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Reading in 2024

  My reading was way down this year (61) compared to last (93) and I just barely made my reading goal of 60 books on Goodreads.  Glancing over my list, I see that it was a mixed bag. I read a few books that I loved but I also read quite a few that I didn't really enjoy. However, if I am not enjoying a book by the third chapter, I give it up. Life is too short and there are too many books. It looks like I did not read as many gardening books as I usually do but I read more fiction than usual.  My favorite book of the year was  North Woods   by Daniel Mason which I read last winter.  It is about the generations of people that live in a specific house in the New England woods. The first two chapters were difficult to get through (the writing styles vary with each chapter) but it picks up quickly and I couldn't put it down. Here is my complete list and dates that I finished the book. I've starred my favorites.  Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering ...

David & Greg's Garden


This is David and Greg's garden in Woodland, Washington. I work with David at Yard n' Garden Land and it seems like it was just yesterday that they built their house and started their garden. I'm sure they would disagree. 

Actually - hold on to your seat - this is only the second season for this garden! Amazing! David says that credit goes to 500 yards of "magic volcanic Columbia River bottom/former dairy farm soil". It was used to build the slope that dips down behind the house. He wisely decided to put in low-growing perennials and grasses which doesn't impede this view -


This is a big leap from their formal residence which was a small rental house in Vancouver. At that time, they grew everything in pots. Plus Greg is an orchid grower and has quite a big collection. Now they have enough room (40 acres) for everyone.

There are expansion plans brewing. A greenhouse is going to be built for the orchids. A courtyard in front of the house is already partly planted as well as a border that extends along the east and north side of the house. Fun times ahead!























Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. What a beautiful garden ! And excellent photos as well. Thanks for sharing -I hope you can update us next year as well.

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  2. That's a remarkably short period to have created a garden that spectacular! I love the mass of bright purple at the front of the house, as well as the plants massed along the stone path.

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  3. Wonderful photos and kind words! Can't wait to see what happens next!

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  4. Gorgeous garden! Thanks for sharing this with us Phillip!

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  5. Good soil is everything! Great planting choices and design skills help too ;). Fabulous!

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  6. Wow, wow, wow! What an amazing garden. I especially like the use of ornamental grasses. Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos.

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  7. WOW! The front is a master class in layering, amazing. Having that much space is such a dream, I'd be plunking things here & there. They obviously have a great focus and eye and are NOT. Beautiful!

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  8. For goodness sakes. This is almost unbelievable for just 2 years of garden. These gentlemen both have green thumbs as well as great soil. What a marvelous beginning to a magnificent garden. The views are stunning too.

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