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May Trees

Redbud 'Flame Thrower' (Cercis canadensis) As May comes to an end, I thought I would share some trees that look good now.  First, the insanely beautiful 'Flame Thrower' redbud. I always hesitate to praise this tree because of their finicky nature. So far, so good on this one which is near our front door.  Snowbell and 'Wolf's Eyes' Dogwood in the background The Snowbell tree ( Styrax japonica ) has been spectacular for many weeks. I was up on the roof of the garden shed this morning and got an aerial view of it. It looks so much larger from above. The blooms are so heavy that the branches are bending down. A few years ago, I recall standing underneath it and the roar from bees buzzing around it was deafening. Last week, I was saddened to hear no bees at all. Fortunately, there are some a week later but not nearly as many as in the past. On the opposite side is 'Wolf's Eye' Dogwood ( Cornus kousa ) which always delivers. This is a small dogwood c...

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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