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A visit to Chickadee Gardens

I was excited to finally get to see Chickadee Gardens last week. I have followed Tamara's blog  for years. She and her husband garden on 2 acres in Saint Helens, Oregon.  When you look at the map, it appears that St. Helens is directly across the Columbia River and slightly to the north of us. However, there is no convenient bridge to get over to the Oregon side. You must go north to Ridgefield, Washington (about 30 minutes north of our house) and go across there  or travel through Portland and then go north through Scappoose. Either way, it is about a 45 minute drive. I decided to try the Ridgefield route and I was glad I did. Not only did I not have to contend with Portland traffic (it was Rose Parade weekend), I got to see country on the Oregon side that was new to me.  Tamara used to work at the beautiful Joy Creek Nursery (my favorite, but alas they are now closed) and she now works part-time at Cistus Nursery.  She focuses on native plants and sustainabili...
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The 2023 Gardening Calendar

A look back at 2023 and one image from every month of the year -

January 
 It can be a challenge to find worthy garden subjects to photograph in January but 'Chief Joseph' Lodgepole Pine is at its most glorious time of the year. (Photo taken January 11, 2023)


February
Snowdrops are usually the first blooms of the season
(Photo taken February 9, Michael's b-day)


March
The Boxleaf Azara put on the biggest show yet this year.  The tiny yellow flowers are hardly noticeable except for the vanilla/chocolate scent that perfumes the entire garden. (March 27)

April
The pathway in the front garden - things are beginning to look a little greener.
(April 11)

May
Taken on the last day of May, roses on the pergola and arches (May 31)



June
The front pathway again, seen from the opposite side (June 10)


July
The gravel garden in front of the pergola (July 17)


August
By the time August comes around, the borders begin to take on that overgrown look. (Aug. 9)


September    
Flamingos, hydrangeas and fuchsias by the garden wall (Sept. 21)

October
Planting along the driveway (Oct. 13)

November
The fall colors were amazing this year. This one is 'Osakazuki'. (Nov. 9)


December
Euphorbia 'Miner's Merlot' (Dec. 8)



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 29, 2023 at 4:36 PM

    Stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kris PetersonDecember 29, 2023 at 4:51 PM

    You were MUCH more restrained than I was with my own year-end review, Phillip! Your garden is luscious every month of the year.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousDecember 30, 2023 at 9:26 AM

    It must be a challenge to pick just one photo for each month; I know how lush and exuberant your garden is... I love the one from July: The gravel garden in front of the pergola, and always enjoy seeing Wolf-Eyes Dogwood, the Azara and Chief Josef. You have some magnificent trees.
    Chavli

    ReplyDelete
  4. HummingbirdDecember 30, 2023 at 11:31 AM

    So, so beautiful, Phillip! Your garden looks wonderful all year! Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  5. ElaineDecember 30, 2023 at 2:13 PM

    Wow those are some stunning photos of a gorgeous garden. Another gardening year coming to a close so hoping 2024 will be kind to you and your garden.

    ReplyDelete
  6. https://tzgarden.blogspot.com/January 3, 2024 at 12:27 PM

    Of all the "pictures of 2023" gardens I've seen, yours is my favorite. Such a beautiful garden.

    ReplyDelete
  7. PhillipJanuary 3, 2024 at 12:49 PM

    Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete

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