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The Garden Awakens

Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett

Thomas Vetter's Garden


 
Thomas Vetter's garden has been on my radar for some time. A few weeks ago, I finally got the chance to see it and it is in a word - FABULOUS! It was raining and the plants were weighted down with moisture so I do want to return on a drier day. Fortunately, Mr. Vetter opens his garden on numerous occasions throughout the Open Gardens program.


His garden is packed with beautiful plants in lovely combinations with contrasting textures. There are a lot of plants in this garden and he has displayed them in the most artistic ways. This is the garden I strive for and he used many of my favorite plants too. And what a nice guy - accompanying me in the rain with my mouth hanging open and kindly answering questions. This is a great garden to visit on the HPSO Open Gardens Tour. It will be open again on August 13th.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. What a sumptuous garden. I can see why you would want to emulate this. I would too. The layers, colors, textures all lure you in and captivate.

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  2. Beautiful plants beautifully displayed. He clearly has an eye for design.

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  3. His is one of my favorite gardens too! Thomas REALLY knows his plants. Beautiful post, and reminds me that I must get back out there. It seems like years ago.

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