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The Garden Awakens

Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett
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Joy Creek Nursery




I've been familiar with Joy Creek Nursery for a long time but I don't think I've ever ordered from them. I don't know why since hydrangeas are one of their specialties! They are located about 20 miles north of Portland and we drove up there on Saturday afternoon. It was a bright sunny day with not a cloud in the blue sky and it was unseasonably warm.

 I did wind up buying a plant - Hydrangea "Oregon Pride" - but I spent most of my time wandering through the incredible display gardens and taking photos. I don't know what a lot of these plants are and I didn't take any notes or ask many questions. The nursery was very busy with customers and a workshop was going on.

Of course, one of the treats was getting to see some fabulous plants that don't grow well here in Alabama.
























Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. F CameronJuly 8, 2013 at 7:12 PM

    I've never ordered from them, but the photos are so inspiring. Lovely.

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  2. F CameronJuly 8, 2013 at 7:13 PM

    Lovely photos. I've never ordered from them, but I've heard of the nursery.

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  3. Sammie070502July 8, 2013 at 7:57 PM

    I believe your mystery plant (iris-like with yellow flowers along the stem) is Sisyrinchium striatum.
    --Emily

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  4. AlisonJuly 8, 2013 at 8:34 PM

    I think Mike, one of the owners, lives in the house with Yowler. You did see the orange tiger cat Yowler, didn't you? He's quite a character. They do have a wonderful display garden. You really have to come to the Fling next year in Portland. You'll learn what all these cool plants are!

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  5. David OliverJuly 8, 2013 at 11:52 PM

    For your sake it was a pity they were busy and you couldn't chat with anyone who worked there. I think those white flowers are pretty and they remind me of lilies - upside down lilies but still...

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  6. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 9, 2013 at 4:19 AM

    I bet you came away from there with a bad case of plant envy.

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  7. ProfessorRoushJuly 9, 2013 at 6:17 AM

    The delphiniums on the West Coast make me cry. The Blue Himalayan Poppies make me wail.

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  8. Sue EllenJuly 9, 2013 at 7:08 AM

    I think your white lily picture is Lilium maragon (Turk's Cap lily). I have wanted to try these but haven't yet. They are supposed to grow in light shade and I have seen pictures of them with hosta.

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  9. outlawgardenerJuly 9, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    Glad you got to visit this special nursery while you were in the area! I agree with Alison that it would be great to see you at next year's garden bloggers fling in Portland!

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  10. CommonWeederJuly 9, 2013 at 9:05 AM

    It is wonderful to visit nurseries like this. So inspiring. I live near Nasami Farm, the propagation arm of the New England Wildflower Society. Lucky me!

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  11. JenJuly 9, 2013 at 1:58 PM

    Can you tell I grew up in the south? I had NO idea fushias could get shrub sized.... I'm shocked! I have always had plant envy for fushias, so beautiful! Great pictures, looks like you were there at a perfect time for photo ops.

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  12. LostRosesJuly 9, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    Those fuchsias get me every time - so lush, so colorful, so messy as they drop spent blooms on my porch floor. But worth putting up with! What fun to visit a new nursery, Phillip.

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  13. Cerberus German shepherdsJuly 9, 2013 at 8:36 PM

    Good for you! I managed to keep most things alive last year...two of things (out of about 5) that I managed to kill were delphiniums and fushias..I'm in awe.

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