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Arbutus Gardens

As we were touring Renee Moog's garden, another visitor told me that I should go to Arbutus Garden Arts, which was just down the road. I had no idea we were close but it was a garden I was familiar with and always wanted to visit. A pleasant surprise! Norm Jacobs is the owner, and he showed us around and answered questions. The garden is also a nursery and he propagates the plants. However, he says that he is in the process of retiring. My friend Linda bought an absolutely stunning weeping snowbell tree. I managed to discipline myself and only left with a groundcover, Erigeron pulchellus 'Meadow Muffin'. The garden is stunning with winding pathways surrounded by packed borders of mostly conifers and Japanese maples. I was enamored by the most beautiful specimen of Sourwood Tree ( Oxydendrum arboreum ). I have one that seems to be stunted, but Mr. Jacobs told me that they need space for their root zone and do not like competition. This could be my problem, as mine is surrou...

Wide Shot Wednesday


Here is a wide shot of the pergola and courtyard area that we've been working on this year. Eventually we want more shade in this area. The pergola itself is already partially shaded by the apple tree on the back right and the hedge of photinia all the way across. In the front area, I've planted a Stewartia, which is visible at the left and a Japanese maple 'Osakazuki' on the right. Not visible in the photo are an Azara and a Black Tupelo (Nyssa).

Notice everything is wet! July is normally the driest month here but we have already received an inch or two. It was a bit muggy today but the high was only 73. 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I love this area. It is really coming together. I bet your little pond looks sweet there in the courtyard looking at it from the pergola. How nice to have some wet in July for your garden. Our high yesterday was 96 and I don't have to tell you what the heat index was. UGH... it is to be a cool?? 86 here today. I am not even going to think about the heat index. Seeing all of your plants makes me want to get out there and start planting more.

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  2. It's very beautiful. As the trees grow it will get even better.

    Nice flamingo, too!

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  3. You will have very happy friends and family sitting around the table, under the pergola, sipping refreshments.
    Is it begonia bonfire in the hanging planters? I love it.

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  4. Your garden has progressed so much in the past couple of years. This pergola area is gorgeous!

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