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A Visit to Cistus Nursery

I rarely go to nurseries anymore since I work part-time at one and another reason being that I don't have much room for additional plants. When a garden fanatic runs out of room, the brain goes into overdrive, dreaming up ingenious ways to incorporate more plants. And another thing happens - a burning desire to obtain rare and unique plants. I've been moving plants around, a tricky process that has a domino effect. A plant is unhappy - it is getting too much shade or perhaps too much sun. There is a plant that did not get as large as you thought it would or it is just a slow grower and now it is hopelessly hidden behind a taller plant. Sometimes a plant is just a dud for reasons unknown (Rhododendron 'Golden Gate' anyone?). I find the plant in question a better home, but it means that another plant will have to be moved. And the merry-go-round continues to turn... However, for those plants that are to be discarded, a space opens up for a new one! I decided to move a Mou...

Garden Clean-Up

Pieris 'Passion Frost'


After an unexpected and lengthy trip to Alabama, I am behind in the garden. Normally I would have the roses pruned by now. I'm only a few weeks late so I'm not in panic mode yet. I love this time of year when the roses, ornamental grasses and the dead stalks on the perennials can be cut back and carted away. The neat and tidy appearance of the garden appeals to me and the bare spaces give the promise of what is to come.

Being out in the garden for an extended period after months of indoor idleness makes me realize how out-of-shape I am. I see exercises, especially back exercises, in my future.

And finding a weather-friendly day to do this stuff is challenging. It is rare to get a full sunny day and if the sun makes an appearance at all, it will be after 11 before it does so. The temperatures are not going to warm up until the sun appears. It never fails that beautiful, sunny days always occur on days when you have to do something else (dental and eye appointments have been frequent lately). On the days that you do have time to venture out, it will usually be damp and dreary. End of rant.

All of these photos were taken in the front garden, where 90% of the chores are completed. I've already started in the back.







Another ritual - the pruning of the buddleia


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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