Dirt Therapy

'Julia Child' The roses look great right now, but then again, I think they always do when they are having that first flush, and the leaves are usually unblemished. They are definely the highlight of the garden at the moment.  'Eden' and 'Phyllis Bide' 'Robin Hood' and 'Alchymist' 'Veilchenblau' 'Westerland' ' Buff Beauty' 'Champagne Wishes' 'Chinatown' 'Dublin Bay' 'The Impressionist' 'Lady of Shallot' Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Our garden will be open this weekend on Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24, 10am-4pm (both days). (If you are a member of the Hardy Plant Society, there is a mini-tour on Sunday with three other gardens in our area. Check their website for details. You do not have to be a member to visit our garden on either day) The roses are looking nice, but the annuals and pots are having a slow start. So there may be some holes, but at least there will be cookies! Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Another road trip, this time to Eugene, Oregon (about 3 hours from Vancouver, Washington), to visit the garden of Marietta and Ernie O'Byrne. They and their gardens are well-known and they also operate a nursery, Northwest Garden Nursery , on site.  One of their specialties are hellebores and every year, they have a sale, usually in February. Back in 2020 , I drove down for that, but I've always wanted to return and see their garden in spring. I would also love to see it in autumn. It is a fantastic garden! And one more plug - they wrote a wonderful book called "A Tapestry Garden" that I highly recommend.  Speaking of hellebores, I saw this one in the garden, and I must find it. I don't know if this is one of their introductions, but it is very unique - It was another beautiful, sunny day. When we arrived, Marietta and Ernie, as well as other workers, were busy in the garden. We chatted briefly with them and then went out to explore the garden. Above, in the treet...