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Arbutus Gardens

As we were touring Renee Moog's garden, another visitor told me that I should go to Arbutus Garden Arts, which was just down the road. I had no idea we were close but it was a garden I was familiar with and always wanted to visit. A pleasant surprise! Norm Jacobs is the owner, and he showed us around and answered questions. The garden is also a nursery and he propagates the plants. However, he says that he is in the process of retiring. My friend Linda bought an absolutely stunning weeping snowbell tree. I managed to discipline myself and only left with a groundcover, Erigeron pulchellus 'Meadow Muffin'. The garden is stunning with winding pathways surrounded by packed borders of mostly conifers and Japanese maples. I was enamored by the most beautiful specimen of Sourwood Tree ( Oxydendrum arboreum ). I have one that seems to be stunted, but Mr. Jacobs told me that they need space for their root zone and do not like competition. This could be my problem, as mine is surrou...
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Early Fall?


One of our local meterologists posted today that we are headed for an early fall. Music to my ears! It only got up to around 70 yesterday and we had an all-day marine layer. That hasn't happened in a long time. Today is equally tolerable and there has been some light rain showers.  Summer is my least favorite season so I'm happy to see it go.

On the minus side, August was one of the hottest on record for Portland and it is so dry that some plants in the garden are showing stress despite being watered. Relief is in sight - there is an 80% chance of rain on Thursday.

Some shots from the garden today -


Zinnias and Aster 'Kickin Purple'

Hibiscus 'Midnight Marvel'




Rose 'Buff Beauty'

Abelia 'Frances Mason' (a gift from Paul Bonine!)

Persicaria 'Blackfield'

Juniper 'All Gold'

Vernonia baldwinii (Western Ironweed) 



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonAugust 29, 2023 at 4:59 PM

    Your garden still looks very summery (and absolutely beautiful!) but I hope the prediction of an early fall is true. Summer is also my least favorite season and it's stifling here at the moment - we hit 97F this afternoon. I envy you that chance of rain.

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  2. Hoover BooAugust 29, 2023 at 8:28 PM

    I see some toasted Hosta, but overall your garden still looks fabulous. 'Buff Beauty' yes she is. 70F! Ahhhh, lovely gardening weather! We had 98F today. Not so Ahhhh. Hope you get a good rain.

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  3. JeanetteAugust 30, 2023 at 5:23 AM

    You have a beautiful garden. I, too, am ready for fall. Summer in North Texas as been extremely hot this year.

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  4. Patricia CAugust 30, 2023 at 8:07 AM

    You sure know how to knit a garden. Love seeing your posts. They are inspiring. Cheers

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  5. AnonymousAugust 30, 2023 at 8:28 AM

    Those juniper berries are great!
    The Hosta shot illustrates how some are more tolerant of sun than others. I transplanted a hosta to a morning sun-dappled shade and it's toasted. Others with greater exposure look fine, just like those in your picture.
    LOVE the stone Morrell mushroomll!
    Chavli

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