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A Visit to Cistus Nursery

I rarely go to nurseries anymore since I work part-time at one and another reason being that I don't have much room for additional plants. When a garden fanatic runs out of room, the brain goes into overdrive, dreaming up ingenious ways to incorporate more plants. And another thing happens - a burning desire to obtain rare and unique plants. I've been moving plants around, a tricky process that has a domino effect. A plant is unhappy - it is getting too much shade or perhaps too much sun. There is a plant that did not get as large as you thought it would or it is just a slow grower and now it is hopelessly hidden behind a taller plant. Sometimes a plant is just a dud for reasons unknown (Rhododendron 'Golden Gate' anyone?). I find the plant in question a better home, but it means that another plant will have to be moved. And the merry-go-round continues to turn... However, for those plants that are to be discarded, a space opens up for a new one! I decided to move a Mou...
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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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