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Planting Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)

I don't believe I have ever grown autumn crocus ( colchicum - I love to say that word) -  although we did inherit one when we moved into this house. I moved it, and apparently it did not like that because I never saw it again. I have always wanted to grow it, but I always think about it at the wrong time of year. Plus, I never see it at nurseries (not even at Yard N' Garden Land). When a friend offered me some, I said YES. She gave me one special one called "Waterlily" and several that I guess we would call the  "average one".  'Waterlily' The question then was where on earth would I would plant them. I read that they are nice in grassy areas so I then decided to plant them along the grassy pathway in front. (This pathway is about to become a gravel pathway as I am refusing to water it daily. Michael wins this battle and gets to do the "told you so" dance .) I decided to tuck the primo one at the corner of the path next to this pot. Diggin...
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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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Comments

  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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