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Planting Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)

I don't believe I have ever grown autumn crocus ( colchicum - I love to say that word) -  although we did inherit one when we moved into this house. I moved it, and apparently it did not like that because I never saw it again. I have always wanted to grow it, but I always think about it at the wrong time of year. Plus, I never see it at nurseries (not even at Yard N' Garden Land). When a friend offered me some, I said YES. She gave me one special one called "Waterlily" and several that I guess we would call the  "average one".  'Waterlily' The question then was where on earth would I would plant them. I read that they are nice in grassy areas so I then decided to plant them along the grassy pathway in front. (This pathway is about to become a gravel pathway as I am refusing to water it daily. Michael wins this battle and gets to do the "told you so" dance .) I decided to tuck the primo one at the corner of the path next to this pot. Diggin...

May Showers Bring June Flowers

Clematis 'Proteus'

This is turning out to be a peculiar spring, cooler and wetter than we've experienced in the past seven years we've lived here. People who've lived here all their lives say that it used to rain up until July 4th but that is certainly not the case these days. June has always been dry but here we are with an atmospheric river on Sunday and damp and dreary since. Warmer and sunnier temps start tomorrow.

We did luck out and had nice weather on Saturday for our open garden. It was cloudy but remained dry with only a slight drizzle right at the 10am opening time. 

I don't think it has been warm enough to really wake up the perennials and the containers are still kind of pathetic. On the other hand, there are plants were abundant blooms this year, particularly the dogwood trees and roses.

Here is 'Wolf Eyes' which is prettier than it has ever been. Check out all those flowers!





And not to be outdone, Cornus kousa 'Celestial Shadow' in the front garden has has an equally profuse abundance of blooms this year -



As I said earlier, the roses are taking off. Not all are blooming yet, but most are.

'Phyllis Bide'




'Buff Beauty'

'Cornelia'



'Cornelia'

'Plum Perfect'

'Marchesa Boccella'


'Crown Princess Marguerite'

'Tess of the D'Urbervilles'

'Darcey Bussell'

'Gertrude Jekyll'

'Gold Medal'

More beauties -

Clematis 'Samaritan Jo'


Clematis 'Nelly Moser'

Climbing Hydrangea (anom petiolaris)


Persicaria 'Golden Arrow'


And I leave you with a photo of us taken by a garden visitor on Saturday - do we look happy or just tired?






Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. You sure have a way with Dogwood 'Wolf eyes'. I first noticed it in your Alabama garden and fell hard for it! Wish I had room for one of those beauties.
    Fortunate for you and your garden visitors that the rain held back on Saturday. You and Michale look happy and proud of your garden, as you should be.
    Chavli

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  2. Such a beautiful display, Phillip. Your hard work did the trick! You look happy to me ;)

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  3. Woah! Your garden is just perfection, I'm glad the weather cooperated. Clematis 'Proteus' is especially ruffly, I like that. 'Wolf Eyes' is so glorious, I can't even believe it's real. Your garden is beautiful and lush, I think you both look happy in the picture. I'm sure exhausted, too!

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  4. Wow, your garden looks amazing. That's a great photo of you and Michael as well. I'm glad Saturday's event went well. Having just moved here from Colorado I have much to learn from you and fellow gardeners. This is such a beautiful city and I can't wait to get my hands in the soil.

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  5. I was so sorry to miss your open garden....it looks beautiful, you two! Debbie

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