Garden Open Day
Saturday, June 1 10 - 3
Posts
Chilean Fire Bush - a hidden jewel in our garden
It is heartbreaking that this beauty is hidden in our garden but at least the hummingbirds have found it. Hidden because it is planted behind a 7 feet tall rose. I planted it there because I was under the impression that it would become a tree. It can indeed become a tree and there is one growing about a mile from our house that is around 20 feet tall. In our garden, it is taking its sweet time and is only 4 feet tall after being planted seven years ago (2017). It did not begin to bloom until its fifth year and this is the first year flowering has been so profuse. Whenever I think about this plant, I always remember what the Gosslers said in their book "The Gossler Guide to the Best Hardy Shrubs". I quote it here: "Since this plant comes from southern Chile, we begin with a word of warning: it will not grow anywhere in the United States outside western Washington, Oregon and northern California. People wanting to grow E. coccineum in the eastern part of the country will...
The Wet, Wet Garden
After worrying about the rain deficit (we were below normal for April), Mother Nature generously rewarded us with an abundance of rain this past week. I am not going to complain although I do wish it would skip my off-days. Today (Saturday) is an especially wet day. I ventured out briefly and took a few shots. The plants grow so fast from the rain. Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Pie Crust
My go-to pie crust, made in a food processor (Makes 2 crusts) 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar 1 1/2 sticks cold butter, diced 1/3 cup shortening, diced 1/2 cup ice water Whisk together flour, salt and sugar and place in food processor Add the butter and shortening. Pulse until pea-sized Pour the ice water down the feed tube, with machine running Pulse until the dough comes together and forms a ball Transfer the dough to a floured board and cut it in half Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour (can be kept in refrigerator for a long time) Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy