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Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back.  'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini
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Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, Salt Lake CIty, Utah


After spending the first night in St. Joseph, Missouri, we trekked up through the rest of Missouri, barely skirted the southwest corner of Iowa and then drove across Nebraska (what a wide state that is!), with a brief stop for a visit to the Sunken Gardens in Lincoln. We entered Wyoming later that evening and stayed the second night in Laramie.

On day 3, we drove across Wyoming, Utah and stopped for the 3rd night in Twin Falls, Idaho. A slight diversion to Salt Lake City for a visit to the Red Butte Gardens and Arboretum in Salt Lake City, Utah. A revelation on this trip - I did not know that Wyoming, Utah and Idaho were such beautiful states! The red-hued rock formations, cliffs, mountains, etc. were stunning. 

The Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City was one of my favorites. It is an absolutely beautiful and well-cared for garden. Red Butte is operated by the University of Utah, in the foothills of the Wasatch Range.We arrived in the afternoon on a brisk, cool day with a brilliant blue sky overhead. The gardens are located on a hillside with spectacular views of the city below and the mountain ranges above and behind it.

The garden has an extensive collection of conifers (69 species), ornamental grasses (30 species), a native plant area and many specimens of roses, viburnums, penstemon, and other perennials. The beauty of the garden, for me, was the way they had used these plants in creative settings. It is a memorable garden and one that I wish I had more time to explore. If you are ever in Salt Lake City, be sure to visit this beautiful place. I hope to go there again one day.

I kept noticing that the people working in the garden were all younger people and then it occurred to me that they were college students. I wonder if they realize how lucky they are to work in such a glorious place?


























Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowNovember 14, 2014 at 12:46 PM

    What a beautiful place. Any place that has mountains for a backdrop is gorgeous in my opinion. I can't imagine all those different conifers. It would take you days to see them all. Wonderful place.

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  2. debsgardenNovember 14, 2014 at 5:33 PM

    Wow, that is some serious eye candy! I am reminded that there must be many special places across the country unknown to me. Certainly I had never heard of this garden, but I can find inspiration in many of your photos, especially the artful interweaving of grasses, shrubs and perennials. I love the statue of the stag.

    Yes, we had a hard freeze last night, with similar temps expected over the next week. The foliage has been so beautiful, but I am afraid this will do it in. Winter comes!

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  3. Casa MariposaNovember 15, 2014 at 6:23 AM

    Absolutely gorgeous!! What a stunning garden. Have fun in Portland. Is that where you're moving?

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  4. Tante MaliNovember 15, 2014 at 10:47 AM

    What fantastic pictures of a fantastic part of this world. A fire work of colours! You're photos make my grey november days sunny and bright. Never have been there so I realy enjoy your post!
    Have a happy time and all my best from Austria
    Elisabeth

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  5. sweetbayNovember 15, 2014 at 11:14 AM

    Agree with Lisa and Deb, what a beautiful place! I haven't been out West since I was a kid but I remember well all of the gorgeous scenery in Utah. I love the contrast of the lust gardens with the green and taupe hills.

    Your photos are spectacular.

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  6. LesNovember 15, 2014 at 12:00 PM

    Thanks for adding another item to my bucket list. The photography is stunning.

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  7. Cyndia MontgomeryNovember 15, 2014 at 4:18 PM

    Looks like y'all went at the perfect time! Such gorgeous colors!

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  8. Steve B.November 16, 2014 at 5:52 PM

    Stunning pictures of a stunning garden! I hope to visit it one day, thanks to your pictures and commentary.

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  9. NicNovember 17, 2014 at 4:03 AM

    Very pretty, and so nicely nestled into the landscape!

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  10. Lisa BlairNovember 22, 2014 at 2:36 PM

    Geez, this is gorgeous. I'm loving all the grasses. Thank you so much for sharing all these wonderful photos of your travels.

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  11. RobinLNovember 23, 2014 at 5:58 PM

    Wow, and again I say, wow! That is one of the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen. I don't know if it's because it's fall, but seriously, it's amazing. I've just put it on my bucket list.

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