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September Surprises

It is always a thrill to stumble across a plant that I may have forgotten about or one that does something unexpected. That has happened several times over the past weeks.  First, the vine pictured above is the Eastern Prince Schisandra vine ( Schinensis chinensis ), also known as "Magnolia Vine".  I purchased it in May of 2023 from One Green World in Portland. I don't know what attracted me to it, other than the fact that I'd never heard of it before and the description sounded nice.  I didn't forget about this plant; in fact, it has grown quite vigorously up an archway at the entrance to our woodland path. It shares space alongside the rose 'Lamarque'.  I did forget that it produces berries, so I was surprised when I looked up and saw them dangling over the top of the arbor.  The berries are used in Chinese medicine. They are called the "Five Flavor Berry" and said to have five flavors in one - sweet, salty, bitter, tangy and sour.  Chinese le...
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Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

I don't know where Portland ranks when it comes to public parks but they have to be near the top of the list. According to Wikipedia, there are at least 279 public parks covering more than 10,000 acres. Pier Park, located in the St. Johns neighborhood, covers around 87 acres. It is characterized by mature evergreen trees. Our friends - Todd, Rebecca and McKenzie, who moved to Portland from Florence, Alabama last year - live just a few blocks from this park. Rebecca walks her neighbor's dogs here every day. The park is popular for walkers, joggers and fans of frisbee golf. The NBC televison series "Grimm" also films scenes here.


Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowNovember 24, 2014 at 2:50 PM

    It makes you want to live there.

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  2. outlawgardenerNovember 25, 2014 at 7:33 AM

    A beautiful park! Those trees, the incredible bark, the fern covered roof of the brick building are wonderful. When will you be calling Portland your home?

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  3. Edith KentNovember 25, 2014 at 8:11 AM

    Just beautiful!

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  4. AaronNovember 25, 2014 at 12:43 PM

    Picture #4 is a work of art! Great job, Phillip!

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  5. sweetbayNovember 25, 2014 at 1:05 PM

    Oregon is an amazing place.

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  6. debsgardenNovember 26, 2014 at 4:56 PM

    Another wonderful park in Portland! My lucky son lives there and likes to show me all the great places when I visit. There is never enough time!

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