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Clark County Mini-Tour

It is a rare rainy day here in August (or more accurately, a wet, drizzly day). That means a break from watering and a good chance to catch up on blogging and other computer-related tasks. Before I continue with my England tour highlights, I wanted to share photos from this past Sunday's mini-tour of four gardens here in Clark County (an event sponsored by HPSO - Hardy Plant Society of Oregon). I saw three of the gardens on Sunday. I had already visited the fourth one, Lynne Heidsiek's native habitat garden, when she was part of the Study Weekend tour that we were on.  Our first stop was the marvelous shade garden of Margaret Stapenhorst. A bluestone patio is surrounded by towering mature trees that shade a woodland garden. There was a fern table and a moss garden, as well as garden art by Steve Farris. Loved, loved the waterfall. This is what I'd like to do in our front garden, but I don't know if we have the room. Just a few streets over is the garden of Eloise and Bo...
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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.

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete

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