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September Surprises

It is always a thrill to stumble across a plant that I may have forgotten about or one that does something unexpected. That has happened several times over the past weeks.  First, the vine pictured above is the Eastern Prince Schisandra vine ( Schinensis chinensis ), also known as "Magnolia Vine".  I purchased it in May of 2023 from One Green World in Portland. I don't know what attracted me to it, other than the fact that I'd never heard of it before and the description sounded nice.  I didn't forget about this plant; in fact, it has grown quite vigorously up an archway at the entrance to our woodland path. It shares space alongside the rose 'Lamarque'.  I did forget that it produces berries, so I was surprised when I looked up and saw them dangling over the top of the arbor.  The berries are used in Chinese medicine. They are called the "Five Flavor Berry" and said to have five flavors in one - sweet, salty, bitter, tangy and sour.  Chinese le...
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Open Gardens - Bostwick garden


I love seeing other people's gardens and the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon's Open Gardens is a terrific opportunity to see great gardens every weekend through October. I did not visit as many gardens last year as I did the first year I lived here so I hope to do some catching up this year.

This morning we drove to Clackamus to see Michael Bostwick's garden. This is a small garden inspired by the owner's hikes in the Pacific Northwest. A pathway leading from the side of the house and into the back area is bordered by raised beds that ends in a beautiful waterfall and pond. 

 There is a wide variety of plants, including dwarf conifers, maples, native plants, wildflowers, iris, trillium, orchids, hellebores,  shrubs and many unique perennials. 

 A huge sumac hangs over the waterfall. It was just beginning to leaf out. I am sure that this is a stunning site when all the leaves are open.

 Michael said that after this season, he would be moving the entire garden to a new location! The new garden will be on a larger property so I know he is going to have some exciting times ahead of him.



A clump of Merrybells (Uvularia grandifloria) and Candytuft (Iberis) grows on a raised berm above the waterfall. If you look closely, to the right of the Uvularia, you will see a white Lady Slipper Orchid.

Several beautiful Pacific Iris
Camassia







Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowApril 29, 2019 at 3:53 AM

    I can't imagine moving an entire garden. I can see why he would want all of those plants though. It is a beautiful space.

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  2. outlawgardenerApril 29, 2019 at 6:56 AM

    The beginning of open garden season is always a treat! This looks like a splendid garden & it'll be interesting to see what Michael does with his new space.

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  3. danger gardenApril 29, 2019 at 8:50 AM

    I've always meant to get out to see this garden, sounds like I'd better get a move on!

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  4. Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax!April 30, 2019 at 4:12 AM

    Moving a garden seems quite a challenge. Maybe the people who move into the house will be sad it has gone?

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