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September Surprises

It is always a thrill to stumble across a plant that I may have forgotten about or one that does something unexpected. That has happened several times over the past weeks.  First, the vine pictured above is the Eastern Prince Schisandra vine ( Schinensis chinensis ), also known as "Magnolia Vine".  I purchased it in May of 2023 from One Green World in Portland. I don't know what attracted me to it, other than the fact that I'd never heard of it before and the description sounded nice.  I didn't forget about this plant; in fact, it has grown quite vigorously up an archway at the entrance to our woodland path. It shares space alongside the rose 'Lamarque'.  I did forget that it produces berries, so I was surprised when I looked up and saw them dangling over the top of the arbor.  The berries are used in Chinese medicine. They are called the "Five Flavor Berry" and said to have five flavors in one - sweet, salty, bitter, tangy and sour.  Chinese le...
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In Between Rains & Spreading Manure

'Chief Joseph' Pine (Pinus contorta)

It has been so wet and cold that I have done very little in the garden. I need to get on the ball and yesterday and today provided a much-needed break from the rain. The sun even came out today. I got a load of horse manure from Southridge Farms, a place that my boss had recommended. It is just a short drive from my house and the manure is beautiful -



I spent the day emptying my truck, one bucket-full at a time, and placing it in strategic places. Around the roses for sure. Notice the dead canes coming from the bottom. These need to be cut out completely. Another chore for another day.



'Chief Joseph' Pine (at the top of the page), so beautiful right now. As is Arctostaphylos 'Sunset' -



And Eastern Hemlock 'Golden Duchess' (Tsuga cadensis 'MonKinn') -



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Kris PetersonJanuary 11, 2023 at 8:35 PM

    I'm glad you got a break from the rain - and some sun! We're supposed to get a 3-day break (counting today) but I've put off having a truckload of compost delivered until this series of storms is over as it takes days for me to distribute it (on top of the usual lag in getting a delivery date).

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2023 at 5:36 AM

    I envy you that load of manure. I really like the yellow/green foliage with the dark blue sky in the background. Happy day in winter when it iswarm and dry enough to get a few chores done. The list will get longer no doubt.

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  3. Hoover BooJanuary 15, 2023 at 6:09 AM

    That is indeed beautiful Amendment, and a beautiful Arctostaphylos.

    For gardeners, trucks do come in handy!

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  4. Anna KJanuary 15, 2023 at 3:06 PM

    Good for you for getting out there - even a little bit. I had a new project to measure, but called it off to a more suitable weekend, weather wise. Spent the weekend playing in the kitchen instead. Not sure what kind of baking demon has gotten hold of me... LOL!

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