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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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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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