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May Trees

Redbud 'Flame Thrower' (Cercis canadensis) As May comes to an end, I thought I would share some trees that look good now.  First, the insanely beautiful 'Flame Thrower' redbud. I always hesitate to praise this tree because of their finicky nature. So far, so good on this one which is near our front door.  Snowbell and 'Wolf's Eyes' Dogwood in the background The Snowbell tree ( Styrax japonica ) has been spectacular for many weeks. I was up on the roof of the garden shed this morning and got an aerial view of it. It looks so much larger from above. The blooms are so heavy that the branches are bending down. A few years ago, I recall standing underneath it and the roar from bees buzzing around it was deafening. Last week, I was saddened to hear no bees at all. Fortunately, there are some a week later but not nearly as many as in the past. On the opposite side is 'Wolf's Eye' Dogwood ( Cornus kousa ) which always delivers. This is a small dogwood c...
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August blooms

nicotiana-fragrant-cloud


I missed the August Bloom Day because I was in Alabama. The garden looks decent despite the terrible weather. Portland broke the record for the number of days over 90 degrees - 29! Blah! That plus the fact that there has been little rain since June. Michael has been great at keeping everything watered. There would be lots of dead plants if not for him.

 We are now back to 70-ish temperatures and even had a light sprinkle last night. Still, no significant rain in the forecast.
artichoke
Artichoke blooms are finishing up.
 I think these would make interesting dried flowers. Anyone tried that?
allium-millineum
Just brought one of these home from work.
This is Allium 'Millinium', the Perennial of the Year for 2018. 

blanket-flower-lavender
Lavender and Blanket Flower
aster-kickin-purple
The asters are starting to bloom again. This one is 'Kickin' Purple'.
achillea-terra-cotta
Achillea (Yarrow) 'Terra Cotta'
candy-lily-2
Candy Lily (Iris x noorsii)
clematis-multi-blue
Clematis 'Multi-Blue'


clematis-multi-blue-2
The spent flowers are as pretty as the full ones.
clematis-proteus
Clematis 'Proteus' and Joe Pye Weed
fuchsia-cardinal
Fuchsia 'Cardinal'
hebe
An unidentified Hebe, Euphorbia myrsinites and Potentilla 'Fireball'
heliotrope
The first year I grew Heliotrope, the plants were robust. This year, they are rather puny but blooming well. I am not sure why. 
hydrangea-pistachio
Hydrangea 'Pistachio'

kniphofia-poco-sunset
Another new Kniphofia, this one called 'Poco Sunset'


pineapple-lily
Pineapple Lily (Eucomis), my first time growing these. 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowAugust 27, 2018 at 4:14 PM

    Yea for Michael! He sure kept things going while you were gone. I thought it had been awfully quiet out your way. I was hoping you weren't embroiled with the fires that seem to be everywhere out West. I see that you are growing some of those NW special flowers now. They always amaze me. My clematis 'Multi Blue' is rising from the dead. I need a Michael that waters. ;)

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  2. outlawgardenerAugust 27, 2018 at 7:37 PM

    Beautiful blooms! Did you visit your former garden while you were in Alabama?

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  3. RobinLAugust 27, 2018 at 7:59 PM

    I always enjoy seeing what unique plants you’ll be highlighting here, and as us, I wasn’t disappointed. That hydrangea has such interesting coloring! I’ve always wanted to grow an artichoke just for those flowers. And what’s a hebe? Never heard of it!

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverAugust 27, 2018 at 10:11 PM

      Robin, they are small shrubs (perennials?) that are evergreen and have small flowers. There are a lot of different types and some look different from others. They are a bit tender here and are tricky to grow.

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  4. UnknownMarch 17, 2019 at 12:25 PM

    Hi, Phil Iannarelli here. I see you got an ancient garden god sculpture to protect your garden. Hello again.

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