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A Visit to Cistus Nursery

I rarely go to nurseries anymore since I work part-time at one and another reason being that I don't have much room for additional plants. When a garden fanatic runs out of room, the brain goes into overdrive, dreaming up ingenious ways to incorporate more plants. And another thing happens - a burning desire to obtain rare and unique plants. I've been moving plants around, a tricky process that has a domino effect. A plant is unhappy - it is getting too much shade or perhaps too much sun. There is a plant that did not get as large as you thought it would or it is just a slow grower and now it is hopelessly hidden behind a taller plant. Sometimes a plant is just a dud for reasons unknown (Rhododendron 'Golden Gate' anyone?). I find the plant in question a better home, but it means that another plant will have to be moved. And the merry-go-round continues to turn... However, for those plants that are to be discarded, a space opens up for a new one! I decided to move a Mou...
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Bring On The Fall Color

Gingko 'Troll'

The Fall colors seem to be coming sooner this year. The Stewartia was the first tree I noticed, and it changed weeks ago. Others, such as many of the Japanese maples and dogwoods, haven't changed yet.

Stewartia pseudocamellia



Bluestar (Amsonia hubrechtii) is the most colorful fall perennial.



I would say the most colorful shrub is the Bloodtwig Dogwood (Cornus 'Midwinter Fire'). It began to change color weeks ago and it has really grown this year. 



The best year so far for Fothergilla 'Jane Platt'. This has been an extreme slow grower but it is finally filling in.


A colorful grouping with the amazing Miscanthus 'Little Miss',  Joe Pye Weed and Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum). 

Miscanthus 'Little Miss' is the most colorful ornamental grass in the garden.



Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) changes color from the inside out.

Wiegela 'Wings of Fire'


Looking down the garden pathway with Cornus 'Midwinter Fire' in the distance.
Notice the mushrooms - I've never seen so many as I have this year.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. tz_gardenOctober 24, 2024 at 8:54 AM

    Wow, this is fantastic! I love the Gingko. You're a true artist with color and texture. Little Miss in front of the green doesn't even look real. And the orange Stewartia in front of the purple blooms, my goodness. I'll say it again, your neighbors are so lucky!

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  2. Kris PetersonOctober 24, 2024 at 10:44 AM

    Lovely splashes of yellow and orange! That last shot is beautiful, mushrooms included.

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  3. Ardith FergusonOctober 24, 2024 at 5:21 PM

    Your photo of the Miscanthus is fantastic! I love your compositions in the garden and on film.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ardith FergusonOctober 24, 2024 at 5:22 PM

    Your photo of the Miscanthus is fantastic! I love your compositions in the garden and on film.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousOctober 27, 2024 at 6:30 PM


    Wonderful fall colors, Philip.
    How tall is your Stewartia pseudocamellia and how long did you have it?
    Chavli

    ReplyDelete
  6. RobinLOctober 31, 2024 at 4:30 PM

    Oh my goodness, I swoon from all this gorgeous fall color! But I am an absolute nut for autumn. Well done Phillip!

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