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10 June Favorites

Magnolia 'Kay Parris' With so much going on in the garden in June, it is hard to choose only ten favorites. I challenged myself and have done just that. These are plants that look good around the midway point in June, specifically from June 15-20.  I begin with Magnolia 'Kay Parris'. Believe it or not, having spent the majority of my life in the South, I never grew a magnolia. They are emblematic of the South, where magnificent specimens grace old plantation homes and stately homes in older neighborhoods. I always thought of magnolias as huge trees, not suited to a small garden, but things have changed, and more varieties are now available that are not supposed to grow as large.  We now have two magnolias in our garden, both of which were added recently. When one of the old photinias that line our back property line died, it left a gaping hole. I had been looking at magnolias at the nursery and decided a smaller one might make a good backdrop and create a good privacy s...
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Waiting for the Smoke to Clear


The week from hell continues! That windstorm that we got last Monday and Tuesday was just the beginning of a terrible week that seems to never end. The heat, drought and low humidity fueled wildfires all over the Pacific Northwest. Portland, just next door to us, has the worst air quality in the world. 

At first, the lighting took on a heavily filtered look that was eerie but not that intimidating. Notice the ominous clouds (this was taken last Wednesday evening) -

As the fires got closer, the light changed and everything was under a sickly orange haze (Friday) -







On Saturday, the smoke arrived and every day it just gets thicker. Taken yesterday -


Today seems a tad better but the air is still very unhealthy and we haven't seen the sun for three days now. The temperatures dropped dramatically and it has been downright chilly. We are not complaining about that though. We actually like it. Predicted rain for this evening (Monday) seems to be vanishing with every forecast (that happens a lot!) but the good news is that there is a slight chance of rain predicted for every day this week. 

The closest fires to us were at least 30 miles away - most were south of Portland. Many people in rural communities were affected and there were even some casualties. We are safe although who knows what lingering effects this smoke will have on people's health? I've experience some dizziness and light-headed periods and thought it was just low blood sugar but perhaps it is the weather conditions.

We are staying inside and have been watching "Agatha Christie's Marple" with Geraldine McEwan. Lots of beautiful colors, sets, architecture, gardens and costumes. It is gorgeous to look at and the acting is great too. It is a great way to take your mind off the news events happening all over the country now.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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