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Strawberry Tree

Since moving to Washington, I have discovered a great number of new trees. One of my favorites is the Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo ). It is a four-season tree with semi-glossy evergreen leaves and lovely mahogany bark. In autumn, clusters of white flowers appear, bearing a resemblance to Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. And then there are the little fruits, which resemble strawberries that appear at the same time as the flowers. I am not sure why, but I have only seen a few fruits on ours. I don't know if birds are getting them before I see them or what happens. The fruits are said to be edible but not very tasty (to humans). This year, our tree is loaded with flowers, the most I've ever seen. Bees absolutely love it and so do the hummingbirds. The flowers usually continue to appear straight through winter, and it can be blooming even during the coldest periods of winter. Aside from the fact that I have not seen much of the colorful fruits, the major negative note is the fact tha
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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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Comments

  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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