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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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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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