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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...
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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
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonJune 22, 2024 at 9:51 AM

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

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  2. tz_gardenJune 23, 2024 at 11:47 AM

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

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  3. Hoover BooJune 23, 2024 at 6:12 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete

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