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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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Arbutus Gardens



As we were touring Renee Moog's garden, another visitor told me that I should go to Arbutus Garden Arts, which was just down the road. I had no idea we were close but it was a garden I was familiar with and always wanted to visit. A pleasant surprise!

Norm Jacobs is the owner, and he showed us around and answered questions. The garden is also a nursery and he propagates the plants. However, he says that he is in the process of retiring. My friend Linda bought an absolutely stunning weeping snowbell tree. I managed to discipline myself and only left with a groundcover, Erigeron pulchellus 'Meadow Muffin'.

The garden is stunning with winding pathways surrounded by packed borders of mostly conifers and Japanese maples.














I was enamored by the most beautiful specimen of Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum). I have one that seems to be stunted, but Mr. Jacobs told me that they need space for their root zone and do not like competition. This could be my problem, as mine is surrounded by other plants.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. AnonymousAugust 28, 2025 at 10:22 AM

    I really need to get down there! It keeps slipping off my radar.
    However, I've got to say that your restraint was admirable, but possibly misplaced when the nursery owner of a stunning garden says he's trying to retire....

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  2. Kris PetersonAugust 28, 2025 at 1:02 PM

    The crevice garden in the third photo is interesting and creative. I hope Mr Jacobs has passed his expertise in propagating trees on to others - he looks to be a master at it.

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  3. tz_gardenSeptember 2, 2025 at 8:45 AM

    So pristine, and layered expertly. I'm off to look up that meadow muffin.

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