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March Treasures

Camellia 'Magnoliaflora' and Pieris 'Valley Rose' Buds are budding, flowers are emerging, and the garden is getting greener. Excitement builds! It seems like it is all happening too soon and that is probably the case since the winter has been so mild. There are also mutterings about a "false spring" which is certainly understandable. It is not uncommon here to get a big snow in April. It has happened many times since we've lived here.  Proceed with caution... I would not dream of putting any delicate plants out yet so they will remain in the garage. However, there is a flurry of activities that needs to be done. Rose pruning, cutting back perennials and grasses, transplanting, etc. etc.  It is all worth it - the garden rewards - Crocus Daffodils Anenome Hellebore Camellia 'Donation' Euphorbia wulfenii Tree Heath ( Erica arborea ) Hebe 'Pretty in Pink' Pieris 'Valley Rose' Pieris 'Passion Frost' And last, but certainly not le...
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Hail To The No!

Rhododendron 'Blue Baron'


After yesterday's snowstorm, we had a bone-chilling day today with a few sunny spots. This afternoon, a freakish hail storm or so I thought - apparently it was graupel? A new term for me. Tomorrow's forecast? Snow in the morning but hopefully nothing like the one yesterday. 

Get a load of this -



Viewing the aftermath from yesterday's snow, it was comforting to see that the garden had rebounded nicely. I suppose that most of us underestimate the resiliency of plants even after working with them for decades. Our tendency is to panic and expect the worst but I now always think about a phrase that a co-worker tells customers - "Plants want to live!" 

I didn't spend much time outside today because it was cold and wet but I did get the Azara (Azara microphylla) upright again.

Yesterday -




Today! -



It wasn't bad at all. I picked it right up and used a large stake to secure it. I didn't feel any roots as I lifted it and I wonder about what kind of root system this tree has - apparently not significant which might explain why it fell. There is a section of bark off the trunk missing and I'm not sure if it were already like this - 



The Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) received the most damage with at least three large limbs broken off. It was so full and lush and now there is an obvious hole on one side. There is really nothing to do about it except wait and hope for new growth to develop. 


By all accounts, a freakish April. Winter is reluctant to depart ways as the forecast for the next seven days looks chilly and wet.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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