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Autumn Vibes

Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate' (Snakeroot) with Hydrangea 'Snow Queen' I love autumn - the crisp, cooler temperatures, the rain, and most of all, the fall colors. The year looks to be a nice one. I got back from a trip to Alabama last week and found that the colors were in full swing (unlike Alabama, where the temperatures were lovely with the exception of some mugginess but alas, no color at all).  Japanese Maples are the first thing I think of when autumn comes to mind. This one is 'Bihou' and one of the first to change color.  Acer palmatum 'Bihou' Other trees are beginning to change as well, including the Redbud 'Flame Thrower'.  'Flame Thrower' Redbud ( Cercis canadensis ) The star of the show now, however, is the Stewartia. It is just amazing and I remember it was beautiful last year as well. It's chief rivals, the Ginkgo and Black Tupelo, are only showing hints at the moment. Stewartia pseudocamellia The shady path - The most d...

Ruth & Gary Clark's Garden


It is always a pleasure to tour this garden. Ruth & Gary Clark's residence is on three acres, all beautifully maintained. There are both sun and shade areas and a large fenced-in vegetable garden. Winding pathways take you from one end of the garden to the other with lovely specimen plants that have plenty of room to do their thing. 

We started our stroll at the east side of the garden, which is sunnier. A perfectly shaped Sumac (Rhus)  greets you.

A Sweet Shrub (Calycanthus 'Aphrodite') is at least eight feet tall and wide and was covered in blooms. 

Continuing down the pathway, we see one of my favorite trees, Catalpa bignoinoides 'Aurea'.

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia' grows along the grassy areas outside the borders.
 I wish I had room for this!  

The pathways and borders surround a huge expanse of lawn.


Looking toward the vegetable garden.


The west side of the garden is shaded by seven huge walnut trees. The property was once a farm.



Throughout the garden is an array of whimsical garden art. Many look like antique pieces and there are also pieces made by Gary, who is a talented artist.

I love these bird houses and forgot to ask where they got them. 






Approaching the patio area next to the house.


You can see some of Gary's art pieces around the patio.

And finally, a pathway leading back to the driveway. A very happy clematis takes center stage (not certain but I think it is 'Romantica'.)

Thank you Ruth & Gary for another great tour!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. That looks like a garden I'd love to hang out in - forever!

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  2. Beautifully kept, established garden. How wonderful, through the screen looks like it would be 10° cooler walking there.

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  3. That's a whole other level of gardening, 3 acres....fantastic and beyond impressive. Excellent photos as well.

    That clematis isn't just happy, it's delirious!

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