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Hidcote - pt. 1

I'm just now getting around to organizing the photos from my trip to England back in May. As I've said a million times, this was the trip of a lifetime, and I had an incredible time. This was a 3-week trip organized by the HPSO (Hardy Plant Society of Oregon) during which we visited 35 different locations. Most all of these were gardens but there were also a few castles and villages thrown in, as well as the icing on the trip - the Chelsea Flower Show. This tour focused on the southeast region of England, notably the Cotswolds and Cornwall. I've watched so many programs and read so many books about England and the gardens there that I was afraid it would tarnish the image I had built up in my head. I'm pleased to say that it not disappoint. The trek from London to Bath by train was not the best first impression. However, as we gained distance from the city, the rolling green countryside gave me glimpses of things to come. After arriving in Bath and finding my hotel, I m...

Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden.


I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them.

There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back.

'Ryusen'


I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back. 

'Sango-Kaku'


I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaining blood-red leaves were lingering when I returned. Still, not enough for a good photo. Michael tells me that it was beautiful. 

A scattering of leaves from 'Skeeter's Broom'

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Beautiful maples, even if you didn't catch all of them at their peak!

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  2. The fallen leaves are just as gorgeous when skirting the earth bellow! That last photo is spectacular.
    I hope you'll post about your trip in Japan.
    Chavli

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  3. Welcome home! I just got back from a 2 week trip to Cambodia and Thailand and still feeling wobbly and jet lagged. Japan sounds wonderful, I've always wanted to visit. The colors are brilliant on Skeeter's Broom - WOW!

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    Replies
    1. Welcome back home to you too. I didn't think I was affected by that but I just slept until 10am today and I haven't done that since I was a teen.

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    2. The Skeeter's Broom is so stunning! Beautiful colors throughout your garden. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.

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