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September Surprises

It is always a thrill to stumble across a plant that I may have forgotten about or one that does something unexpected. That has happened several times over the past weeks.  First, the vine pictured above is the Eastern Prince Schisandra vine ( Schinensis chinensis ), also known as "Magnolia Vine".  I purchased it in May of 2023 from One Green World in Portland. I don't know what attracted me to it, other than the fact that I'd never heard of it before and the description sounded nice.  I didn't forget about this plant; in fact, it has grown quite vigorously up an archway at the entrance to our woodland path. It shares space alongside the rose 'Lamarque'.  I did forget that it produces berries, so I was surprised when I looked up and saw them dangling over the top of the arbor.  The berries are used in Chinese medicine. They are called the "Five Flavor Berry" and said to have five flavors in one - sweet, salty, bitter, tangy and sour.  Chinese le...
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Spring Beauties

Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'

We are experiencing a rare day for June - drizzle and cool temps. But oh, things will change this weekend with 93 predicted for Sunday. I'm not looking forward to that. 

We decided to take a break from the garden today because of the weather and the fact that we've been working our butts off. Our garden will be on the HPSO Study Weekend tour at the end of the month so there is much to get done. I would normally schedule tours of our garden now in early June because I feel that it the peak time ( (and you can make individual appointments). For the Study Weekend tour, thank goodness for hydrangeas to give them something to look at!

I've been filling holes and pots, Michael has been pruning and dead-heading. A few days ago, we completely redid a rock retaining wall which just about did us in. 

The weather has been lovely and I do hope the heat spell is a short-lived one. 

Here are some highlights in the garden now.

Peony 'White Cap'


Rose 'Chinatown' with Elderberry 'Lemony Lace' (Sambucus), Corylus 'Red Dragon' and Acer palmatum 'Beni Hime' in a pot on the far left.


Lydia Broom (Genista lydia) and Flowering Maple (Abutilon megapotamicum)

Iris tenax

Parahebe 'Waterfall Mist' and Barberry 'Aurea Nana'


Campanula 'Birch Hybrid'

Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)

Dianthus barbatus 'Sooty'

Dusty Foxglove (Digitalis obscura)

Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica 'Little Redhead')

Escallonia 'Red Elf' and Caryopteris 'Gold As Gold'

Mint Bush (Prostanthera cuneata 'Badja Peak')



Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia 'Nipmuck')



Meadow Rue (Ruta gravelins), Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis), Phormium 'Wings of Gold'


Pink Rock Rose (Cistus incanus ssp. Creticus)


A new find at Chpman's Nursery - Clematis 'Violet Stardust'

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonJune 5, 2025 at 11:23 AM

    We're getting some tropical weather too. Best wishes with your tour preparations. Your garden photos are beautiful!

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  2. hbJune 5, 2025 at 4:13 PM

    Lucky lucky people to be able to visit your gorgeous garden! It would take hours to properly enjoy and admire so many special plants. Gracious of you and Michael to share it.

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  3. tz_gardenJune 6, 2025 at 8:10 AM

    Drizzle to 93°! I suppose that's June in the PNW. So many gorgeous specimens, I always adore your combinations. Such a good eye for putting things together. Peony 'white cap" is sensational! I'm sure there will be more than hydrangeas for people to look at :)

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  4. AnonymousJune 6, 2025 at 9:15 AM

    Good luck with the open house and study weekend; there's much to look at in your garden, with or without Hydrangeas! I love that Dusty Foxglove (new to me).
    No photo of the rock retaining wall? Maybe there's a dedicated post coming up...
    Chavli

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