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The 2024 Garden Year

January 19, 2024 January Our year started with snow, ice and frigid temperatures in mid-January. Our temperatures stayed below freezing for almost a week. I think it was the most consistent cold that we've experienced since moving here. Fortunately, it was a dry snow so there wasn't too much damage. Once again, we almost lost the azara and I'm afraid there would have been some breakage if I had not kept knocking the ice off. February 14, 2024 February In past years, it seems that inclement weather seems to hit around Michael's birthday in mid-February. After the January snow and ice, this month was actually quite tame. Nothing exciting to report - mostly birdwatching . Early flowers like hellebores, cyclamen and crocus begin to bloom in mid month. March 3, 2024 March I got into a walking routine which I'm happy to report I am continuing this year. You get to the point where you feel guilty if you miss a day. I do miss days occasionally but I'm learning that ...
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Getting ready

The garden tour is one week away and I'm telling you now our garden is not the best for an early spring tour. We are actually having a late spring. The dogwoods aren't even blooming yet! Most of the trees have not leafed out and there is very little in the way of flowers. On the plus side, I've never done so much work in the garden this early! There is still quite a bit to do before next week.

I got a lot accomplished today. It was a gorgeous day!

I bought some plants this morning for the pots. The garden centers around town were super busy. Everyone is ready for spring!

A calla lily we picked up at Lowe's.

Caladium "Little Miss Muppet" for the bed at the base of the waterfall.

Swan River Daisies - there were four in a large pot and they flopped when I removed them so I have them tied for the moment.
Lobelia for the chandelier planter. I haven't had much luck with lobelia in the past so I'm not sure about this but I wanted something full for instant effect.
I cleaned the water features and turned on the pumps.
The urn fountain installation went smoothly - what a relief that was.
I took a few minutes after supper to take some photos of plants blooming right now. Totally forgot the Kerria which is spectacular but I will try and get that later.

Money Plant (Lunaria annua)


Azalea 'Koromo Shikibu'


Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)

Mohawk Viburnum (Viburnum x burkwoodii  'Mohawk')

Candytuft (Iberis)

Jacob's Ladder "Stairway to Heaven" (polemonium reptans)

Jacob's Ladder "Stairway to Heaven" (polemonium reptans)

Several late daffodils are blooming (I don't recall the name)


Spanish Bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica)
A returning tulip


The Weeping Cherry (Prunus subhirtella 'Pendula') over the patio is spectacular.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. CyndiaApril 6, 2013 at 9:26 PM

    Phillip, I saw your post that you needed help weeding. as I was over in Tuscumbia today, I almost ran by your house to pull a few weeds just to say I "helped". But I was too pooped.
    Your garden looks great no matter the season. I'm sure it will for the tour as well. And I hope to see it next weekend. You never know; with the super warm temps we are expecting next week, everything may burst out at once!

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  2. AnonymousApril 6, 2013 at 9:50 PM

    Phillip the daff looks like one I have called Geranium.
    With all the stress, things will turn out fine. Good luck if I don't make the tour. I've got a lot to do, and been working the late shift, so too late to do anything when I get home.

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  3. Lisa at GreenbowApril 7, 2013 at 3:51 AM

    Spring is slow here too. Despite all that your garden seems to have lots going on. I love the new urn fountain. Beautiful pot for that. You will have your garden ready for summer and you will be able to relax more and enjoy it. Good luck with the tour. I know people will be thrilled to see your garden.

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  4. AlisonApril 7, 2013 at 8:07 AM

    I think you're really brave to take part in a tour. I don't think I could do it, not because of the hard work that goes into getting ready, but I just don't think I'd want to overhear what people say. But it's helpful and/or necessary to be there to answer questions and keep an eye on possibly errant visitors.

    It looks like you have plenty of flowers, and they're all so pretty. I absolutely love your rusty chandelier planter. Have you posted about how you put it together? Is it just a chandelier that conveniently had a spot for a plant? Or did you have to alter it in some way?

    Good luck on the tour! I'm sure people will love it.

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  5. Phillip OliverApril 7, 2013 at 10:21 AM

    Cyndia, I hope you are right!

    Mary, that name does sound familiar, I think it is Geranium.

    Alison, it was an old chandelier that a friend gave us and we turned it into a planter.

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  6. NicApril 7, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    I love the urn fountain! That Azalea is very interesting, too, I have never seen one with flowers that "spidery".

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  7. serial tillerApril 7, 2013 at 3:06 PM

    You will be our first stop on the tour, I'm so excited! This warm week ahead might speed up spring blooms a little.

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  8. HolleyGardenApril 7, 2013 at 6:05 PM

    Good luck on the tour. To me, it looks like you have a lot of blooms already, and some beautiful features. But I hope by then things are a bit warmer, and you have a lot of spring blooms, just so that you are satisfied. I absolutely love the chandelier planter.

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  9. RobinLApril 7, 2013 at 6:44 PM

    Well Phillip, I would be in a panic too! But somehow it all works out, and I'm sure it will be lovely. Good luck!

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  10. outlawgardenerApril 7, 2013 at 9:11 PM

    It's all lookig great Philip! Remember, the people who are comig to visit are gardeners too and they will come away with great ideas. Think of the plants that some folks will see for the first time in your garden, the wonderful garden memories that you're helping to create. Good for you for doing this!

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  11. Becca's DirtApril 8, 2013 at 8:07 AM

    Ooh I love that pot for the new fountain. That chandelier is stunning and what a great selection for a eye popping plant/flower. Hope you have a great turn out for the tour. I just updated my blog so check it out.

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  12. gardenenvyApril 8, 2013 at 2:24 PM

    I love love the lobelia in the chandelier! I want it! Jeannine

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  13. EveApril 8, 2013 at 4:25 PM

    Hoping to finally see your garden in person Phillip! Crossing my fingers for sure! Don't work too hard, let the garden do most of it!!! Good luck!

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  14. scottweberpdxApril 8, 2013 at 4:32 PM

    OMG...the idea of someone coming to my garden right now is horrifying!!! Yours looks amazing, though...I'm sure it will be a hit!

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  15. RebeccaApril 9, 2013 at 2:41 AM

    You all are SO ahead of us "up here"! Wish I could board a jet plane and be there for the garden walk!

    The chandelier planter is gorgeous... my fingers are itching to tuck a new plant or two between some rocks :)

    Enjoy & don't stress. It all looks fabulous.

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