Fall color

I just returned home this week after a ten day visit to Alabama. The fall color there had not started yet but it is really beginning to show out here in the Pacific Northwest. 

Greeting me at the driveway entrance is Kelsey's Dwarf Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea 'Kelseyi'). This small shrub was already here when we moved in. It is located in the most inhospitable site - a dry bed, next to the driveway and road, and in full blazing sun. When I finally identified the shrub, I was told that it is a lover of moist and wet soils. Well, I beg to differ!

 
More dogwoods -

Our beloved 'Wolf Eyes' which we also grew in Alabama. I never noticed such pink coloring in our previous garden but it is definitely pink here. It has suffered from sun scorch but it appears to be growing and it bloomed spectacularly this spring.

Dogwood 'Celestial Shadow' is another tree suffering from too much sun in our shade-deprived garden.

The existing dogwood in the back, the pink-flowering variety, is the largest tree in our garden.

On to more trees -

I just added this Dakota Pinnacle Birch (Betula platyphylla 'Fargo'). It is supposed to grow tall and narrow. I am very pleased with the fall color. I was discouraged by many about planting a Birch tree because of their propensity to borers and other diseases. Fingers crossed...

Betula platyphylla 'Fargo'

Another new tree for us - Japanese Maple 'Osakazuki'. There are so many varieties to choose from and it easily becomes overwhelming. I loved the shape and form of this one at the nursery and it is reputed to be one of the best reds.

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

Planted last year, Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) has not grown much but the color and flowers have been very nice.

Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum)

Some shrubs -

This Korean Lilac (Springa meyeri 'Palibin') was another plant already in existence when we arrived. It is lovely in the spring and the fall color is quite spectacular. I don't recall noticing it last year.

Korean Lilac (Springa meyeri 'Palibin')

Rhododendron 'PJM'

Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)

Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'

Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry')

Blue Star (Amsonia hubrechtii) and Geranium 'Rozanne'

And I cannot resist throwing a flower in - Aster 'Monte Casino White', from Joy Creek Nursery, just beginning to bloom -

Aster pringlei 'Monte Casino White'

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy