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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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Revisiting Thomas Vetter's Garden


Back in the day when I gazed longingly at photos of gardens in the Pacific Northwest, I would bet that I came across some of Thomas Vetter's gorgeous garden in Portland. I got the chance to see his garden in person three years ago and stopped by again last Sunday for another visit. It continues to inspire me and is one of my favorite gardens.


It was hot and the sun was bright on Sunday but there is a calming and cooling factor the minute you enter. 

At the driveway entrance, a large collection of potted plants greet you.


A pathway leads through the small front garden. His garden is jam-packed with plants, all artfully arranged with lovely combinations and contrasting textures.








 A narrow side garden leads to the back -



The back garden is a dream. 








Underneath a porch are more potted plants and a collection of succulents -



And, back in the corner, a towering locust (Robinia) . A big crow sat in it almost the entire time of my visit.


Thank you again for opening your garden to us Thomas. It is an artistic gem!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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  1. danger gardenJune 25, 2021 at 9:37 AM

    Thanks for the photos! I haven't managed to visit Thomas' garden for years, its still looking as wonderful as ever.

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  2. Kris PetersonJune 25, 2021 at 12:02 PM

    Beautiful indeed. The photos provide a sense of an enclave cloistered from the world around it. I'm glad you got a chance to tour it again before the heat descends on Portland.

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  3. Lisa at GreenbowJune 26, 2021 at 3:51 AM

    And thank you for sharing this artistic gem. I can see where you would get a lot of inspiration from this garden. It is beautiful.

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  4. chavlinessJune 27, 2021 at 5:54 AM

    Gorgeous garden! Thomas is masterful in layering plants perfectly for hight, texture and color. The covers porch is a jewel. Is it a climbing hydrangea in photo #5?

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