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Autumn Vibes

Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate' (Snakeroot) with Hydrangea 'Snow Queen' I love autumn - the crisp, cooler temperatures, the rain, and most of all, the fall colors. The year looks to be a nice one. I got back from a trip to Alabama last week and found that the colors were in full swing (unlike Alabama, where the temperatures were lovely with the exception of some mugginess but alas, no color at all).  Japanese Maples are the first thing I think of when autumn comes to mind. This one is 'Bihou' and one of the first to change color.  Acer palmatum 'Bihou' Other trees are beginning to change as well, including the Redbud 'Flame Thrower'.  'Flame Thrower' Redbud ( Cercis canadensis ) The star of the show now, however, is the Stewartia. It is just amazing and I remember it was beautiful last year as well. It's chief rivals, the Ginkgo and Black Tupelo, are only showing hints at the moment. Stewartia pseudocamellia The shady path - The most d...

Shakespeare Garden (at the Portland Rose Test Garden)



Near the bottom of the hill and off to the side of the Portland International Rose Test Garden is the Shakespeare Garden. There is a bust of Shakespeare under the archway in the above photo and I forgot to get a close-up of it. This charming little garden is filled with plants that appear in Shakepeare's works (ferns, hosta, hydrangea, boxwood, banana trees, fuchsias, calla lilies, etc.). Small weddings are often held here and it is easy to see why.

Notice the crow. There are crows all over Portland. I was bullied by one in the neighborhood where we stayed but that is another story.


Those shrub-sized fuchsias again!
 

 
 


 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. As always lovely photos. The hostas are glorious. I wish I could get mine to grow that big. We do need to hear the story of the crow! Enjoy the rest of your week. Blessings!

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  2. Such a beautiful garden!!. Love the hosta and ferns. I don't think I have seen a list of plants for a Shakespeare garden, so glad you included it..

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  3. Yeah, I can see why people were saying you would not want to leave... gorgeous garden!

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  4. Once again, it is all pretty. The banana tree looks a bit out of place to me but the crow looks right at home.

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  5. Photo 3 is my favorite, such a beautiful garden. Jeannine

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  6. Wait, we have more crows than other places? And one bullied you? Very interesting...

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  7. Beautiful photos. It looks like a lovely place to visit. I love the contrasting foliage between the ferns and the hosta.

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  8. Awwww These images make me want to be in COOL Oregon and out of HOT Texas!!!

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  9. It's so true, I don't know why the crows around here are so aggressive, the ones in our neighborhood are ridiculous! I've always been confused why there are bananas in that garden...they seem to incongruous with the "Shakespeare" theme.

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  10. Wow it's beautiful! One day I hope to travel the the pacific northwest I hear and see it is supposed to be a gardener's mecca! I can see why!

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