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10 June Favorites

Magnolia 'Kay Parris' With so much going on in the garden in June, it is hard to choose only ten favorites. I challenged myself and have done just that. These are plants that look good around the midway point in June, specifically from June 15-20.  I begin with Magnolia 'Kay Parris'. Believe it or not, having spent the majority of my life in the South, I never grew a magnolia. They are emblematic of the South, where magnificent specimens grace old plantation homes and stately homes in older neighborhoods. I always thought of magnolias as huge trees, not suited to a small garden, but things have changed, and more varieties are now available that are not supposed to grow as large.  We now have two magnolias in our garden, both of which were added recently. When one of the old photinias that line our back property line died, it left a gaping hole. I had been looking at magnolias at the nursery and decided a smaller one might make a good backdrop and create a good privacy s...

Gregg Andrews' Garden


The HPSO Vancouver West Side Mini Tour concludes with the garden of Gregg Andrews. I saw his garden years ago shortly after moving here. That tour was probably the Clark County Natural Garden Tour (it took place today but I was working so unable to attend). 



Gregg's garden begins with a cottage garden that surrounds the front and sides of the house with a profusion of roses, perennials and wisteria that runs along the wrap-around porch.




After leaving the front garden through a side gate, the garden becomes heavily shaded by fir trees. Pathways lead to a large circular brick patio, a small pond, hidden seating areas and a tree house.




Along the way are many artistic touches, such as this beautiful stepping stone -


A vegetable garden is located on the other side of the house but by this time my camera battery had expired as well as the tour. We had arrived at his garden just minutes before the 4pm closing time but he generously allowed us to wander through. Thank you Gregg!

This past weekend, four more gardens in Vancouver were on tour, this time on the East side of town. I will have photos to share on later posts.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Everything is so GREEN in Vancouver, it's a shock to my eyes! Beautiful garden, I'm glad you got to share a bit with us.

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  2. I love the idea of secret seating places - and a treehouse!

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  3. Charming--I love flowery gardens, but this one also has a beautiful foliage-mostly area as well. Gorgeous stepping stone--we wants one.

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