Dirt Therapy

I've finally discovered a groundcover that thrives in a challenging spot! I originally planted Campanula 'Birch Hybrid' along the edge of the north-facing border in my front garden, where it receives mostly shade from a large Skimmia and other plants behind it. Despite the limited sunlight, this resilient plant flourished, spreading cheerfully and adorning itself with beautiful lavender-blue blooms in late May. The blooming display lasts for quite some time. Delighted by its performance, I decided to relocate some of it to another tricky area, specifically a tight spot right by the driveway entrance. This space is constricted on one side by a large boulder and bordered on the other by the concrete driveway. I’ve tried various plants here—pansies, lantana, thyme—and they all struggled. Yet, this Campanula has proven to be the best performer. The "Birch" in its name comes from a renowned hybridizing nursery in England. It is a cross between the Dalmatian Bellflowe...

I don't remember what prompted me to purchase this plant at Dancing Oaks Nursery a few years ago. I may have fallen for the nursery's description (I'm really good at that!), or perhaps it was simply because it was such a cutie patootie sitting there on the display table. I seem to recall buying it on impulse after I had already arrived at the nursery. Whatever the reason, I brought it home, read a little about its preferred growing conditions, planted it, and then largely forgot about it. I didn't completely forget about it, however, because I planted it right at the beginning of the gravel pathway leading into the back garden. It's one of the first plants you see after stepping through the back gate. It turned out to be an excellent location because it has done very well there. It is a slow grower, remaining compact and small. As advertised, it would make an excellent plant for a rock garden. The botanical name for this interesting little plant is Spiraea morriso...

My favorite plant in the shade garden right now is Astilbe 'Amber Moon'. Once the rhododendrons have finished flowering and before the hydrangeas are blooming, the woodland border is a sea of green. This modest little plant suddenly stands out like a beacon. Its bright chartreuse foliage catches my eye every time, and is always surprising. I have to stop and think a minute to remember what it is. 'Amber Moon' is a form of Chinese astilbe ( Astilbe chinensis ) and looks quite different from the more familiar astilbes found in gardens. It forms a neat, compact mound that reaches only about 18 inches in height, making it an excellent choice for the front of a shaded border. Although it is reported to produce flowers later in the season, mine has yet to bloom. As striking as the spring foliage is, the plant becomes even more interesting as the season progresses. The vivid chartreuse leaves gradually develop warm coppery tones, creating a dramatic display that lasts well int...

Last week, I drove up to Kelso to visit Joanne and Larry Turner, who had cut some trees and had limbs for me to use in my twig fence. They have a great property, way out in the country. Fresh, crisp air and no traffic noise, just bird song. It is really beautiful. The garden was at its peak, a tad behind our garden closer to the city. The dogwoods were magnificent. Joanne grew many of them from seed. The one in the above photo is 'Venus'. I'm not sure about the one below. The Turners have a lot of rhododendrons and they were spectacular. Joanne told me the names of all of these and of course, I don't remember the names now. I love to see rhododendrons that have been shaped into trees. They have a nice one - I was impressed with their Mountain Laurel (Kalmia). In our garden, they are so slow growing, but perhaps we just have dwarf varieties. That occurred to me when I saw these, which were around 7 feet tall.  And, finally, Joanne has a lot of perennials and many unusual...

'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...