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Moving Schipka Laurel for Rhododendron 'Loderi King George'

Picture it - a 6 ft. tall Schipka Laurel used to stand here (I forgot to take a "before" shot and don't feel like searching for one).  I knew when I planted it that it was probably a bad idea but thought it would be good for a fast-growing screen along the back fence-row. I'm sure all gardeners do this, especially if you have a new garden and are eager for greenery. In all fairness to the laurel, it is a useful plant and I would argue even a beautiful one when nicely maintained. Before I dug this one up, I stood back and admired it and felt the guilt pangs stabbing at my heart.  I removed a much larger laurel than this a few years ago and they are not the easiest plant to dig out. I was determined to save this one and I believe I was successful.  Here is a thought and you can take this to the bank - the pot you choose to hold a plant that you dig up will ALWAYS be too small. Always!  So, after finding the largest pot I could, here it is, after being cut back pretty dr
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The Layered Garden - a book review and give-away

The number "3" is the lucky winner and that would be Lisa Blair. Thanks to everyone who entered!

Brandywine Cottage is a 2-acre garden in Downington, Pennsylvania created by David Culp and Michael Alderfer. Culp shows how they planned and created this lovely garden by combing their obsessive love of plants in design combinations that provide a succession of peak garden moments throughout the year in their Zone 6 garden.

Situated at the base of a hillside where 20 houses were to be built above his, Culp first planned for privacy and planted a screen of evergreens. This was followed by a series of garden rooms that includes a rose garden, vegetable garden, perennial borders, a driveway gravel garden, a winter garden, hillside garden and a "jewel box" that provides visual interest right outside the front windows.

Culp shares his childhood memories of plants and his grandmother who influenced him and he enthusiastically writes about the plants that he is passionate about. Hellebores are one and he offers tip on how to grow and breed them. Culp is also obsessed with Galanthus (snowdrops) and he grows over 100 different cultivars including one that he successfully propagated and now bears his name. 

The Rose Garden
A chapter on signature plants includes a section for each season and profiles some of Culp's favorites, such as narcissus, iris, lilies, roses, peonies, alliums and hydrangeas. Tips on gardening practicalities, such as dealing with deer, managing weeds,  and using containers, are also included. Culp wraps up with a recommendation of favorite gardening books and his thoughts on beauty in the garden.

The North Border

The book is generously illustrated with photographs taken over a 2 year period by Rob Cardillo.

If you need some gardening inspiration for 2013, this book will do it!


This contest has ended.

Disclosure: Timber Press sent me a free review copy of this book. I read and reviewed it at my own discretion and without any compensation.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowJanuary 7, 2013 at 2:37 PM

    Whooo hooo what a beautiful book. I would love to have it. I would love to visit that garden too. It seems like I have heard about it someplace. I see on your sidebar that it is 52 at your place. Wow that sounds like spring. We are to have warmer temps this weekend. I can't hardly wait for the snow to melt.

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  2. debsgardenJanuary 7, 2013 at 2:56 PM

    What a fabulous book. Please put me in. I would love to read it, and if I don't win I may have to just buy it!

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  3. Lisa BlairJanuary 7, 2013 at 2:58 PM

    Exciting! Looks like a beautiful book. I'd love to win a copy.

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  4. LKTJanuary 7, 2013 at 2:58 PM

    That sounds wonderful! And just the thing we need, since our garden tends to flourish early and peter out in August.

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  5. SusanJanuary 7, 2013 at 5:17 PM

    Please count me in...the book looks beautiful.

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  6. Anne BoykinJanuary 7, 2013 at 5:54 PM

    Hi Phillip, Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  7. C. C.January 7, 2013 at 6:18 PM

    Yes, I'd love to win this gorgeous book. Thanks, Phillip!

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  8. organicgardendreamsJanuary 7, 2013 at 6:42 PM

    Hi Philip, nice book review! The photos are gorgeous and the content sounds very interesting. Certainly would love to win a copy :-), please put me in for the drawing!
    Christina

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  9. sharonJanuary 7, 2013 at 7:44 PM

    crossing my fingers...and toes

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  10. LarryJanuary 7, 2013 at 7:51 PM

    Hi Philip... I have the book and am enjoying it ... particularly the photography from which I am garnering inspiration! I noted in the comments section of my blog that I already do a fair amount of what the book recommends, but feel the need to do more after considering the photos and commentary within the book. Larry

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  11. JenJanuary 7, 2013 at 8:28 PM

    those photos are spectacular! I am going to cross my fingers and hope I luck out! So nice of you to share this book.

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  12. caitcaitoJanuary 8, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    This looks like such a great book... I need it! Maybe I'll get lucky...

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  13. ConnieJanuary 8, 2013 at 8:50 AM

    Beautiful gardens! I love the blue/purple color theme of the North Border.

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  14. AnonymousJanuary 8, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    beautiful and inspiring photos. Looks like a winner.

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  15. JaymeBJanuary 8, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    I loved layered gardening! Thanks for sharing the inspiration.

    Keep inspiring us!

    JaymeB EntwinedLife

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  16. UnknownJanuary 8, 2013 at 1:22 PM

    Phillip,
    Thanks for the offer! BTW, you will have a great 2013, in spite of your phobia to 13. It is 2013, not 13, remember? Just like it is 26, not 2 x 13 (He, he).

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  17. sweetbayJanuary 8, 2013 at 5:17 PM

    Their garden is gorgeous!!

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  18. the blonde gardenerJanuary 8, 2013 at 5:54 PM

    I love the North Border picture! Looks like a great book.

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  19. HolleyGardenJanuary 8, 2013 at 7:09 PM

    Thanks for the opportunity! Please sign me up! I have been wanting this book for some time, and can always use more inspiration!

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  20. UnknownJanuary 9, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Hi, Phillip - what gorgeous pics! The North garden, backed by the trees looks like my dream garden. Would love to win the book, but as Deb said, I'll probably buy it!

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  21. The Graceful GardenerJanuary 9, 2013 at 7:53 AM

    What a beautiful book! I would love to own one...or win one. Sounds like a book full of inspiration.

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  22. KathrynJanuary 9, 2013 at 12:09 PM

    Those pictures are amazing and the garden isn't too far from my own.

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  23. Van MacarthurJanuary 9, 2013 at 12:30 PM

    I have some gardening issues that this book may help solve. I'd love to win this book. Thanks for the review. I enjoyed reading this on a rainy winter day.

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  24. Casa MariposaJanuary 9, 2013 at 6:27 PM

    Throw me in the pot! I'd love that book! :o)

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  25. bbardJanuary 10, 2013 at 4:35 AM

    This looks like a beautiful book. I hope to win!!

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  26. GayleJanuary 10, 2013 at 7:06 AM

    Would love a chance to win! Such lush gardens, I especially love the blue and purple combination!

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  27. DawnJanuary 10, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    Looks lovely - thanks for doing the giveaway.

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  28. The Diligent GardenerJanuary 11, 2013 at 3:08 AM

    What a lovely book, would love a chance to win.

    Sarah The Diligent Gardener

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  29. EveJanuary 11, 2013 at 4:03 PM

    Can you believe it Phillip! I just ordered this book for my 2013 library! If I winit will make a great gift for one of my gardening friends. Hope your having a wonderful winter. There are daffodils in bloom down my road!

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  30. EveJanuary 11, 2013 at 4:07 PM

    Sorry about all the typos in my previous comment, Phillip! Sometimes the i pad refuses to cooporate!!! :-)

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  31. AnnJanuary 13, 2013 at 1:11 PM

    Ooo...what lusciousness. Hope I win and thank you for such a generous give-away.

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  32. LesJanuary 14, 2013 at 2:49 PM

    I'll enter just to get a photo of the North Border. I love those colors together.

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  33. RobinLJanuary 14, 2013 at 6:36 PM

    Oh my, if the photos inside the book are as lovely as the few you've shown, I'll read it just for that!

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  34. Gardener on Sherlock StreetJanuary 20, 2013 at 2:55 PM

    Congrats to Lisa!

    ReplyDelete

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