Arbutus Gardens
As we were touring Renee Moog's garden, another visitor told me that I should go to Arbutus Garden Arts, which was just down the road. I had no idea we were close but it was a garden I was familiar with and always wanted to visit. A pleasant surprise! Norm Jacobs is the owner, and he showed us around and answered questions. The garden is also a nursery and he propagates the plants. However, he says that he is in the process of retiring. My friend Linda bought an absolutely stunning weeping snowbell tree. I managed to discipline myself and only left with a groundcover, Erigeron pulchellus 'Meadow Muffin'. The garden is stunning with winding pathways surrounded by packed borders of mostly conifers and Japanese maples. I was enamored by the most beautiful specimen of Sourwood Tree ( Oxydendrum arboreum ). I have one that seems to be stunted, but Mr. Jacobs told me that they need space for their root zone and do not like competition. This could be my problem, as mine is surrou...
Wow, look at all that GREEN. Even tho we have had above normal temps we don't have this much green. Your new garden (life) sounds so exciting. I can't wait to see it all transpire. Good luck with the house closing. First things first.
ReplyDeletePhillip, you are going to love it, and that includes the rain, fog, moss, drought tolerant plants... After moving to the PNW 23 years ago, my first impression was how beautifully dynamic it was_ still is.
ReplyDeleteOur former neighbor is from Alabama (there now for Christmas with family) and has since sold their home and moving from OR to Spokane. There is something about the Pacific northwest that beckons. And I know your garden here will be as spectacular as it was back east.
So very exciting Phillip!! I am so looking forward to following this adventure!
ReplyDeleteWinter can be a rough time to acclimatize to the PNW. One time, my dentist told me that he'd come here for school and got work as a bike messenger...in Winter...in hilly Seattle. That must have been rough--I'm surprised he stuck it out. But, you already know that your patience during Winter will be rewarded with a long and beautiful Summer. I've got my fingers crossed that your home purchase continues to move along peacefully.
ReplyDeleteForest Park is amazing! Love it. To see landscape plants, visit McMenamins at Kennedy School and at Edgefield. If you want to go with me sometime, I can try to ID the plants. amycampion at outlook dot com. Also know that there is a knowledgeable and very welcoming group of gardeners here! I think you've already experienced some of that, but email me and I'll give you some more contacts. And you must join HPSO! Welcome to the area. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, that would be great! What is HPSO?
DeleteKetzel Levine also has a sweet little book called Plant This.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for your house and future garden! And if you can make it through this December everything else will be a breeze...
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely post Phillip. And your photos are amazing. I love forest park. I agree with Amy. Mcmenamins Edgefield and Kennedy School have really interesting landscaping. I can't wait to see the results of your gardening here.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, hang in there! I'm so looking forward to your new adventures. Your photographs are beautiful. Hope 2016 is the best!!
ReplyDeleteLove the mossy tree photos, Phillip!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your new adventures in gardening and in life :)
PS - Yes, it's been crazy warm in the Southeast so far this winter. Lots of days with temps in the 60s or even 70s in Nashville. Strong winds (15-30 mph) seemingly every day. Tulips, daffodils, winter jasmine all blooming in my garden. Even a reblooming azalea sending out some flowers. And today I just saw what I think may be an ornamental plum and ornamental pear in bloom in my neighbor's garden!
What an exciting time for you Philip! I bet you are counting the days until you are in your new home, contemplating a brand new garden! Happy new year to you !
ReplyDelete