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The 2024 Garden Year

January 19, 2024 January Our year started with snow, ice and frigid temperatures in mid-January. Our temperatures stayed below freezing for almost a week. I think it was the most consistent cold that we've experienced since moving here. Fortunately, it was a dry snow so there wasn't too much damage. Once again, we almost lost the azara and I'm afraid there would have been some breakage if I had not kept knocking the ice off. February 14, 2024 February In past years, it seems that inclement weather seems to hit around Michael's birthday in mid-February. After the January snow and ice, this month was actually quite tame. Nothing exciting to report - mostly birdwatching . Early flowers like hellebores, cyclamen and crocus begin to bloom in mid month. March 3, 2024 March I got into a walking routine which I'm happy to report I am continuing this year. You get to the point where you feel guilty if you miss a day. I do miss days occasionally but I'm learning that ...

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

Comments

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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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