosedale GardenMay 24, 2012 at 6:00 PM

    Phillip what is the last tree? This is my kind of trip. Hope to make it some time.

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  12. Janet, The Queen of SeafordMay 24, 2012 at 6:47 PM

    Fabulous pictures Phillip! Your photos show the depth of the garden. What a wonderful place. Love the picture of the busy bloggers, very cute.

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  13. Lisa at GreenbowMay 24, 2012 at 7:25 PM

    This was my favorite too Phillip. I think the textures, various hues of green and the showy blooms as exclamation points were the perfect combination. Great presentation of the garden. I hope Michael has recovered.

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  14. ShoalandaMay 24, 2012 at 9:48 PM

    I think I may agree with Michael on the height thing. The kitty would be a she since she appears to be a tortoiseshell. Great article and fantastic pics.

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  15. DJ/Meander MountainMay 24, 2012 at 10:46 PM

    Phillip, I remember commenting on the tripod you carried to the various gardens. Now I know the reason! Wonderful photography and summaries.

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  16. Vesna MaricMay 25, 2012 at 5:46 AM

    Thank you for the tour. What a wonderful garden.

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  17. PenrynMay 25, 2012 at 7:07 AM

    Beautiful shots; beautiful garden. So happy I got to meet you and Michael!

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  18. AnonymousMay 25, 2012 at 10:54 AM

    You captured the garden beautifully. Loved the tour!

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  19. Casa MariposaMay 25, 2012 at 4:09 PM

    I really wish I had been able to attend. I've seen this garden featured on a few blogs and it's so gorgeous!! Excellent photos! I wish I'd been there!

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  20. Carolyn @ Carolyn's Shade GardensMay 25, 2012 at 7:11 PM

    You have been very busy since the fling writing about the gardens. I haven't even had time to download my photos (I am a little afraid that there are so many that my computer might crash). Gorgeous photos. Carolyn

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  21. Dee/reddirtramblingsMay 26, 2012 at 3:37 PM

    My goodness! Wasn't it lovely. I especially like seeing it through your lens Phillip. I didn't realize Michael has a thing about heights. I do too btw.~~Dee

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