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Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back.  'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini
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Linda Ernst's Garden



In my previous post about Joanne Fuller's garden, I mentioned that we also toured her next-door neighbor Linda Ernst's garden. It too was fabulous. They share a gate in their back garden. In the following photo, you can see the open gate. The banana tree is on Joanne's side. Doesn't it look great behind Linda's wall?


We saw Linda's back garden first since we entered through the gate. The first thing I saw was a gorgeous 'Zuni' crape myrtle that had recently been planted. It was full of blooms. Apparently I did not get a photo of it. There was so much to see, I was overwhelmed.

Lots of vibrant colors and beautiful plantings. Notice the purple glass panels on the left wall? Linda does glass work. To the right is her studio -


Leaving the back garden, we entered the side garden which used to be a driveway.  The rose is a David Austin variety and Linda said it was a very good one (sorry I don't recall the name) - 



The neighbors on the other side put in a border of flowers that Linda maintains -


A view from the neighbor's side -


Advancing closer to the front garden -






Looking into the front garden from the side. The large tree is an Azara, the biggest I've ever seen -


Stunning pots and very good-looking hostas -


Overlooking the front garden (which is elevated from the street). The lush planting really gives a calming and cooling effect, especially on a hot day like this -


Ending the tour with this beautiful hydrangea - Aspera 'Plum Passion', a Dan Hinkley introduction. It was stunning -



Thanks to both Linda and Joanne for sharing their gardens, especially on a hot day! Both are very inspiring and open by appointment for HPSO members.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. AnonymousAugust 28, 2023 at 7:13 AM

    It is a gift to live next door to another avid gardener especially when you share garden sensibilities. These are vibrant summer gardens with great shade areas.
    I bet the scent of the Azara when it blooms in late winter is intoxicating.
    Chavli

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  2. Kris PetersonAugust 28, 2023 at 10:53 AM

    So wonderful when neighbors collaborate/cooperate like that! This floriferous garden is right up my alley. I appreciate that shallow rock-filled water feature in your first shot too.

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