The temperatures are hovering in the 40s and the rains have started. A windstorm is predicted on Friday. All of these factors will likely bring an end to the leaves and the fall color. It is all too brief!
I was fortunate to get a fall color fix by visiting Shari MacDonald and John Hembroff's stunning garden in Portland a few weeks ago.
Before entering the front gate, there is lots to see right on the curb with cherry trees and Japanese maples bursting with color -
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Acer palmatum 'Beni Otake'
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An impressive feature in Shari and John's garden is the magnificent rock work. Huge boulders on raised berms encompass a waterfall and stream that make a dramatic feature in the courtyard entryway. It is all beautifully landscaped with Japanese maples, conifers, rhododendron, hosta, ferns and grasses -
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Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolim'
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Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolim'
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Phyllostachys vivax 'Huangwenzhu Inversa'
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Rhododendron 'Blattgold'
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Towering pine trees rise above the canopy of the garden -
Moving to the back garden - a lovely calm oasis -
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Rhododendron ponticum 'Variegatum' and Rhododendron 'Ebony Pearl'
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| Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' |
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Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' and a very healthy Podophyllum 'Spotty Dotty' -
Shari says the key is growing them in pots. I plan to move mine after seeing hers.
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Striped Bamboo Fern (Coniograrnme emeiensis 'Golden Zebra')
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Shari and John, thank you sharing your beautiful garden and I hope to see it again in the spring!
Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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