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September Surprises

It is always a thrill to stumble across a plant that I may have forgotten about or one that does something unexpected. That has happened several times over the past weeks.  First, the vine pictured above is the Eastern Prince Schisandra vine ( Schinensis chinensis ), also known as "Magnolia Vine".  I purchased it in May of 2023 from One Green World in Portland. I don't know what attracted me to it, other than the fact that I'd never heard of it before and the description sounded nice.  I didn't forget about this plant; in fact, it has grown quite vigorously up an archway at the entrance to our woodland path. It shares space alongside the rose 'Lamarque'.  I did forget that it produces berries, so I was surprised when I looked up and saw them dangling over the top of the arbor.  The berries are used in Chinese medicine. They are called the "Five Flavor Berry" and said to have five flavors in one - sweet, salty, bitter, tangy and sour.  Chinese le...
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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!

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