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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...
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May Trees

Redbud 'Flame Thrower' (Cercis canadensis)

As May comes to an end, I thought I would share some trees that look good now.  First, the insanely beautiful 'Flame Thrower' redbud. I always hesitate to praise this tree because of their finicky nature. So far, so good on this one which is near our front door. 

Snowbell and 'Wolf's Eyes' Dogwood in the background

The Snowbell tree (Styrax japonica) has been spectacular for many weeks. I was up on the roof of the garden shed this morning and got an aerial view of it. It looks so much larger from above. The blooms are so heavy that the branches are bending down. A few years ago, I recall standing underneath it and the roar from bees buzzing around it was deafening. Last week, I was saddened to hear no bees at all. Fortunately, there are some a week later but not nearly as many as in the past.


On the opposite side is 'Wolf's Eye' Dogwood (Cornus kousa) which always delivers. This is a small dogwood compared to most and it wants to go horizontal. Another kousa in the front garden is 'Celestial Shadow' which is really putting on a show this year with an extended bloom period. In contrast to 'Wolf's Eyes', this one is tall and narrow.

'Celestial Shadow' (Cornus kousa)


'Wolf's Eyes' (Cornus kousa)

The Sycamore Maple 'Esk Sunset' (Acer pseudoplatanus) is at its best in cool weather. It has acclimated to the full-sun position in our garden but if I had it do over again, I would put it a shadier location.  From a distance, the striking aspect is the unusual coloring. You have to go close to appreciate the mottled leaves.




Last, but not least, the Catalpa bigonioides 'Aurea'. I've been distressed over a section that has died back (lower left). I keep thinking we are probably pruning this tree incorrectly. In England, the ones I saw were completely cut back in coppicing fashion. We don't really want to do that but I'm wondering if it might need that. In the meantime, hoping that it will fill in more.




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. tz_gardenMay 31, 2025 at 7:07 AM

    Beautiful, I love the form of 'Celestial Shadow'. All the textures in your pathway photo #2 are perfection! The colors on the redbud are just that -insane.

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  2. Kris PetersonMay 31, 2025 at 7:24 AM

    Every one is beautiful, Phillip. I wish I could grow a dogwood but mine is not the climate for them.

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  3. AnonymousMay 31, 2025 at 7:40 AM

    Ever since I saw 'Wolf's Eye' Dogwood in your former garden, I've smitten. Indeed it's the horizontal branching that adds to its appeal for me. The variegated slender leaves are so lovely that blooms are almost redundant. Almost.
    Chavli

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