Dirt Therapy

This was a repeat for me. The Savill Garden was on the tour last year. Of course, it is later in the year, so different things to see. Uncomfortably warm. The best thing were the hydrangeas and the stunning alstroemeria that you can see in the top photo. The rose garden was mostly spent which makes me wonder about Sissinghurst next week.  This was the most impressive Persicaria ‘Planter’s Palette’ I’ve seen. We grow it in our garden but it has never flourished. I’m sure it needs more sun. ‘Flame Thrower’ redbud is called ‘Eternal Flame’ here in the UK.  (Visited June 22, 2026) Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

After breakfast, the group walked up to Windsor Castle. Very crowded with people and souvenir shops. Unfortunately reminded me of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This was the line of people at the castle. The line moved fast though. Most of my photos are exterior as indoor photography is not allowed. That did not deter people however. I took a few of Queen Mary’s dollhouse because it was in a dark room and very incredible. The Queen Mary’s dollhouse stood at least 6 feet tall and had four sides.  The most incredible though was the chapel (outside view below). It was unbelievably beautiful- the architecture, ceiling, crypts, stained glass windows, arches, just stunning.  (Visited June 22, 2026) Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

This morning after breakfast, John Barker and I walked around town, before our tour of Windsor Castle. We walked down to Eaton College where we saw amazing architecture. There were students all over the place, but apparently classes are over and this was the last day.   (June 22, 2026) Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

I’m back in England again, this time for a garden tour of southeast England. I’m trying something different this time. Instead of waiting until I get back home and taking forever to get everything posted, I’m going to try it on my phone. Since I failed miserably at keeping a written journal on my last trip, this will be a true and original use of a blog - an online diary.  Unfortunately, there are limitations, the main one being that my text will probably be lacking. My 11 hour flight landed today (Sunday morning) around 9:30 am. Right off the bat, I discovered that there is not a train from London to Windsor. That left me with either the option of a taxi or bus. I am still an amateur at all this (Lois Moss, where are you!). Despite the expense, I took the easiest option- a taxi. The 20 mile ride cost me 60 pounds! Arrived at the hotel too early to check in, but they did hold my luggage. It was hot and I was overdressed to walk around too much. I spent a lot of time reading on a sh...

In an earlier post, I was praising Lychnis 'Petite Jenny' . Well, here is another one that I'm loving at the moment. It is named 'Orange Gnome' and the flowers are much larger.  I've actually tried to grow this before, in the ground, but wasn't successful. It is performing spectacularly in a pot. I have it planted with a canna and a celosia. The other two plants are not doing much yet, but 'Orange Gnome' has been blooming for weeks now, and I just deadheaded some of it today. The flowers are a vivid, neon orange, and the foliage is an attractive bronze color. This is a sun-loving plant. I have it in a spot with mostly sun, although it gets morning shade. The pot gets watered daily and occasional fertilizing with bloom booster and sometimes fish emulsion. Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

I've been doing some volunteer work at the Rogerson Clematis Garden and, aside from the torturous drive, I've been enjoying it. Not only is it a beautiful place to spend time, but I'm also learning more about growing these lovely plants.  If you love clematis and have never visited the nursery, you're in for a treat. They have the largest collection of clematis in the United States. There is a plant trial garden, a beautiful display garden, and a sales area where you can purchase plants (their availability list is posted on their website ). A few weeks ago, I visited the garden and nursery with some friends and came home with two plants: Clematis 'Princess Kate' and 'Fond Memories'. I was especially excited to find 'Fond Memories'. I've wanted it ever since seeing it featured in Linda Beutler's book (Linda is the curator of the garden). 'Fond Memories' In most photos, 'Fond Memories' appears predominantly white with just a...