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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...
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Pruning the St. John's Wort


The St. John's Wort (Hypericum 'Pumpkin') was one of my favorite shrubs last summer, a real stunner in early July. I'm hoping for a repeat this year and pruned it a few days ago. I had planned to take it back about halfway but after watching some videos, I found that most people cut it completely back to the ground. Which is what I did.

Before -


 

 And after -

Another good reason for pruning it is to be able to see Rhododendron 'PJM'. It looks puny here but since this was taken, the blooms have opened more and it is looking better. Maybe it felt crowded.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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Comments

  1. chavlinessMarch 29, 2021 at 7:48 AM

    You are a brave soul. A second "after" photo in early July is a must.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kris PetersonMarch 29, 2021 at 2:22 PM

    Wow. St John's Wort never grew like that in my garden. I hope you get another fabulous summer display.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lisa at GreenbowMarch 30, 2021 at 2:22 AM

    Gosh I wonder if my St John's Wort will get this big?? I doubt it but glad to know you can cut it down if need be.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hoover BooApril 1, 2021 at 8:50 AM

    It's a beauty. Great it can take a total refresh. Yes, a July photo will be a must.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dorothy BordersApril 3, 2021 at 9:43 AM

    That St. John's wort was a beauty in bloom. I've tried growing it before but never that successfully. Obviously, it is happy in your garden.

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  6. Karin / Southern MeadowsApril 7, 2021 at 5:05 PM

    I have never prunned my St. John's wort. Maybe I need to try it on one of mine and see how it performs. Mine SJW have gotten rust in the past and then they slowly decline.

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