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The 2024 Garden Year

January 19, 2024 January Our year started with snow, ice and frigid temperatures in mid-January. Our temperatures stayed below freezing for almost a week. I think it was the most consistent cold that we've experienced since moving here. Fortunately, it was a dry snow so there wasn't too much damage. Once again, we almost lost the azara and I'm afraid there would have been some breakage if I had not kept knocking the ice off. February 14, 2024 February In past years, it seems that inclement weather seems to hit around Michael's birthday in mid-February. After the January snow and ice, this month was actually quite tame. Nothing exciting to report - mostly birdwatching . Early flowers like hellebores, cyclamen and crocus begin to bloom in mid month. March 3, 2024 March I got into a walking routine which I'm happy to report I am continuing this year. You get to the point where you feel guilty if you miss a day. I do miss days occasionally but I'm learning that ...
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Joy Creek Nursery

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This was my second visit to Joy Creek Nursery - the first being on my very first trip to Portland three years ago. It is my favorite nursery and far enough away (about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic) to keep me out of trouble. Their plant selection is incredible. They specialize in a number of plants - hydrangeas, fuchsias, clematis (just to name a few) - and they have a tremendous number of varieties.

Their display gardens are reason enough to visit even if you don't plant on buying plants (although I would dare you to leave without getting something - it is just too irresistible).


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The hydrangeas were at their peak this past weekend.

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This beautiful purple one (I did not see the name) looks great next to a stand of Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra).

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'Pia', a low growing variety, is on my wish list.

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I could not find the name of this powder-blue lacecap variety.

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Michael had a conniption over the pale violet hydrangea on the right. We could not find the name of it either and forgot to ask later.

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What a view! The nursery is located in Scappoose, Oregon, a rural area to the west of Portland.

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A viburnum literally covered with berries.

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Another plant I forgot to ask about. I love the ferny foliage on this shrub.

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The colorful coneflowers (Rudbeckia) were eye-popping. That is a rugosa rose in the background.

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We managed some restraint and came home with six plants. This was one of them - Calla Lily (Zantedeschia 'Flame'). I have started a list for my next visit!

Here is Michael standing next to what has to be one of the world's largest 'Annabelle' hydrangeas!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 7, 2016 at 10:31 AM

    Wow,that Annabelle is huge. Mine has never been that tall. It does spread wider yearly. I don't mind because she is so pretty. Love that flame calla lily. I have a bright yellow one that lives here. I was surprised that it wintered over. I am tempted to move it to a different place so I can see it more easily. I am afraid to move it because it might not live. I have a favorite nursery but it is an hour and 45 minutes away. Thank goodness. I make a pilgrimage there every spring.

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  2. chavlinessJuly 7, 2016 at 5:04 PM

    What a beautiful collection of Hydrangeas, truly hard to pick a favorite. The orange Calla Lili is gorgeous! I especially with the spiky purple something-or-other in front of it (veronica?). You came home with 6 plants and no picture of your haul?

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  3. NicJuly 12, 2016 at 7:11 PM

    I have mail-ordered quite a few things from them and have been so happy with the service and good prices. Nice to see that the place also looks awesome.

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  4. Hoover BooJuly 13, 2016 at 3:11 PM

    Ah, sigh! So beautiful. The photo of the orange callas with the purple veronica(?) below and purple clematis above--oooh!

    Yes, we have to see what plants you got. This is garden blogging: there are rules. ;^)

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  5. EveJuly 13, 2016 at 6:24 PM

    Wow! Just amazing plants. Sigh......

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