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The Spirited Garden - a book review

The Spirited Garden: Creative Private Retreats Photography by Doreen L. Wynga Written with Lorene Edwards Forkner This sumptuous book features sixteen gardens in the Pacific Northwest region. Wynga has worked as a photographer for over thirty years. She has worked for Monrovia Nursery since 2004 and her photography has been featured in several books (including one of my personal favorites, The Tapestry Garden ).  The gardens included in this book cover a wide range from woodland sanctuaries to lakeside retreats. Each garden is covered in a 14-20 page spread with a brief description followed by gorgeous photos. This is a book to get lost in! There are several gardens in the Portland area and many which are located in northern Washington. (I could not find any promotional photos from the book so these shots will have to suffice). The Spirited Garden is available in book stores.  You can also find a copy on Amazon. Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Rizzoli ...
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March Treasures

Camellia 'Magnoliaflora' and Pieris 'Valley Rose'

Buds are budding, flowers are emerging, and the garden is getting greener. Excitement builds! It seems like it is all happening too soon and that is probably the case since the winter has been so mild. There are also mutterings about a "false spring" which is certainly understandable. It is not uncommon here to get a big snow in April. It has happened many times since we've lived here. 

Proceed with caution...

I would not dream of putting any delicate plants out yet so they will remain in the garage. However, there is a flurry of activities that needs to be done. Rose pruning, cutting back perennials and grasses, transplanting, etc. etc. 

It is all worth it - the garden rewards -

Crocus


Daffodils


Anenome

Hellebore

Camellia 'Donation'

Euphorbia wulfenii

Tree Heath (Erica arborea)

Hebe 'Pretty in Pink'

Pieris 'Valley Rose'

Pieris 'Passion Frost'

And last, but certainly not least, is the Azara which is just spectacular this year. I've never seen so many blooms. The garden is filled with the fragrance, which to me, smells like cigars. Some describe it as vanilla or a cake baking in the oven. However you describe it, it is divine.

Azara microphylla



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonMarch 13, 2025 at 8:01 AM

    Your garden is looking lovely, Phillip! Your Camellia 'Magnoliaflora' looks a lot like my 'Taylor's Perfection'; however, mine is already nearing the end of its bloom cycle. I wish I could grow Pieris - that's a perfect companion for the Camellia. Fingers crossed you don't get a snowstorm in April!

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  2. HBMarch 13, 2025 at 2:03 PM

    The garden rewards--yours especially! Beautiful Azara--without fragrance a garden seems incomplete--and the Camellias, Pieris, and the Hebes, and the Hellebores. Happy close-to-spring!

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  3. tz_gardenMarch 13, 2025 at 2:42 PM

    Like you, I love this time of year. Your Pieris 'Valley Rose' is gorgeous, with and without the Camellia. Looking forward to more spring posts.

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  4. AnonymousMarch 19, 2025 at 8:23 AM

    Your Azara blooms appear orange in the photo. Is that truly their color? Because mine are definitely yellow (and smelling like chocolate cake!)
    Chavi

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