tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6658073780902416082024-03-19T01:48:49.967-07:00 Chickadee GardensGardening on two acres in northwest Oregon with an emphasis on native plants and sustainabilityChickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.comBlogger439125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-23064741706645500262024-03-14T07:00:00.000-07:002024-03-14T07:00:00.241-07:00Hebe Survey 2024<div style="text-align: center;">Hebes. Shrubby Veronica. Whatever you call them, they are fabulous. In my maritime Pacific Northwest climate we are lucky to grow many of these valuable evergreen shrubs. But, sadly, not all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In my last hebe survey, which you can revisit <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2021/12/hebe-survey-at-chickadee-gardens.html" target="_blank">here</a>, most of the hebes in my garden were featured. Since the incredibly cold January spell this year wreaked havoc on many area gardens, there are updates to my former list. To my pleasant surprise most hebes/veronicas in my garden were completely unaffected by the extreme cold and ice, cementing their position as superstars. Many gardeners had issues with hebes so I want to go over which ones have proven to be resilient and which ones have had issues.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Note: Hebes are now re-re-classified as belonging to the genus Veronica. That is to say they used to be, then they became Hebes and now back to Veronica. To avoid confusion, I will stick with Hebe for now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5S5CXIqdUlf6E6i4mEkSXPRp8YFc0WOydxj5dk625Rz6aygcxWiMGjgAaChXxe_-QTHKsEdEl9bFKjYpCChr6sCgpinMQFU-NE40GsGon6ScuFm4mUwPFlHgqB7sLsdWAssVtQANIFwdWOgdNMlfxas5BF45k0kAf7cjBxqeS_m2l8XHlPrvkvxJV-8w/s6000/hebe_buxifolia.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5S5CXIqdUlf6E6i4mEkSXPRp8YFc0WOydxj5dk625Rz6aygcxWiMGjgAaChXxe_-QTHKsEdEl9bFKjYpCChr6sCgpinMQFU-NE40GsGon6ScuFm4mUwPFlHgqB7sLsdWAssVtQANIFwdWOgdNMlfxas5BF45k0kAf7cjBxqeS_m2l8XHlPrvkvxJV-8w/w640-h426/hebe_buxifolia.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe buxifolia</i> in bloom. In this post I list plants that in my experience and opinion are the best and hardiest hebes, ending with some that either saw damage or died all together. In general, hebes enjoy a sunny aspect and well-drained soil, although they are remarkably adaptable. If grown in too much shade they can become leggy and lose their charming habit.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetd11u7WTxKwHVAVsHKbLBuWqf-_DpYS8YcJyDTuHhZKtShH3ZXcYR7WJj6XtNmoTOp648R3R4mJ3_zLo-3-P0biBu4KMO02AqBgHkTMh9lTFZcyPfAAuA8xyC7JwPgGufzOMbPTwSfeacoAQ-ISSkgHF0jsgDPE3KZ8l8dbJRjII5aOickqdRDMaSUI/s6000/hebe_sutherlandii.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetd11u7WTxKwHVAVsHKbLBuWqf-_DpYS8YcJyDTuHhZKtShH3ZXcYR7WJj6XtNmoTOp648R3R4mJ3_zLo-3-P0biBu4KMO02AqBgHkTMh9lTFZcyPfAAuA8xyC7JwPgGufzOMbPTwSfeacoAQ-ISSkgHF0jsgDPE3KZ8l8dbJRjII5aOickqdRDMaSUI/w640-h426/hebe_sutherlandii.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of all the hebes in my garden, <i>Hebe pinguifolia </i>'Sutherlandii' is pretty much perfect. There are several specimens in the garden, none of which have shown signs of disease, damage or stress. They are hardy to zone 7, need no pruning though they naturally look like they are pruned, are a good size at a couple feet tall by a few feet wide. Snow, ice nor heat seem to impact them. I don't water them, either, though a weekly watering in summer would not go amiss. Here are two in bloom, though I would say I do not grow any hebes for flowers, only for foliage so flowers are a bonus.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38x7_6hVOSraMT267aoOJleSizVR9bI8I9zKBY7ZffSWb5Zt39EDbJ66tTRmWZhTozCN6svKQBXgzP4mEG5pp6P3bKockaqn3xyU4fyYJ5B9aCkzW-hMn_ZBqGeZRzOu8XASwZ9A6PujJbJPxLfATPQ_ZORZ6lpKUKKyaDpujujAorf8hjban12lgTMI/s6000/hebe_sutherlandii%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38x7_6hVOSraMT267aoOJleSizVR9bI8I9zKBY7ZffSWb5Zt39EDbJ66tTRmWZhTozCN6svKQBXgzP4mEG5pp6P3bKockaqn3xyU4fyYJ5B9aCkzW-hMn_ZBqGeZRzOu8XASwZ9A6PujJbJPxLfATPQ_ZORZ6lpKUKKyaDpujujAorf8hjban12lgTMI/w640-h426/hebe_sutherlandii%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Neat, mounded shape gives the impression I prune these. I do not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCwGQqH6niFWVv-y101eLf3S4BLNz-4g_AdddxhXaDJPbXUXAntWXVZvxNHj69r_dbv4sjz0JXpXN8i1DKqhpZwfVKIB2vcx6eiGk9xW8NCTLX_BrcNuxn9MliF17o1RNHtJyhyphenhyphenYoNwJsPqcojoeeRjIihmT1_yxY7Xw-9r78sceLS4fEWwlh8ddNGH0/s6000/hebe_sutherlandii.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCwGQqH6niFWVv-y101eLf3S4BLNz-4g_AdddxhXaDJPbXUXAntWXVZvxNHj69r_dbv4sjz0JXpXN8i1DKqhpZwfVKIB2vcx6eiGk9xW8NCTLX_BrcNuxn9MliF17o1RNHtJyhyphenhyphenYoNwJsPqcojoeeRjIihmT1_yxY7Xw-9r78sceLS4fEWwlh8ddNGH0/w640-h426/hebe_sutherlandii.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Neat blue-green foliage always looks smart.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJZH2pABDWgSIXY5CS3t7YKracf86vT6iHB7LR0bnEVwY578roZoIiTua-9fD9V64eaClzCUJO1YZ-ZdAzem85K_ixnnMyzaHTYtPMAlhOWZIAiTMFXK1Sq1uOMiix8FkgNcSNCQ7nYJXeHSpWC8lvVcw4HVopEfl2ByVbtLzoVoiFFspGj_bZg0rEQQ/s6000/hebe_westernhills.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJZH2pABDWgSIXY5CS3t7YKracf86vT6iHB7LR0bnEVwY578roZoIiTua-9fD9V64eaClzCUJO1YZ-ZdAzem85K_ixnnMyzaHTYtPMAlhOWZIAiTMFXK1Sq1uOMiix8FkgNcSNCQ7nYJXeHSpWC8lvVcw4HVopEfl2ByVbtLzoVoiFFspGj_bZg0rEQQ/w640-h426/hebe_westernhills.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe </i>'Western Hills' is about two or so feet tall and wide. It has silvery foliage and white blooms. It is cold and wind hardy and adaptable to partial shade.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5hAJcC-DheRIZqBgFuMgj-wuHWIe_Sr03jvTwgcvPl0Zkl0lo7S040y-HAJnRU1DsYLlGWLxX6FnsIWNArPxwlJixMMP8DJJCwnJproaKpWw08lTVH4KanZFiKPxvoLbfpn7O4bO6lM8mkbwRIwea0FQIPhX1oMksgobcnV1f8IbtZNni7tir-daIfU/s6000/hebe_westernhills%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5hAJcC-DheRIZqBgFuMgj-wuHWIe_Sr03jvTwgcvPl0Zkl0lo7S040y-HAJnRU1DsYLlGWLxX6FnsIWNArPxwlJixMMP8DJJCwnJproaKpWw08lTVH4KanZFiKPxvoLbfpn7O4bO6lM8mkbwRIwea0FQIPhX1oMksgobcnV1f8IbtZNni7tir-daIfU/w640-h426/hebe_westernhills%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a photograph from this week, one of several in my garden. All are so resilient, right up there with 'Sutherlandii'. Hardy to zone 7.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjL86o60fLl_l8mQ45IkwDKjMYSSAt3RbUrIcu9RfQ6mgmO65YNJoRfoHjGEhq0QxSwYIEBoWhxW1pY4FNcfavtdup8YHHiEQyKBHB8DWybPfpTtNBF3jP_X2YFMcYwlA3r5iKFI8Sbsg-oah6C6g9DiOEPkGfM1KZoW8bzLcj5geYE6cnvBbZHr6MdAU/s6000/hebe_westernhills.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjL86o60fLl_l8mQ45IkwDKjMYSSAt3RbUrIcu9RfQ6mgmO65YNJoRfoHjGEhq0QxSwYIEBoWhxW1pY4FNcfavtdup8YHHiEQyKBHB8DWybPfpTtNBF3jP_X2YFMcYwlA3r5iKFI8Sbsg-oah6C6g9DiOEPkGfM1KZoW8bzLcj5geYE6cnvBbZHr6MdAU/w640-h426/hebe_westernhills.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In late spring its flowers are quite charming. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VFPB5szGQgJTkCK2NR5EwSctnBtRCyf8jFh9By4mm7mR7tyQLBMKcTNRhz6L110sk_FxJsL3kSrd3ktUvSe_ooqj9mkdAJdn9sFkLB40cIermb8ZEZ4aB05Eq4ZcANdFYxMzPprVR25f1bk5a8IVmp6enFSbPmFi1181TPTrpQne1k4RV1RoClefUSo/s6000/hebe_karo_golden_esk.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VFPB5szGQgJTkCK2NR5EwSctnBtRCyf8jFh9By4mm7mR7tyQLBMKcTNRhz6L110sk_FxJsL3kSrd3ktUvSe_ooqj9mkdAJdn9sFkLB40cIermb8ZEZ4aB05Eq4ZcANdFYxMzPprVR25f1bk5a8IVmp6enFSbPmFi1181TPTrpQne1k4RV1RoClefUSo/w640-h426/hebe_karo_golden_esk.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe</i> 'Karo Golden Esk' is a fantastic ochre green color that really stands out in winter months. It is a whipcord type hebe meaning its leaves are cord-like rather than pronounced individual leaves. This hebe has grown considerably from the 2' x '2 size it is supposed to be, I would say the oldest one in my garden, some eight years old, is about 4' tall x 5' wide. Even so, these are incredibly resilient alpine hebes that look great no matter what. In heavy snow they lay down but bounce right back up once the snow is gone.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSY9ucWEaPPN3lM3oEp-hRq-T14_nH-OjNyASma_Zcb3y4rifot9vH08tUIto_loMP83-NWUq145BZ3qYYfKDnN6PMJ43dn6IR3zj79PjhIURzTLAKKqKFAE6Bocdw3kEVufraRe2KE4iqvS7vDadHl7W5NAYxb9RGmvy0uDbTWOE5rsrW4QOOV-jWGBE/s6000/hebe_karogoldenesk.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSY9ucWEaPPN3lM3oEp-hRq-T14_nH-OjNyASma_Zcb3y4rifot9vH08tUIto_loMP83-NWUq145BZ3qYYfKDnN6PMJ43dn6IR3zj79PjhIURzTLAKKqKFAE6Bocdw3kEVufraRe2KE4iqvS7vDadHl7W5NAYxb9RGmvy0uDbTWOE5rsrW4QOOV-jWGBE/w640-h426/hebe_karogoldenesk.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A younger specimen paired with silvery foliaged plants.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABkaFvJ13E9yioxUVTlXay6aHbjgpoNyoSuQNdDDwYMvr0bJyCvD51NQp6RxFlX4GIjMfbxeLTlzolZowsCPn-K5Yvfypp_W2Y0rPag-FL30nHfUCnl06J68VlxFvLfX-zfQ70kdozU4rHOKKF6PvMoUukQetDkG-YkELsjc1S-mLKEmxJUgKdSHysGI/s6000/hebe_karogoldenesk.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABkaFvJ13E9yioxUVTlXay6aHbjgpoNyoSuQNdDDwYMvr0bJyCvD51NQp6RxFlX4GIjMfbxeLTlzolZowsCPn-K5Yvfypp_W2Y0rPag-FL30nHfUCnl06J68VlxFvLfX-zfQ70kdozU4rHOKKF6PvMoUukQetDkG-YkELsjc1S-mLKEmxJUgKdSHysGI/w640-h426/hebe_karogoldenesk.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My largest hebe was getting far too large, encroaching on a path, so I pruned it pretty hard to see what will happen. It already had a lot of new growth breaking near the crown so I went for it. In the gardens at Joy Creek Nursery where I used to work I was shocked to see the maintenance crews cut one back really hard, I thought it was a goner. Much to my pleasant surprise, it grew back beautifully. I think if it's a healthy plant that needs heavy pruning and the only other option would be removing it all together, pruning first is a good idea. I will keep you posted as to what this one does.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdF_ZEYhGm1G70nCYt16_1RdHrIxS55FDeg0sV4-dcZNmBF9OnNBKr4UD_0buxWgqvZC92XkHa8sx7XU5D9HSQYAGKN-BjpNM3cbT2c-tlTJ5aQ2ZXJ3Yy-i9OEBtWJ7Hphb-tu2407jcCfGSaj-8W0YYMtRs7nCTlgJRJXimQFVVGgBPcRISweuBrrs/s6000/hebe_karo_golden_esk%20(4).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdF_ZEYhGm1G70nCYt16_1RdHrIxS55FDeg0sV4-dcZNmBF9OnNBKr4UD_0buxWgqvZC92XkHa8sx7XU5D9HSQYAGKN-BjpNM3cbT2c-tlTJ5aQ2ZXJ3Yy-i9OEBtWJ7Hphb-tu2407jcCfGSaj-8W0YYMtRs7nCTlgJRJXimQFVVGgBPcRISweuBrrs/w640-h426/hebe_karo_golden_esk%20(4).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Its flowers, a rare but pretty sight.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cU_hc1q9OyoMAr-WaK6lIc1tQ6dcygtVznI5iRR9H0NaU7zivJeZW7d6KtyPjZfhbrEQBKEiAyPaD5vMDNlGXw8Nc47gpG0eQX6LukjKDfxI8-RsPsvXueQ2pxcHV83pDuNU09eda-rzQeMTMAH82Yh18qQEplK7ySMFQUg-nIBHmadEtidNIUGkbO4/s6000/hebe_quicksilver%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cU_hc1q9OyoMAr-WaK6lIc1tQ6dcygtVznI5iRR9H0NaU7zivJeZW7d6KtyPjZfhbrEQBKEiAyPaD5vMDNlGXw8Nc47gpG0eQX6LukjKDfxI8-RsPsvXueQ2pxcHV83pDuNU09eda-rzQeMTMAH82Yh18qQEplK7ySMFQUg-nIBHmadEtidNIUGkbO4/w640-h426/hebe_quicksilver%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe pimeleoides</i> 'Quicksilver' is a low-growing plant with black stems and incredibly silver foliage. It reaches only about 8" tall and spreads, the one pictured was moved from my old garden and is now about 6' across. It is probably about 12 years old and has lived through it all. Hardy to zone 7.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWX2kZEyHEyhocYEZM0x46Pbp7kUfyCk0r2X-ETvKl4ZJ50ahvbabMACm7vBy9ZyGlhVFWRL3gd_UgVPqPHndp0fEhfepbRSu3isy553RVEbfGWtW_CjtPQJcFBuKnyMHK_HvZz71w7_42G9bvkFbGrpMxbReSOPEn3IwGg9hdZeBJQRdyViK1JmyBhFU/s6000/hebe_quicksilver.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWX2kZEyHEyhocYEZM0x46Pbp7kUfyCk0r2X-ETvKl4ZJ50ahvbabMACm7vBy9ZyGlhVFWRL3gd_UgVPqPHndp0fEhfepbRSu3isy553RVEbfGWtW_CjtPQJcFBuKnyMHK_HvZz71w7_42G9bvkFbGrpMxbReSOPEn3IwGg9hdZeBJQRdyViK1JmyBhFU/w640-h426/hebe_quicksilver.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Very pretty at the edge of a bed and appreciating gritty well-drained soil. This one happens to be in high overhead shade and loves it. When they get a little leggy or reach to far into a path a little haircut is fine. When and if they bloom the flowers are a pretty purple color.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9-gDd_V93-YER5lHFfwE2dGLfh_NxAPvRc5XUje-IgXRdI7yIzK5WL9QvXJJxIa6IF0Bkb8ijj64pz_LIchqDzb9m495sVAO2UvpaL7TDlTEJt6bSmr3cBplYDEl0Jm5Ouc1lFQjecsIBXXJpyM2VPXgpAueyuTB3OKYgUmTA_37dSU95XhRVye-gMs/s6000/hebe_rededge.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9-gDd_V93-YER5lHFfwE2dGLfh_NxAPvRc5XUje-IgXRdI7yIzK5WL9QvXJJxIa6IF0Bkb8ijj64pz_LIchqDzb9m495sVAO2UvpaL7TDlTEJt6bSmr3cBplYDEl0Jm5Ouc1lFQjecsIBXXJpyM2VPXgpAueyuTB3OKYgUmTA_37dSU95XhRVye-gMs/w640-h426/hebe_rededge.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe</i> 'Red Edge' has very handsome foliage and a beautiful form. It has weathered every storm since it was planted in 2016. This is an older photograph - the plant is probably 3' x 3' and has a big gaping hole in the middle because a branch broke off from wet, heavy snow that I was trying to clean off. Still, it's an amazingly pretty and resilient hebe.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoisgTRhWLJx_levCLzAds2OlDnpheAB1vU7tU8fjLZpIvBGDKnrWmJYbYCoh3x6VxuCaOxdXQPTCSWKEELGp40ssiNigCMeb7bJ9O91clKJIDt6UCVsXqJ1SOYnP_yYo7ZGaqHlT4qGAmIcKwrI65m4GiZSa-nq9Mniwg746F2lQRSAfbthBpA59Kec/s6000/hebe_rededge.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoisgTRhWLJx_levCLzAds2OlDnpheAB1vU7tU8fjLZpIvBGDKnrWmJYbYCoh3x6VxuCaOxdXQPTCSWKEELGp40ssiNigCMeb7bJ9O91clKJIDt6UCVsXqJ1SOYnP_yYo7ZGaqHlT4qGAmIcKwrI65m4GiZSa-nq9Mniwg746F2lQRSAfbthBpA59Kec/w640-h426/hebe_rededge.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That foliage! The new growth is one of the best colors.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrWwkKwkR5RTqFJmmwC0TvvEl64RhO2weT24DMtjLiMviKIfThIWf7b1mNoCANsgUsda2teWJckB3jZz5D5u88BrKaYQdO34r1zubul-nL0Da-BuMcKZmrVCFGKX_fAf335vTit3ToU3IqGzv5W4C-MzwHwgElxriCTakdtD8k8RrOJYW5ftLkjn16Dk/s6000/hebe_rededge.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrWwkKwkR5RTqFJmmwC0TvvEl64RhO2weT24DMtjLiMviKIfThIWf7b1mNoCANsgUsda2teWJckB3jZz5D5u88BrKaYQdO34r1zubul-nL0Da-BuMcKZmrVCFGKX_fAf335vTit3ToU3IqGzv5W4C-MzwHwgElxriCTakdtD8k8RrOJYW5ftLkjn16Dk/w640-h426/hebe_rededge.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hardy to zone 7.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn0BxeuJHpee6LZP2BQvQD33aCfgjdpnqzbZeGJ8Dr9glDIDYxxv6-ozXyPBcuXnGTZEMJefYt9LRYrLJrlYrYjHbNQtqdk2pVFGA8qcgsIxzu8bWzlvb75FOXH7tUk0eHjf5s6DebDVlCKLstuzsFJC6Bsz4huUEeZehdCBTLM0jedxz8HIyDdToajw/s6000/hebe_buxifolia%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn0BxeuJHpee6LZP2BQvQD33aCfgjdpnqzbZeGJ8Dr9glDIDYxxv6-ozXyPBcuXnGTZEMJefYt9LRYrLJrlYrYjHbNQtqdk2pVFGA8qcgsIxzu8bWzlvb75FOXH7tUk0eHjf5s6DebDVlCKLstuzsFJC6Bsz4huUEeZehdCBTLM0jedxz8HIyDdToajw/w640-h426/hebe_buxifolia%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe buxifolia</i> is a pretty dark green hebe with a rounded habit, not unlike a boxwood, hence its name. It was originally planted in another location that it didn't like, so I moved it to an area with more sun. It completely rebounded and has not stopped looking fantastic since. This, along with many other hebes here, would make lovely informal hedges, by the way. Hardy to zone 7.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFen2K_1NZL6fKwHFvxULZ0wDHB4qUixAirA2QoC5lcD0jjXNCpw3R-fDZtp4cdjblUWiyw9oGwc1-dE6uwOgmwcGRk5ZVopFydYddtOzi8G7NqtdCe92dLW0t-EmGCUwr_ViQW-Xc8V6T75HHc0s1ES_ofnAxshpyiH6Y86tkKRJ2Bt9tkx646L0egic/s6000/hebe_cupressoides%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFen2K_1NZL6fKwHFvxULZ0wDHB4qUixAirA2QoC5lcD0jjXNCpw3R-fDZtp4cdjblUWiyw9oGwc1-dE6uwOgmwcGRk5ZVopFydYddtOzi8G7NqtdCe92dLW0t-EmGCUwr_ViQW-Xc8V6T75HHc0s1ES_ofnAxshpyiH6Y86tkKRJ2Bt9tkx646L0egic/w426-h640/hebe_cupressoides%20(3).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe cupressoides</i> has the most curious, attractive foliage that resembles a conifer or a forest in miniature. This hebe is a little larger, probably about 3 - 4' tall in my garden and the ones in the garden at Joy Creek Nursery were at least 5' tall. They can, in an extremely heavy snow load, split open but it probably wouldn't kill the plant. Hardy to zone 7.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfoWlbwUxpR-7pkQiQKh8-13RpEq8ioNL64zV1SkG_3J7sbvMZm0oFG_Y8fIE0riXXZ8vyduO7HmGZMzaavPZlEGtW1Se9rrw2Irfz4rGm12WzbB0YQSETMKJo6Rs7ddMRVJg1r2MTpKRaMSDQ5NiGFcUVDHtlskZxO8j64bMVQgi1l-wQrgsYNO88X8/s6000/hebe_cupressoides%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfoWlbwUxpR-7pkQiQKh8-13RpEq8ioNL64zV1SkG_3J7sbvMZm0oFG_Y8fIE0riXXZ8vyduO7HmGZMzaavPZlEGtW1Se9rrw2Irfz4rGm12WzbB0YQSETMKJo6Rs7ddMRVJg1r2MTpKRaMSDQ5NiGFcUVDHtlskZxO8j64bMVQgi1l-wQrgsYNO88X8/w640-h426/hebe_cupressoides%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This has the best texture and it often baffles visitors to my garden - most people have no idea what it is. They have been incredibly resilient, having lost a branch here and there but nothing significant, just a little lower branch die-off in bad winters.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2aJjHOPhK4Wvs8LWW8e2Q-uFh6klFIMFBhLl_xsf10MKk8qGUJM8saLzoz6xSVB4tgEow5Kj8HWuv0C0M6b05FV99u8lDKdYJI9qEaMQxEuMaq3dHHhUsLS6fuuxY7nwO_yiuYUHE1405HylXUeOzxk8f5xpA7PRfLb06x7GROT82vBg93aUFvB2s3U/s6000/hebe_cupressoides_boughtondome%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2aJjHOPhK4Wvs8LWW8e2Q-uFh6klFIMFBhLl_xsf10MKk8qGUJM8saLzoz6xSVB4tgEow5Kj8HWuv0C0M6b05FV99u8lDKdYJI9qEaMQxEuMaq3dHHhUsLS6fuuxY7nwO_yiuYUHE1405HylXUeOzxk8f5xpA7PRfLb06x7GROT82vBg93aUFvB2s3U/w640-h426/hebe_cupressoides_boughtondome%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">If your garden is too small for such a large hebe, <i>Hebe cupressoides </i>'Boughton Dome' is a miniature version of the former reaching only a couple of feet tall and wide.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD53Vhn5AUBD_hqrst8kxLGMTeiShGs0OX6_tZarTHCgZu4AgQbY4uev7QLtb1ZkCRGpy_-GmjYIWjAlWEkX1URA90Kzonw-02fIHSVKNkvodXNIN3KNwCVJRuQ5Dm_DNMhNWUClgsCQHnqWLXJVYM5EBgyHpRQnDV7Q6TfgWyK4BoaDRhGXkTy9P2a98/s6000/hebe_armstrongii.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD53Vhn5AUBD_hqrst8kxLGMTeiShGs0OX6_tZarTHCgZu4AgQbY4uev7QLtb1ZkCRGpy_-GmjYIWjAlWEkX1URA90Kzonw-02fIHSVKNkvodXNIN3KNwCVJRuQ5Dm_DNMhNWUClgsCQHnqWLXJVYM5EBgyHpRQnDV7Q6TfgWyK4BoaDRhGXkTy9P2a98/w640-h426/hebe_armstrongii.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Hebe salicornioides</i> resembles <i>Hebe</i> 'Karo Golden Esk' in many ways, but is smaller overall and not as bright in color. I forgot I had this one, it is planted next to 'Karo Golden Esk' and kind of blends in. It's about 2' x 2' and is several years old, definitely smaller than 'Karo Golden Esk'.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vPUEyY14flX4qi-bxQPUd-dOLeJ4ITkZC4V8Bi4-WfjGRIRq7xg_BjFxsTAvEVo-DUFEx0YijUroa2I0iHFtFKPQNaClOCj8rI2X5m-K6MoIaYJICIojlJ0ZM4CxS92ezb187fdXL8uK3_RCcj9gMK45tMXSISP2EuRAuVWahU-dm6W0soBr7_ILTB8/s6000/hebe_hinuera%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vPUEyY14flX4qi-bxQPUd-dOLeJ4ITkZC4V8Bi4-WfjGRIRq7xg_BjFxsTAvEVo-DUFEx0YijUroa2I0iHFtFKPQNaClOCj8rI2X5m-K6MoIaYJICIojlJ0ZM4CxS92ezb187fdXL8uK3_RCcj9gMK45tMXSISP2EuRAuVWahU-dm6W0soBr7_ILTB8/w640-h426/hebe_hinuera%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A fairly new-to-me plant, this is <i>Hebe</i> 'Hinerua', another of the whipcord types. Its charm is in its resiliency, yes, but also its small size at only about 2' x 2'. Even with its lack of age in the garden, it has proven to be very hardy having not been protected at all the past two winters. Hardy to zone 7.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UwEx6LJqhZqAtFBffP6VrvVCiyDTOsnVnvxMWYSqww5bQEpHgTMHBRx0ME5tz2Hy1c_wtOmubUuR1f7a_Ox04stIJMm5FX9tCKMXZLFwCPVlffQUzKlAkMOpkG1ZeuKkkcjzVan5gnh_NMZSfVfcEGoS7bBeXUdg075q3rNpfbEqR0j6gX8pFBaVk_A/s6000/hebe_glaucophylla%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UwEx6LJqhZqAtFBffP6VrvVCiyDTOsnVnvxMWYSqww5bQEpHgTMHBRx0ME5tz2Hy1c_wtOmubUuR1f7a_Ox04stIJMm5FX9tCKMXZLFwCPVlffQUzKlAkMOpkG1ZeuKkkcjzVan5gnh_NMZSfVfcEGoS7bBeXUdg075q3rNpfbEqR0j6gX8pFBaVk_A/w640-h426/hebe_glaucophylla%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Hebe glaucophylla, </i>an older photograph. This is a small spreader at about 15" tall and spreading to a few feet wide. It is hardy to zone 7. It just hasn't been in my garden that long and has not grown quickly, but its potential is there for a lovely front of the border low-growing hebe. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkN33FVGdYPf7r1rsN3bFBtZO_dj72XfzchrxyXtU1Ljr4ECx0FPVZbrm_r_FQ-09VHSuTgARMJcz5iV9xji5Ida5EOzaqTMjS2wFKuA8lVs_zh8MaNsAjOdo8NqjpRpl_QPh8U6qOuBokU1PlTPh0A0hnIF5QyT-xIfZqnU4knZ2yvE8_ljvaAoBzQmI/s6000/hebe_recurva_boughtonsilver%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkN33FVGdYPf7r1rsN3bFBtZO_dj72XfzchrxyXtU1Ljr4ECx0FPVZbrm_r_FQ-09VHSuTgARMJcz5iV9xji5Ida5EOzaqTMjS2wFKuA8lVs_zh8MaNsAjOdo8NqjpRpl_QPh8U6qOuBokU1PlTPh0A0hnIF5QyT-xIfZqnU4knZ2yvE8_ljvaAoBzQmI/w640-h426/hebe_recurva_boughtonsilver%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe recurva</i> 'Boughton Dome' is a smaller hebe, about 20" tall and wide. Its leaves are recurved and longer than most other hebes in my garden. A light prune after flowering keeps it a bit more compact. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS2vTaO0KYlJiLNyplnFttTyq2V_OYA2YO-2xEJ6AvvsR3ohGhlC5TNqTqQd9CQujXRX2QkESsduSw3eHty9eQlTDJ1tSiCSMO-5TFeYUP5R38IB4XL4EuWRyP9tva9CNUHb7Hvd-CJyAso9YW2tJUtwKKqMC3gKF2pvzPTN-rHuwGEY_c-I1Xdprg0A/s6000/hebe_recurva%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS2vTaO0KYlJiLNyplnFttTyq2V_OYA2YO-2xEJ6AvvsR3ohGhlC5TNqTqQd9CQujXRX2QkESsduSw3eHty9eQlTDJ1tSiCSMO-5TFeYUP5R38IB4XL4EuWRyP9tva9CNUHb7Hvd-CJyAso9YW2tJUtwKKqMC3gKF2pvzPTN-rHuwGEY_c-I1Xdprg0A/w640-h426/hebe_recurva%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Its flowers are white and pollinators seem to visit them. Hardy to zone 7.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCaOjlz82kfDEa3tTAc_XRf5OJt8YtZuJwOpP8AP2jyKZ08XtFHYsVpZ5yRTNebpMuPR-la7yUfdNqfyTJJppOaZ54Hqr03yNPXXUTyPAtovVegGZyi06L_S2-qW1Gf5AEtUOoBa-0Jw6D-wAX8QusvSLDLXPc7vgudl43mujWu7GcyWRMS-xuz5tGV4/s6000/hebe_rupicola%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCaOjlz82kfDEa3tTAc_XRf5OJt8YtZuJwOpP8AP2jyKZ08XtFHYsVpZ5yRTNebpMuPR-la7yUfdNqfyTJJppOaZ54Hqr03yNPXXUTyPAtovVegGZyi06L_S2-qW1Gf5AEtUOoBa-0Jw6D-wAX8QusvSLDLXPc7vgudl43mujWu7GcyWRMS-xuz5tGV4/w426-h640/hebe_rupicola%20(3).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bad photograph of a lovely plant, <i>Hebe rupicola</i>. In the gardens of Joy Creek Nursery it was one of my favorites, a good 5' tall and wide and perfectly formed. In my garden this is a little lanky because it was a rescue from Joy Creek but has grown considerably since its introduction to my garden. Dark green foliage, rounded habit, hardy to zone 7.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsv9XvBU-JpNohrLFx9d9XnDOR6W7NP_G25FDEvOlfo4q_xHRS4hShUSS1vPDekJzPgndqwp59OMiIG3cbEDqPP1ncgyUa4WBFjXwa0RQsE2y6K51BaxXlPFUyivAoSateogYsRSOqhweCRADoV73VsrY4tlvy8SE49Iv9O7A2CttK74ZOuC_ofslj-s/s6000/hebe_wingletye%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsv9XvBU-JpNohrLFx9d9XnDOR6W7NP_G25FDEvOlfo4q_xHRS4hShUSS1vPDekJzPgndqwp59OMiIG3cbEDqPP1ncgyUa4WBFjXwa0RQsE2y6K51BaxXlPFUyivAoSateogYsRSOqhweCRADoV73VsrY4tlvy8SE49Iv9O7A2CttK74ZOuC_ofslj-s/w640-h426/hebe_wingletye%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another of the low growing hebes, <i>Hebe</i> 'Wingletye' has the best purple flowers that are quite vibrant and fade to pale lavender in time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWkt_c0caW9ZHpdv9_nk-CPOEU26mtNff5ItuDCT7ZNNMZChamMYRHcKRdrahsaMvduTmxzc6bPpnUbvIff3TU4zFex0nIZ3T-sxGWH9G_UGa5DiKX3r1FQE4Q-QWckNE2DgYtyOlj1TYObqF41W841xGKbXZ-yVOx42tbYF74N6jzRI0144o0UBLa50/s6000/hebe_wingletye.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWkt_c0caW9ZHpdv9_nk-CPOEU26mtNff5ItuDCT7ZNNMZChamMYRHcKRdrahsaMvduTmxzc6bPpnUbvIff3TU4zFex0nIZ3T-sxGWH9G_UGa5DiKX3r1FQE4Q-QWckNE2DgYtyOlj1TYObqF41W841xGKbXZ-yVOx42tbYF74N6jzRI0144o0UBLa50/w640-h426/hebe_wingletye.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is about 6" tall and a few feet wide with silvery gray leaves and a very flat habit.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvo074anMShMfqmOW1BJLOPNO4t8ImXarQ_skqhSFKz_Iht5-Vy_dHd9vvJefcVFbsprGAWSybI7cZQjilQm5l7WwuDOrQgyqtVHE6bh8uhXiG2MkRiTge7a3_8i7uBYRTSTChDtx9weft4hxRvd9W6QSN2XLAJMnERz7I3SBrgCApX7LA9s3nEflXE0/s6000/hebe_wingletye%20(4).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvo074anMShMfqmOW1BJLOPNO4t8ImXarQ_skqhSFKz_Iht5-Vy_dHd9vvJefcVFbsprGAWSybI7cZQjilQm5l7WwuDOrQgyqtVHE6bh8uhXiG2MkRiTge7a3_8i7uBYRTSTChDtx9weft4hxRvd9W6QSN2XLAJMnERz7I3SBrgCApX7LA9s3nEflXE0/w640-h426/hebe_wingletye%20(4).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is excellent for rock gardens and slopes. A bit of this one died out because a neighboring arctostaphylos shaded it out, but it's growing towards the direction of the sun and has bounced back beautifully. Hardy to zone 7.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P79IwJEF8yrtrB4BwggA3v70ct7kXOkvty0Xz75kFrz-i5Bd8wTbOQFplC8isgXAMmrEFLdXCkWHbR9N4CBivqbAH5lYW4flRCLtddBfKVfJKlv0374S-cRY28JaFTIb1_8sLqLfRMDxlXtFPVDrRi5rokyNQ7kPN79IKhKJ_5CGaziuBrpTHgCbReM/s6000/hebe_vernicosa%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P79IwJEF8yrtrB4BwggA3v70ct7kXOkvty0Xz75kFrz-i5Bd8wTbOQFplC8isgXAMmrEFLdXCkWHbR9N4CBivqbAH5lYW4flRCLtddBfKVfJKlv0374S-cRY28JaFTIb1_8sLqLfRMDxlXtFPVDrRi5rokyNQ7kPN79IKhKJ_5CGaziuBrpTHgCbReM/w640-h426/hebe_vernicosa%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A funny little hebe, this is <i>Hebe vernicosa</i>. It is only about 15" x 15" and truth be told, it had a bit of die- off on its back side that was shaded out. I've since cut that bit out and it rebounded. Great little shrub if you need something evergreen and tiny. Hardy to zone 7.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIJqDfDBR_OSUQ6DF3X2vE5sB9MxCLd48BSyfCRAIe_dmSwt-z16PY1cOXYh2QNqwC7rlDqJ5KBVrxiyaFtjhq6Lfbr4uuI3VokGfREdWm5gPFOyB00_kbzYzKLrEorhmvzP3oF0cQhf8K2nPuoeF0kJwtXfZEqZo05x91g728azq5IyyGbYK4GaHmds/s6000/hebe_newzealandgold%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIJqDfDBR_OSUQ6DF3X2vE5sB9MxCLd48BSyfCRAIe_dmSwt-z16PY1cOXYh2QNqwC7rlDqJ5KBVrxiyaFtjhq6Lfbr4uuI3VokGfREdWm5gPFOyB00_kbzYzKLrEorhmvzP3oF0cQhf8K2nPuoeF0kJwtXfZEqZo05x91g728azq5IyyGbYK4GaHmds/w426-h640/hebe_newzealandgold%20(2).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe odora</i> 'New Zealand Gold' has gold-ish yellow stems and leaf margins. I had three of these along the berm garden but lost one and almost another, but when I pruned it back and provided more sun they regrew vigorously. Hardy to zone 7, they reach a few feet tall and wide. There were two in the gardens at Joy Creek Nursery flanking a path that was surprisingly in a lot of shade and they always did well there. Just goes to show every garden is unique.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqupi-CcT-OTMGI0vpFAv7YQMPqEZYhZ6o3sq9EQFljIC4eU9goaleOsyYWxtKLp1JpXktIG6ASKYGI65s30PzuuDnNoMSXswP2YHK8qtDbVJfYKdZE4aYCRwJrAoA7aAQ5OPszhvkZRyi7biQPmmA_uQksZIodDmzBw47-ehQG2bUlVsjEktT3-eYzSQ/s6000/hebe_newzealandgold%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqupi-CcT-OTMGI0vpFAv7YQMPqEZYhZ6o3sq9EQFljIC4eU9goaleOsyYWxtKLp1JpXktIG6ASKYGI65s30PzuuDnNoMSXswP2YHK8qtDbVJfYKdZE4aYCRwJrAoA7aAQ5OPszhvkZRyi7biQPmmA_uQksZIodDmzBw47-ehQG2bUlVsjEktT3-eYzSQ/w640-h426/hebe_newzealandgold%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is a great hebe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjRs0zefYtGm2FZoQ3jS3iQ0PpIpWZWWwoEGf4vBQUge1fK3g1OF8BKJW9ZYV5xXpNnR24K7wSe8XScAeiL3MTBCCAeDXD9i4tj3OWc4oISXnuZqXMtJDTe10Vs8QGD3RAkjxxuZUf_RfIkUftuc2R5UkkWYHPbptxwN8xvpgcoGuQzmmU4PzrCuOnGw/s6000/hebe_anomola_purpureanana%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjRs0zefYtGm2FZoQ3jS3iQ0PpIpWZWWwoEGf4vBQUge1fK3g1OF8BKJW9ZYV5xXpNnR24K7wSe8XScAeiL3MTBCCAeDXD9i4tj3OWc4oISXnuZqXMtJDTe10Vs8QGD3RAkjxxuZUf_RfIkUftuc2R5UkkWYHPbptxwN8xvpgcoGuQzmmU4PzrCuOnGw/w640-h426/hebe_anomola_purpureanana%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now we are reaching those plants that are alive though suffered damage at one time or another. This is <i>Hebe anomala </i>'Purpurea Nana', a lovely upright hebe with small foliage and great texture. Very cold hardy, too, but the issue I had is with verticillium wilt. I had three in a row that were substantial at a few feet high and wide each but slowly had branch die off a little at a time as is the way with verticillium. I eventually dug them all out, one had potential so I replanted it. I also took cuttings just in case. The replanted one in a sunnier site is regrowing beautifully. Don't let verticillium wilt discourage you from trying this, it's a fantastic plant.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCS92JiEgQIdyKAdn-MA-uCqrNWrtppE-p8TUics4fKh94_frgfnCn6y8BriPQqp0HSO4dO23Sau9rO5Z6Bb0NO1_ZSJ5invQYnS1W-rFOBq3dGl7WYk0cYH-LvXvXtsu7CtyKMoYHVEMANV4zumt9ZLvQ-zWgK1CeTIMT4nA5qihTDYaA8PArrmd7bfo/s6000/hebe_anomola_purpureanana%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCS92JiEgQIdyKAdn-MA-uCqrNWrtppE-p8TUics4fKh94_frgfnCn6y8BriPQqp0HSO4dO23Sau9rO5Z6Bb0NO1_ZSJ5invQYnS1W-rFOBq3dGl7WYk0cYH-LvXvXtsu7CtyKMoYHVEMANV4zumt9ZLvQ-zWgK1CeTIMT4nA5qihTDYaA8PArrmd7bfo/w640-h426/hebe_anomola_purpureanana%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That color and texture are excellent. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqRyy22wY3FM1b6NY3MVvFeHFIqzRfU16E9Y9QwAbsoCpC0yjCbCaatu2Q-X_wPtpEY-yR5RsX_hr_SyngCHwg1wnJySxYme539mswgVCeEebcDpI_T_gOojf6g5imymxzy-PioeqIGJKYxBVvo4iFkHW88nG3dIv1nfMNfv_zcJV59cFKlQ7UgfZ2h4/s6000/hebe%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqRyy22wY3FM1b6NY3MVvFeHFIqzRfU16E9Y9QwAbsoCpC0yjCbCaatu2Q-X_wPtpEY-yR5RsX_hr_SyngCHwg1wnJySxYme539mswgVCeEebcDpI_T_gOojf6g5imymxzy-PioeqIGJKYxBVvo4iFkHW88nG3dIv1nfMNfv_zcJV59cFKlQ7UgfZ2h4/w640-h426/hebe%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is, I believe, <i>Hebe</i> 'Patty's Purple'. It was a throw away from Joy Creek Nursery and it's the closest I can match it to. At any rate, it's a beautiful plant but sadly completely defoliated a few weeks ago. There is hope, there are signs of life at the crown where new leaves are breaking. I cut it back hard and will wait it out to see if it recovers. Note the larger leaf size - that's a general rule for hebes, the larger the leaf size the less cold hardy the plant.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWa9w9NcKW-gUxsZ3xIIxFUk0hrB0bGF0KeYyM00S8ubO1iKyv6eKzN1nZa6nOiBqykQe27POUShlIy23dQSy-xb0Rem-OLRwKSw3jbScoGC_sF6FY3zSbJovPdqbveCNXKLAJGAEOfB8IeqWfhx3UzYTZkmmeFHq5JUdIB_1nrU2OfacX-FVUAPfykXM/s6000/hebe_diosmifolia%20(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWa9w9NcKW-gUxsZ3xIIxFUk0hrB0bGF0KeYyM00S8ubO1iKyv6eKzN1nZa6nOiBqykQe27POUShlIy23dQSy-xb0Rem-OLRwKSw3jbScoGC_sF6FY3zSbJovPdqbveCNXKLAJGAEOfB8IeqWfhx3UzYTZkmmeFHq5JUdIB_1nrU2OfacX-FVUAPfykXM/w640-h426/hebe_diosmifolia%20(4).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe diosmifolia</i> in happier days. This beautiful plant had dark glossy green leaves and a clean white flower. Even in high overhead shade it was happy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AMQOd9FmcUOIzbc0E6iAPqMuCuu_71v-Ei1rQc0YPgDEw8EFx6o9zqyWMBcXe-AnZA1zt8iPLwZeqtZQumVBmadomT0IUKrsfEGZXWtFg_aa6866Gd5F5qtXcViZtC9eTgDTfDf_ESRIS-d6zAquxAPN2Ny1VGEtBVX0lt3D9ljYSIbHERCFOFSvdlM/s6000/hebe_diosmifolia%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AMQOd9FmcUOIzbc0E6iAPqMuCuu_71v-Ei1rQc0YPgDEw8EFx6o9zqyWMBcXe-AnZA1zt8iPLwZeqtZQumVBmadomT0IUKrsfEGZXWtFg_aa6866Gd5F5qtXcViZtC9eTgDTfDf_ESRIS-d6zAquxAPN2Ny1VGEtBVX0lt3D9ljYSIbHERCFOFSvdlM/w640-h426/hebe_diosmifolia%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Until January of this year. This is the first time it suffered, it just couldn't handle the multiple 12 - 15 degree days in a row.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NcPiqnj-okuiUvkm_5neaamS6UMv-IqXeMbVyzV8CXbKM9DrnwU5QmkJEpdPQ6WcJDJR7bXRNSFKtndE8dR43LLLas5aYX5YTQQ8LcSnWmfNLPRzbstVtxG4xJAmL2RhgjsbTNisaJPlsbgfYWQ7_wFjHC09k5Hq7V2DKSkh_RWubnK0oKAxrymRSz8/s6000/hebe_diosmifolia.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NcPiqnj-okuiUvkm_5neaamS6UMv-IqXeMbVyzV8CXbKM9DrnwU5QmkJEpdPQ6WcJDJR7bXRNSFKtndE8dR43LLLas5aYX5YTQQ8LcSnWmfNLPRzbstVtxG4xJAmL2RhgjsbTNisaJPlsbgfYWQ7_wFjHC09k5Hq7V2DKSkh_RWubnK0oKAxrymRSz8/w640-h426/hebe_diosmifolia.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is it today, severely cut back. If it makes it I will be happy and I do give it a chance for it's breaking at the base and could very well recover. I will keep you posted but for now I'd say it's not the most cold hardy hebe out there. It was about 3' x 3'. Another that received this treatment but I don't have a photograph of is <i>Hebe</i> 'Great Orme', a gorgeous tall plant with pretty pink flowers and large foliage, hardy to zone 8. The large foliage is a clue. They hated the ice and freezing temps, I will keep you posted if they recover. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSALUDLjDZ9930emFHwHBO8C2uIk3jvH2oFR6TYrkNfb5sfhydLT6tbI8p3mh3NfRJsdtnVPlveBaanN4CiZh-DVGQI9RiSUtz3R5t3v4I8hj_pXvUGLYnivQ5T9aDplJiQmhZNj5ItAHFJy1W3W3XxAjj9PTytyl9T4qgRLqzWMYUw8m2tgms22N0zLA/s6000/Hebe%20parv.%20ssp.%20angustifolia%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSALUDLjDZ9930emFHwHBO8C2uIk3jvH2oFR6TYrkNfb5sfhydLT6tbI8p3mh3NfRJsdtnVPlveBaanN4CiZh-DVGQI9RiSUtz3R5t3v4I8hj_pXvUGLYnivQ5T9aDplJiQmhZNj5ItAHFJy1W3W3XxAjj9PTytyl9T4qgRLqzWMYUw8m2tgms22N0zLA/w426-h640/Hebe%20parv.%20ssp.%20angustifolia%20(3).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another beauty I lost to cold weather was <i>Hebe parviflora ssp. angustifolia. </i>It has the coolest yellow stems and is large - this is about 5' tall. It was snow a few winters ago that did it in, it just never recovered. I cut it back to the ground and left the root mass in place (it's a habit of mine, no real need to remove it) and to my surprise there is a tiny bit of leaf growing out of it - this is some two years after it died. Never say never, but I really hold out no hope for it ever to regrow. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgIZ-FSn9-r_qX0zPkkCl-ip09u1ZUa46591RUnvTKacXEKEA6rE0hqt-jKKCL8bOe4RFCfo5ddMfbyjElaTbYV2DqQSSeVeZ26-h1hwEox6KEEsQodDEFSiixtlMULcpa6RaMsR6lRIyxo_vH9-mhGdc3FFW9Wle9lHo6Lk9rZCTnGLNdCq4gI7gxQ0/s6000/hebe%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgIZ-FSn9-r_qX0zPkkCl-ip09u1ZUa46591RUnvTKacXEKEA6rE0hqt-jKKCL8bOe4RFCfo5ddMfbyjElaTbYV2DqQSSeVeZ26-h1hwEox6KEEsQodDEFSiixtlMULcpa6RaMsR6lRIyxo_vH9-mhGdc3FFW9Wle9lHo6Lk9rZCTnGLNdCq4gI7gxQ0/w640-h426/hebe%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Parting shot of - left to right - <i>Hebe buxifolia</i>, <i>H.</i> 'Red Edge' and <i>H. cupressoides.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Evergreen, varying sizes, beauty, ease of care make these shrubs a cornerstone of my garden. I am consistently pleased with their performance and frankly surprised so many have endured rather harsh weather of our now two seasons - baking hot and Arctic tundra. The list of winners might be whittled down year in and year out but I feel really solid about the list I present here. So have hope, you can have fantastic hebes in your garden if hardy species and cultivars are chosen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Knowing what great plants these are I propagated just about everything on this list save for the final three or four that weren't hardy. I have hundreds of hebes growing in my greenhouse right now and will have them (and LOTS of other goodies) for sale at our pop up plant sale Sunday April 21st, 11 - 3pm, the address is 334 N Baldwin, Portland. There will once again be several of us selling plants, pottery, books and more. Hope you can come by and say howdy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, we love hearing from you! Happy gardening!</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-79954047789362983342024-02-29T07:00:00.000-08:002024-03-01T15:46:39.589-08:00Oh, February<div style="text-align: center;">Oh, February, you tease me with fake spring. Then you throw miserable cold, wet weather, even snow showers, my way. Fine. Time to camp out in the greenhouse, my happy place I call my halfway house. Halfway between being inside on a winter's day and outside on a dreamy, warm spring day. At least I can sow seeds and pot up rooted hebe cuttings here, so there's a win for me. Truth be told, late February into March is really just about my least favorite time of the year in the garden because it's so fickle. It should be headed towards spring but it never is and I should know this by now. But hope springs eternal, and every year I succumb to the temptation of fake spring thinking "This is the year that winter finishes early." Human nature is pretty funny that way. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But there's stuff to do! I look at all perennials and grasses that need cutting back, a winter's worth of conifer and oak debris to be cleared from the gravel paths (well, not a whole winter's worth, I exaggerate), weeding, pruning, planting, spreading wood chips and gravel and I want to get on with it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, here's what's happening in the garden in late February. There are hints of beauty out there as well as a second look at the January freeze damage (insert expletives). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYBS19lx7q7cCwzxbCiJTNLd9ZUWs3sZUG5WGajTB6xy_CPq-m_jx0klPT9QWx3ok7-sOv1hNpsazIacN6OncWqImGu_D3lpb3GrpghxmEI4XfMJNiQfpnFbAM7GNHTjIF5rN56T9Lkh7A1YiX7ekCE814lLQAmFwTTIKoZvbFkIU2YGIxm0nem0AhNI/s6000/IMG_3035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYBS19lx7q7cCwzxbCiJTNLd9ZUWs3sZUG5WGajTB6xy_CPq-m_jx0klPT9QWx3ok7-sOv1hNpsazIacN6OncWqImGu_D3lpb3GrpghxmEI4XfMJNiQfpnFbAM7GNHTjIF5rN56T9Lkh7A1YiX7ekCE814lLQAmFwTTIKoZvbFkIU2YGIxm0nem0AhNI/w640-h426/IMG_3035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For a day or three it was in the mid to upper 50's and oh, my, the bumble bees emerged. There were many visiting this <i>Arctostaphylos </i>'Austin Griffiths' as there were on any blooming manzanitas. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMxWbXCYZxfvaIJ1sVadnKZJEigoykY1ddMS4WA7ki4IExSNkwm_qcvJCekXrh1Rpe0LxzIrRb6KfJxtgd_-B9aeFrNYtBmCP2g0MIbY-3uZrQ0krKmIPa5x3nanqJqe8clHbirtjOdek3gqCjqginc8-rbNZdbjoovqO8p-_U94knxWr_ZKvdcpsawY/s6000/IMG_3000.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMxWbXCYZxfvaIJ1sVadnKZJEigoykY1ddMS4WA7ki4IExSNkwm_qcvJCekXrh1Rpe0LxzIrRb6KfJxtgd_-B9aeFrNYtBmCP2g0MIbY-3uZrQ0krKmIPa5x3nanqJqe8clHbirtjOdek3gqCjqginc8-rbNZdbjoovqO8p-_U94knxWr_ZKvdcpsawY/w640-h426/IMG_3000.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">FM has been dutifully monitoring the daffodil progress in the orchard, carefully marking every clump that comes up with a yellow flag so as not to mow over them. It's his hobby. Anyhow, he spotted the first of the bloomers, <i>Narcissus</i> Tête à Tête. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyXJo_NMzCgTuONBE3uclaR86jp0sTDjHALjzBIFfdTRsGH_wHveoAKQxGjnMQsBmqrG37wmlXEIuc8ebFo3Uordfwk89OaTCnnlv6elBUz5Us6Zu2nRbsz8_55EJ4Wyd43rD5gNL_Hkxy7bEytd8W_zHmQyq22x0Z9aOT5zHZFgVf9WE4A3WdTlzrhU/s6000/IMG_3137.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyXJo_NMzCgTuONBE3uclaR86jp0sTDjHALjzBIFfdTRsGH_wHveoAKQxGjnMQsBmqrG37wmlXEIuc8ebFo3Uordfwk89OaTCnnlv6elBUz5Us6Zu2nRbsz8_55EJ4Wyd43rD5gNL_Hkxy7bEytd8W_zHmQyq22x0Z9aOT5zHZFgVf9WE4A3WdTlzrhU/w640-h426/IMG_3137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's check on Oscar the <i>Agave parryi </i>var.<i> truncata</i> since his move to a sunnier spot last April. He is recovering well and has grown out of most of the rot. During the freezing rain event las month FM put a plastic tarp over him and it seemed to do the trick.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaw31TGPE4r98XD0S6oyCFQu7ei5bBQyMOTH08NFyCbOd67vVV-8dXfDkNchyphenhyphenlDy9wObiCKSPMGPjFfXH4GbtXVAc-6TYi_89ODNFZynThYGIeDiK5ApwEdNn6l4cR4VBFs8RlrN7ki_gZud_DPrThkoMDVP3F2LTcQaAWTL9vDTCchqCg6HiTuPIfAwE/s6000/IMG_3007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaw31TGPE4r98XD0S6oyCFQu7ei5bBQyMOTH08NFyCbOd67vVV-8dXfDkNchyphenhyphenlDy9wObiCKSPMGPjFfXH4GbtXVAc-6TYi_89ODNFZynThYGIeDiK5ApwEdNn6l4cR4VBFs8RlrN7ki_gZud_DPrThkoMDVP3F2LTcQaAWTL9vDTCchqCg6HiTuPIfAwE/w640-h426/IMG_3007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My new <i>Agave ovatifolia</i> 'Frosty Blue' got a bucket over it for the cold since it's so new in the ground. Looks okay but some lower leaf rot.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0LhpdVulp208BniF6-nZAoH8gSlqKzl1wE8cJPPETklvNLHKIbl52r-dSwqq3Pn8ll76tqRgoVDCJwGHXekJ8kacZFyRYuWjE-MURPL1RYW4ix1Is4cZB9M1OdqAiTTj0WOA3LqRI_GbNqfwZYfuCx8PS7de50BVJrh2T3Zy8v1GyQg3Y5zxlM1Ekcs/s6000/IMG_3094.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0LhpdVulp208BniF6-nZAoH8gSlqKzl1wE8cJPPETklvNLHKIbl52r-dSwqq3Pn8ll76tqRgoVDCJwGHXekJ8kacZFyRYuWjE-MURPL1RYW4ix1Is4cZB9M1OdqAiTTj0WOA3LqRI_GbNqfwZYfuCx8PS7de50BVJrh2T3Zy8v1GyQg3Y5zxlM1Ekcs/w640-h426/IMG_3094.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Agave parryi </i>var<i> neomexicana</i> (I learned it as simply <i>Agave neomexicana</i>) has been in the ground some 7 years now and seems to be fully hardy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWq8byF0cwvVzXA9cwikamP4DEPLbL4Q2S04EGs8qQZD7fya1y8xS9caiR2w97ND7Rm9LCLIAx0ni6Y0m9y_exmisYvdgeDrEUCILlEiNOv820p3ggmKeKWazzgkiemP_t1onrTcRhmJQXuYjiX27Mbg4vEhpAznWF3V1pV2zbKtR5QENrkCWOFTQNv4/s6000/IMG_3113.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWq8byF0cwvVzXA9cwikamP4DEPLbL4Q2S04EGs8qQZD7fya1y8xS9caiR2w97ND7Rm9LCLIAx0ni6Y0m9y_exmisYvdgeDrEUCILlEiNOv820p3ggmKeKWazzgkiemP_t1onrTcRhmJQXuYjiX27Mbg4vEhpAznWF3V1pV2zbKtR5QENrkCWOFTQNv4/w426-h640/IMG_3113.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The last of my agaves, <i>Agave bracteosa</i> also looks pretty good, no effort made to cover it at all. It seems all of these are pretty darned hardy for me, but the <i>A. ovatifolia</i> will take a few years in the ground before I am confident of its hardiness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThC1EtcYGE0MhU6RqyYk2OVtr9Ihi_jzP-Kt5UJnCsi3IYV3kVxPAsjWiwf2c6pvuCLS7mNlgURyqoOl2ucyOeljm6pqBXfbiel5hadhvrAxNaOOzkGG8LRDAPbGujznJTDrrV3yK003_CztRGZDlKOik8q-yEsLaUjkDJY1cBHODo4dpC7EOf7TzWb4/s6000/IMG_3062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThC1EtcYGE0MhU6RqyYk2OVtr9Ihi_jzP-Kt5UJnCsi3IYV3kVxPAsjWiwf2c6pvuCLS7mNlgURyqoOl2ucyOeljm6pqBXfbiel5hadhvrAxNaOOzkGG8LRDAPbGujznJTDrrV3yK003_CztRGZDlKOik8q-yEsLaUjkDJY1cBHODo4dpC7EOf7TzWb4/w426-h640/IMG_3062.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cistus.com/products/osmanthus-fragrans-var-aurantiacus-beni-kin-mokusei?_pos=15&_sid=9f98178ac&_ss=r" target="_blank"><i>Osmanthus fragrans </i>var.<i> aurantiacus </i>'Beni Kin Mokusei'</a> looking lovely. Although it has not bloomed yet for me, I am hopeful someday I'll witness its orange red flowers. I'm pleasantly surprised at its hardiness in my garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpOa_q4jsch3lyFOhNswYqD7KljOC9dFjHIJ3wkgjrvGqa7wE9ufL9spqkG9TGfYyxvdmJmxszIQoTlfF3UJsZFFs3YOUOfBEqhNKd1YQ3ybve4wYQEPiAzY62czYA45S4fxkMCYBSw5454w6GH9X5thXDHBRZTesbxCAwkALVRjDpFxDn7f5zPX1794/s6000/IMG_3136.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpOa_q4jsch3lyFOhNswYqD7KljOC9dFjHIJ3wkgjrvGqa7wE9ufL9spqkG9TGfYyxvdmJmxszIQoTlfF3UJsZFFs3YOUOfBEqhNKd1YQ3ybve4wYQEPiAzY62czYA45S4fxkMCYBSw5454w6GH9X5thXDHBRZTesbxCAwkALVRjDpFxDn7f5zPX1794/w640-h426/IMG_3136.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Arctostaphylos</i> 'John Dourley' on the left (can you spot the bumble bee?) and <i>Brachyglottis greyi</i>, both looking unscathed. In fact, arctostaphylos have been so resilient in both freezing rain and heat waves, I might just convert all my garden over to them. Not really but it's nice to have that option.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJn1hRJK3NB6EiFMiy-0d8-c3jjdPg6BbHvrlR4lYKRvuY4sXYac8AxecvDkUN9fzRsnLh2OoBk-OuavglAZQqGzneS3jUYlE_uwXolIQx7jS1vjamRfdw5gexM5vUa6blHN-qswUiCJIJhhRT06eKPW2_ZyuIydisSnGJzK4l0SjjwO1sAXvMQ3qEvBM/s6000/IMG_2958.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJn1hRJK3NB6EiFMiy-0d8-c3jjdPg6BbHvrlR4lYKRvuY4sXYac8AxecvDkUN9fzRsnLh2OoBk-OuavglAZQqGzneS3jUYlE_uwXolIQx7jS1vjamRfdw5gexM5vUa6blHN-qswUiCJIJhhRT06eKPW2_ZyuIydisSnGJzK4l0SjjwO1sAXvMQ3qEvBM/w640-h426/IMG_2958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Arctostaphylos</i> 'Harmony' on the right and <i>A.</i> 'Pacific Mist' on the left. The latter is a prostrate, cascading form with especially blue-ish foliage and tolerates shade better than others.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpmzFyUeOLRke2qiC2gMoWq77iSbMeXWWMLEpuZPrR94o6blTupkyBoX7K9oZvphGdMkB3FVDkzd3Tf7JDFiBmnJxlLQZpYwvQUo4e5vcjknMs-31LFWh5U_aT7Bm2iKq79jeBa2nqEEjecJdr6zZPkYbRZgfOYBwpaeXD6JmCBMFOVhB6lxfqMcuP1s/s6000/IMG_3126.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpmzFyUeOLRke2qiC2gMoWq77iSbMeXWWMLEpuZPrR94o6blTupkyBoX7K9oZvphGdMkB3FVDkzd3Tf7JDFiBmnJxlLQZpYwvQUo4e5vcjknMs-31LFWh5U_aT7Bm2iKq79jeBa2nqEEjecJdr6zZPkYbRZgfOYBwpaeXD6JmCBMFOVhB6lxfqMcuP1s/w640-h426/IMG_3126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Arctostaphylos</i> 'Howard McMinn' with, yes, another bumble bee. I'm telling you that that alone is enough reason to plant these hardy evergreen shrubs. Feeding the native pollinators in February? Check.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAcmvnP3RR4CxLE60V_ToNxsU8cILGWFW8BlZ7SczVFATc25ghmMcUNV45FAgP8BhFnFzIJFFVZxCou1b3HXjjWi7Mjf0-WMHyDVTsedl_c4RhVKRy116JNlSnY1fWjdwg-D6NzF8LjK6_6a0BR46yTaNK8RvNJbCUqNRILxn6dw0x_ukk6jnV6oUk_s/s6000/IMG_3121.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAcmvnP3RR4CxLE60V_ToNxsU8cILGWFW8BlZ7SczVFATc25ghmMcUNV45FAgP8BhFnFzIJFFVZxCou1b3HXjjWi7Mjf0-WMHyDVTsedl_c4RhVKRy116JNlSnY1fWjdwg-D6NzF8LjK6_6a0BR46yTaNK8RvNJbCUqNRILxn6dw0x_ukk6jnV6oUk_s/w426-h640/IMG_3121.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The foliage is a bit ratty right now, but it will soon be overgrown with fresh new leaves and hide the uglies. Plus, the pom poms! They make me happy. <i>Phlomis russelliana, </i>another incredibly resilient plant I wouldn't do without.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_TwQRWbiXcklk3PfMWYF8G6Uk64_dFWZ-48Nx2NgfwSp5yKWgpQi7dtmqq29mHQaCo3-Z9sKsnPyQtvZWOILfLOrxCy5UxnsBIllDzaSHFCAp1VAiaKMOSrhroMXegGE-kjxd8RJE_9UQunL2Xzirf4uEXkjJzENyQhn8Dl1uFu2HsPcOn-wcGQqMdc/s6000/IMG_3077.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_TwQRWbiXcklk3PfMWYF8G6Uk64_dFWZ-48Nx2NgfwSp5yKWgpQi7dtmqq29mHQaCo3-Z9sKsnPyQtvZWOILfLOrxCy5UxnsBIllDzaSHFCAp1VAiaKMOSrhroMXegGE-kjxd8RJE_9UQunL2Xzirf4uEXkjJzENyQhn8Dl1uFu2HsPcOn-wcGQqMdc/w640-h426/IMG_3077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is turning into a "most resilient plants in my garden" post! Not really, but I'm just out there photographing what looks good after our rather nasty January weather. <i>Teucrium chamaedrys</i>, another plant I wouldn't do without. This is before their annual late winter haircut to shape them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YNHxWdL6ddk0hdMtjP8YD3aG9tNEJ4EFTainokvTwy2bJB1l0xjhmcWBYakhi6mMOfi_edDPKKiqZHHZDTf_vgYobMpWlHbc6wjtJ5VGZy-v0Noq8KF_pVFL330OPYWIIu8RegetEY-oPgqroS3tzV6bx-OzxrLsH-dEfER_KpH5oKgD9fEee1CLzZg/s6000/IMG_3092.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YNHxWdL6ddk0hdMtjP8YD3aG9tNEJ4EFTainokvTwy2bJB1l0xjhmcWBYakhi6mMOfi_edDPKKiqZHHZDTf_vgYobMpWlHbc6wjtJ5VGZy-v0Noq8KF_pVFL330OPYWIIu8RegetEY-oPgqroS3tzV6bx-OzxrLsH-dEfER_KpH5oKgD9fEee1CLzZg/w426-h640/IMG_3092.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Juniperis conferta</i> 'Blue Pacific' finally spilling down the edge of the retaining wall of the berm garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVh4MPXdZPjwt7zgtx2T-cmbqbCpSeZRxODb1kXjo4ol37rM-Gj9urXbB9MWiy6GQlrCeJNMMCVaJPyGE1GZVmuszrJWnam08CzB6TqFpmT4E9l7sn6KE5dh9-qqRTaWKoDP-e58obNqpb-hPztrIMTg5PZ5bOAM99Yey4pdYVQ_cMmdfvK2BMFedfRg4/s6000/IMG_3016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVh4MPXdZPjwt7zgtx2T-cmbqbCpSeZRxODb1kXjo4ol37rM-Gj9urXbB9MWiy6GQlrCeJNMMCVaJPyGE1GZVmuszrJWnam08CzB6TqFpmT4E9l7sn6KE5dh9-qqRTaWKoDP-e58obNqpb-hPztrIMTg5PZ5bOAM99Yey4pdYVQ_cMmdfvK2BMFedfRg4/w640-h426/IMG_3016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Signs of life make me smile. <i>Potentilla atrosanguinea</i> 'Red' just barely emerging.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscsm9MZSPYQcsUTSdhBzS7y_9dlOy9EDG_JvhK17K2Wzg9sq6LNoLwInAuL7SA-weQLoE6kwXK3uhyxwTlCZKbSI4JuVP3snhRFhWBFxc7YxZC0E48SA_U1IdclnK6BexQ0MI-OeaPDEl6tzHDZckDjzY6CvQPvKcE2HwbufqOWjfIS3PrvglANP8sZI/s6000/IMG_3065.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscsm9MZSPYQcsUTSdhBzS7y_9dlOy9EDG_JvhK17K2Wzg9sq6LNoLwInAuL7SA-weQLoE6kwXK3uhyxwTlCZKbSI4JuVP3snhRFhWBFxc7YxZC0E48SA_U1IdclnK6BexQ0MI-OeaPDEl6tzHDZckDjzY6CvQPvKcE2HwbufqOWjfIS3PrvglANP8sZI/w426-h640/IMG_3065.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Spiraea thunbergii</i> 'Ogon' has had the faintest of leaves for a few weeks and now it's officially blooming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdGZHm0omtIyPLSh4_b9C3d0ndP7SrRhDV8IRz9kCwa2hSjxY9Hux0K2d-g2Kg3gOWpA5VvtnAN_MY1QuK7He2zhCdby14aQwI5FseNaqkoPBPr1XegD3oULJkDY9xJcGUYPWuLOEDsYflvRbQfZUwiYWH6X2wZeA5oQ7B7PY5MbKm-sO0O6gIpxP7Hk/s6000/IMG_2975.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdGZHm0omtIyPLSh4_b9C3d0ndP7SrRhDV8IRz9kCwa2hSjxY9Hux0K2d-g2Kg3gOWpA5VvtnAN_MY1QuK7He2zhCdby14aQwI5FseNaqkoPBPr1XegD3oULJkDY9xJcGUYPWuLOEDsYflvRbQfZUwiYWH6X2wZeA5oQ7B7PY5MbKm-sO0O6gIpxP7Hk/w640-h426/IMG_2975.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Saxifraga x geum </i>'Dentata' always looking smart in the shade garden.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hfpOTnryY3nD_Z_ZAiPgiUoCa9zqrVNy_0xHEkeHv0T6o12Jd6GWjh-nOLuprDmnyxgzUK6BhQTHlTN8BxRbpua07s9P4U0RvPyGc_LQMMXumB6NrQSlGp3yr0rBIU8RgLLOmEjoH8UM6eCbN4q429AqPehuWuWQ20AW2PgDl-7zVaETXoOAG2InjOU/s6000/IMG_2984.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hfpOTnryY3nD_Z_ZAiPgiUoCa9zqrVNy_0xHEkeHv0T6o12Jd6GWjh-nOLuprDmnyxgzUK6BhQTHlTN8BxRbpua07s9P4U0RvPyGc_LQMMXumB6NrQSlGp3yr0rBIU8RgLLOmEjoH8UM6eCbN4q429AqPehuWuWQ20AW2PgDl-7zVaETXoOAG2InjOU/w640-h426/IMG_2984.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.greatplantpicks.org/plantlists/view/491" target="_blank"><i>Daphne odora</i> 'Aureomarginata'</a> came through the winter chill with no visible damage. I planted two <i>Daphne</i> 'Perfume Princess' last summer and they survived, though many leaves are kind of burned from the bad weather, otherwise they look surprisingly good for being unestablished.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyU0IETLVMU7gfvVTXhZST4mCuf6yknP5Zh3nQqdFAVDmSLqxmSwv7XzhyphenhyphenUBTA1gPl6u1AUJJdsIXTtdVz5MubwK4luES4O9HptfUzKthP9VJNhULrFqlTqN-Nootw4WzwJsc946audMuCZI__qjfzMespM0cjae5C0VN1dVrAERPZ7Dst8oD3IjxcRk/s6000/IMG_2988.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyU0IETLVMU7gfvVTXhZST4mCuf6yknP5Zh3nQqdFAVDmSLqxmSwv7XzhyphenhyphenUBTA1gPl6u1AUJJdsIXTtdVz5MubwK4luES4O9HptfUzKthP9VJNhULrFqlTqN-Nootw4WzwJsc946audMuCZI__qjfzMespM0cjae5C0VN1dVrAERPZ7Dst8oD3IjxcRk/w640-h426/IMG_2988.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shade garden foliage featuring <i>Dryopteris sieboldii</i>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexfw8QX5eeUPDCVsOAk4cot8AuOH_A7HKW2aYJTpQXQTP8bcm0JjVlP9_nSyGfrjjSKMK4WcLKCjG4cz8uiH1iVfr-83rBmgV6vtJch8W2Q-KHrXknuwCQXPZFci7rVqRA1fWxxK_Fse2nSM089hDF7srtYQztNlXWwNHzdauIZR2lkBVVWku9OhBQyk/s6000/IMG_2968.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexfw8QX5eeUPDCVsOAk4cot8AuOH_A7HKW2aYJTpQXQTP8bcm0JjVlP9_nSyGfrjjSKMK4WcLKCjG4cz8uiH1iVfr-83rBmgV6vtJch8W2Q-KHrXknuwCQXPZFci7rVqRA1fWxxK_Fse2nSM089hDF7srtYQztNlXWwNHzdauIZR2lkBVVWku9OhBQyk/w640-h426/IMG_2968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Polypodium glycyrrhiza</i>, licorice fern, makes its appearance in the cooler, wetter months. Dormant in summer, it's a fun surprise every year when it emerges.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinXKxzKZNcj1C0DBvY3rpxtTVToPjk8aWMlQ4o28zB_1FinI9uCthb2YFt72Guv2RswyRfjhICAhjFGGCtQPlnGohWRTWu9q3eHnu-ZiN9oc_IZDJRstdSXCTuMpoOKGupgN7GO69ikxNRnFxKfuMLHdN1km1xyZHZalRfJbE6aAvYmF_F0Xdu8iHZ9Q/s6000/IMG_2986.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinXKxzKZNcj1C0DBvY3rpxtTVToPjk8aWMlQ4o28zB_1FinI9uCthb2YFt72Guv2RswyRfjhICAhjFGGCtQPlnGohWRTWu9q3eHnu-ZiN9oc_IZDJRstdSXCTuMpoOKGupgN7GO69ikxNRnFxKfuMLHdN1km1xyZHZalRfJbE6aAvYmF_F0Xdu8iHZ9Q/w640-h426/IMG_2986.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brunnera is coming up, such a sweet shade plant.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoWoulTV8VpuDdSwKQAO69bPXLCfhCLRLr2AEmgTa5GWCRbFtfAlziAN9I4BhSvi_-AiFckjrRsRnUFuK9qTVRmB8yppKH-_83o91s6U0s50xlMfONxdYt1qy66Qv7f1UNUXpExu0C7NdFGatoxqXtN9ACeRVHSb8h4l1OmKljG1p_6MlQSyj00D3GKU/s6000/IMG_2967.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoWoulTV8VpuDdSwKQAO69bPXLCfhCLRLr2AEmgTa5GWCRbFtfAlziAN9I4BhSvi_-AiFckjrRsRnUFuK9qTVRmB8yppKH-_83o91s6U0s50xlMfONxdYt1qy66Qv7f1UNUXpExu0C7NdFGatoxqXtN9ACeRVHSb8h4l1OmKljG1p_6MlQSyj00D3GKU/w640-h426/IMG_2967.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">To my absolute delight,<i> Schefflera delavayi</i> looks great, no winter damage some 7 years in. Also, it hangs over the north edge of our property through a deer fence and even the passing deer on the other side leave it alone.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls4HZkBS7UauNbd9HAnxQp65AQstZvWt3angI3CqncRWa5oSNXZoBU5_q2ctDrhsKSNwGgC2HSRWRD2fh1a3r89JGetrHGRfWDoKgMw-EMVMampoKSedFdgNgJCEFkockoiSm7sGCFNg7sD_h_gB-w71csqBt4RNIRalj_Vn_pmxtkU-vxHgddIIdfck/s6000/IMG_2963.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls4HZkBS7UauNbd9HAnxQp65AQstZvWt3angI3CqncRWa5oSNXZoBU5_q2ctDrhsKSNwGgC2HSRWRD2fh1a3r89JGetrHGRfWDoKgMw-EMVMampoKSedFdgNgJCEFkockoiSm7sGCFNg7sD_h_gB-w71csqBt4RNIRalj_Vn_pmxtkU-vxHgddIIdfck/w640-h426/IMG_2963.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Chiastophyllum oppositifolium</i> 'Jim's Pride' is happy in its tiny little shady world. Not a big spreader but its charm makes it worthwhile.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8H6B9g76xIV3LtcLJOqyvsCxIiJkLlJgtGRIZhfBtu8xvFZoiiD8hf2B2NdUaDhsoDotQAMwU9s2HU848Lmp4-zrSwWAdxMqqlVHFZNpYTXHpgzSNVSENw5Pn6RWm20GUizuf6ZNm6dfsCjfJm7606LE-v-o-MaTQvvw5DAPytvnb_a3UbnYx7-UYuI/s6000/IMG_3104.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8H6B9g76xIV3LtcLJOqyvsCxIiJkLlJgtGRIZhfBtu8xvFZoiiD8hf2B2NdUaDhsoDotQAMwU9s2HU848Lmp4-zrSwWAdxMqqlVHFZNpYTXHpgzSNVSENw5Pn6RWm20GUizuf6ZNm6dfsCjfJm7606LE-v-o-MaTQvvw5DAPytvnb_a3UbnYx7-UYuI/w640-h426/IMG_3104.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A second saxifrage this week - this one is <i>S.</i> 'Primuloides', another tough, evergreen spreader for shade.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0ld6wAgoUUKpUekaQxba-a6W7h3KPiebve0GqF7fkQKsZmznlm8Yzy12gCYiKGOYYPIqKtWykySRmFcJvsU-wM-byogZVY3zSKCOU9uKYV8MTRaqg9XLmJaNDBCo7rN1Ytq4sxtSWPvSla1kqUU6KOFyedqHwP4CFipbISYGrQBsQQjUFASouO7hMJc/s6000/IMG_3102.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0ld6wAgoUUKpUekaQxba-a6W7h3KPiebve0GqF7fkQKsZmznlm8Yzy12gCYiKGOYYPIqKtWykySRmFcJvsU-wM-byogZVY3zSKCOU9uKYV8MTRaqg9XLmJaNDBCo7rN1Ytq4sxtSWPvSla1kqUU6KOFyedqHwP4CFipbISYGrQBsQQjUFASouO7hMJc/w426-h640/IMG_3102.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mahonia</i> 'Soft Caress' in a pot near our front door came through the winter cold unscathed, mostly. I am grateful as so many friends in Portland who grow this had nearly total defoliation.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWj_2bolHKrt3AW6ADuHVa8tT7mDFaNc153szempIEegw38dJK-ha4ZZ6aw13KGvte6BfNl8DpMvshhFku3k79cjPxeqeYVu2Ya8UWFbP1YSSqMq7yv3g-_3aCRQy2qsvEPXSikBLwoocRp93wdRKW7hxqyvLIiOUuSnPhx7QZqsJm3zmX3d0yIFp-Jk/s6000/IMG_3080.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWj_2bolHKrt3AW6ADuHVa8tT7mDFaNc153szempIEegw38dJK-ha4ZZ6aw13KGvte6BfNl8DpMvshhFku3k79cjPxeqeYVu2Ya8UWFbP1YSSqMq7yv3g-_3aCRQy2qsvEPXSikBLwoocRp93wdRKW7hxqyvLIiOUuSnPhx7QZqsJm3zmX3d0yIFp-Jk/w640-h426/IMG_3080.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe buxifolia</i>, looking fine in the labyrinth garden. However, just about three feet away is this:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEznBSQiVr0q3lcIEz8JP5EgrI9MG-qZdRmeeTG-TWG7BbHVGInKSgutUhYwZrmX4r16bZ7AV2DY59bdBJZ42pKaV2tq8FcHwZwKwkVoKnYJf9P-R2EDVgboADi6D_OV71qDz4FzYI3JxovbGwu8vcrok6jq9rSrSEDsqMY4S6wSy8LWJT2g_r2UFoqE/s6000/IMG_3082.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEznBSQiVr0q3lcIEz8JP5EgrI9MG-qZdRmeeTG-TWG7BbHVGInKSgutUhYwZrmX4r16bZ7AV2DY59bdBJZ42pKaV2tq8FcHwZwKwkVoKnYJf9P-R2EDVgboADi6D_OV71qDz4FzYI3JxovbGwu8vcrok6jq9rSrSEDsqMY4S6wSy8LWJT2g_r2UFoqE/w640-h426/IMG_3082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe diosmifolia, </i>never looked worse. This plant has been in this spot for at least 7 years and always came through winter events until now. I think it just got too cold after an up-to-that-point mild winter. There is green on it and it will likely recover, but ouch. It may come out all together. It is worth noting that only a couple hebes in my garden suffered. This, a 'Great Orme', probably 'Patty's Purple' and a second <i>H. diosmifolia</i> are awful. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The rest, including the following, all look completely unscathed and have proven to be perfectly hardy for me: <i>H. buxifolia, H. cupressoides, H. cupressoides</i> 'Boughton Dome', <i>H. glaucophylla, H. purpurea nana, H. </i>'Sutherlandii', <i>H.</i> 'Karo Golden Esk', <i>H. recurva</i> 'Boughton Silver', <i>H. odora</i> 'New Zealand Gold', <i>H. </i>'Quicksilver', <i>H.</i> 'Red Edge', <i>H. rupicola, H. </i>'Western Hills',<i> H. vernicosa, H </i>'Wingletye', <i>H.</i> salicornioides, and <i>H.</i> 'Hinuera'. And yes, I know that they are now reclassified as Veronica. And, yes, I propagated all of them for future plant sales. Hooray!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now for more winter damage:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeFPow834Y3qrMAf0e76J8W-vE4MBDND8F9QABNqLFZAxGdnmme9VK0f2AxJSgFZEgUOqz-u4_1uRzpD1d5FzC-RB5IqLRET9CYJpUFu3Q9JhCVGgDzKr1AIZ1nZw8QDNWQ01UOb3P6-1o0S_qTb44mNNS-Sod0pKJ_Zj38uRnmZjShnZ2GK2uu1oUcU/s6000/IMG_3107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeFPow834Y3qrMAf0e76J8W-vE4MBDND8F9QABNqLFZAxGdnmme9VK0f2AxJSgFZEgUOqz-u4_1uRzpD1d5FzC-RB5IqLRET9CYJpUFu3Q9JhCVGgDzKr1AIZ1nZw8QDNWQ01UOb3P6-1o0S_qTb44mNNS-Sod0pKJ_Zj38uRnmZjShnZ2GK2uu1oUcU/w426-h640/IMG_3107.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More ugly bits. There are a few phygelius in this area that were completely green before the freeze. While they will certainly recover (you can't kill these things), it's unpleasant to look at them now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-Oqqv2GwTOm08ohI_eu8uPpMq_KMCPM5eOMG8Pys5SDRc93tzEjCyzCGy_SxP-m3h-9jtb5-4PQqFPGOGgAqz_Xd0NByFJenBc9Nn1s9y9F0f21930Dvub7K2pO4jUDaon_8AlMhBPGIoE39fC_4Z0hwykVq18mh_hwlxBXkDXCEBZrQ1ReCWLd48Pw/s6000/IMG_3041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-Oqqv2GwTOm08ohI_eu8uPpMq_KMCPM5eOMG8Pys5SDRc93tzEjCyzCGy_SxP-m3h-9jtb5-4PQqFPGOGgAqz_Xd0NByFJenBc9Nn1s9y9F0f21930Dvub7K2pO4jUDaon_8AlMhBPGIoE39fC_4Z0hwykVq18mh_hwlxBXkDXCEBZrQ1ReCWLd48Pw/w640-h426/IMG_3041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Muhlenbergia rigens</i> is normally an evergreen to semi-evergreen grass. They have never completely died like this but I am hopeful they will rebound this spring, in fact I'd bet on it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7ExXr1aL5gMwQwZLUbljmeaCcfUGjmevnbFPPydSkWDBTl2YCMgkqCOl0TdPLNx1GxjhSpt5lLR18L25BraWCsWHyieTtj41yAkJTu5neUNQEly5prKErN908RDF80N9xittwgqTgZcC6bbCsJirwieO7guYNmuNIi61IpYq6pp73eio4mQrdBesncU/s6000/IMG_3111.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7ExXr1aL5gMwQwZLUbljmeaCcfUGjmevnbFPPydSkWDBTl2YCMgkqCOl0TdPLNx1GxjhSpt5lLR18L25BraWCsWHyieTtj41yAkJTu5neUNQEly5prKErN908RDF80N9xittwgqTgZcC6bbCsJirwieO7guYNmuNIi61IpYq6pp73eio4mQrdBesncU/w426-h640/IMG_3111.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Phormium tenax</i> does this every year. This year it will get cut back hard to start fresh. I fully expect it to recover.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBnxTBUvsSexkf7BFrNmapgI7JyG-4A9WkC3w2oNOGEZMuqskil5oLARK8_l-ofXUhBxTmFWjPec1su4MRn0iukaAVE4gVPv56hoS8H4y3k9tSULFvQzyRs0LeivJ_Rfq7NB11Naws65bG9p70XspJ-3xEgCnPr_T7edWm65rEgSO44_MktmqHL6xEBk/s6000/IMG_3018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBnxTBUvsSexkf7BFrNmapgI7JyG-4A9WkC3w2oNOGEZMuqskil5oLARK8_l-ofXUhBxTmFWjPec1su4MRn0iukaAVE4gVPv56hoS8H4y3k9tSULFvQzyRs0LeivJ_Rfq7NB11Naws65bG9p70XspJ-3xEgCnPr_T7edWm65rEgSO44_MktmqHL6xEBk/w426-h640/IMG_3018.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">All my <i>Diplacus aurantiacus</i> look like this. There are green bits, especially at the base, so they will too likely regrow as they do nearly every year. It's only in a mild winter that they remain evergreen in my garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7KOFmvEHcLKhL60rRQTdfrtskV9Ps_pFpT9O5fIYeoPv4gVsfAAqTbfnD7_YCPCAzaaIGqEer9i7rNuzUpEGZ2lqHs_gPamNIAQqALHtgCuQcap57M9lUFOge0lJP5orDHf6y8Mq5HtpqZzJPZTSCvaxh3Twr_izS3uEEVnxMnE5sRg19v-fsHloGSA/s6000/IMG_3049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7KOFmvEHcLKhL60rRQTdfrtskV9Ps_pFpT9O5fIYeoPv4gVsfAAqTbfnD7_YCPCAzaaIGqEer9i7rNuzUpEGZ2lqHs_gPamNIAQqALHtgCuQcap57M9lUFOge0lJP5orDHf6y8Mq5HtpqZzJPZTSCvaxh3Twr_izS3uEEVnxMnE5sRg19v-fsHloGSA/w426-h640/IMG_3049.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Baccharis pilularis</i> has done this for the past few winters and rebounds completely. I notice a couple in the gardens at Cistus Nursery where I work that did the same thing which, to that point, they had not. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Z3S2G8sYIdwwFSf_VhDChxROT2tZXOasqtEdruomRmHlElTffLQomRJFA9iZ4zPViwWYghJclV9y-g4unAvhisDGefyzcLK39Qw0ypYfbt4Q6O7r1SQq4RoDkuIUpbT2hjBR3Sfrqz_Ye_J_lD8-0yNa7SjXheFDk0k_dExZ36TJY1yaXjzNiL5lOyo/s6000/IMG_3051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Z3S2G8sYIdwwFSf_VhDChxROT2tZXOasqtEdruomRmHlElTffLQomRJFA9iZ4zPViwWYghJclV9y-g4unAvhisDGefyzcLK39Qw0ypYfbt4Q6O7r1SQq4RoDkuIUpbT2hjBR3Sfrqz_Ye_J_lD8-0yNa7SjXheFDk0k_dExZ36TJY1yaXjzNiL5lOyo/w426-h640/IMG_3051.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Eucalyptus p. ssp. niphophila</i>, snow gum, was planted in February 2020. Not the best photograph of it but you can see the leaves turned buff color, it's never done this before. It should be hardy to very low temps and has been up until now. I have hope for it, however.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiX9JygXRObNWkGak_EqWlUL2FYFI7H1Zwv6ALvPUe0hZHS2CuXEFa0mmx2hlBn2oIh67ViXX4U_gJSFt3yeaVFndzFOhVZ8ooKKvHR6lQ3wOxWJ3hIWYgtiH8BlCiiLMvcfI0JfKNvqJNQhWJiKZq7fZIgkJA3ocOiwP7L1gzomammpQv1gDu8ieg0_c/s6000/IMG_3014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiX9JygXRObNWkGak_EqWlUL2FYFI7H1Zwv6ALvPUe0hZHS2CuXEFa0mmx2hlBn2oIh67ViXX4U_gJSFt3yeaVFndzFOhVZ8ooKKvHR6lQ3wOxWJ3hIWYgtiH8BlCiiLMvcfI0JfKNvqJNQhWJiKZq7fZIgkJA3ocOiwP7L1gzomammpQv1gDu8ieg0_c/w426-h640/IMG_3014.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Acca sellowiana</i> (syn. <i>Feijoa sellowiana</i>), pineapple guava, did this early in its career here at Chickadee Gardens when it was not yet established, so this defoliation isn't a huge alarm. I'll watch it, though, crossing all fingers. It took a couple of weeks post-winter storm to do this, in other words evidence of damage was delayed.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt26aAStNWvD9wZyQPqYgHwNJ5p3mV311HubSjiSzJAoa_E7vuogXLCCClGaBcOj9HR0L67mF3UV_3xj5svoFy0LOXQ8zF9XUmWACa-Glpp9akEREBMqlEF-TwBXDajrl53Z9r9vcJhp4qkSpjoESTj-IyuiKAN3kNTzRyAacO-QLaiUo_3Wxq7fBssqg/s6000/IMG_3145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt26aAStNWvD9wZyQPqYgHwNJ5p3mV311HubSjiSzJAoa_E7vuogXLCCClGaBcOj9HR0L67mF3UV_3xj5svoFy0LOXQ8zF9XUmWACa-Glpp9akEREBMqlEF-TwBXDajrl53Z9r9vcJhp4qkSpjoESTj-IyuiKAN3kNTzRyAacO-QLaiUo_3Wxq7fBssqg/w640-h426/IMG_3145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ending this post with something a little more cheerful, spreading of wood chips. We got tired of waiting for Chip Drop so FM had a few yards delivered and he has been faithfully spreading them to newly created garden beds and refreshing some old ones. I am so appreciative of this as I haven't been able to do much with a shoulder injury. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shoulder injury, what? Oh, yes. I thought my nearly two-year-old, over-use-because-of-drought-related-hand-watering injury (that I have had physical therapy for) kicked up its nasty heels. One fine day a couple of weeks ago, excruciating pain emanated from my shoulder and I could not use my right arm. At all. Visions of no longer being able to garden scared me. Urgent care, x-rays and most excellent care from The Portland Clinic last week gave me answers - turns out I have <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21638-calcific-tendonitis" target="_blank">calcific tendonitis</a>. Who knew it was even a thing? Calcium crystals form in the tendon which can cause 10 on a scale of 1 - 10 pain. The doctor said I probably have had this for a while (would explain past shoulder pain) but I did something that caused this Almond Roca-sized crystal to scrape against my clavicle whereby choice expletives spewed. But the good news is no surgery, and it will likely resolve on its own in time. It is not really known why this happens - not from diet, for example. Now I'm on the mend, shoulder has improved to almost full range of motion, so I am incredibly grateful. Now you know - crystals can form in your tendons. I only share this story because something tells me I am not the first gardener to experience this and knowledge is power. I'm just glad this happened in February; I'd be a pretty feisty complainer had it been prime spring gardening weather. Oh, February, I guess I forgive you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And now that I'm on the mend, I guess I'd better get out there and shovel up some wood chips, rain or no. I can't let FM have all the fun! Oh, gravel, too. Maybe I'll leave that one to him this go-around.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. As always, thank you so much for reading and commenting, we do love hearing from you and knowing what you are up to in your garden!</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-79792676824851876862024-02-15T07:00:00.000-08:002024-03-15T08:50:50.258-07:00Chickadee Gardens List of Links<div style="text-align: center;">It occurs to me having a singular place to reference blog posts that are more informative in nature might be helpful. I've had several people share that they use a particular post regularly as a reference, so I thought it nice to create a place to easily link to these, something I could also use myself having blogged more than a decade now, or 437 posts, to be exact. That's plenty of photographs and information to muddle through. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sjU2MVOln8B8TLDcoTTTdFjhXLXTtYKGM2VgUdb7s9hGLgArUwTkFbsjWnxWuPxpOIYHgiyrwIlnOyaqN5rNe8fhu1LMRdreM2o7kITEoNfQKPUgLvs_TO9XZqzV0lC5ZkaL4O9Ny2V-MiFM1WRIMcRiuHyQQ2GAy53NhffO1_qKPdHTHjZaKKOS2ks/s6000/IMG_5073.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sjU2MVOln8B8TLDcoTTTdFjhXLXTtYKGM2VgUdb7s9hGLgArUwTkFbsjWnxWuPxpOIYHgiyrwIlnOyaqN5rNe8fhu1LMRdreM2o7kITEoNfQKPUgLvs_TO9XZqzV0lC5ZkaL4O9Ny2V-MiFM1WRIMcRiuHyQQ2GAy53NhffO1_qKPdHTHjZaKKOS2ks/w640-h426/IMG_5073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I consider this an exercise in not only revisiting older posts (which I had forgotten about) but also using this as a tool, myself. This post does not include links to <i>everything</i> I have ever written about, rather it is a series of categories, covering a slice of what this blog is about. I invite you to bookmark this page for future reference as I hope to continue to update it from time to time to keep it relevant.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Many older posts have what I now consider sub-par quality photographs, but it's all been a sincere effort, so they remain. It's also nice to realize that I've evolved over the years and to understand why I am drawn to do certain kinds of posts repeatedly. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here then are posts from the website grouped into the following categories: Take Five; Genera and Related Groups of Plants; Native Plants; Let's Go! Garden Travels; Nursery Visits; Year in Review; Insects, Birds and Critters; and finally, Before and After.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd34c7NEnHIN3DbSoLWY3oRLw_a_k1JD46W9XlGn6Pr-tSXsv8KZoDZBpbie3cdqaDdODm2M7kclDNlXcJv-XQdSVkl_9IS9tPmdrSZwqbzfOXgo8ARudCJyIc-KrS8d8G7aUnQFSFVvSO53tmP63mCtsHv5XChge45nD0DkWMhCM7k6SOmulWzYNzGhM/s6000/arctostaphylos_pumila.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd34c7NEnHIN3DbSoLWY3oRLw_a_k1JD46W9XlGn6Pr-tSXsv8KZoDZBpbie3cdqaDdODm2M7kclDNlXcJv-XQdSVkl_9IS9tPmdrSZwqbzfOXgo8ARudCJyIc-KrS8d8G7aUnQFSFVvSO53tmP63mCtsHv5XChge45nD0DkWMhCM7k6SOmulWzYNzGhM/w640-h426/arctostaphylos_pumila.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">First up are my Take Five posts where I focus on five fantastic plants that are suited for a particular situation, i.e. five resilient evergreen shrubs for sun. There are also posts covering groups of plants that go beyond a selection of just five.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">TAKE FIVE (AND RELATED) GROUPS OF PLANTS</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2022/01/take-five-drought-adapted-plants.html" target="_blank">Drought Adapted Plants for Sun</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2022/02/take-five-plants-we-regret.html" target="_blank">Plants We Regret</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/09/take-five-forgiving-shrubs-for-sun.html" target="_blank">Shrubs for Sun</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/09/take-five-forgiving-shrubs-for-shade.html" target="_blank">Shrubs for Shade</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/01/groundcovers-for-shade.html" target="_blank">Groundcovers for Shade</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/01/groundcovers-for-sun.html" target="_blank">Groundcovers for Sun</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/10/take-five-forgiving-perennials-for-sun.html" target="_blank">Perennials for Sun</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2024/01/take-five-forgiving-perennials-for-shade.html" target="_blank">Perennials for Shade</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2022/09/the-toughest-of-tough-part-i-evergreen.html" target="_blank">Toughest of the Tough: Evergreen Plants</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2022/09/toughest-of-tough-part-ii-perennials.html" target="_blank">Toughest of the Tough Part II: Perennials, Grasses and Deciduous Shrubs</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2015/08/take-five-highlighting-five-great-plant.html" target="_blank">Five General Great Plant Performers</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2015/04/take-five-profiles-of-five-great-natives.html" target="_blank">Five Great Natives</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2022/01/take-five-groundcovers.html" target="_blank">Groundcovers</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/11/the-evergreens-shade-plants.html" target="_blank">The Evergreens: Shade Plants</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/11/the-evergreens-sun-lovers.html" target="_blank">The Evergreens: Sun Lovers</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2019/09/plant-ideas-for-low-water-gardening.html" target="_blank">Plant Ideas for Low Water Gardening</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2019/01/winter-interest-shade-plants.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest: Shade Plants</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2019/01/winter-interest-sun-plants.html" target="_blank">Winter Interest: Sun Plants</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yvbG61Cwes_9hJH-gzrCLJZkTn1ORNfVI-gju-Fukmbj80ntgcR3CmMFYjnBcrYsgTO0TkTJ0oN-4qP8aSp1w2SA1CfxrixREC7vvRJVzOk63W2_jUdaeLvcMJBAF5E9Zg8VlFr0O3LCBzI5VojOGNla5GZHac_YUq3Z51ATSKX34nMhfgdiN3LpL9A/s6000/Adiantum%20aleuticum%20(pedatum)%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yvbG61Cwes_9hJH-gzrCLJZkTn1ORNfVI-gju-Fukmbj80ntgcR3CmMFYjnBcrYsgTO0TkTJ0oN-4qP8aSp1w2SA1CfxrixREC7vvRJVzOk63W2_jUdaeLvcMJBAF5E9Zg8VlFr0O3LCBzI5VojOGNla5GZHac_YUq3Z51ATSKX34nMhfgdiN3LpL9A/w640-h426/Adiantum%20aleuticum%20(pedatum)%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genera and groups of plants include collections of plants that I seem to have a lot of.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">GENERA & RELATED GROUPS of PLANTS POSTS</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2021/12/hebe-survey-at-chickadee-gardens.html" target="_blank">Hebe Survey</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2024/03/hebe-survey-2024.html" target="_blank">Hebe Survey 2024</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2019/05/ceanothus-and-hebes-at-chickadee-gardens.html" target="_blank">Ceanothus and Hebes at Chickadee Gardens</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2021/12/arctostaphylos-survey-at-chickadee.html" target="_blank">Arctostaphylos Survey</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2020/11/grasses-at-chickadee-gardens.html" target="_blank">Grasses at Chickadee Gardens</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2020/10/hardy-fuchsias-at-chickadee-gardens.html" target="_blank">Hardy Fuchsias</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2020/05/ferns-at-chickadee-gardens.html" target="_blank">Ferns</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2019/12/coniferous-trees-and-shrubs.html" target="_blank">Coniferous Trees and Shrubs</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2019/04/sedum-sampler.html" target="_blank">Sedum Sampler</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkCe_3kHuCam2aUn1GmM2wMkgXEmOquvz3tWAu82aN-dEV5_veUhWq-DyR8DD4HW8J8loIVsKisszhkVN9Jfg74ynciYmgoOZxIwa8OTOjhJnCkO4-i5pq1sKpZJsm45EN9_LI7A5FWzfMAbHJ3ZhRw2ODgijSGDS5y_AIgIE6jpvRXZFV4dDbsr8vXE/s6000/ceanothus_adairvillage.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkCe_3kHuCam2aUn1GmM2wMkgXEmOquvz3tWAu82aN-dEV5_veUhWq-DyR8DD4HW8J8loIVsKisszhkVN9Jfg74ynciYmgoOZxIwa8OTOjhJnCkO4-i5pq1sKpZJsm45EN9_LI7A5FWzfMAbHJ3ZhRw2ODgijSGDS5y_AIgIE6jpvRXZFV4dDbsr8vXE/w640-h426/ceanothus_adairvillage.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have loved native plants for a long while, having been involved with the Backyard Habitat Certification Program years ago. My love of these beauties came with me to Saint Helens, even though the program doesn't exist out here. I have a large selection of them in the garden and often forget to highlight their beauty and durability, so from time to time I do a natives only post.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">NATIVE PLANTS</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2019/05/a-few-native-plants.html" target="_blank">A Few Native Plants</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2021/06/a-few-native-plants-at-chickadee-gardens.html" target="_blank">A Few Native Plants at Chickadee Gardens</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2020/03/a-few-more-native-plants.html" target="_blank">A Few More Native Plants</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2015/02/a-dozen-more-native-plants-to-try.html" target="_blank">A Dozen More Native Plants to Try</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2013/09/but-which-ones-are-native-plants.html" target="_blank">But Which Ones are Native?</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/05/native-plants-of-spring.html" target="_blank">Native Plants of Spring</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2020/06/natives-in-june.html" target="_blank">Natives in June</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2015/01/happy-2015-more-garden-worthy-native.html" target="_blank">Happy 2015! More Garden-Worthy Natives to Try This Year</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/01/happy-2014-twelve-garden-worthy-native.html" target="_blank">Happy 2014! Twelve Garden-Worthy Native Plants to Try This Year</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/05/a-native-plant-walkabout.html" target="_blank">A Native Plant Walkabout</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/04/natives-among-us.html" target="_blank">Natives Among Us</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/04/native-wildflowers-of-mccormick-park.html" target="_blank">Native Wildflowers of McCormick Park, Saint Helens</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2015/04/creating-habitat-in-your-backyard.html" target="_blank">Backyard Habitat Certification Program</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/10/nursery-visit-scappoose-bay-watershed.html" target="_blank">Scappoose Bay Watershed Nursery</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/02/nursery-visit-bosky-dell-natives.html" target="_blank">Bosky Dell Natives Nursery</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2015/09/portland-nursery-visit-natives.html" target="_blank">Portland Nursery: The Natives</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/04/a-very-green-post-spring-hike-in-forest.html" target="_blank">A Spring Hike in Forest Park</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/04/native-wildflowers-of-mccormick-park.html" target="_blank">Magic of Bird Creek Meadows</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/06/my-little-wildflower-meadow.html" target="_blank">My Little Wildflower Meadow</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/04/a-field-of-camas.html" target="_blank">A Field of Camas</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOycXFzum1ckFqCzw0B8Il3ortOm8hDUZv3m2lGj_fT5kDmRlz96x9EzxqUqobHoFtOgAY4Nnd4dRq7FQvC-CX3Vpkly7uqFziFHHoXRyQaqtJRJbThdJVgaIrvlRU3UFPGoq4mDij1hVU7TqjUcuckGmT0XXYTgelGmGUpo1kBvEFC76IZWCiznMGYQE/s6000/IMG_9145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOycXFzum1ckFqCzw0B8Il3ortOm8hDUZv3m2lGj_fT5kDmRlz96x9EzxqUqobHoFtOgAY4Nnd4dRq7FQvC-CX3Vpkly7uqFziFHHoXRyQaqtJRJbThdJVgaIrvlRU3UFPGoq4mDij1hVU7TqjUcuckGmT0XXYTgelGmGUpo1kBvEFC76IZWCiznMGYQE/w640-h426/IMG_9145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>When FM and I are afforded the luxury of being able to travel, gardens feature prominently in our plans. I enjoy sharing what we discover. Here are some of our travels, in chronological order, most recent first.</div><div><br /></div><div>LET'S GO! GARDEN TRAVELS</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/11/lets-go-great-dixter-part-i.html" target="_blank">Great Dixter Part I</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/11/lets-go-great-dixter-part-ii.html" target="_blank">Great Dixter Part II</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/10/lets-go-sissinghurst-castle-garden-part.html" target="_blank">Sissinghurst Part I</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/11/lets-go-sissinghurst-castle-garden-part.html" target="_blank">Sissinghurst Part II</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/10/lets-go-oxford-botanic-garden.html" target="_blank">Oxford Botanic Gardens</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/12/england-rest.html" target="_blank">England: The Rest</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2021/07/lets-go-mount-saint-helens.html" target="_blank">Mount Saint Helens</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2021/05/lets-go-ucsc-botanic-gardens-spring.html" target="_blank">UCSC Botanic Gardens Spring</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2021/05/lets-go-california-moments.html" target="_blank">California Moments</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2019/12/lets-go-ucsc-arboretum-and-botanic.html" target="_blank">UCSC Botanic Gardens Winter Part I</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2020/01/lets-go-ucsc-arboretum-and-botanic.html" target="_blank">UCSC Botanic Gardens Winter Part II</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2020/02/lets-go-ucsc-arboretum-south-african.html" target="_blank">UCSC Botanic Gardens Winter Part III, South African</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2019/03/lets-go-portsmouth-and-london.html" target="_blank">London and Portsmouth, England</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/11/lets-go-royal-botanic-gardens-kew.html" target="_blank">Kew Gardens, England</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/11/lets-go-great-broad-walk-at-kew-gardens.html" target="_blank">Kew Gardens, Broad Walk, England</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/11/lets-go-stonehenge-and-avebury.html" target="_blank">Stonehenge, Avebury, England</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/10/lets-go-glastonbury-england.html" target="_blank">Glastonbury, England</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/10/lets-go-cornwall-coast-and-tintagel.html" target="_blank">Cornwall and Tintagel, England</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/06/growiser-northeastern-oregons.html" target="_blank">GROWISER Conservation Area, NE Oregon</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/08/lets-go-oregon-garden.html" target="_blank">The Oregon Garden</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/07/lets-go-mount-saint-helens.html" target="_blank">Mount Saint Helens</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/12/lets-go-oregon-coast.html" target="_blank">The Oregon Coast</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/11/lets-go-mexico-city.html" target="_blank">Mexico City</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/12/lets-go-nepal-and-himalayas.html" target="_blank">Nepal and Himalayas</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/08/lets-go-crater-lake-oregons-national.html" target="_blank">Crater Lake, Oregon</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/05/lets-go-native-plants-hawaiian-style.html" target="_blank">Hawaii Part I - Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/05/nursery-visit-hawaiian-style.html" target="_blank">Hawaii Part II - Nursery Visit</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/07/lets-go-hawaii-part-iii.html" target="_blank">Hawaii Part III and Kilauea Volcano</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/04/elk-rock-garden-at-bishops-close.html" target="_blank">Elk Rock at Bishop's Close, Portland</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/02/lets-go-gardens-of-netherlands-keukenhof.html" target="_blank">Keukenhof, The Netherlands</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/03/lets-go-netherlands-and-belgium.html" target="_blank">The Netherlands and Belgium</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/01/needing-little-sunshine-lets-go.html" target="_blank">Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, Australia</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/01/lets-go-australia-part-ii.html" target="_blank">Australia Part II, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2013/10/lets-go-gardens-of-japan-part-1.html" target="_blank">Japan, Part I</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2013/10/gardens-of-japan-part-ii.html" target="_blank">Gardens of Japan, Part II, Tokyo</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2013/11/lets-go-gardens-of-japan-part-iii.html" target="_blank">Gardens of Japan, Part III, Kyoto</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQy09imHCHGHq0pPSSs44o14W85FghlNSTgsFciddEBFaAXrDKfbfbeU7ucjRBnC6brUixPFWQHkWSrgCehYb4Cznkolli5iQxPB0clFzsWrFc0hgCIlg-M0jW9KKqfpj7W8Z0BQ8kjllzAk0jTsTvufljTlBUxF2loF7NetEmEKsCIj0Qs05hWxsPL0/s4032/20200803_145951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQy09imHCHGHq0pPSSs44o14W85FghlNSTgsFciddEBFaAXrDKfbfbeU7ucjRBnC6brUixPFWQHkWSrgCehYb4Cznkolli5iQxPB0clFzsWrFc0hgCIlg-M0jW9KKqfpj7W8Z0BQ8kjllzAk0jTsTvufljTlBUxF2loF7NetEmEKsCIj0Qs05hWxsPL0/w640-h480/20200803_145951.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>Of course, nursery visits are a big part of my world, but not as much as they were when we lived in Portland. Having worked for one of the best, Joy Creek Nursery for its last six years, I didn't visit as many as I used to. Now at Cistus Nursery, another one of the best, I still don't get out as much as I'd like to but from time to time I manage a visit to other incredible nurseries. </div><div><br /></div><div>NURSERY VISITS</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/12/cistus-nursery.html" target="_blank">Cistus Nursery 2023</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/06/sebright-gardens-and-nursery.html" target="_blank">Sebright Gardens 2023</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2021/11/joy-creek-nursery-small-tribute.html" target="_blank">Joy Creek Nursery: A Tribute</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2020/02/nursery-visit-xera-plants.html" target="_blank">Xera Plants 2020</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/05/the-natural-gardener-nursery-garden.html" target="_blank">The Natural Gardener, Austin, Texas 2018</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/02/nursery-visit-xera-plants-spring-edition.html" target="_blank">Xera Plants 2018</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/07/nursery-visit-xera-plants.html" target="_blank">Xera Plants 2017</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/04/nursery-visit-little-prince-of-oregon.html" target="_blank">Little Prince of Oregon 2017</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/03/nursery-visit-gossler-farms-nursery.html" target="_blank">Gossler Farm Nursery Part I</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/03/nursery-visit-gossler-farm-nursery-part.html" target="_blank">Gossler Farm Nursery Part II</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/02/a-winter-visit-to-portland-nursery.html" target="_blank">Portland Nursery 2017</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/11/means-nursery-and-autumn-miscellany.html" target="_blank">Means Nursery</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/10/nursery-visit-scappoose-bay-watershed.html" target="_blank">Scappoose Bay Watershed Nursery</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/09/at-joy-creek-nursery-september-seeds.html" target="_blank">Joy Creek Nursery 2016</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/07/plant-shopping-at-xera.html" target="_blank">Xera Plants 2016</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/06/joy-creek-nursery-place-i-work.html" target="_blank">Joy Creek Nursery 2016</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/05/nursery-visit-molbaks-nursery.html" target="_blank">Molbak's Nursery 2016</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/03/nursery-visit-little-prince-of-oregon.html" target="_blank">Little Prince of Oregon 2016</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/03/seattle-visit-ravenna-gardens.html" target="_blank">Ravenna Gardens 2016</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/03/nursery-visit-sky-nursery-seattle.html" target="_blank">Sky Nursery Seattle 2016</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/02/nursery-visit-bosky-dell-natives.html" target="_blank">Bosky Dell Natives 2016</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2015/05/drakes-7-dees-nursery.html" target="_blank">Drake's 7 Dees 2015</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2015/03/mom-finds-agave-love-at-cistus-nursery.html" target="_blank">Cistus Nursery 2015</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2015/02/springtime-at-xera-plants.html" target="_blank">Xera Plants Spring 2015</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/10/a-local-wholesale-nursery-little-prince.html" target="_blank">Little Prince of Oregon 2014</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/10/nursery-visit-xera-plants.html" target="_blank">Xera Plants 2014</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/08/garden-bloggers-fling-portland-pomarius.html" target="_blank">Pomarius Nursery 2014</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2013/12/late-autumn-at-cistus-nursery.html" target="_blank">Cistus Nursery 2013</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2013/08/a-visit-to-dancing-oaks-nursery.html" target="_blank">Dancing Oaks Nursery 2013</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8R8OG3eWm8wb4n5jEhulPc-C9ZkwrLbGbc8bUsyqd6yUpTFRnGPGo0VRTvJXDdC6zBwwgjPEmT1UvIXjuHWDhZUxm-ae_KkobK3kHodLnPtx0Yag-JF90fZGZW8n6LcqMgCae4lXi2zTrdMcfO7yZwd7GWDqkjnGVm5DuW2DvBgoteLey5Aw0YGM2KE/s6000/hamamelis_jelena%20(5).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8R8OG3eWm8wb4n5jEhulPc-C9ZkwrLbGbc8bUsyqd6yUpTFRnGPGo0VRTvJXDdC6zBwwgjPEmT1UvIXjuHWDhZUxm-ae_KkobK3kHodLnPtx0Yag-JF90fZGZW8n6LcqMgCae4lXi2zTrdMcfO7yZwd7GWDqkjnGVm5DuW2DvBgoteLey5Aw0YGM2KE/w640-h426/hamamelis_jelena%20(5).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>Every year since we've lived out here in Saint Helens I've done a Year in Review post to remind myself of the highlights and challenges of any given year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Year in Review</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2024/01/2023-year-in-review.html" target="_blank">2023</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2022/12/chickadee-gardens-2022-year-in-review.html" target="_blank">2022</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2021/12/chickadee-gardens-2021-year-in-review.html" target="_blank">2021</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2020/12/best-of-garden-2020-year-in-review.html" target="_blank">2020</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2020/01/2019-year-in-review.html" target="_blank">2019</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/12/2018-year-in-review.html" target="_blank">2018</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/12/2017-year-in-review.html" target="_blank">2017</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/12/2016-year-in-review.html" target="_blank">2016</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5SMR1WyIDUc0_MIk_F-RHgDtcI-e78v6W9300apn0AIvbaBRc3SrtyiOwgO6WJyohPpy87xvlo-SK9vfcLd9RknxtA-tgkgaznpBFjPVHgVd82cLm4zia8thNRntGcAMrEP3jcDPgX8HOxemY0s8Lqk70iE0aZJiDcWm9tmumBF7Um2DN_j4iN_JSPg/s6000/IMG_1723.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5SMR1WyIDUc0_MIk_F-RHgDtcI-e78v6W9300apn0AIvbaBRc3SrtyiOwgO6WJyohPpy87xvlo-SK9vfcLd9RknxtA-tgkgaznpBFjPVHgVd82cLm4zia8thNRntGcAMrEP3jcDPgX8HOxemY0s8Lqk70iE0aZJiDcWm9tmumBF7Um2DN_j4iN_JSPg/w640-h426/IMG_1723.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>Since the garden began in earnest in 2009 as a way to attract birds and pollinators, we have had the joy of experiencing an amazing variety of wildlife. Sometimes I'm lucky and capture them on camera. </div><div><br /></div><div>Insects, Birds, Critters</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/07/wild-things.html" target="_blank">Wild Things (primarily pollinators)</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2022/03/gardening-for-hummingbirds.html" target="_blank">Gardening for Hummingbirds</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2019/11/birds.html" target="_blank">Birds!</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/09/farm-life-gardening-with-chickens.html" target="_blank">Gardening with Chickens</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/01/winter-birds.html" target="_blank">Winter Birds</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/08/birds-at-chickadee-gardens.html" target="_blank">Birds at Chickadee Gardens</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2015/09/insect-super-heroes.html" target="_blank">Insect Super Heroes</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2015/04/mason-bees-chickadees-and-eco-roofs-oh.html" target="_blank">Mason Bees, Chickadees, Eco Roof, Oh My!</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2015/01/backyard-birds-at-chickadee-gardens.html" target="_blank">Backyard Birds at Chickadee Gardens</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/11/mason-bees-maintenance-and-harvesting.html" target="_blank">Mason Bees: Maintenance, Harvesting and Cleaning</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/07/if-you-plant-it-they-will-come.html" target="_blank">Monarchs in Portland</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/03/mason-bees-at-chickadee-gardens.html" target="_blank">Mason Bees at Chickadee Gardens</a></div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/02/jimmy-hummingbird-and-snowpocolypse.html" target="_blank">Jimmy the Hummingbird and the Snowpocalypse</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Cjmydpyu2d32ixq1dBOHBqi68Xoq1XlruhEIiv2mtR-58zkhByhWsIADtatnmxqPv2dutyn8yiGfo4bX5hOM8llFSXwktYeVxAREOEBr7V3D5gVaC04x16ra1ugllFGxUHtV16ST_0QXIVIwxvvh1OPl_dr2vbyBVWNhJhvWTIINeMOXPFQouL0CYEY/s3264/20230421_152943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Cjmydpyu2d32ixq1dBOHBqi68Xoq1XlruhEIiv2mtR-58zkhByhWsIADtatnmxqPv2dutyn8yiGfo4bX5hOM8llFSXwktYeVxAREOEBr7V3D5gVaC04x16ra1ugllFGxUHtV16ST_0QXIVIwxvvh1OPl_dr2vbyBVWNhJhvWTIINeMOXPFQouL0CYEY/w640-h294/20230421_152943.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>Everybody loves a good Before and After, myself included. It's much better, however, if you're not actually doing the work. D'OH! Here are a few of our projects that we had the foresight to actually document. No labor on your part required.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before and After</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/05/bring-on-projects.html" target="_blank">Bring on the Projects</a> (2023)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/04/unfun-gardening.html" target="_blank">Unfun Gardening</a> (2023)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2022/11/let-rearrange-commence.html" target="_blank">Let the Rearrange Commence</a> (2022)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2021/08/2021-summer-project-new-home-for-hens.html" target="_blank">A New Home for the Hens</a> (2021)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2021/04/getting-giddy-small-before-and-afters.html" target="_blank">Getting Giddy and a Few Small Before and Afters</a> (2021)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2020/07/before-and-after-pruning-rosemary.html" target="_blank">Before and After: Pruning the Rosemary</a> (2020)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2019/11/the-hoophouse-cometh.html" target="_blank">The Hoophouse Cometh!</a> (2019)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2019/02/before-and-after-fun.html" target="_blank">Before and After Fun</a> (2019)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/02/before-and-after-progression-of-rock.html" target="_blank">Before and After: Progression of a Rock Wall</a> (2018)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/02/before-and-after-progression-of-hot.html" target="_blank">Before and After: Progression of a Hot Border</a> (2018)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/11/a-few-small-before-afters.html" target="_blank">A Few Small Before and Afters </a> (2017)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/06/progression-of-project.html" target="_blank">Progression of a Project</a> (Himalayan Mounds 2017)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2017/04/before-and-after-moving-soil-making.html" target="_blank">Before and After: Moving Soil, Making Paths </a>(2017)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/09/making-new-garden-evolution-of-fire-pit.html" target="_blank">The Evolution of a Fire Pit </a>(2016)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/04/a-few-small-before-and-afters.html" target="_blank">A Few Small Before and Afters </a>(2016)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/03/before-and-after-gravel-garden-emerges.html" target="_blank">The Gravel Garden Emerges </a> (2016)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/02/before-and-after-rock-wall.html" target="_blank">Before and After: Rock Wall </a> (2016)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2016/02/before-and-after-garden-emerges.html" target="_blank">Before and After: A Garden Emerges</a> (2016)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/06/the-yellow-garden-and-before-and-after.html" target="_blank">The Yellow Garden and a Before and After</a> (2014)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2014/02/another-before-and-after-winter-project.html" target="_blank">A Winter Project</a> (2014)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2013/09/another-before-and-after-late-summer.html" target="_blank">Late Summer Changes </a> (2013)</div><div><a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2013/08/another-before-and-after-eco-roof.html" target="_blank">Eco Roof </a> (2013)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">There it is, a List of Links on the blog to hopefully enhance your surfing pleasure. I hope you find it helpful, it's been kind of fun to put together.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. As always thank you so much for reading and commenting, we do love hearing from you! Happy gardening!</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-74019608957987214172024-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:002024-02-01T07:00:00.154-08:00All The January Things<div style="text-align: center;"> When I say All the Things, I mean the pretty and the ugly, equal measure. One full month into 2024 and it's been a doozy, weatherwise. Here at Chickadee Gardens we've recorded over 10" of rain, that's not including precipitation from the snow and ice as FM moved the rain gauge out of the firing line for a week because last year it froze and broke during a similar event. Lesson learned. I'm estimating we had more along the lines of 12" of precipitation. There were nearly two weeks of very cold (for us) temps at 15 degrees (at its coldest) with about 6" of snow followed by freezing rain. I mean a coating of a quarter inch or more on everything. We had a record low "high" temperature of 21 degrees. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Having said all that, we fared much better than our Portland friends did because the frigid east winds never came this far. We didn't cover many plants, just a couple newly planted agaves and I am pleased that overall, the garden did ok. We've been through this enough times that the slimmed down version of the garden has a tough exterior, mostly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here then is the month of January, warts and all. First up, the pretty bits:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlG02LeYfuS9v2ZeHTY-hoSjVVBEfn_5rDcyQmIR1Eza3oe7RFScWmXh307X36i26fI2BFrWke9KNr4uC8aKJgRKrLHwHnoTgnhpbSmTCuRVfGZNZqU-yrRyLFe8-oAhc2-SuFPg4njkmpmEThL472sYUw_3glBLDmNfNkRGZXV6QmN_h8-oFxlXT1Jc/s6000/IMG_2257.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlG02LeYfuS9v2ZeHTY-hoSjVVBEfn_5rDcyQmIR1Eza3oe7RFScWmXh307X36i26fI2BFrWke9KNr4uC8aKJgRKrLHwHnoTgnhpbSmTCuRVfGZNZqU-yrRyLFe8-oAhc2-SuFPg4njkmpmEThL472sYUw_3glBLDmNfNkRGZXV6QmN_h8-oFxlXT1Jc/w640-h426/IMG_2257.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An unglamourous look at the berm garden - that is to say bad lighting in January - but I suppose the point is that I still have a garden. Despite this being a difficult spot to garden, what<i> is </i>here are survivors.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHq_KXsqAAlX7PhXkD3cy68iLGpkZYyGMo3TMQBBiw1j9E9-7IdaNZzwdywwJj-TvYJUz2yo-xJZ9Lb4MBQ8q67yCZ_3DylDwKVa501lOP_ezHDZq8oSnAvE_Fi3fzGHVfQgZntxQbTUeaYtVscsA68Ay6dgff-JLmeyD2pb7hjl5RL8VeWYcimYGGuDA/s6000/IMG_2259.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHq_KXsqAAlX7PhXkD3cy68iLGpkZYyGMo3TMQBBiw1j9E9-7IdaNZzwdywwJj-TvYJUz2yo-xJZ9Lb4MBQ8q67yCZ_3DylDwKVa501lOP_ezHDZq8oSnAvE_Fi3fzGHVfQgZntxQbTUeaYtVscsA68Ay6dgff-JLmeyD2pb7hjl5RL8VeWYcimYGGuDA/w640-h426/IMG_2259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A dear friend moved from her four-acre garden recently and gave me so many treasures, this among them. A bear/cat/otter creature covered in lichen that now lives near our front door.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0XegY93W9afrD2U34Sh6HwLopI1W_U_9IG84H-0FmAYwzX0ucu6HeXWXVfjidifHV0ng5dTeJBUSfNxgWm1pYFCeUqsVgvdvR5G8EKFaoZ7sYikzWEhgO68j_fJC3Wx-m8jpq0IlXPxwz2CYXsd60Onjn93kpzUljH9zfULMBvtXGInZVXYDnKhlV3I/s6000/IMG_2281.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0XegY93W9afrD2U34Sh6HwLopI1W_U_9IG84H-0FmAYwzX0ucu6HeXWXVfjidifHV0ng5dTeJBUSfNxgWm1pYFCeUqsVgvdvR5G8EKFaoZ7sYikzWEhgO68j_fJC3Wx-m8jpq0IlXPxwz2CYXsd60Onjn93kpzUljH9zfULMBvtXGInZVXYDnKhlV3I/w640-h426/IMG_2281.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few berries on <i>Viburnum opulus </i>are colorful on a cold January day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI5AUggTf_P0t31WJZ7tjRu5IChkcCSjBeLwPKXGC_jSlwiqJTqPVJC6e63BjidPkDJJNa2p3wHNdzKPuZDkLaPSq8mvE2nY1Z-_jlWjCmDHJnPTb3Nv2mnCYO6J79hgBcp9GcQLdc4gn6wmFspRNTNw7inLexFJIsDZKlQSEeV4NupMUtSxiHfcys9o/s6000/IMG_2264.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI5AUggTf_P0t31WJZ7tjRu5IChkcCSjBeLwPKXGC_jSlwiqJTqPVJC6e63BjidPkDJJNa2p3wHNdzKPuZDkLaPSq8mvE2nY1Z-_jlWjCmDHJnPTb3Nv2mnCYO6J79hgBcp9GcQLdc4gn6wmFspRNTNw7inLexFJIsDZKlQSEeV4NupMUtSxiHfcys9o/w640-h426/IMG_2264.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The obligatory <i>Hamamelis</i> 'Jelena' January photograph. Joking aside, it is so wonderful to see even a peep of orange in winter.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5rZo5qWnnaynJfWsP0xUjboZoDlIW96j7MrJ52Rn8W2BBxbJ5fIXUqAKGPkIMcQuYOh1QDoLYQCiD4piJdVUx8iE4CoRBLor7fgt5_ki-XVTXmOVE1USOF3u57ovZWAgPZ3BddlK5E8J16UYoLUPP13_M2bjhdnftOeBBxuelHKTiRxfbRzHZpxrU3E/s6000/IMG_2266.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5rZo5qWnnaynJfWsP0xUjboZoDlIW96j7MrJ52Rn8W2BBxbJ5fIXUqAKGPkIMcQuYOh1QDoLYQCiD4piJdVUx8iE4CoRBLor7fgt5_ki-XVTXmOVE1USOF3u57ovZWAgPZ3BddlK5E8J16UYoLUPP13_M2bjhdnftOeBBxuelHKTiRxfbRzHZpxrU3E/w640-h426/IMG_2266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Schefflera delavayi </i>continues to surprise and impress me with its resilience, especially in these snow and ice events. I have four of these in the shade garden, each of which is unscathed by snow, ice and very low temperatures.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5NRhM5NOTEmFRi1h8M1GklPo0yALdLfWo5VnEdlDsRYjAK0gwUUh_UlRsJzUbX6d2tRGnc1Vl7KZBVO5UNmapeb_l9t3TEJ_4rB3Nj-HDmLe1Suvkzv31vBUGlZO0Li1YQ4kIxVILtTuRbu_2cNBx32C_-Lr97oX5BLPmmpMUqIO5uBrVVyjC1gEprA/s6000/IMG_2271.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5NRhM5NOTEmFRi1h8M1GklPo0yALdLfWo5VnEdlDsRYjAK0gwUUh_UlRsJzUbX6d2tRGnc1Vl7KZBVO5UNmapeb_l9t3TEJ_4rB3Nj-HDmLe1Suvkzv31vBUGlZO0Li1YQ4kIxVILtTuRbu_2cNBx32C_-Lr97oX5BLPmmpMUqIO5uBrVVyjC1gEprA/w426-h640/IMG_2271.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Schefflera taiwaniana</i>, although in my garden only since autumn 2022, has also been very resilient.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAQcBMsg0m2a-7Tf4voJ_Var45OOYSTohyphenhyphenteuRvNGcgPtdl4SrJsHX_itbVjvsW1T85ywe90qfTCJquph4ssv2SrCCSRCxChlVvzEVAi2rJpjjF88xEgJaMb-4LrzzI11IFBG9Wij-MnJL2Cr6hmNirTQS90sgigmkemHsi6JyB5lAbMDwkVhOagUiOI/s6000/IMG_2277.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAQcBMsg0m2a-7Tf4voJ_Var45OOYSTohyphenhyphenteuRvNGcgPtdl4SrJsHX_itbVjvsW1T85ywe90qfTCJquph4ssv2SrCCSRCxChlVvzEVAi2rJpjjF88xEgJaMb-4LrzzI11IFBG9Wij-MnJL2Cr6hmNirTQS90sgigmkemHsi6JyB5lAbMDwkVhOagUiOI/w640-h426/IMG_2277.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Carex conica</i> 'Snowline' paired with <i>Trachelospermum jasminoides</i> 'Variegatum' in a corner of my shade garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6mw0F3dH8BIB0LAs5Q2iCJDi-ucINC8XRurecc1cpYAmVxNqYs7DQ6TfWY9g4kkgNHh8MMRVzyamjjIJZh61pc92CcQNzvNJqb8K2qY-lK2Mz4s21ceAvk5eq0n1g-pOxGUabOXmPHEuzIGZOxpuwBD5pGne1XIp_9txuWDfMKzvXf3xjf1mxrpUVIk/s6000/IMG_2297.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6mw0F3dH8BIB0LAs5Q2iCJDi-ucINC8XRurecc1cpYAmVxNqYs7DQ6TfWY9g4kkgNHh8MMRVzyamjjIJZh61pc92CcQNzvNJqb8K2qY-lK2Mz4s21ceAvk5eq0n1g-pOxGUabOXmPHEuzIGZOxpuwBD5pGne1XIp_9txuWDfMKzvXf3xjf1mxrpUVIk/w640-h426/IMG_2297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Euphorbia rigida</i> blooming, a bright spot in the gravel garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-8g2Q84-mF4FPnO5Ba9DKVnF00Lm-dIgAoli_zRlO3v1HDSRmE9VBihoX5QpJ-8pGOWegT1j9L52gsgZAgzV97dpsPKMDeBN2FpvIwxINmU7WcZOy3uJaoQC0eoPp2h4ERW81mJQX6i2ORbemuOUBBIjm2hGnXRQG4PW5bdVm7SO65jEJl1QGv1JKgM/s6000/IMG_2299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-8g2Q84-mF4FPnO5Ba9DKVnF00Lm-dIgAoli_zRlO3v1HDSRmE9VBihoX5QpJ-8pGOWegT1j9L52gsgZAgzV97dpsPKMDeBN2FpvIwxINmU7WcZOy3uJaoQC0eoPp2h4ERW81mJQX6i2ORbemuOUBBIjm2hGnXRQG4PW5bdVm7SO65jEJl1QGv1JKgM/w640-h426/IMG_2299.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.greatplantpicks.org/plantlists/view/583" target="_blank"><i>Erica × darleyensis</i> ‘Kramer's Rote’</a>, a colorful splash for a January garden. If you can grow heath, it is, as I have observed, well-visited by bumble bees in winter. An early source of sustenance for bees is reason enough to grow it for me, but I also like the punch of color.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK_NvwzjtS0l_WDkbpKoV5j1s4Qzgw1YN8R8tkqJevYu5cutfLGhsx0kxpHlyda0nwxdYVhqEX6wNyFYPU7B0tg8rrBClRp6FNR1Bk5s78uztc4DTNysYLJiZGWt3pc8KjINjON5gHl0544TsSWuysR18HxJKAK1no-6fis-zL6M-2lA69B5BcIorCJw/s6000/IMG_2303.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK_NvwzjtS0l_WDkbpKoV5j1s4Qzgw1YN8R8tkqJevYu5cutfLGhsx0kxpHlyda0nwxdYVhqEX6wNyFYPU7B0tg8rrBClRp6FNR1Bk5s78uztc4DTNysYLJiZGWt3pc8KjINjON5gHl0544TsSWuysR18HxJKAK1no-6fis-zL6M-2lA69B5BcIorCJw/w426-h640/IMG_2303.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Chamaecyparis lawsoniana</i> 'Imbric Weeping' I have had for several years. It was given to me at a garden blogger's swap and was not very tall, today it is about 10' or so in height and understandably difficult to photograph with its lovely whispy nature.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaxCrwcbAcDuMuCzsu8JIUyrMC8XtgdaXM_rl6xXVqqelQI3luu72_zzwJc_qfvOcaXph7y7szrFbxrSIRCX2nNK4xGaFqMb8XkTDsckHd4fJirrzZdDfA7y1JKF8Ec30F86T0ALRZNOUU2JbHvT3oaMoJXqoXRWM5t582_5FQhjZcq9s3pUYtWYKK_8/s6000/IMG_2268.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaxCrwcbAcDuMuCzsu8JIUyrMC8XtgdaXM_rl6xXVqqelQI3luu72_zzwJc_qfvOcaXph7y7szrFbxrSIRCX2nNK4xGaFqMb8XkTDsckHd4fJirrzZdDfA7y1JKF8Ec30F86T0ALRZNOUU2JbHvT3oaMoJXqoXRWM5t582_5FQhjZcq9s3pUYtWYKK_8/w640-h426/IMG_2268.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Euonymus fortunei</i> 'Emerald Gaiety', one I featured in my <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2024/01/take-five-forgiving-perennials-for-shade.html" target="_blank">last post</a> looks cheerful in a rather dark corner of the shade garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFiWzzgjZXfA5LDakr3cohw3vmXfhVZ1RWTcFlIWwN_SCQvTbKDAY7X0Oh67PabEoet_t-ONMoWemrTFchNkayYgOACG7dShozYaJsGDxMLZF91VcVVNfdK4-2UU1NOfjpcA9jQvvpaXaU4aV30vhoYfgk8UaWrnOOIi1byVJ3IGSDYAR7q1ALBVHAwY/s6000/IMG_2307.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFiWzzgjZXfA5LDakr3cohw3vmXfhVZ1RWTcFlIWwN_SCQvTbKDAY7X0Oh67PabEoet_t-ONMoWemrTFchNkayYgOACG7dShozYaJsGDxMLZF91VcVVNfdK4-2UU1NOfjpcA9jQvvpaXaU4aV30vhoYfgk8UaWrnOOIi1byVJ3IGSDYAR7q1ALBVHAwY/w640-h426/IMG_2307.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Viburnum tinus</i> 'Variegatum' in the shade garden adds a bit of sparkle. This hasn't been particularly fast growing, but it's healthy and holds its own.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDm9x7EZD9ovFpQX7RfjqkEkBCm2J22eYEC9ZNfyXh-JOzLM4wlo0pbR-pdtm3ONrt6c9j1PRMiZ2zLWicakgcyzRy1eUyU0q28IDr6J9q0Hiq8VR6Yci8E-ASG9nb5PoxvZUzjx-YJfX6_3rU5n8Vt4c9xwr8VACRrW8JxEKv9EUMq7m7QrqHaw7wH4/s6000/IMG_2305.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDm9x7EZD9ovFpQX7RfjqkEkBCm2J22eYEC9ZNfyXh-JOzLM4wlo0pbR-pdtm3ONrt6c9j1PRMiZ2zLWicakgcyzRy1eUyU0q28IDr6J9q0Hiq8VR6Yci8E-ASG9nb5PoxvZUzjx-YJfX6_3rU5n8Vt4c9xwr8VACRrW8JxEKv9EUMq7m7QrqHaw7wH4/w640-h426/IMG_2305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Gaultheria shallon</i>, our common salal that was on the property when we moved here has been encouraged and is thriving throughout the woodland and shade gardens. Especially this time of the year it is a joy to see, a green pause among much brown.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXZSg1IcFhOJ3MY6o6nkypDhjzUK5ec_6YNn_g-Ioyd6AKw6Kwr-Akzcp_OsuHBGSIfywkt1aZ7hwPqhIOtqkDrFW4N46sdChokjH0hTo4MqujvlUEaC0NNFTvFsDMQIOBPKEeBmYnJBMeMfPmbn5xjadKOyLthAPpi9td1VLRuQf-zPUkFjTdzVxDAQ/s6000/IMG_2309.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXZSg1IcFhOJ3MY6o6nkypDhjzUK5ec_6YNn_g-Ioyd6AKw6Kwr-Akzcp_OsuHBGSIfywkt1aZ7hwPqhIOtqkDrFW4N46sdChokjH0hTo4MqujvlUEaC0NNFTvFsDMQIOBPKEeBmYnJBMeMfPmbn5xjadKOyLthAPpi9td1VLRuQf-zPUkFjTdzVxDAQ/w640-h426/IMG_2309.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A wider look at the edge of our property, the Himalayan mounds are on the left, completely covered in <i>Ceanothus gloriosus</i> and other evergreen shrubs. The mulched area on the right is a fairly new area planted in a couple of stages over the last nine months.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAeQf17bkXHm_E6TCjsPDv0hTLT6WnR-5GDuyNPt3VnH2r2OMN5Z5HAJ4huAbMfzq-yzfu_kJ_wbfgb_Li_27bp9wBAJKMgsTLQFnA9M5KkyDoXtGoFObD0Slp1CeR6wDxZlLCPhYVk6NQWfGqgo1HZ7civwLwfWDy2fPvtDrioKdXlS1fawcjHA-a2Q/s6000/IMG_2324.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAeQf17bkXHm_E6TCjsPDv0hTLT6WnR-5GDuyNPt3VnH2r2OMN5Z5HAJ4huAbMfzq-yzfu_kJ_wbfgb_Li_27bp9wBAJKMgsTLQFnA9M5KkyDoXtGoFObD0Slp1CeR6wDxZlLCPhYVk6NQWfGqgo1HZ7civwLwfWDy2fPvtDrioKdXlS1fawcjHA-a2Q/w640-h426/IMG_2324.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some fabulous lichen that fell from tree branches above. As with most snow or ice storms many branches fall around here. I tend to collect them and place them around the garden to decompose on site.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNphaPo2PzXID3gc5ZpFq43Ku8K2ONu0U0JXB46UEJOlIVWMC9Pyjv3sh9-1Ba_ZXl_c7kMjgFoXk9SHDbiVlYzEwT4KYMzj_IE0lTrRspoYHeDygRiQRcH3iH-fWWBdECBkzJ4Kreq7tSk6VGPYSeOGez8ld781bJILlorEnDVT0OaHkRXh9t3v5PHbo/s6000/IMG_2355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNphaPo2PzXID3gc5ZpFq43Ku8K2ONu0U0JXB46UEJOlIVWMC9Pyjv3sh9-1Ba_ZXl_c7kMjgFoXk9SHDbiVlYzEwT4KYMzj_IE0lTrRspoYHeDygRiQRcH3iH-fWWBdECBkzJ4Kreq7tSk6VGPYSeOGez8ld781bJILlorEnDVT0OaHkRXh9t3v5PHbo/w640-h426/IMG_2355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Winter foliage color of <i><a href="https://www.sevenoaksnativenursery.com/native-plants/perennials-and-bulbs/penstemon-cardwellii/" target="_blank">Penstemon cardwellii</a>, </i>a favorite native penstemon. It is evergreen, low growing, beautiful purple flowers in May and easy if given the right conditions, which are excellent drainage and an open aspect with full sun to part shade. It grows locally in volcanic soils of Mount Saint Helens and the region as well as the Coastal Mountain Range.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFSGd4AntQFcNhOxhS50NqFH1V5JZ3uea3GSjrl68JNLxt9i4vigoT65U4LDFCVWRQ-QcNyB_ABzk6Fs5Bgeno-Q6xBQxxSP9dfoh5Ar7O9lyz1oGsKpKJ4vTwFVC53En4vbWY5NFfqs1x0xaDBSdxymkpheWiwqpOXh0ZFusz-ZwQ9GLa6PiiNUHj9o/s6000/IMG_2358.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFSGd4AntQFcNhOxhS50NqFH1V5JZ3uea3GSjrl68JNLxt9i4vigoT65U4LDFCVWRQ-QcNyB_ABzk6Fs5Bgeno-Q6xBQxxSP9dfoh5Ar7O9lyz1oGsKpKJ4vTwFVC53En4vbWY5NFfqs1x0xaDBSdxymkpheWiwqpOXh0ZFusz-ZwQ9GLa6PiiNUHj9o/w426-h640/IMG_2358.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lupinus albifrons</i>, silver bush lupine in the labyrinth garden. This is a seedling, one of several, that a friend gave me last spring. It seems to have weathered the storms and looks pretty good. Fingers crossed it establishes itself.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpbDhR2hoTXZcisylhBqpwWFqmML-pvTCwK7bXPCcvMAhbDkAF-DNPHb5YV_fcev8yvBlMa-JdfF4dctujUhm0U2aK_1-NULw-IdXDP071VayXUd23jzG8aQ_7mcTjhaxwBi_RrKar2I24lmM-gbEkPHyto9337EdviZV0TVNGr6SxUPocMhQ2KBr6j0/s6000/IMG_2293.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpbDhR2hoTXZcisylhBqpwWFqmML-pvTCwK7bXPCcvMAhbDkAF-DNPHb5YV_fcev8yvBlMa-JdfF4dctujUhm0U2aK_1-NULw-IdXDP071VayXUd23jzG8aQ_7mcTjhaxwBi_RrKar2I24lmM-gbEkPHyto9337EdviZV0TVNGr6SxUPocMhQ2KBr6j0/w640-h426/IMG_2293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now for a bit of winter damage. <i>Grevillea lanigera</i> 'Coastal Gem', a low spreading shrub, has a bit of damage to its upper branches and leaves. I think that it will bounce back, as it has so often in the past, and I will prune out the dead bits when the weather warms.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaofC8Hd7pASu33W0YEAzwlqdX-22lDWI0g67gnkjqcokOlbUkREjUMcTh_C5WA1hn2BAfXehljXktX12VYxarG5NnLQw9Fb5OQyev97hj6z4Lza5nBmfiZBCPJLHFlP6VaxSpiqunpPKr2nRZOoJ6xNgGhq3c3sbA2ciFE1O_EVhkNNhD-tFEjDw7-8/s6000/IMG_2286.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaofC8Hd7pASu33W0YEAzwlqdX-22lDWI0g67gnkjqcokOlbUkREjUMcTh_C5WA1hn2BAfXehljXktX12VYxarG5NnLQw9Fb5OQyev97hj6z4Lza5nBmfiZBCPJLHFlP6VaxSpiqunpPKr2nRZOoJ6xNgGhq3c3sbA2ciFE1O_EVhkNNhD-tFEjDw7-8/w426-h640/IMG_2286.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Phormium tenax</i> 'Atropurpureum' does this thing in really cold temps the leaves curl up to a fraction of their normal width (this photo is much after the storm, so back to normal). I know then that the cold weather has arrived. It looks a bit tattered but it always comes back. It will get an annual clean up in spring and be just fine.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG27mdXfq6KCbYaReJusbRZ_zi71w30GMznyvmC22puds9R7wiVHtaZXuThjAamQpqy_HRWCMgqsdMGgA8Uc0H0eSnGPERGoazDlLElIUlLR3wvieNHass_BflOVw3KH4FPbs9iZy13XLLZURMoRngDHIyx8afM2fdEaOq2Qk4y0cgiRcbBq_LsV8Ois/s6000/IMG_2341.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG27mdXfq6KCbYaReJusbRZ_zi71w30GMznyvmC22puds9R7wiVHtaZXuThjAamQpqy_HRWCMgqsdMGgA8Uc0H0eSnGPERGoazDlLElIUlLR3wvieNHass_BflOVw3KH4FPbs9iZy13XLLZURMoRngDHIyx8afM2fdEaOq2Qk4y0cgiRcbBq_LsV8Ois/w640-h426/IMG_2341.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My new <i>Salvia</i> 'Celestial Blue' did this; I am heartbroken, but I am hopeful it could regenerate from the roots as there is a bit of green at the base and it was pretty established, being in the ground well over a year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdWEQvj4i88XFXCzGEgvnpKN6Iv4Xmq2M3Xatl0qwieGit3HVuf42kzNDxZZP_dWDH85MhkrxJSyavnKFkwCiqXOeWS0Pp7L7TR0WDK5orJ2ylZ-t7VuCoQFGVeEChu0eEg5jKTO_qrc54SgoINZEX3LF0pc2MURp1fJzDM1DHwwlDeUyqlmVC7YeKIE/s6000/IMG_2326.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdWEQvj4i88XFXCzGEgvnpKN6Iv4Xmq2M3Xatl0qwieGit3HVuf42kzNDxZZP_dWDH85MhkrxJSyavnKFkwCiqXOeWS0Pp7L7TR0WDK5orJ2ylZ-t7VuCoQFGVeEChu0eEg5jKTO_qrc54SgoINZEX3LF0pc2MURp1fJzDM1DHwwlDeUyqlmVC7YeKIE/w426-h640/IMG_2326.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, the <i>Cupressus macrocarpa</i> 'Donard Gold' has some broken branches, though not as many as I had feared. This was from the heavy wet snow that hit our garden hard before the super cold arrived, otherwise it is very cold hardy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTG6EOAVUSGHamonn0c2BVsqcrjRFGkhRj0hiEaLRJja1UkDiNMZQJyeAeKp90uWMnjP9H9qE3EANlHaHmoAJwjUXNe5rP9-Dp7I8eTVh7cnDJt0uurRxpsWj6CNRFggfFWJmI9zHC6uSPWldc0Y5F0pwXTyELTvlbZEuwibTbAwm7DzaEUKCspYTqa28/s6000/IMG_2330.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTG6EOAVUSGHamonn0c2BVsqcrjRFGkhRj0hiEaLRJja1UkDiNMZQJyeAeKp90uWMnjP9H9qE3EANlHaHmoAJwjUXNe5rP9-Dp7I8eTVh7cnDJt0uurRxpsWj6CNRFggfFWJmI9zHC6uSPWldc0Y5F0pwXTyELTvlbZEuwibTbAwm7DzaEUKCspYTqa28/w640-h426/IMG_2330.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My poor <i>Arctostaphylos glauca</i>, given to me by my boss Sean Hogan at Cistus Nursery, doesn't look very good. This may have more to do with the wet than the cold and snow.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2N0VykLlRkWRtCpHEY6yjouY18zouDcGENEOAgkIQF_8KnNnzOGBm1S0l6x2WTqrfrk2d2a_1umE9BJwb0Qy8DoZ1NWmaee_TmoUQQt9PSYCKYTFv33FJAf7QWcIwKBDFFQ89AdnvMPU83XW4U3yd6oX6xlVbNLaxmOHe3ewY_bcWo_V6SafAH20_PPM/s6000/IMG_2373.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2N0VykLlRkWRtCpHEY6yjouY18zouDcGENEOAgkIQF_8KnNnzOGBm1S0l6x2WTqrfrk2d2a_1umE9BJwb0Qy8DoZ1NWmaee_TmoUQQt9PSYCKYTFv33FJAf7QWcIwKBDFFQ89AdnvMPU83XW4U3yd6oX6xlVbNLaxmOHe3ewY_bcWo_V6SafAH20_PPM/w640-h426/IMG_2373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://xeraplants.com/plants/rhamnus-alaternus-variegata/" target="_blank"><i>Rhamnus alaternus</i> 'Variegata'</a> did it again, it flopped outward as it tends to in heavy snow. It has actually righted itself significantly since this photo was taken but I've learned to prune down the tallest branches to keep it slightly more compact.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8E8g-JLn4jujOSMbicS8xklE3H6HsMQshZUJTTUgoUctTB9CTPrSf94_3UCBcmLUnRLOj52o_YVeLti7Y-SeNdW7sj7QGPavlvHo5mBVMqLabTdB4QEmijw6am76h1i5LLUnTzWZq0ITz4GoWGGk9XnqwUk1l0FlWZrzdGWa_118h7i_XeShxc9tY-4/s6000/IMG_2332.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8E8g-JLn4jujOSMbicS8xklE3H6HsMQshZUJTTUgoUctTB9CTPrSf94_3UCBcmLUnRLOj52o_YVeLti7Y-SeNdW7sj7QGPavlvHo5mBVMqLabTdB4QEmijw6am76h1i5LLUnTzWZq0ITz4GoWGGk9XnqwUk1l0FlWZrzdGWa_118h7i_XeShxc9tY-4/w640-h426/IMG_2332.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had high hopes the <i>Melianthus major </i>would sail through what was, up until mid-month, a really mild winter. It was not to be. It always grows back, though, so although I'm not worried about its fate I don't enjoy looking at this all winter. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcGgzzN6hLeS4zfN6j6YHLIwp8mZ4vK2D6p3gyV9li9MSYpSkjXdSqpgVbRqNslEPCsa59nptJi3VGflVAnIWJ6K8DcJs_vHFBcxfs_oQ1wl7cC08jP38__4nlxTXGI0G3jeLEUXBPeGqlMuaGa1Smqt7vs54GkMqdDBJPMcmLCcU-DjZPT6pYf33gyU/s6000/IMG_2378.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcGgzzN6hLeS4zfN6j6YHLIwp8mZ4vK2D6p3gyV9li9MSYpSkjXdSqpgVbRqNslEPCsa59nptJi3VGflVAnIWJ6K8DcJs_vHFBcxfs_oQ1wl7cC08jP38__4nlxTXGI0G3jeLEUXBPeGqlMuaGa1Smqt7vs54GkMqdDBJPMcmLCcU-DjZPT6pYf33gyU/w640-h426/IMG_2378.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A couple hebes took a hard hit. These were throw aways (no labels) from Joy Creek Nursery a few years ago, so my best guess is this is <i>H. diosmifolia</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShVGeWKa-GItpSXon3BYPqkSKJIYoJFjOYysMw6DnJmTM6CYoFCWCZDz13EtOHzz_IUEUAJqc5lebUuq2gGIDAS8B6Vsuho1OnkThDNbHSNAO-Uv2UyRg1Enm_SDA88z7LUIX_QoUENCQirfQ27e1E17lGwR8jXF0s-rfy-sQUYk5khfRDDZUSkOgBLY/s6000/IMG_2379.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShVGeWKa-GItpSXon3BYPqkSKJIYoJFjOYysMw6DnJmTM6CYoFCWCZDz13EtOHzz_IUEUAJqc5lebUuq2gGIDAS8B6Vsuho1OnkThDNbHSNAO-Uv2UyRg1Enm_SDA88z7LUIX_QoUENCQirfQ27e1E17lGwR8jXF0s-rfy-sQUYk5khfRDDZUSkOgBLY/w640-h426/IMG_2379.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another one, I think this is <i>Hebe</i> 'Great Orme'. The hebes I grow and take cuttings of are very hardy - these two are varieties I have not promoted as being hardy as I'm unclear of who they are. The blackening of their foliage was kind if surprising as they have done well for the past three years. However, having said that there is a high chance they will regrow so I plan on leaving them for several months to determine their fate. If they die, they die. Nothing I can do about it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also I noticed some blackening on my <i>Acca sellowiana</i>, pineapple guava. It completely defoliated that terrible winter of 2016/2017 as a brand new plant in my garden, but to my delight regrew new leaves later in spring. In other words, hardy to a point and I have no doubt this same plant will rebound once more. Hardiness improves with age. There is also damage on one of two <i>Mahonia</i> 'Soft Caress' though it is minimal. I understand many gardeners in Portland have very bad damage on this particular plant.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Surely more damaged plants are out there, some will surprise me with their damage and others with their resilience. This has only strengthened my resolve to grow and promote plants that sail through extremes such as we just experienced along with our increasingly longer dry summer season. In winter extremes it is primarily broadleaved evergreens that see the most damage, in summer the thirsty plants really take a hit. I hope to keep learning, observing and sharing through it all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens, as always thank you so much for reading and commenting, we do love hearing from you and what your gardens are up to. Happy gardening.</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-66059946852065184712024-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:002024-01-18T10:36:29.937-08:00Take Five: Forgiving Perennials for Shade<div style="text-align: center;"> In the ever-evolving search for tough plants in our challenging weather extremes, it's time to look at a few shade perennials that endure year after year in my less-than-ideal conditions. I have many fir trees that suck up most of the surrounding water, so to live here and thrive, a plant has to be able to handle dry shade. Here are five (perhaps with an extra couple thrown in) top performers to expand on my Take Five series. Some I would not do without in my shade garden. To review some recent Take Five posts you can find them <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/09/take-five-forgiving-shrubs-for-sun.html" target="_blank">here (shrubs for sun)</a>, <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/09/take-five-forgiving-shrubs-for-shade.html" target="_blank">here (shrubs for shade)</a> and <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/10/take-five-forgiving-perennials-for-sun.html" target="_blank">here (perennials for sun)</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">OPHIOPOGON</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3Lb_MVI5ZF2ZR8AT5qqfpnIr-Rs4gNxPqydcmaCnQXInQ-LTdOxhCtYGojOs5lyYLuTEeLqf6o0XZAf5xmEDvaNO_f6lw4a0Iy1L2XTVeS1Gk5p9x2ipje56_Dd8jzyfPs45UbFuoBirooDGsuV3aeUQ5lsR7ohRPnUN3GXM0cYTsTl-mL44tef_xO8/s6000/ophiopogon_nigrescens%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3Lb_MVI5ZF2ZR8AT5qqfpnIr-Rs4gNxPqydcmaCnQXInQ-LTdOxhCtYGojOs5lyYLuTEeLqf6o0XZAf5xmEDvaNO_f6lw4a0Iy1L2XTVeS1Gk5p9x2ipje56_Dd8jzyfPs45UbFuoBirooDGsuV3aeUQ5lsR7ohRPnUN3GXM0cYTsTl-mL44tef_xO8/w640-h426/ophiopogon_nigrescens%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ophiopogon species are grass-like perennials, the ones seen in cultivation are generally short with either green, black or variegated foliage. Pictured is <i>Ophiopogon planiscapus</i> 'Nigrescens', black mondo grass. They are evergreen, spread slowly, have lavender flowers followed by black fruit. They are terrific in the front of the border and as a contrast to silver and green foliaged shade plants. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also, a shout out to the little grass on the left of this photo,<i> Carex conica</i> 'Snowline'. It is so long lived, small, evergreen and tolerant of whatever I throw at it. I have had several of these petite grasses that even moved from my old garden and are still thriving here. They love this shady area and sparkle among green-leaved plants.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEh2QJYnywEMeRfaFrBbPN4MFo26M8ToomGefTtJbDU998FeZJSfaQ1Y945Bh6PfufQlajZIXfBCTkTqkYmGroTfTBpimE5oFfLVT6oYUxXfodqq8GWhKsykw94cnpPw8m4Sp_7oomsvAk3-lqXtEIoNf1tMkEt5u_2QMkEkKKHrZ2GLwGflwnkXHMkI/s6000/ophiopogon_planiscapus.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEh2QJYnywEMeRfaFrBbPN4MFo26M8ToomGefTtJbDU998FeZJSfaQ1Y945Bh6PfufQlajZIXfBCTkTqkYmGroTfTBpimE5oFfLVT6oYUxXfodqq8GWhKsykw94cnpPw8m4Sp_7oomsvAk3-lqXtEIoNf1tMkEt5u_2QMkEkKKHrZ2GLwGflwnkXHMkI/w640-h426/ophiopogon_planiscapus.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ophiopogon planiscapus</i>, the green straight species, is also evergreen and provides lovely foliage contrast to broader leaved shade plants. It too will spread to form colonies in time. Ophiopogon really does not receive summer water from me and it thrives, despite the fact that the genus comes from warm temperate Asian climates.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8oHJOOULuWidxqFOSDIQV1Ha41EOWSNVQg3JGa9EoKyVzMM9iNkrjf8Jc9VzKa4rgeFYV2mE5GQVpfH0CfSnqzXnh0veYlJWPVyBUQlSvYbbt-tpZfw9LM9lJAmqf410NwOrbyASUGsQSkNUQ1Ha3p0vdRNzatv4Bvx7j7a2FxpAvqcCK930vu-Gqjo/s6000/ophiopogon_nigrescens%20(4).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8oHJOOULuWidxqFOSDIQV1Ha41EOWSNVQg3JGa9EoKyVzMM9iNkrjf8Jc9VzKa4rgeFYV2mE5GQVpfH0CfSnqzXnh0veYlJWPVyBUQlSvYbbt-tpZfw9LM9lJAmqf410NwOrbyASUGsQSkNUQ1Ha3p0vdRNzatv4Bvx7j7a2FxpAvqcCK930vu-Gqjo/w640-h426/ophiopogon_nigrescens%20(4).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you have a lot of greens in the shade garden, a pop of 'Nigrescens' sets them off nicely. I have a few of these in sunnier spots and they do fine, though they can get sunburned in very bright sun, but they look much more lush and happy in at least part shade.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">POLYSTICHUM</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0b1PqnYNSP0z8_tqYBvRBVZb91NjJsFbLMuYpGTOFctyVsADqxiLbrodHg9rFZJ5paknm5DVmXT02G4DWup7Z9001hchTGAEMBiytAfjw_MgZnSCc330SKdjnZ_kQm2n-SaBDnPBGGI51qCD1v_0G4FdqPLkPWKBt46Eky8fwMWaNEi3KtmDFR9ETfU/s6000/Polystichum%20makinoi%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0b1PqnYNSP0z8_tqYBvRBVZb91NjJsFbLMuYpGTOFctyVsADqxiLbrodHg9rFZJ5paknm5DVmXT02G4DWup7Z9001hchTGAEMBiytAfjw_MgZnSCc330SKdjnZ_kQm2n-SaBDnPBGGI51qCD1v_0G4FdqPLkPWKBt46Eky8fwMWaNEi3KtmDFR9ETfU/w640-h426/Polystichum%20makinoi%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">So many ferns are fabulous for the shade garden, though I find some prefer much more water that what I can give them (<i>Athyrium niponicum,</i> for example). Not Polystichum species, however - they all seem to endure no matter what extremes they go through, even though I see them listed at many nurseries as wanting evenly moist soil and summer irrigation. I'm unclear then why mine do so well with little summer water under fir trees, perhaps they are tougher than we originally thought. This is <i><a href="https://www.greatplantpicks.org/plantlists/view/1221" target="_blank">Polystichum makinoi</a>. </i>A very handsome fern, it grows to about 2' tall and wide and is hardy zones 5 - 9.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpknxzPh_S5frs9q3YKRLvvbG82OvYSwr4ai89JAgGV2VgKatRwxOZhWSpPq4KfeCrXIieJHyO0XKsvqWsd1Mgq8QI5nzliKzkykI4rwlSeo7IAkAcjvUKtwPOBOABH2Hbn3W9TaUlYvphQwYQx7NwreZ7PY4F617cvuknoQ3BBBnCSUyPOGKwoIHaQpg/s6000/Polystichum%20polyblepharum%20(5).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpknxzPh_S5frs9q3YKRLvvbG82OvYSwr4ai89JAgGV2VgKatRwxOZhWSpPq4KfeCrXIieJHyO0XKsvqWsd1Mgq8QI5nzliKzkykI4rwlSeo7IAkAcjvUKtwPOBOABH2Hbn3W9TaUlYvphQwYQx7NwreZ7PY4F617cvuknoQ3BBBnCSUyPOGKwoIHaQpg/w640-h426/Polystichum%20polyblepharum%20(5).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.greatplantpicks.org/plantlists/view/1224" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Polystichum polyblepharum</a> tassel fern, is another handsome fern, hardy zones 5 - 8, also about 2 x 2'.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mpwGTs-tS3HKYKmEW1WOD4yP1RmNUWD_PrYmqpzLBmWfcHgR0mxtrvthmXRKGVMHzVZthL1-byqBmbK6m3V4ybK9amE9p8FSuJJtruWWY8-43WEipP3RNaZkh_yP0tPWsxtobrwRQYNVF9l6RW36XkswHdX1L8G_4baPZ1erdNUvumi9f2pxUcPVFAE/s6000/polystichum_setiferum_bevis.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mpwGTs-tS3HKYKmEW1WOD4yP1RmNUWD_PrYmqpzLBmWfcHgR0mxtrvthmXRKGVMHzVZthL1-byqBmbK6m3V4ybK9amE9p8FSuJJtruWWY8-43WEipP3RNaZkh_yP0tPWsxtobrwRQYNVF9l6RW36XkswHdX1L8G_4baPZ1erdNUvumi9f2pxUcPVFAE/w640-h426/polystichum_setiferum_bevis.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://hardyferns.org/ferns/polystichum-setiferum-bevis-group/" target="_blank"><i>Polystichum setiferum </i>'Bevis'</a>, soft shield fern, zones 4 - 8 and larger than the previous two at about 4' x 4' in size.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO5kVijnxPXrL5u3V5LhFLDZc2ZYa9ZZX51oGZzfgNzJA6nUaXK8DNK_BGPX2hCZ4tFaxJRHX5EDrO7rHPLu8hjm3-MuGO1pSnRST-WP2gm0w7K5qlb1MzRkNRzYPmGNvTOqn2desKZNzlGw4m_1RN7Is0D2mGGzKihZjIX4F0A8aGsntX9B6nRhabhI/s6000/Polystichum%20munitum.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO5kVijnxPXrL5u3V5LhFLDZc2ZYa9ZZX51oGZzfgNzJA6nUaXK8DNK_BGPX2hCZ4tFaxJRHX5EDrO7rHPLu8hjm3-MuGO1pSnRST-WP2gm0w7K5qlb1MzRkNRzYPmGNvTOqn2desKZNzlGw4m_1RN7Is0D2mGGzKihZjIX4F0A8aGsntX9B6nRhabhI/w426-h640/Polystichum%20munitum.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Polystichum munitum</i>, Western sword fern in a sea of<i> Oxalis oregana</i>. This is one tough fern, growing in sun or shade and is very long-lived. They can get quite large in time, I've had a few older ones get to about 4' tall in really wet and warm springs and have seen even larger ones while hiking in our local forests. I have dozens of these throughout the shade garden, they were all here when we moved in and we are fortunate to have so many, even though they are quite common. Sometimes common is a wonderful thing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These are all evergreen ferns; however, a clean up of last year's fronds in late winter gives a fresher look. I don't often do this, but last year I did give many ferns a clean up and they looked really lovely for the rest of the year. These plants add a bit of structure to my garden, a little like a yucca does in the sunny garden. They generally tolerate groundcovers at their base, in fact, it likely helps retain water in the soil when it's covered.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>HELLEBORUS FOETIDUS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMNz5QLZS8fYzWz7-UaxqkVh0Z_S93kael873iUzh33SL-i3W1ZzjhNqDA4-vDbXhkG31WCP1DtV-IVtIBPCLJCEfYS6TCLhK9HC_4mlXM7Nfe_yic-Naohew5garXNKB91imbGgJS4b0u6lNacOVokso2INlkcQI69ZXW_10HRzZKB7Av3IWGtNpzOI/s6000/helleborus_foetidus.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMNz5QLZS8fYzWz7-UaxqkVh0Z_S93kael873iUzh33SL-i3W1ZzjhNqDA4-vDbXhkG31WCP1DtV-IVtIBPCLJCEfYS6TCLhK9HC_4mlXM7Nfe_yic-Naohew5garXNKB91imbGgJS4b0u6lNacOVokso2INlkcQI69ZXW_10HRzZKB7Av3IWGtNpzOI/w640-h426/helleborus_foetidus.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Full admission, I'm not the biggest hellebore fan. They are pretty and seeing them in garden centers this time of the year does get the heart racing a little, but I don't go wild for them as do some gardeners. But I adore <i>Helleborus foetidus</i>, the stinking hellebore. I haven't detected any foul odor, rather I appreciate the finely divided foliage. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMZxxffwD7trEiXfQPNnjWc-EFPZhvHHc-8IzuquCRI_T-g4nXyU12izYSbTWQIadL4vDW_10ghjsEywZSSUDvaP29TbkNU2d83pCWTkSBZAqbsTipbtlf9-nVxRnd9985X-nH6k_AZf1oMyvVbukHG6jK0ofvEzvuikiD8GWxN63zkL_y3HYWms1R7E/s6000/helleborus_foetidus.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMZxxffwD7trEiXfQPNnjWc-EFPZhvHHc-8IzuquCRI_T-g4nXyU12izYSbTWQIadL4vDW_10ghjsEywZSSUDvaP29TbkNU2d83pCWTkSBZAqbsTipbtlf9-nVxRnd9985X-nH6k_AZf1oMyvVbukHG6jK0ofvEzvuikiD8GWxN63zkL_y3HYWms1R7E/w640-h426/helleborus_foetidus.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">These little plants that truly resemble a little subshrub are practically bulletproof in my dry shade garden. They are evergreen, they do flower a funny greenish-white bloom and they do reseed a little. I think they look super with broader leaved shade plants. I have spread them around all over the shade garden in hopes that they take over someday. Hardy in zones 5 - 9, reaches about 2' x 2'.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvc4iJ-AXeRwT7lJSNiNbuPEeXw6-_BIpvgI3u04kW96TxRehI57lcYKbcOYXwMEc_k9jF4B2C2sAg3X5v0bmsuHk3-U_-MeNKAIVxoPVkMI_jDekwMOvXM_yIJtQbVNSXp2IUbkg_Iu0zcAqxnGZ1FRYWJ8ZE-cyz4E6psuH-746Yl-Hz-oYazeRfaE/s6000/hellebore.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvc4iJ-AXeRwT7lJSNiNbuPEeXw6-_BIpvgI3u04kW96TxRehI57lcYKbcOYXwMEc_k9jF4B2C2sAg3X5v0bmsuHk3-U_-MeNKAIVxoPVkMI_jDekwMOvXM_yIJtQbVNSXp2IUbkg_Iu0zcAqxnGZ1FRYWJ8ZE-cyz4E6psuH-746Yl-Hz-oYazeRfaE/w640-h426/hellebore.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">OK, I have a couple seedlings in my garden of <i>Helleborus orientalis</i> that are fun to see in winter. And they are tough as nails so I suppose they stay.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-EckYRn7zt02GK6h5CrUSKyQh3X8Nyt_xDbDT-TwVGxSPUd4KfE04XJH3UIfOlQAnxx2QNJgB1XNWefYutvL4YHFXP90mJqQ5k0UD0UKpg9Agq5Dcx82tFRauxEj9-RI-6U_NdQatcE6hEqQk773xGUU0hr6G2LFW5Qc1vuYBBO5xUoqjyUYdEfIOSE/s6000/helleborus_argutifolia_variegata.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-EckYRn7zt02GK6h5CrUSKyQh3X8Nyt_xDbDT-TwVGxSPUd4KfE04XJH3UIfOlQAnxx2QNJgB1XNWefYutvL4YHFXP90mJqQ5k0UD0UKpg9Agq5Dcx82tFRauxEj9-RI-6U_NdQatcE6hEqQk773xGUU0hr6G2LFW5Qc1vuYBBO5xUoqjyUYdEfIOSE/w426-h640/helleborus_argutifolia_variegata.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Helleborus argutifolius</i>, a light variegated form whose name I don't have. This too is a tough as nails plant and does appreciate a good clean up in late winter to highlight the current year's fresh foliage.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>GERANIUM MACRORRHIZUM<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5vd4cE_6wSyczpjVemE9CJHUZHjCESRBxUahR6QB0T5l9QA6qHSBPXB348FaA885hoBHOkwmUOpQH_oTKQIG5QpiWN-WtpOt9gILL3KawfHPnRzwVwFCTmiMHVaAHu1ZPp04fnhnuKJCUxyBCzsv06jgXLMS2-nwGnSKsy-0l5aGCBX-Pc_cXZVfBEk/s6000/geranium_macrorrhizum.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5vd4cE_6wSyczpjVemE9CJHUZHjCESRBxUahR6QB0T5l9QA6qHSBPXB348FaA885hoBHOkwmUOpQH_oTKQIG5QpiWN-WtpOt9gILL3KawfHPnRzwVwFCTmiMHVaAHu1ZPp04fnhnuKJCUxyBCzsv06jgXLMS2-nwGnSKsy-0l5aGCBX-Pc_cXZVfBEk/w640-h426/geranium_macrorrhizum.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know. I know. I include this every time I have a "best of" kind of post. <i>Geranium macrorrhizum</i>, big root geranium truly is the best. It tolerates dry shade really well, I mean under fir trees, under maple trees, really really well. All of these are pictured in exactly those conditions. They are also semi-evergreen (they shrink down in winter somewhat) but put it all back on with abandon in late winter. The bumble bees like the flowers and the foliage has a spicy scent.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqxibeGQS-R3IuJDNw2Gje_rdI4tlE4ghrYkax1HhidXpBfyknsaOeN9-Pst8Ul2B_9JPkLC0k9KNBpe3Z5PSBxzIni9GoZDEAjgFs7CoI0RpHnn0vGSN6WqglsGcVKyKzAWju3Fss8VtDA8BeFv27oz8X33xrzMYiuvZAecmwH4duyRqCnJJ4GhIN3E/s6000/geranium_macrorrhizum%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqxibeGQS-R3IuJDNw2Gje_rdI4tlE4ghrYkax1HhidXpBfyknsaOeN9-Pst8Ul2B_9JPkLC0k9KNBpe3Z5PSBxzIni9GoZDEAjgFs7CoI0RpHnn0vGSN6WqglsGcVKyKzAWju3Fss8VtDA8BeFv27oz8X33xrzMYiuvZAecmwH4duyRqCnJJ4GhIN3E/w640-h426/geranium_macrorrhizum%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And they are kind of pretty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CAV5fWgF86vjXlEjUAwj7VJwo7nTiNf1oCW6QCzDbOrriC405rO1puhYaBdmKwKOi1I7fT6Zz_Kv7mZoeCWq9cS6aE_HlQB5maWFaq-xZLFCLEoeA2MR-Q_M7kYKd7zXWEaxuo-cPNyIcHf2rqD2ynfdo5cr2qmUn_dUDB2WeqOY8gOM9mp6YJtCDzw/s6000/geranium_macrorrhizum.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CAV5fWgF86vjXlEjUAwj7VJwo7nTiNf1oCW6QCzDbOrriC405rO1puhYaBdmKwKOi1I7fT6Zz_Kv7mZoeCWq9cS6aE_HlQB5maWFaq-xZLFCLEoeA2MR-Q_M7kYKd7zXWEaxuo-cPNyIcHf2rqD2ynfdo5cr2qmUn_dUDB2WeqOY8gOM9mp6YJtCDzw/w640-h426/geranium_macrorrhizum.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here they are in late winter, just pushing some fresh growth. Hardy to zones 4 - 8, reaches about 2' tall by about 2' wide, but colonies form, increasing its width in time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXw1zmmMi8_iGaTF2-UkECJmb8aERmq94HfzXbHjCFNDbb14aJSowjDbPxouZU7aTaDbDYfbTi9uyh7HBPDBhaqyTNzO5UOMYXOjViLrS7fRVuoFGDSODLgzZ9cMuJRcbclr6zs_UIzHJ5SXeU79YdiDZpBK_i6O6FaiYvbz8Jf75-yzW9QnTfQELvLg/s6000/geranium_macrorrhizum.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXw1zmmMi8_iGaTF2-UkECJmb8aERmq94HfzXbHjCFNDbb14aJSowjDbPxouZU7aTaDbDYfbTi9uyh7HBPDBhaqyTNzO5UOMYXOjViLrS7fRVuoFGDSODLgzZ9cMuJRcbclr6zs_UIzHJ5SXeU79YdiDZpBK_i6O6FaiYvbz8Jf75-yzW9QnTfQELvLg/w640-h426/geranium_macrorrhizum.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">They are good as a groundcover, as a front of the border plant too. They will certainly take more sun but for me, they are invaluable as a shade perennial. They form polite colonies, I sometimes get seedlings in the gravel but they are by no means obnoxious, in fact I wish I had more. <i>Geranium × cantabrigiense</i> is another with equally impressive credentials.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">HOSTA 'GUACAMOLE'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPIhFznw1znPsqLupeNj6W0UkwtnnHAibpplNA4JQi_wZ5oFJhlZmTqvM-Fm4s5ojqhAmkPwAaB7H6xaDl4TLskNq83vvQl_dkF-7U0eqIjBAFbROTnZX1dyPd4r7_f5Ig2NkpuFGYuR-B8h5IMZBJpQ9H54gzQWLbMO_0-nBndOCE3x5uMJPiav-qog/s6000/hosta_buacamole.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPIhFznw1znPsqLupeNj6W0UkwtnnHAibpplNA4JQi_wZ5oFJhlZmTqvM-Fm4s5ojqhAmkPwAaB7H6xaDl4TLskNq83vvQl_dkF-7U0eqIjBAFbROTnZX1dyPd4r7_f5Ig2NkpuFGYuR-B8h5IMZBJpQ9H54gzQWLbMO_0-nBndOCE3x5uMJPiav-qog/w640-h426/hosta_buacamole.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I always thought of hostas as problematic - attracting slugs, wanting a lot of attention and water and nutrients, but this hosta in particular is impressive. <i>Hosta</i> 'Guacamole' was the 2002 American Hosta Growers Hosta of the Year, I can see why. For some reason slugs haven't bothered this (and a few other hostas in the garden, actually), it is large, stately, extremely fragrant and once established, does well with low to no summer water.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogL_esfsz6kbN2Gc6eguf_tGBLqnZ57SwO3ZqPLOCm3F6atNr4uCMdzEwnn7X_VYFnn6KCKv34bFfdflCjPCCC6QPJasg6lqeT_sj9idRKyr74QuBwMBtYGkcYaGyhmO84Sj5aLSbbrMw8VoaZqoTtxDxQRRiCJ7Bw9LhU1fjLlefUXQIZCEjKlHtR0g/s6000/hosta_guacamole.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogL_esfsz6kbN2Gc6eguf_tGBLqnZ57SwO3ZqPLOCm3F6atNr4uCMdzEwnn7X_VYFnn6KCKv34bFfdflCjPCCC6QPJasg6lqeT_sj9idRKyr74QuBwMBtYGkcYaGyhmO84Sj5aLSbbrMw8VoaZqoTtxDxQRRiCJ7Bw9LhU1fjLlefUXQIZCEjKlHtR0g/w426-h640/hosta_guacamole.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is a sport of <i>Hosta</i> 'Fragrant Bouquet' and retained that quality, incredibly sweetly scented flowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0qFsj3i9nMLnQc6F9MSayztjSc2fl6rlMQtttunDkHSLaV9BSLorTYM1TYb1uRjuPWln76FleHoMUCoDz0s3fYpFIEQ6gZynA0CHPM0QCswynBltl37V_f7LLMf75Gse0P-DOT7ZYYdJKIveikvftbW0_dpkS5f2H1QHxndYRiU2vzGOWwM1NNSEzBY/s6000/hosta_guacamole%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0qFsj3i9nMLnQc6F9MSayztjSc2fl6rlMQtttunDkHSLaV9BSLorTYM1TYb1uRjuPWln76FleHoMUCoDz0s3fYpFIEQ6gZynA0CHPM0QCswynBltl37V_f7LLMf75Gse0P-DOT7ZYYdJKIveikvftbW0_dpkS5f2H1QHxndYRiU2vzGOWwM1NNSEzBY/w640-h426/hosta_guacamole%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Big, bold leaves with slightly quilted effect have the coloration of an avocado cut in half. It's a large hosta at about 20" tall with a wide spread of about 3'.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToOOEmyoOh5ZtmQGcOd9Ikng8tV4Lux-eALP2ZEVOl-ig2joOofrAb7eMriA3tQ5vit-cvW5CGuI5I-GRhUnYngSQJl8pgdFt8HYHP6d41Kv9KvE_rVSL0Ko8ns1QkzAZEnyAosiceLdojT2NxJS4Th-LBJpnZmkynfd_YsURWk_XRgYyG14VgjAGm68/s6000/hosta_guacamole.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToOOEmyoOh5ZtmQGcOd9Ikng8tV4Lux-eALP2ZEVOl-ig2joOofrAb7eMriA3tQ5vit-cvW5CGuI5I-GRhUnYngSQJl8pgdFt8HYHP6d41Kv9KvE_rVSL0Ko8ns1QkzAZEnyAosiceLdojT2NxJS4Th-LBJpnZmkynfd_YsURWk_XRgYyG14VgjAGm68/w426-h640/hosta_guacamole.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pretty! This and <i>Hosta</i> 'June' and 'Wolverine' have proven to be really good garden plants. 'Guacamole' can handle more sun and will have more pronounced coloration if sited as such. Surprisingly drought tolerant once established, though would do well with much more water, too. Hardy in zones 3 - 8.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">EUONYMUS </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7_Ueo9o9hluNCIAhCt5tppOs8zWQTI_A92zLhJjgaFR1E2L3-Xocf5RTUHGTWGnQM3wnR2CU5WK6tJGxLA24uMR5uynjSKQzNmUl3tzQBU5j3DXPm9XeVYUTK_gsFIj4WVRoUTJpPSG4opWh-4ZkiAqGmsvF1BNnNqOkV3w-QMTPrr4bZZusH3qXmgQ/s6000/euonymus_emeraldgaiety.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7_Ueo9o9hluNCIAhCt5tppOs8zWQTI_A92zLhJjgaFR1E2L3-Xocf5RTUHGTWGnQM3wnR2CU5WK6tJGxLA24uMR5uynjSKQzNmUl3tzQBU5j3DXPm9XeVYUTK_gsFIj4WVRoUTJpPSG4opWh-4ZkiAqGmsvF1BNnNqOkV3w-QMTPrr4bZZusH3qXmgQ/w640-h426/euonymus_emeraldgaiety.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><i>Euonymus fortunei</i> 'Emerald Gaiety' as a ground cover plant in my garden. I include it on this list because it is not only well-behaved, it is evergreen, spreads politely and never sulks, even on the hottest of summer days. I never give it summer irrigation and yet it still performs where most other plants might die under large trees in full shade. It also has the lovely trait of its white margins turning pinkish in very cold weather. While it's not a fast-spreader, three one-gallon containers I purchased several years ago have finally knitted together under a large <i>Acer macrophyllum</i> to create a lovely carpet beneath.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDgghwYWaFq6ad_T64Lvcey4FfU6G_JQdjWrutirJr2eOPWmGo1hySjEPOUdHkQT-y6lje5s8wbj-Ekf7TRFJOQ0bFTeBS_lQ7XdIKeHJVwYcOnJ4owPpzIzEDyuYqn9GxCwELiQlb1eWnQ-P-btlP4okochZC_FRzqJHmufqIl_7jbgE_LwvY_PJM5Q/s6000/euonymus_emeraldgaiety.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDgghwYWaFq6ad_T64Lvcey4FfU6G_JQdjWrutirJr2eOPWmGo1hySjEPOUdHkQT-y6lje5s8wbj-Ekf7TRFJOQ0bFTeBS_lQ7XdIKeHJVwYcOnJ4owPpzIzEDyuYqn9GxCwELiQlb1eWnQ-P-btlP4okochZC_FRzqJHmufqIl_7jbgE_LwvY_PJM5Q/w426-h640/euonymus_emeraldgaiety.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div>I never anticipated this would be such a tough plant and am quite pleased it has both resilience and beauty. It can take sun but in my shade garden it is very happy. I hesitated at first to include it on my list because <i>E. fortunei </i>the species is considered invasive on the East Coast of the U.S. However, it is not so considered in the rest of the U.S. It might also be true that this variegated form is not as vigorous. I will keep an eye out, just to be on the safe side. For now, it stays on the list for adding sparkle in deep shade and tolerating tree roots and drought as well as looking great year-round. I feel as if I should have planted much more of this at the beginning of my shade garden planning days. I might be celebrating the shade garden much more if I had.</div><div><br /></div><div>It can oddly also be an upright shrub, mounding upon itself to form a taller form. It can also be trained to climb, not unlike ivy. It is about 2' in height and spreads to at least several feet. It has done so slowly for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>SAXIFRAGA X GEUM DENTATA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumkbJFHPqvO13S2er_bRHa7UT05zwo4imZSS2oNCV53rFSaMVryklr-ymufimIbmIWDGJ7PnSrLxCUVBo6XAlzQmLXnv6g6N8iegVhLEmwu1ZxeJYz-Y7M4D3CSFR0gPif6yVAR4fhlzbYgP2fbFbXNKazQ8QHLt9e7Njd7RF5iXU5J_PtBexuAZYev4/s6000/saxifraga_dentata.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumkbJFHPqvO13S2er_bRHa7UT05zwo4imZSS2oNCV53rFSaMVryklr-ymufimIbmIWDGJ7PnSrLxCUVBo6XAlzQmLXnv6g6N8iegVhLEmwu1ZxeJYz-Y7M4D3CSFR0gPif6yVAR4fhlzbYgP2fbFbXNKazQ8QHLt9e7Njd7RF5iXU5J_PtBexuAZYev4/w640-h426/saxifraga_dentata.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Small scale, evergreen, cool looking and oh-so-easy in the shade garden, <i>Saxifraga x geum </i>'Dentata' is my new go-to for edging my shade garden. If I have a blank area along my mossy path, in this plant goes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljfjagtHX7elYyzDcp8H9mISqhNSrAVzGF_pTRJzebd2rqP33tPdf04GF8Swdo1-QiNQJWTMezygSHm5qBbMpTJofZybNy85jUSjOwN4mCUUG4jL26M52x6NdZqw2mRHyK-7_dDQMpWjkZlwQeSHQhCGQ9k6-_6Ajx-gUABCX_U3CA5mURmNRdLIfla0/s6000/saxifraga_dentata.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljfjagtHX7elYyzDcp8H9mISqhNSrAVzGF_pTRJzebd2rqP33tPdf04GF8Swdo1-QiNQJWTMezygSHm5qBbMpTJofZybNy85jUSjOwN4mCUUG4jL26M52x6NdZqw2mRHyK-7_dDQMpWjkZlwQeSHQhCGQ9k6-_6Ajx-gUABCX_U3CA5mURmNRdLIfla0/w640-h426/saxifraga_dentata.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">New leaf growth in spring is bright and cheerful, also the slugs seem to leave it alone (have I just cursed myself?).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmVogh9PTH4GHrfH5gqVwFIf9tuzbfa2IchrlBiqPtjUAiB-slKDFEKkIb0GNg2de0s74qxAw2e1q6hHMF4FfhHKZQzd1ZGgrWEl8MruXSrReG3tTExilDPCLdgLWxm1VJkemLmUwYhPILS3FyxzvhTYh5wx-4e90zboKz2ynsx5n6msQU6c-PCabF3c/s6000/saxifraga_geum_dentata.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmVogh9PTH4GHrfH5gqVwFIf9tuzbfa2IchrlBiqPtjUAiB-slKDFEKkIb0GNg2de0s74qxAw2e1q6hHMF4FfhHKZQzd1ZGgrWEl8MruXSrReG3tTExilDPCLdgLWxm1VJkemLmUwYhPILS3FyxzvhTYh5wx-4e90zboKz2ynsx5n6msQU6c-PCabF3c/w640-h426/saxifraga_geum_dentata.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Flowers are sweet, star shaped clusters at the end of long wiry stems. The plant is about 4" tall (foliage) and spreads, I have a few patches 3' or so in width. Hardy zones 6 - 9. Again, I see many nurseries listing this as wanting evenly moist soil, but I am here to tell you they do just fine in my garden with basically no extra summer water. Perhaps our wet winters are enough for this sweet small-scale groundcover. Also, <i>Saxifraga</i> 'Primuloides' deserves mention. Very similar but without toothed leaf margins. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are other choice plants that do well for me, some notable examples are <i>Oxalis oregana</i> (though can be aggressive if too happy OR fry and dry out in super hot summers), <i>Epimedium</i> sp. of course (they just require a lot of cleaning up in late winter so have some maintenance to look their best but are otherwise superb), <i>Aruncus dioicus</i> - goatsbeard and <i>Vancouveria chrysantha </i>to name a few. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Many perennials in my shade garden have disappeared or been replaced, some examples are <i>Thalictrum</i> sp., <i>Tricyrtis </i>sp., <i>Vancouveria hexandra</i> is great but doesn't want to stick around, <i>Hakonechloa macra</i> hates the root competition, <i>Fuchsia</i> sp. are also not happy nor are many <i>Hydrangea</i> sp., <i>Kirengeshoma, Mukdenia, </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Syneilesis, Woodwardia, Impatiens omeiana, Disporum, </i>and I am sure others I can't recall. They just don't exist any more, but as I knew from the beginning, it is all a big experiment. Hopefully my experimentation can save you some time if you have similar conditions as I do.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">OK, there you have it, five-ish fantastic perennials for dry shade in my summer dry, winter wet climate. What does well for you if you have shade? Do tell! Thank you so much for reading and commenting, we love hearing from you! Happy gardening and for all of us who have snow and ice right now (so many!), may it all melt away soon. Very soon.</span></div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-2701589709253806152024-01-04T07:00:00.000-08:002024-01-04T07:00:00.135-08:002023: The Year in Review<div style="text-align: center;"> Here we are, embarking on 2024 full of hope and promise. The garden does that, gives one hope and promise despite the grim news we see on our screens. I'll take a garden any day over a phone or computer, but still, it's a time of year when I do like to take stock of how we and the gardens have fared this past year. I note any projects, observations, complaints and develop an overall sense of what the themes of the year were. I am thus reminded as I look back through a year's worth of photographs that 2023 was fairly lovely as far as the garden and weather were concerned and we, mostly FM, took on several decent-sized projects. Ready? Here we go, it's a long one:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">JANUARY</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUBMQai4V96AXgBhyAhCCLB8eEjhOgWk1pSw7tXFXCtI0czXeUZqkaf2r5brcBQzhiyJh9oqHlsevCLgLu9oWKXQfso9prJFCr_EJow1G15pMq_xyf4eFQTHMNr9_-ck2HOllG-zUrrwzhVoY1QTxjDXQafuFHfbooKzw4eTBL-ArF1hyNcO_CjNXIYs/s6000/arctostaphylos_austingriffiths%20(3)%20-%20Copy%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUBMQai4V96AXgBhyAhCCLB8eEjhOgWk1pSw7tXFXCtI0czXeUZqkaf2r5brcBQzhiyJh9oqHlsevCLgLu9oWKXQfso9prJFCr_EJow1G15pMq_xyf4eFQTHMNr9_-ck2HOllG-zUrrwzhVoY1QTxjDXQafuFHfbooKzw4eTBL-ArF1hyNcO_CjNXIYs/w640-h426/arctostaphylos_austingriffiths%20(3)%20-%20Copy%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Buddha faces east greeting the winter sun underneath <i>Arctostaphylos</i> 'Austin Griffiths' among a sea of <i>Ceanothus gloriosus</i>. January starts off quiet with muted colors and plenty of wild birds. I would say our ongoing efforts to create a year-round garden full of evergreens and winter interest have yielded decent results.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3L168xNfhowibAmOaQfOIRRUPOT5a2_zvAw2X4hUhal6pXdp5S7wsR8MRHO0J3i-y19rA0CrMYrAeFfHHMMFuTLBdCf24pJhIvKHqxEWdl7hzt69IzDyLo83x8eA2aClYygAjU5rxbn1nh3bTbNrYGY-A7Eyob6SMH7NMXpLzJbNbxxVEuqTn9cE7-0/s6000/cupressus_blueice%20(4)%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3L168xNfhowibAmOaQfOIRRUPOT5a2_zvAw2X4hUhal6pXdp5S7wsR8MRHO0J3i-y19rA0CrMYrAeFfHHMMFuTLBdCf24pJhIvKHqxEWdl7hzt69IzDyLo83x8eA2aClYygAjU5rxbn1nh3bTbNrYGY-A7Eyob6SMH7NMXpLzJbNbxxVEuqTn9cE7-0/w640-h426/cupressus_blueice%20(4)%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cupressus arizonica</i> 'Blue Ice' shines on even the dullest of days.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykBhturpJ8k-mox2_Ki5IaM8LVA_A-D39aC6rul33I1MbqCqNOMq5y7dDjH471-rUcE3r0gFW4E0gUAHB0udiqwI-bB4xnFa-LA5zaVsx5JuHKVMar8Ok2D2FsGGJ4JtbauFLUl2i4OiOe55VEsPvbsy-tr1B7kf3qNXSGl4s0iZUP7h2CQeCIemeCM4/s6000/carex_conica_snowline%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykBhturpJ8k-mox2_Ki5IaM8LVA_A-D39aC6rul33I1MbqCqNOMq5y7dDjH471-rUcE3r0gFW4E0gUAHB0udiqwI-bB4xnFa-LA5zaVsx5JuHKVMar8Ok2D2FsGGJ4JtbauFLUl2i4OiOe55VEsPvbsy-tr1B7kf3qNXSGl4s0iZUP7h2CQeCIemeCM4/w426-h640/carex_conica_snowline%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Carex conica</i> 'Snowline' is always sparkly and pretty. In the shade garden where it does exceptionally well, it brings a lightness to this dark area perpetually covered by Douglas firs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidN6ow_Ji2VowkF2n-J31T1Ee_tcUZc1jHxVf6glkW-OGqsY24mGqqyrFNOKeld_J9mn4PNT9N0-hE0kJLBmrr0zYPlQr8wFnySwKGCvybNAFg2c1g_YozG82mGAyQOcKb6UcdXvCZuOrKj1-HqnW8DYMewmTB9KxJc2Qq_PRHP0_LMDyRBLyJR8guDmA/s6000/mossypath%20(14)%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidN6ow_Ji2VowkF2n-J31T1Ee_tcUZc1jHxVf6glkW-OGqsY24mGqqyrFNOKeld_J9mn4PNT9N0-hE0kJLBmrr0zYPlQr8wFnySwKGCvybNAFg2c1g_YozG82mGAyQOcKb6UcdXvCZuOrKj1-HqnW8DYMewmTB9KxJc2Qq_PRHP0_LMDyRBLyJR8guDmA/w640-h426/mossypath%20(14)%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Though so many shade garden plants are dormant in January, the mossy path brings me joy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5cBeYx5ScLHPHr0Iu2aeTvKSZzadgVVAZTP-bMEZLQMRs-Su_JcxGyC1wi0alhxDF8rHiTuPMt9TEHWrG_J7ZU6C7t3uunkp5aksNJ2TZ6AixD9QkRJ7LiWoOIc4FjS2x_XSPNe9BoOpbHlMf4PJ0K3Kx7opZv0_aG-IqmH2-ecvQ1yerS4JVChfFQw/s6000/arctostaphylos_sainthelena%20(4)%20-%20Copy%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5cBeYx5ScLHPHr0Iu2aeTvKSZzadgVVAZTP-bMEZLQMRs-Su_JcxGyC1wi0alhxDF8rHiTuPMt9TEHWrG_J7ZU6C7t3uunkp5aksNJ2TZ6AixD9QkRJ7LiWoOIc4FjS2x_XSPNe9BoOpbHlMf4PJ0K3Kx7opZv0_aG-IqmH2-ecvQ1yerS4JVChfFQw/w426-h640/arctostaphylos_sainthelena%20(4)%20-%20Copy%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Arctostaphylos</i> 'Saint Helena' and her muscular trunk.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_Sa7BYA7F-RLrlhywwlqtytWdr4pfQVloyEekkNw7nrVxExq3PPsHwqQzmjPpfJ2Ty4TGS9br2h97JzilHzDeKpGQF_fymScPbOiJxQtlh5FuZZwtPZJKzNNlNtcj5UGQ8S_piXz7iBDOfzNIiqIyxs-rz1RKoKrp8S1_RMkfTRAVVoN7ZTydPcMPs0/s6000/IMG_9629%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_Sa7BYA7F-RLrlhywwlqtytWdr4pfQVloyEekkNw7nrVxExq3PPsHwqQzmjPpfJ2Ty4TGS9br2h97JzilHzDeKpGQF_fymScPbOiJxQtlh5FuZZwtPZJKzNNlNtcj5UGQ8S_piXz7iBDOfzNIiqIyxs-rz1RKoKrp8S1_RMkfTRAVVoN7ZTydPcMPs0/w640-h426/IMG_9629%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A windswept image of <i>Ozothamnus</i> 'Sussex Silver' fronted by <i>Phlomis russelliana </i>pom poms. I learned that although Ozothamnus are generally forgiving of dry conditions, two of three (<i>O. </i>'Silver Jubilee') died almost to the ground this year, though it might not have been drought induced. Perhaps just too wet of a spring. I cut out the dead branches and they are both resprouting from the base and will be fine, though smaller. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">FEBRUARY</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwxCZOHtFpttvtqlm6_Zv8Wh8xbp5GUxpxc1Um7wVj2B0HSxS4JPYvkgJS0MpoFkrYifYwBme1QezugmExmo8OAl12TGJg9S8l8vUkVC9mAJXqk7HINmOhN0Tzg7bPotWZpnHZqlm1OGZYpbyH9CYFwEDK2D2sdEXo1k2Xbq0Na31m2kljgGNeg6vA5c/s6000/IMG_0142%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwxCZOHtFpttvtqlm6_Zv8Wh8xbp5GUxpxc1Um7wVj2B0HSxS4JPYvkgJS0MpoFkrYifYwBme1QezugmExmo8OAl12TGJg9S8l8vUkVC9mAJXqk7HINmOhN0Tzg7bPotWZpnHZqlm1OGZYpbyH9CYFwEDK2D2sdEXo1k2Xbq0Na31m2kljgGNeg6vA5c/w640-h426/IMG_0142%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My official Chicken Tender (as he jokingly calls himself) talking to one of the speckled Sussex hens we brought home in autumn 2022. We also added five very pretty golden laced Wyandottes to the flock this year. Sadly we lost three hens in 2023 - it happens. We currently have 19 hens and one very fat turkey.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9adcjsFWGPNhysGrpMPJW8UVed12VaNxWr0c15G7lZdrqCdZXBwAG2HL6qJ-hV8Ey09FvS9hWnEFN05-V89yuLpzHhWlAJRwYp0uORNthyphenhyphenH_XYhNeVs5pAhwj8OCubIkHHc4mkV54-RNe9x3PNT03zWllApT2ju7m151_OI38kdLyuWBC9FLH0c6V2Vo/s6000/acer_palmatum_sango_kaku.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9adcjsFWGPNhysGrpMPJW8UVed12VaNxWr0c15G7lZdrqCdZXBwAG2HL6qJ-hV8Ey09FvS9hWnEFN05-V89yuLpzHhWlAJRwYp0uORNthyphenhyphenH_XYhNeVs5pAhwj8OCubIkHHc4mkV54-RNe9x3PNT03zWllApT2ju7m151_OI38kdLyuWBC9FLH0c6V2Vo/w426-h640/acer_palmatum_sango_kaku.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Red branches of <i>Acer palmatum</i> 'Sango Kaku' against bright green <i>Hebe</i> 'Karo Golden Esk' make me happy. Any color this time of the year is most welcome.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJUZugLRAW6hRqJdzRtcUkfd9YdTsy49yAyOcwi7FtEXXFDQ_IkPcSU_ef-8wl5W920NwfG3I2a7jOwlfafDEmx0D7A-Ur02qYFoeyYtXqAOe_JcusO3H8wPDA4h6zicIAT-fF_aA7HGHhAz7ykp-ysUeMbA-GINFHsJa7E0dD5-VnVWqyoI-W8Dh0bA/s6000/clematis_wisleycream%20(2)%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJUZugLRAW6hRqJdzRtcUkfd9YdTsy49yAyOcwi7FtEXXFDQ_IkPcSU_ef-8wl5W920NwfG3I2a7jOwlfafDEmx0D7A-Ur02qYFoeyYtXqAOe_JcusO3H8wPDA4h6zicIAT-fF_aA7HGHhAz7ykp-ysUeMbA-GINFHsJa7E0dD5-VnVWqyoI-W8Dh0bA/w640-h426/clematis_wisleycream%20(2)%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Clematis cirrhosa</i> ‘Wisley Cream’ bloomed nicely in January, though had a rough summer. It received a good prune this autumn (to clean it up, it was a little out of control) and now looks lovely once more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">MARCH</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rMuPSnA23Y8bOHeuyBPEUEl0rP3OTJ0qLvXnM2VYD5pghIgQ2-Fjz0sgUFoiAaHXgzLhFaF8Y-hKsDUzhUdykWPD949l5UnpruflxQON8bYx02HBQKMJw5cSFXkjq7td28lfrr5KcsrpLKrmGbtc1Uq51hO3Zk7x-fuaCH8vYdKhN2As9EqipdAZGdU/s6000/cistern%20(7).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rMuPSnA23Y8bOHeuyBPEUEl0rP3OTJ0qLvXnM2VYD5pghIgQ2-Fjz0sgUFoiAaHXgzLhFaF8Y-hKsDUzhUdykWPD949l5UnpruflxQON8bYx02HBQKMJw5cSFXkjq7td28lfrr5KcsrpLKrmGbtc1Uq51hO3Zk7x-fuaCH8vYdKhN2As9EqipdAZGdU/w640-h426/cistern%20(7).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the month our 2500-gallon cistern arrived. FM installed it by attaching it to our downspout. It was completely filled within three weeks of installation and that's just from runoff from the portion of roof visible in this photograph. We used the water for several months in summer downhill from the cistern, for at this point gravity is the only way it works. We are considering adding a pump to be able to bring water to other parts of the garden but for now it does the job, albeit slowly. That's Annie guarding our water supply.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kp5dPf63F1Zt4Iuq6eBl1aAX1xLZ8P-Zxy8LbYqd-l7e-3ceb7FXH4jD4P4vRcUDEAAlcuGCsVnj3dX7GhpEesFHzIh9yltdy5En6X1bSfDh1kcf7rXUTW9FW9d8HhHCscxlpJpOILnrNyC_7M-qSFL6jdNeQMalnFV2b0zHm-oIzwWaVUmU3le5J7E/s6000/rhamnus_variegata.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kp5dPf63F1Zt4Iuq6eBl1aAX1xLZ8P-Zxy8LbYqd-l7e-3ceb7FXH4jD4P4vRcUDEAAlcuGCsVnj3dX7GhpEesFHzIh9yltdy5En6X1bSfDh1kcf7rXUTW9FW9d8HhHCscxlpJpOILnrNyC_7M-qSFL6jdNeQMalnFV2b0zHm-oIzwWaVUmU3le5J7E/w640-h426/rhamnus_variegata.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rhamnus alaternus</i> ‘Variegata’ kept doing this after snow events. While this doesn't kill the plant it certainly isn't good. I opted to prune its top branches, giving it more width than height and so far it has worked.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU38quKkTAjXiBRpcbR8DmTEzRL9ywfzQ6pNA_k6l8LJ6OV-vvocqQP-oA5aWRTvctHoCGJAnv51A91dremmO7w91bLJrwJXCfiJgkUOEuZQeuWZ6hbBNhWRHkgtX2fky7o3QZfp1ZbKCYHCXRB5KYUPDDKzzrdigKeUxYbGEGTU-oQ-azblbIT3vvfcg/s6000/IMG_1673.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU38quKkTAjXiBRpcbR8DmTEzRL9ywfzQ6pNA_k6l8LJ6OV-vvocqQP-oA5aWRTvctHoCGJAnv51A91dremmO7w91bLJrwJXCfiJgkUOEuZQeuWZ6hbBNhWRHkgtX2fky7o3QZfp1ZbKCYHCXRB5KYUPDDKzzrdigKeUxYbGEGTU-oQ-azblbIT3vvfcg/w640-h426/IMG_1673.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The edge of the "meadow" was a haven for birds and I imagine small critters all autumn, winter and early spring. It gets cut back a little later in spring.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClQmkY8abjwMUaKvjcPUgwV2CVcyJm148FfBmVoUNFFxYLkmR3L2Q8n7GfV-5N6phT30cKlMuhn4E3xurtplNiY5vy3EpoXCSLzAMMnFVfgshUvHdxa5vug5xVYDQPD8Vu4pPS2iLUVnHjTYr-TrI0phXyEoW3rIJd6xVb8d0y6bIuh0R8uf_2Aq0tz0/s6000/IMG_1777.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClQmkY8abjwMUaKvjcPUgwV2CVcyJm148FfBmVoUNFFxYLkmR3L2Q8n7GfV-5N6phT30cKlMuhn4E3xurtplNiY5vy3EpoXCSLzAMMnFVfgshUvHdxa5vug5xVYDQPD8Vu4pPS2iLUVnHjTYr-TrI0phXyEoW3rIJd6xVb8d0y6bIuh0R8uf_2Aq0tz0/w640-h426/IMG_1777.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another of FM's small projects, a step was made from bricks on this weird little slope by my garden shed. It now feels solid and is safer than a slippery gravel slope.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiRgUH9rA_WnldEn-_nJMim1YeX10zsat1cJgkQVZ63-UH8IjMVkCnEgdGzJhWEtIjJPX2g9cRpNijeG2LP76-tuD2emVdqKp0RmEUEt874di3UPA20moUibSfn3o8-UA3lITsOXluJud_jigRQ0ihfDWoyoespPjvNOSFSDZkV7h3uGs_y93VO_GIZs/s6000/IMG_1630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiRgUH9rA_WnldEn-_nJMim1YeX10zsat1cJgkQVZ63-UH8IjMVkCnEgdGzJhWEtIjJPX2g9cRpNijeG2LP76-tuD2emVdqKp0RmEUEt874di3UPA20moUibSfn3o8-UA3lITsOXluJud_jigRQ0ihfDWoyoespPjvNOSFSDZkV7h3uGs_y93VO_GIZs/w640-h426/IMG_1630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dramatic lighting across the landscape. Off in the distance is Washington state - the Columbia river is in there somewhere, though you can't see the water from our property.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUdKhYj0C7ZpBQ436ZSsrLZmgZcww1HQHmgTv_8BGBz1TEczX-AtU5dCOvDKzdHToLCAsBUwEB6bmlTHlQCKCSPe1ZJttMWrmMrPlihbigDQoPtMXKju3JPYahqyyznNrpsD7JuOsra1PMOSmP8nIm7o2t_ca4QUe1D_PDi4lNhqyE3glymz1HFHmDRE/s6000/Oemleria%20cerasiformis%20(5).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUdKhYj0C7ZpBQ436ZSsrLZmgZcww1HQHmgTv_8BGBz1TEczX-AtU5dCOvDKzdHToLCAsBUwEB6bmlTHlQCKCSPe1ZJttMWrmMrPlihbigDQoPtMXKju3JPYahqyyznNrpsD7JuOsra1PMOSmP8nIm7o2t_ca4QUe1D_PDi4lNhqyE3glymz1HFHmDRE/w426-h640/Oemleria%20cerasiformis%20(5).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Oemleria cerasiformis</i>, osoberry, is one of the first plants to bloom and the hummingbirds are very happy about it. This multi-stemmed shrub/small tree is repeated throughout our hedgerows to provide for wildlife. Its bright foliage is a welcome color so early in the year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJnUmWwsQZH1ouNmOlWnNqgEllZJWegZuO4Q_IP_IHABX7lYyHMVYu-cYS16RdYAcjLoje6NAlgYjSMU6pq9wcRZhQB4oLtPr4QTx46IY17UYcUezuALM3y31cfs2Yl9Fs4LGqu-poT7EgbP5VIoYX6CSCU0OXC3wt0CxogIjYxpIjrhubMwKz_sFEpI/s6000/edgeworthia_chrysantha%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJnUmWwsQZH1ouNmOlWnNqgEllZJWegZuO4Q_IP_IHABX7lYyHMVYu-cYS16RdYAcjLoje6NAlgYjSMU6pq9wcRZhQB4oLtPr4QTx46IY17UYcUezuALM3y31cfs2Yl9Fs4LGqu-poT7EgbP5VIoYX6CSCU0OXC3wt0CxogIjYxpIjrhubMwKz_sFEpI/w640-h426/edgeworthia_chrysantha%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another early bloomer is <i>Edgeworthia chrysantha, </i>a shrub that forms buds in late autumn.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqdQFA-W6t3nAHo9mUaWWGCAyU_w6H8c2zS7EcPw22xFV5KCeC1y6VPfOoTuGecglSwgUuPT5FwL3Z-UjAguo3pf-OBVTFeqYYzmjXVFuFX_-4IITsAVJzogtnAknXrou4UjpIHw4Rv4MHl8THrUzepYqGYDS7hYx_eS-2D6GLoRUo_aIGuLV7xbn4CQ/s6000/hawk.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqdQFA-W6t3nAHo9mUaWWGCAyU_w6H8c2zS7EcPw22xFV5KCeC1y6VPfOoTuGecglSwgUuPT5FwL3Z-UjAguo3pf-OBVTFeqYYzmjXVFuFX_-4IITsAVJzogtnAknXrou4UjpIHw4Rv4MHl8THrUzepYqGYDS7hYx_eS-2D6GLoRUo_aIGuLV7xbn4CQ/w640-h426/hawk.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On a snowy March morning I watched this Cooper's hawk from our living room window.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">APRIL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXVoozQh9VFdCfQwwVgIFAyZLON3dWTzH-pf8-iPQMvD9NsODNxLpzELXLevzuwXc2C3EEkaTlBr1hP6NpWa-Am_xE1faWZFUVVceaqsOT03DpZz_Og-TtchUOt1plwtLDMRjiRiK8er1wI9Ld96UrPH1s5dqG-VOZNWXHr2Lc_BX0MQmRIbCFT7JOg0/s6000/agave_parryi_truncata%20(7).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXVoozQh9VFdCfQwwVgIFAyZLON3dWTzH-pf8-iPQMvD9NsODNxLpzELXLevzuwXc2C3EEkaTlBr1hP6NpWa-Am_xE1faWZFUVVceaqsOT03DpZz_Og-TtchUOt1plwtLDMRjiRiK8er1wI9Ld96UrPH1s5dqG-VOZNWXHr2Lc_BX0MQmRIbCFT7JOg0/w640-h426/agave_parryi_truncata%20(7).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">April was the beginning of FM's large projects. Oscar the agave was no longer happy here, he had straightened out and was getting too wet causing some leaf rot. Here FM jostles Oscar into position to be moved to a drier site.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8vmEq3hoN0KabUiAH11v_R0TBoZrIQqbJtEZxgDmulvzh_jmR4Vy2g8Hhyphenhyphen463cNOlljzqimKTlgwrjZZPdgPj4AZFCPc1oysxayrlY3yq8lXBbp9-KFPPOkpHBxIbjpSgR21fp-OK3wn-os09cSGlVqbsHoAvQaynGHVHeyUx3X8wUWUDrTxsk5EKE4/s3264/ceanothus_gloriosus%20(9).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8vmEq3hoN0KabUiAH11v_R0TBoZrIQqbJtEZxgDmulvzh_jmR4Vy2g8Hhyphenhyphen463cNOlljzqimKTlgwrjZZPdgPj4AZFCPc1oysxayrlY3yq8lXBbp9-KFPPOkpHBxIbjpSgR21fp-OK3wn-os09cSGlVqbsHoAvQaynGHVHeyUx3X8wUWUDrTxsk5EKE4/w640-h294/ceanothus_gloriosus%20(9).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the site of his new home before the declining <i>Ceanothus gloriosus</i> was removed.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUtL7m9hA1JlJFIR8P-3wamN4P8AE3bW_CpUluuJJzFOxOloQRH-SuUVVGg3CrC8uIBm05RYx_BLnsTgdnhQxXPuY86PxXuVmeXR7RthfUtDn1GE1JoG2z5m6MGxOp41fHrD4k5jxNXCu4VcykXp5RnSBzt1iDbBzRS7aE6GvDOKcEHZethIxPVJt96c/s4032/20230421_152928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUtL7m9hA1JlJFIR8P-3wamN4P8AE3bW_CpUluuJJzFOxOloQRH-SuUVVGg3CrC8uIBm05RYx_BLnsTgdnhQxXPuY86PxXuVmeXR7RthfUtDn1GE1JoG2z5m6MGxOp41fHrD4k5jxNXCu4VcykXp5RnSBzt1iDbBzRS7aE6GvDOKcEHZethIxPVJt96c/w640-h296/20230421_152928.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ceanothus gone on this super sunny south-facing area.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHx-m4rEL6pPRRAANXN0TmJIKnlAbAjiIESJplSlEU3HYRCywIiHO-eywnZo3vuPaHJR3prjCg38rYBlIVAUTzy9mhoRp8DNduYRenxRNa4jL-YHDSyGvJP8S8DkdjWtmgEZ_FM1ZYVireWBr5F3cLcts3UQz67Pa7jkNjkNi8i_XDa9kOz_OEfasqm4/s6000/IMG_2392.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHx-m4rEL6pPRRAANXN0TmJIKnlAbAjiIESJplSlEU3HYRCywIiHO-eywnZo3vuPaHJR3prjCg38rYBlIVAUTzy9mhoRp8DNduYRenxRNa4jL-YHDSyGvJP8S8DkdjWtmgEZ_FM1ZYVireWBr5F3cLcts3UQz67Pa7jkNjkNi8i_XDa9kOz_OEfasqm4/w640-h426/IMG_2392.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oscar in place and the first layer of gravel applied. We'll revisit this newly renovated area in September's photographs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdmS5l_2UKaS51BZYY2zqPe6A7S2uR8vA0IBJ5MSnfw0BQk_QAJ_k1g4YGS1iC1KsHJmxrSMuTAtP5VUkDTuI9c_hXt82BMXaJUWtmLFSLfGneFkbzSkJTmfmRyDWwZsjgwr0uklb1421vBLSwLnj4YJwlCzbC7W4vvgTIzZqp279mi8ICXf0rY6tJmk/s6000/raspberries%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdmS5l_2UKaS51BZYY2zqPe6A7S2uR8vA0IBJ5MSnfw0BQk_QAJ_k1g4YGS1iC1KsHJmxrSMuTAtP5VUkDTuI9c_hXt82BMXaJUWtmLFSLfGneFkbzSkJTmfmRyDWwZsjgwr0uklb1421vBLSwLnj4YJwlCzbC7W4vvgTIzZqp279mi8ICXf0rY6tJmk/w640-h426/raspberries%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">FM built raised beds for our raspberries; very successful this year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFbKcgXmh-xMTpd8jUzDq2JS37R3NNF3EfdzH55TigCKjn4rnvtdqQbqI-qhwxGt0YO6M5r1a8W8KcmR7YxzLghEtRx9CD0dXSIQ6Z3-qzyXOCf5ZC8CMgbkLeoylPFaFiLAvP1XG_GZlD1ZfCKgdBgNQVTG6MkwTdaGpx2cPZlVGUUvUFm7wyy7Qds4/s6000/ribes_aureum%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFbKcgXmh-xMTpd8jUzDq2JS37R3NNF3EfdzH55TigCKjn4rnvtdqQbqI-qhwxGt0YO6M5r1a8W8KcmR7YxzLghEtRx9CD0dXSIQ6Z3-qzyXOCf5ZC8CMgbkLeoylPFaFiLAvP1XG_GZlD1ZfCKgdBgNQVTG6MkwTdaGpx2cPZlVGUUvUFm7wyy7Qds4/w640-h426/ribes_aureum%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ribes were blooming all over the place in April - here is <i>Ribes odoratum,</i> clove currant that has, as one would expect, clove-scented flowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsijMRd8ULG-NUmXQ5199SvGvQDtVnKAxONJCw5XmnC4Bavszotn3IOXaA_u2Q7HzgMH8Fz2O4A4kTNQn0C2cPJmqBECH03gn6Gngp2nFXG_9JGH3L5KPINZMFlzBTd-Sc4-_yvIiWK_xKZqRk1fYFlq0jHfgjVeWma3Y1LRyuTRBYWzu5c4eMnwO7izE/s6000/ribes_gordonianum%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsijMRd8ULG-NUmXQ5199SvGvQDtVnKAxONJCw5XmnC4Bavszotn3IOXaA_u2Q7HzgMH8Fz2O4A4kTNQn0C2cPJmqBECH03gn6Gngp2nFXG_9JGH3L5KPINZMFlzBTd-Sc4-_yvIiWK_xKZqRk1fYFlq0jHfgjVeWma3Y1LRyuTRBYWzu5c4eMnwO7izE/w426-h640/ribes_gordonianum%20(2).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ribes x gordonianum </i>is a cross between <i>Ribes odoratum</i> and <i>R. sanguineum</i>. The flowers really read more coral orange than this closeup photo would indicate.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3K0Qe4T2iTw1hIbn8FC043I2v5InH9S8Xuw5o3GakiimLC17AxKUruQ90viy2IpwqW9atpnOB_5-azc1MUIy2rfJJQUpMJrZuBiFPeBPfu-wiFSc4uiny2pzS5mn7qqr7GtdF9ftZF7wWhfbskiX_pCnLfckXXdlH62oQIZeqml568iPrKOgUTZGRQo/s6000/ribes_whiteicicle%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3K0Qe4T2iTw1hIbn8FC043I2v5InH9S8Xuw5o3GakiimLC17AxKUruQ90viy2IpwqW9atpnOB_5-azc1MUIy2rfJJQUpMJrZuBiFPeBPfu-wiFSc4uiny2pzS5mn7qqr7GtdF9ftZF7wWhfbskiX_pCnLfckXXdlH62oQIZeqml568iPrKOgUTZGRQo/w640-h426/ribes_whiteicicle%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">For the clean white look, <i>Ribes sanguineum</i> 'White Icicle' is a lovely addition to the garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZo9KvgoVycl8h3GV5GUBZfG2QpZSMJGuyuAsYtejNIxUH5_NwyLVLkA6yTbCZbCntm499idGGQiMLrWyBig6wBrbg0avDJJ8aVUmgP52ug5jmCu-RUZir9chjWRpFbMnBihDnIGwkSOUyi35t0CT1jD4pOSP_hOv7APr8xgk5LOZyBEJoXJoj7imDaOg/s6000/ribes_sanguineum%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZo9KvgoVycl8h3GV5GUBZfG2QpZSMJGuyuAsYtejNIxUH5_NwyLVLkA6yTbCZbCntm499idGGQiMLrWyBig6wBrbg0avDJJ8aVUmgP52ug5jmCu-RUZir9chjWRpFbMnBihDnIGwkSOUyi35t0CT1jD4pOSP_hOv7APr8xgk5LOZyBEJoXJoj7imDaOg/w640-h426/ribes_sanguineum%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ribes sanguineum</i> in my experience has quite varied shades of pink in its flowers. These native multi-stemmed shrubs are adaptable and pretty and an early pollen/nectar source for insects and hummingbirds.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also in April we had a group plant sale in N. Portland, additionally I donated plants to the <a href="https://www.kittydreams.org/" target="_blank">House of Dreams</a> spring plant sale. I plan on doing both again in 2024 so stay tuned!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">MAY</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvQwTsMrzatL3jAIT3FSnR-4sbo5A7GDhmrFR3VIU4LOv5EW1pVtfVlsxXoBM9mX3Bdha84qTr5mrBWftPTXMBwg8lxg7DJNH74-PkZMcyMp2HVENYf6izgRB0ig2NLMw_LGG9TZCZz6g6YYMzEIkMPvtp8_x_bxWjMgk5wz0RX5G7F9a4ZrygOCUER0/s6000/IMG_2558.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvQwTsMrzatL3jAIT3FSnR-4sbo5A7GDhmrFR3VIU4LOv5EW1pVtfVlsxXoBM9mX3Bdha84qTr5mrBWftPTXMBwg8lxg7DJNH74-PkZMcyMp2HVENYf6izgRB0ig2NLMw_LGG9TZCZz6g6YYMzEIkMPvtp8_x_bxWjMgk5wz0RX5G7F9a4ZrygOCUER0/w640-h426/IMG_2558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">FM went into overdrive with projects in May with lots of grass removal and extension of garden areas. Here is the "before" shot of a very sloped grassy area that was difficult to mow and usually riddled with mole hills.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhXejfS2Sea0nCiTFyB299S56zvAKpOcohzuPXW57p4fsdo8DQBZGRSyCqDEm3-LNNCepktl7QYLZjAYDS5L9IGHHadviMoyDg_adMP1loGIPeurphD3ewPRgBrVaNzLX-Pk15uB1PK4MSvz4H1MFdU2bLlPj5z8dewcZLx27kX43nfk9nLM86Vb1gq0/s6000/IMG_2842.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhXejfS2Sea0nCiTFyB299S56zvAKpOcohzuPXW57p4fsdo8DQBZGRSyCqDEm3-LNNCepktl7QYLZjAYDS5L9IGHHadviMoyDg_adMP1loGIPeurphD3ewPRgBrVaNzLX-Pk15uB1PK4MSvz4H1MFdU2bLlPj5z8dewcZLx27kX43nfk9nLM86Vb1gq0/w640-h426/IMG_2842.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After the torturous sod remover was used to take up a large area, quarter-10 gravel was applied quite thickly. I have since planted a few hebes and wildflower seeds in this area.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQecMs2NEOoPCnFxC5PBkyM9QLFg9Bel3_A3G1fyqXfv-DlVVvzUxOAVYR3KNeYBDURjL008COZDw1Qlgois0YCQo867pbWz-Ry6KwY3ebLH6uN3G-D1bmFGfOyeIr2OSgv5yz1nmD0fGt7D1-s2M5a94TJehka3prS6MifZmabiT8-oJ-gnYgAbWUhc/s6000/IMG_2564.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQecMs2NEOoPCnFxC5PBkyM9QLFg9Bel3_A3G1fyqXfv-DlVVvzUxOAVYR3KNeYBDURjL008COZDw1Qlgois0YCQo867pbWz-Ry6KwY3ebLH6uN3G-D1bmFGfOyeIr2OSgv5yz1nmD0fGt7D1-s2M5a94TJehka3prS6MifZmabiT8-oJ-gnYgAbWUhc/w640-h426/IMG_2564.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another large area of sod that was removed was on this southern edge of our property. We wanted to tie all of these disparate plants together into a more cohesive feeling of purpose. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhADliSeHyknvqz7hE4cKj-kMDrF5GXzTZ_5Tg73A7bHYsD4WvSpQjZm8jsWd3gbXddwvAw263rQFQhu5W6hRQh3vFsSPzu_NraYvnz8T071xZaDGO2YJN9wBdVRTBqusVVf_68Hn1NUJwIgN0PdPnD1bRw9PfgeXGgf-UzDbxM7Suz9vgPZ46lq8gs0/s6000/IMG_3391.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhADliSeHyknvqz7hE4cKj-kMDrF5GXzTZ_5Tg73A7bHYsD4WvSpQjZm8jsWd3gbXddwvAw263rQFQhu5W6hRQh3vFsSPzu_NraYvnz8T071xZaDGO2YJN9wBdVRTBqusVVf_68Hn1NUJwIgN0PdPnD1bRw9PfgeXGgf-UzDbxM7Suz9vgPZ46lq8gs0/w640-h426/IMG_3391.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After sod was removed and arborist's wood chips applied.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseHAelfTpDDJi0dyqW_OsNgqrGekZnGqb1kHHl8rZ79wZRGxrlhEmK4_pt0UAO9zMa6XoYUZ3jFYua5_XGcHVQOsshXthoVnamc4PaUvvkptArCe1hlngu9DAaoh4qgWBVbkTYOzkGDODYSW92KqVG6_0tNit3LBvLWHNbBF50EG8bQAvdu2LiPfj4RE/s6000/penstemon_davidsonii%20(4).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseHAelfTpDDJi0dyqW_OsNgqrGekZnGqb1kHHl8rZ79wZRGxrlhEmK4_pt0UAO9zMa6XoYUZ3jFYua5_XGcHVQOsshXthoVnamc4PaUvvkptArCe1hlngu9DAaoh4qgWBVbkTYOzkGDODYSW92KqVG6_0tNit3LBvLWHNbBF50EG8bQAvdu2LiPfj4RE/w640-h426/penstemon_davidsonii%20(4).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">May is also when flowers get going in earnest. <i>Here Penstemon davidsonii</i>, a small evergreen native penstemon, becomes the talk of the garden when visitors come.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Speaking of visitors, 2023 stands out as a year when we had a lot of folks wanting to see the garden. We also had a photo shoot in July for an upcoming book on low-impact gardening and several garden groups come through. There was a lot of juggling between projects, visitors and caring for the garden as a whole, so many chores were put off until this autumn. Hopefully 2024 will be the year of more balance and better time management for us both. We're still learning!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp5hXitfxSMR72daoj8y1mQCSsfIMnqGDsQQsxvkfqo0qvQ_ZZUJBnZ62nxRb9dubT7vjf7dn9t1PBXP6m_P-GsXXUQLbbIVuST9ENQ7KMnCHMxFufDuTvAJzpqPX2ym6NHk1R67goEB4-Pki7JzIWA4RrPYO1-z2dTb5pnwR6H1PwPQ4phOzR1ABGf0/s6000/IMG_3472.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp5hXitfxSMR72daoj8y1mQCSsfIMnqGDsQQsxvkfqo0qvQ_ZZUJBnZ62nxRb9dubT7vjf7dn9t1PBXP6m_P-GsXXUQLbbIVuST9ENQ7KMnCHMxFufDuTvAJzpqPX2ym6NHk1R67goEB4-Pki7JzIWA4RrPYO1-z2dTb5pnwR6H1PwPQ4phOzR1ABGf0/w640-h426/IMG_3472.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fremontodendron californicum</i> grew by leaps and bounds in 2023. Originally purchased in 2015 to plant in what was to become this, our new garden, it struggled for several years. Finally the mole activity that caused it to fall over a couple of times settled down and its roots took hold. I think it grew four feet in one season.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMj7buoZS3c9ZKm7mjV1lW_wtkJBfGOYFttuDGBhqUX0g2bsXuzPhq0QqcRgMtmiAX63GdIdMS3jOl12qBGN4G0NtO70p_WPvxJcelFiDe-fEQ5S01hjmAqhLIHq4daBvHgW45CvPKoQkbzEXwdasD9uvuE72kD77-l4-RbD9m-Wu6B0cdvRo9ulRdFWs/s6000/IMG_3630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMj7buoZS3c9ZKm7mjV1lW_wtkJBfGOYFttuDGBhqUX0g2bsXuzPhq0QqcRgMtmiAX63GdIdMS3jOl12qBGN4G0NtO70p_WPvxJcelFiDe-fEQ5S01hjmAqhLIHq4daBvHgW45CvPKoQkbzEXwdasD9uvuE72kD77-l4-RbD9m-Wu6B0cdvRo9ulRdFWs/w640-h426/IMG_3630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An update on another garden project, this area that was planted in autumn of 2022 that we refer to as the crow garden. Plants are settling in and I continue to mow around them until they fill in. Plants include <i>Eriophyllum lanatum </i>(the yellow flowers), <i>Dorycnium hirsutum</i>, <i>Teucrium chamaedrys</i> and <i>Madia elegans</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">JUNE</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iwFUKRkQGrx5OGYMpyTeD6cDO6sPapswUnXtoIDWtfNdt1tosboOJTihbUaJuVtANGtB9i3F-iOs6gqvRt6AV8B5N56Yyxcx_PJM5mpOQESgm5tx-PUhq_mMLfbRsaCqw_4N1YZF1hGXVcTwqWRQxUu7OjXgXOlnd1UGsHLONR3-xxZxNJEAcM46rak/s6000/IMG_4538.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iwFUKRkQGrx5OGYMpyTeD6cDO6sPapswUnXtoIDWtfNdt1tosboOJTihbUaJuVtANGtB9i3F-iOs6gqvRt6AV8B5N56Yyxcx_PJM5mpOQESgm5tx-PUhq_mMLfbRsaCqw_4N1YZF1hGXVcTwqWRQxUu7OjXgXOlnd1UGsHLONR3-xxZxNJEAcM46rak/w426-h640/IMG_4538.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">While June is definitely the most floriferous month of the year here, I did not take many photos because we were just so damned busy. But I do remember thinking to myself "If I don't take a picture of the <i>Diplacus aurantiacus</i> 'Jeff's Tangerine' I'll regret it."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmeh2YsDAh0dE1zc6LHSY1nTinRVhcCCywmAU9oSj2ZlAUlH6pjBEtlfq7RV2Uk_8luJNmZK40vYSLy3QyL4NU-SxrtT_sD34lsBD7UybdYUJBZZY2tAWAOY9GjU4Mj3BHl0YqN5A3vGwH2zd28GR5tTPIA_zz0w8MHhjMRMUvBhh82JOPpfC82mt9eo/s6000/IMG_4226.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmeh2YsDAh0dE1zc6LHSY1nTinRVhcCCywmAU9oSj2ZlAUlH6pjBEtlfq7RV2Uk_8luJNmZK40vYSLy3QyL4NU-SxrtT_sD34lsBD7UybdYUJBZZY2tAWAOY9GjU4Mj3BHl0YqN5A3vGwH2zd28GR5tTPIA_zz0w8MHhjMRMUvBhh82JOPpfC82mt9eo/w640-h426/IMG_4226.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A path off of the driveway leading to our back porch looks especially nice when the <i>Callistemon viridiflorus</i> is in full bloom.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuewlcvEsdFguql4eGxIDGwxsv2r_ZInXEnrqqg02tSh65u7cWR8ln7TuKTDpTqU9l41JRPcVnEHcpkC4GUUYv2cBPu0wdRofV7dqpNazsbbqwj9QOUXF_VlyfQHimUvurvLyUpPYTxB428LMy8ft8zNfd-oTXIhH9BKtu550B-ettMrVbbNEcv20UwzA/s6000/IMG_4448.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuewlcvEsdFguql4eGxIDGwxsv2r_ZInXEnrqqg02tSh65u7cWR8ln7TuKTDpTqU9l41JRPcVnEHcpkC4GUUYv2cBPu0wdRofV7dqpNazsbbqwj9QOUXF_VlyfQHimUvurvLyUpPYTxB428LMy8ft8zNfd-oTXIhH9BKtu550B-ettMrVbbNEcv20UwzA/w640-h426/IMG_4448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another favorite among garden visitors was this <i>Dianthus deltoides</i> 'Flashing Light', a mat forming carnation with very tiny flowers. This is such a great little front of the border plant for full sun and good drainage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bFL-2gBMdCmb1mFSJ8IQ4U1R_eIsmw03H8Jv2K9hhX_Ag-CZU1fRaxT73CMUDofpAUrKImkiTxBlc07SzpRsLMhrrHnrq1Z5F_RgA5qUQsHXlLtuvk3KaijCQd-tidS-yO5gDyVUtGvMBd7m00FZO7fp19vITXcHpFkTFJArDZDKzSUQvIh6K95sDd8/s6000/IMG_4468.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bFL-2gBMdCmb1mFSJ8IQ4U1R_eIsmw03H8Jv2K9hhX_Ag-CZU1fRaxT73CMUDofpAUrKImkiTxBlc07SzpRsLMhrrHnrq1Z5F_RgA5qUQsHXlLtuvk3KaijCQd-tidS-yO5gDyVUtGvMBd7m00FZO7fp19vITXcHpFkTFJArDZDKzSUQvIh6K95sDd8/w426-h640/IMG_4468.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Kniphofia thomsonii</i> is my favorite of the genus. Here it is backed by <i>Sidalcea campestris</i> in the meadow garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOrwvcNgct-goaIXAO5v8hjiJ9Mu2X2Pm958meifwY3U_FbnS2Lv5hbNVhBMiDdRC0crljEar4_v3piRbjRml6UopPGkhK3x8iz4dE74I8RCmuPv8tFuCQb3OrFK3T2YpBQtIapxmTtH_eGTCBGPYwn9BU0LxOIbyPTDZuzkjJyGrERCKOa31RkzHBwA/s6000/IMG_4554.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOrwvcNgct-goaIXAO5v8hjiJ9Mu2X2Pm958meifwY3U_FbnS2Lv5hbNVhBMiDdRC0crljEar4_v3piRbjRml6UopPGkhK3x8iz4dE74I8RCmuPv8tFuCQb3OrFK3T2YpBQtIapxmTtH_eGTCBGPYwn9BU0LxOIbyPTDZuzkjJyGrERCKOa31RkzHBwA/w640-h426/IMG_4554.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Philadelphus lewisii</i>, mock orange, is in its prime this time of the year, perfuming the air along our carport. This multi-stemmed deciduous shrub does have an unsightly time of the year when its leaves can look rather spotty, but it always grows out of it the next year. I find if I prune out some branches from the base of the plant to open it up for air circulation it helps.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizORwfM6EsYfHZCLK9ukjoSM1LefS6_lzPFuIMu_g98-v_jzGsNQvQFONrGjdaFEexLa3iBDu5skBf8cuPZMkwJdEsoq2zKMTnBVg9j72n7S4g0xlIwQ3ny6YytT1xhelJqPjVFCyPWhqlQ9IWuWr8mLze_LX9cyGfOdvW3Gm0e_D2Svk5a-qSxkp3bgk/s6000/stipa_barbata%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizORwfM6EsYfHZCLK9ukjoSM1LefS6_lzPFuIMu_g98-v_jzGsNQvQFONrGjdaFEexLa3iBDu5skBf8cuPZMkwJdEsoq2zKMTnBVg9j72n7S4g0xlIwQ3ny6YytT1xhelJqPjVFCyPWhqlQ9IWuWr8mLze_LX9cyGfOdvW3Gm0e_D2Svk5a-qSxkp3bgk/w640-h426/stipa_barbata%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Stipa barbata</i> with its silky flowers are nearly at their prettiest this time of the year. In front of them is <i>Muhlenbergia rigens</i> before it sends up it spiky, long flowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOki8qO6Bbr3ebBGTrBOXGSX5tB6B0xK8ik_W5xb3CFbgqVBTgQ0z0fqfvDPRo8ZoKIT3UIlgOM6fw32RBL4jUl7W0laOMkyPZ26xNd9sFBjsSXss6OE-PYbmMY6FcWDMEJVadHjJAroVE_e7cn77U5Ef27QXAZ9lg7Uye5KJ75Hr-Vctih8BQKUQRBLQ/s6000/IMG_4504.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOki8qO6Bbr3ebBGTrBOXGSX5tB6B0xK8ik_W5xb3CFbgqVBTgQ0z0fqfvDPRo8ZoKIT3UIlgOM6fw32RBL4jUl7W0laOMkyPZ26xNd9sFBjsSXss6OE-PYbmMY6FcWDMEJVadHjJAroVE_e7cn77U5Ef27QXAZ9lg7Uye5KJ75Hr-Vctih8BQKUQRBLQ/w640-h426/IMG_4504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Contrasting foliage colors on the edge of the labyrinth garden is just as exciting to me as flowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCGcEpYj5xnm6Hq1tIx2Ef7J0lmw8y_7A6_ycdy2Jq8z8oHZA_CYAc0e5TRn_D0rf9fijdNo8j9a3W2FAyhto1CbFugw8XMBFX_aA-7Uyd-jrQN2uv5kpX479X9quY6xz1mHbVzjJ_mNINi3RuYXdEcMb2ibhj6-ZzgmZiKrPY_w6g8TDhM_GHPpdlNQ/s6000/IMG_4277.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCGcEpYj5xnm6Hq1tIx2Ef7J0lmw8y_7A6_ycdy2Jq8z8oHZA_CYAc0e5TRn_D0rf9fijdNo8j9a3W2FAyhto1CbFugw8XMBFX_aA-7Uyd-jrQN2uv5kpX479X9quY6xz1mHbVzjJ_mNINi3RuYXdEcMb2ibhj6-ZzgmZiKrPY_w6g8TDhM_GHPpdlNQ/w640-h426/IMG_4277.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We grew potatoes for the first time with much success. They were fun and quite easy, we'll do it again this year.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">JULY</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEPpO5N4IjzOx8TdyGIBRKw_1QqjENQGXX3SEqhKNaVKfucgQDxtwkAgocKKnvuBeJ2eSkSUopdc8CgruK-x-j0h9G9D5ioj1z_o07lduemKMG14ClQSYPiKnIf6eMjYYXXt_kr1O-ygiorXwWIf5K7NPcEqunz7hZAj5s2jhdWRAUSGGxcco3xMV9sA/s6000/IMG_5860.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEPpO5N4IjzOx8TdyGIBRKw_1QqjENQGXX3SEqhKNaVKfucgQDxtwkAgocKKnvuBeJ2eSkSUopdc8CgruK-x-j0h9G9D5ioj1z_o07lduemKMG14ClQSYPiKnIf6eMjYYXXt_kr1O-ygiorXwWIf5K7NPcEqunz7hZAj5s2jhdWRAUSGGxcco3xMV9sA/w640-h426/IMG_5860.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was the year that calendula flowers took over the veggie garden. Oh my gosh they were and <i>are</i> everywhere! All from one packet of<i> Calendula </i>'Radio' seeds and one packet of <i>Calendula</i> 'Strawberry Blonde' seeds a few years ago. We have quite a range of colors from these two varieties.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHJgc3RV4FKrSy67XYq4tXmB2umPyuKENxHXJG06HF8TOn3KETzGrTaYutGoorQFLyNcfc_ZyQAVh48mZp_3M2sPSek3uEaWVJZXgiNfmSsuMfZDuadOJCp7XHJsKZzwMK0QBhR5cJp6ujfJX65HUeAVh4AHWaL3M0xRKiBwWnoqbW_hoN0dQ8dM6OSQ/s6000/IMG_5503.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHJgc3RV4FKrSy67XYq4tXmB2umPyuKENxHXJG06HF8TOn3KETzGrTaYutGoorQFLyNcfc_ZyQAVh48mZp_3M2sPSek3uEaWVJZXgiNfmSsuMfZDuadOJCp7XHJsKZzwMK0QBhR5cJp6ujfJX65HUeAVh4AHWaL3M0xRKiBwWnoqbW_hoN0dQ8dM6OSQ/w640-h426/IMG_5503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">While I know there are large populations of insects, birds, invertebrates and vertebrates that visit our garden, this month I was inspired by my friend <a href="https://amycampion.com/" target="_blank">Amy Campion</a> to take an inventory of what I could find. It was a lot of fun and realized I have a lot of native pollinators in the garden. <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/07/wild-things.html" target="_blank">Here is a link </a>to a post I wrote about my findings.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-alWbTSRe316QZ98mQbsnQwxUI43QTp03L9XXJvxqBN4bWiiEL3YkuLix-_skG2cqqMywP4ruCFKn_Q5JbU4Yq2LNSn4cfnSqmmwaA-HD5HwIWHWOSFwkBR2fJfzim4wfLTFCgWrsLd3Mej3CVVWFNniTDUMrJkalO9-m5lC4Gcsvr6E-a8uSHLC2-8/s6000/IMG_5990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-alWbTSRe316QZ98mQbsnQwxUI43QTp03L9XXJvxqBN4bWiiEL3YkuLix-_skG2cqqMywP4ruCFKn_Q5JbU4Yq2LNSn4cfnSqmmwaA-HD5HwIWHWOSFwkBR2fJfzim4wfLTFCgWrsLd3Mej3CVVWFNniTDUMrJkalO9-m5lC4Gcsvr6E-a8uSHLC2-8/w640-h426/IMG_5990.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A female leaf-cutter bee visiting <i>Cephalanthus occidentalis</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibI1k42BROgct6JbjZcmYSlUeTBpJ7pUuBtlj2ruz3N0BISa9KDWU6mTR27ayfdJxn-BXBvaFgjja7bUCM02EroOPCxAUVOtU9aBYrjHOMDBTWBt4mY2QCXzhDSTn7Kz5KbpE4wBWgy4gwRdjxLL5fkNMgT-D7yGVz7yoIPa62twTRK3109MfqYysVt3o/s6000/IMG_5267.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibI1k42BROgct6JbjZcmYSlUeTBpJ7pUuBtlj2ruz3N0BISa9KDWU6mTR27ayfdJxn-BXBvaFgjja7bUCM02EroOPCxAUVOtU9aBYrjHOMDBTWBt4mY2QCXzhDSTn7Kz5KbpE4wBWgy4gwRdjxLL5fkNMgT-D7yGVz7yoIPa62twTRK3109MfqYysVt3o/w640-h426/IMG_5267.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/docs/LWW_Pacific_Treefrog_final.pdf" target="_blank">Pacific tree fro</a>g in a planter by our front door. We have many of these creatures in the garden year-round and are very happy to host them.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5W2Yxo-LeVaMSv1XapB9R-eilshiejOxPKxg7OdyBblj01j5_t8QOrTDELzTi-RpybkEf7fWNnNDbq3kkmmTjXc0FpuvWbnI-XRb9Xy3ROj56QtBtigVgw5UZzQ7KFDrEm9K7RhRc8Kt5OCOHtwfnOaQeAoQEcmFgkQiRhaA2zMfTPLkB0eOabCf8Po/s6000/IMG_4811.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5W2Yxo-LeVaMSv1XapB9R-eilshiejOxPKxg7OdyBblj01j5_t8QOrTDELzTi-RpybkEf7fWNnNDbq3kkmmTjXc0FpuvWbnI-XRb9Xy3ROj56QtBtigVgw5UZzQ7KFDrEm9K7RhRc8Kt5OCOHtwfnOaQeAoQEcmFgkQiRhaA2zMfTPLkB0eOabCf8Po/w640-h426/IMG_4811.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In a small raised bed next to the greenhouse I grow flowers for small bouquets and a pop of color. I grew many dahlias from seed which surprisingly form rather good-sized tubers within one growing season. I also grow sweet peas, dill, snapdragons and cosmos in this little box of fun.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ26-qb20VTs71FnBV97SDesvKZiP4aguUJMjMmqXewM-JDcRNjpZDVsrEkXQ7Ghw2RRQFHwek6YezV-rLnA25K6N7J5wbKBpo0DUb05FykkdTU3tsL5BkKoyf2L6JhFN7KyGEltysgbBHm4Drm9UOyGefRhwlooHZR0Hk_VG7CL06587rqg7pioy4nsI/s6000/IMG_4930.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ26-qb20VTs71FnBV97SDesvKZiP4aguUJMjMmqXewM-JDcRNjpZDVsrEkXQ7Ghw2RRQFHwek6YezV-rLnA25K6N7J5wbKBpo0DUb05FykkdTU3tsL5BkKoyf2L6JhFN7KyGEltysgbBHm4Drm9UOyGefRhwlooHZR0Hk_VG7CL06587rqg7pioy4nsI/w640-h426/IMG_4930.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sweet Pea 'Old Spice' given to me by a friend has the most delicious fragrance and was incredibly floriferous. I saved seed and hope to grow it again in 2024.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJOaI07Xefxa7tCsYd6A4-XVVyPFTj9PUSXRMGgDjCDyKNpY3ogEj6jVE9BFSBi_MjGKorvLeQgKk6EhPds6ErolfxV6NUQ0nawSYalV4t7sZk-1RCRHDmx3aWGdVDsGIN7kaeFsc8V4w2VkOS3FBLwu2qOz3B8Raq6qBoVGCAOIqNiSyKqvrNC1ZfCI/s6000/IMG_5025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJOaI07Xefxa7tCsYd6A4-XVVyPFTj9PUSXRMGgDjCDyKNpY3ogEj6jVE9BFSBi_MjGKorvLeQgKk6EhPds6ErolfxV6NUQ0nawSYalV4t7sZk-1RCRHDmx3aWGdVDsGIN7kaeFsc8V4w2VkOS3FBLwu2qOz3B8Raq6qBoVGCAOIqNiSyKqvrNC1ZfCI/w640-h426/IMG_5025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But not everything was sweetly scented and easy. My <i>Lobelia tupa</i> once occupied the entirety of the soil area seen in this photograph - it died back to this small clump that also eventually died off. To fill the gap immediately, FM built a small totem from tree segments for a temporary fix. The Lobelia kind of traveled to the lower left and will hopefully come back next year. I have since removed the wood and planted a small shrub.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3bBh7yLhJrvEbZRx_abzDceIybU_o_ePKorpQXE9cOe6-Z4Co4Vva8yI-4bykajnSBHVcm5ksdPqTpOz5Inhkizwa4-tZNlnqmbg_2Ks3WZxtIN-x8KRKZT0IP84NIX4qSnZEv2mQFJjCIbBCl6ip3nqMSzeYFujmr1L5HJg3Qu2ROkJt_mATP9uW8M/s6000/IMG_5723.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3bBh7yLhJrvEbZRx_abzDceIybU_o_ePKorpQXE9cOe6-Z4Co4Vva8yI-4bykajnSBHVcm5ksdPqTpOz5Inhkizwa4-tZNlnqmbg_2Ks3WZxtIN-x8KRKZT0IP84NIX4qSnZEv2mQFJjCIbBCl6ip3nqMSzeYFujmr1L5HJg3Qu2ROkJt_mATP9uW8M/w426-h640/IMG_5723.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is about as beautiful as<i> Stipa barbata</i> gets and is luminous and fantastic like this for about a week. Totally worth it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVuF4ruFHDIwlEY-nvFmdn5bjGK_oU_NkZ4djYOPOOD__xT1dCNn5YJKuNEYDCKMMBIS7fm5oBy7MqN7KzXdBn3W0cx20z-Fn49UrY-BU9tTa2mzjjp22GWHLinS9i5pd1lGXV6WZ0pj07HnHx9V1cgasLS6PZi5Hi2oLBDSFwTa6DPZ_PioImDyXJ4c/s6000/IMG_5797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVuF4ruFHDIwlEY-nvFmdn5bjGK_oU_NkZ4djYOPOOD__xT1dCNn5YJKuNEYDCKMMBIS7fm5oBy7MqN7KzXdBn3W0cx20z-Fn49UrY-BU9tTa2mzjjp22GWHLinS9i5pd1lGXV6WZ0pj07HnHx9V1cgasLS6PZi5Hi2oLBDSFwTa6DPZ_PioImDyXJ4c/w426-h640/IMG_5797.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">FM with our boy Hobbes who turned 18 in July. He's being carried around, which he loves, when his legs tire out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">AUGUST</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85aLqvYt72rlukblegy-rO-kXR2xRcYTDBhkj7THtu_LLs9ffYB2zOhCG2E4Da95WWvIPEG3lS31prOV5ISJayNweK1IFU4G60cLWL5f1YiSOcyW40HacIuH7HSmcLbLPjq_KSnHcPg9cdgkdGwWbhYPbdbmDobhH3HcEHSmXGMedEVek6SETOeeKsyo/s6000/agapanthus_nigrescens%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85aLqvYt72rlukblegy-rO-kXR2xRcYTDBhkj7THtu_LLs9ffYB2zOhCG2E4Da95WWvIPEG3lS31prOV5ISJayNweK1IFU4G60cLWL5f1YiSOcyW40HacIuH7HSmcLbLPjq_KSnHcPg9cdgkdGwWbhYPbdbmDobhH3HcEHSmXGMedEVek6SETOeeKsyo/w640-h426/agapanthus_nigrescens%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">August is typically the hottest month for us. While we did have at least one heat wave it was nowhere as bad as in years past. Here is <i>Agapanthus inepterus ssp. pendulus</i> 'Nigrescens' among a white flowering <i>Oenothera lindheimeri </i>(syn. <i>Gaura linderheimeri</i>) and <i>Echinacea</i> 'White Swan' in the berm garden, something I look forward to every August.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX0lnaX-kQIB2RkC2tnb5UVL-D0I89g_KBHdPcNYewB9Lj0LEsmXrC_OrZJ54_Er-Zy9M1a53PSpmTg92hyAxDFNEM5zXaHvOhrK5rmxU_XSpTtcMyuFH9B9CumRTw-wqOIwNwKj9eoz8OZacfdfnLR_JkEitWS1X2tsTXeZ2800duKX5Dg-1VRJH7l8/s6000/IMG_6995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX0lnaX-kQIB2RkC2tnb5UVL-D0I89g_KBHdPcNYewB9Lj0LEsmXrC_OrZJ54_Er-Zy9M1a53PSpmTg92hyAxDFNEM5zXaHvOhrK5rmxU_XSpTtcMyuFH9B9CumRTw-wqOIwNwKj9eoz8OZacfdfnLR_JkEitWS1X2tsTXeZ2800duKX5Dg-1VRJH7l8/w640-h426/IMG_6995.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The edge of the meadow garden with a few tall <i>Digitalis ferruginea</i> sprinkled in. While many flowers have finished blooming by this point, asters for example, are just beginning and penstemons keep the show going, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6CMok4PBHjA_O2VI-F5RhRjLKOCsB73nQ0-uUr660K-AwzUTVSR_-aHfNXRYAxu8A0-1PZA4B5y7qfoOTC45TsLndzKT8f-jC21uTTFQbFL4bre8kzE5XOgwR6ltXXx7oIGtl6ZX7HgHZnhjVHrelE31Z6PAU920RB-x5euzSUh5ZAhCHcSy8995CSA/s6000/IMG_6598.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6CMok4PBHjA_O2VI-F5RhRjLKOCsB73nQ0-uUr660K-AwzUTVSR_-aHfNXRYAxu8A0-1PZA4B5y7qfoOTC45TsLndzKT8f-jC21uTTFQbFL4bre8kzE5XOgwR6ltXXx7oIGtl6ZX7HgHZnhjVHrelE31Z6PAU920RB-x5euzSUh5ZAhCHcSy8995CSA/w640-h426/IMG_6598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shade garden fared well in 2023 and I didn't have to spend hundreds of hours watering. My recent autumnal updates of removing thirsty hydrangeas and replacing them with more summer-dry tolerant plants will hopefully make it even more low maintenance in the years to come. There was a fair amount of vole and critter damage, but I hope my recent plantings in those areas will at the very least hide damage even if the voles continue on in their efforts to plow up a super highway through our garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuInXscLqyg5pIBJSZbFINQPev2dBGL0mZA54jwhZiw_HIA-4z8bsuswG5ll1tyEot4rfC2p-Sx1ZhrfTOs-jaSM-64KltkvOw2WDujhwIdRy4O0K5ZKn4Qbx_yWczDDlwoNJpwYPO9zhM54PavaFNWJj6WVYj1mrtaw2ODVa3xP-M6bADfZPqp9PPijQ/s6000/IMG_6719.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuInXscLqyg5pIBJSZbFINQPev2dBGL0mZA54jwhZiw_HIA-4z8bsuswG5ll1tyEot4rfC2p-Sx1ZhrfTOs-jaSM-64KltkvOw2WDujhwIdRy4O0K5ZKn4Qbx_yWczDDlwoNJpwYPO9zhM54PavaFNWJj6WVYj1mrtaw2ODVa3xP-M6bADfZPqp9PPijQ/w640-h426/IMG_6719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another foliage forward image with grasses, hebes, maples, ceanothus and more around the gravel garden on a rather hot summer evening.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Arr67QkoCx_VWDFCUvLQQyP4dIc-kDYDlUKf9Q2v6V_tfBbxgrL-Bq_HkPevXPDRDoC7Viw2IBV_nI52dPHuupTOtjnxCOSpRRlyI7Le7fnOVyLYw8J05pxXkw04Nr1dscJcJIvQK_GBjSgiPqBtp6kFXPoiUvpr7bi7bjJz68CEaJgB92BMbIvQPcM/s6000/IMG_6915.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Arr67QkoCx_VWDFCUvLQQyP4dIc-kDYDlUKf9Q2v6V_tfBbxgrL-Bq_HkPevXPDRDoC7Viw2IBV_nI52dPHuupTOtjnxCOSpRRlyI7Le7fnOVyLYw8J05pxXkw04Nr1dscJcJIvQK_GBjSgiPqBtp6kFXPoiUvpr7bi7bjJz68CEaJgB92BMbIvQPcM/w640-h426/IMG_6915.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A view looking east across dormant grass with FM's newest garden bed on the right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXuXVr8wF_VEeGtZLOoAfjWUaxQu5TdosBnkI7KL2LZ5nsOZQkSgBjInPq5FbA_j7pn0jt8_YYcBX8D1CrvBwy25LYsfjv7Z0IbySlT6zMjfiOb-D49eTrhevAP-mef4k9gXNR8eB9VTI7mcMhIGw5L7Guhh5OVSiPdLU_6oxBE8oSnL4Y6VFSUjgX4g/s6000/cotinus_pinkchampagne%20(4).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXuXVr8wF_VEeGtZLOoAfjWUaxQu5TdosBnkI7KL2LZ5nsOZQkSgBjInPq5FbA_j7pn0jt8_YYcBX8D1CrvBwy25LYsfjv7Z0IbySlT6zMjfiOb-D49eTrhevAP-mef4k9gXNR8eB9VTI7mcMhIGw5L7Guhh5OVSiPdLU_6oxBE8oSnL4Y6VFSUjgX4g/w640-h426/cotinus_pinkchampagne%20(4).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More foliage on the edge of the labyrinth with <i>Cotinus</i> 'Pink Champagne', <i>Miscanthus </i>'Cabaret', <i>Olearia</i> 'Dartonii, <i>Hylotelephium spectabile</i> 'Stardust' as well as hylotelephium seedlings.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also in August we pickled about one million jars of beets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">SEPTEMBER</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAKYeuaG_z0DD4TuKE9_L9sv7W85PLQu5YNpbu3uh3aMaw0a4XChy5bSqNsIcEAqeP4xyKovaSyWsFX-zkVHsmi_hp8GTH4xR3NKUNs3_pbz9d6Nj4-RD0QtSBEmMR2DLr_7fEd_JTKBCv0qPo3NaKympFDtQfymXInok4fS72W5WFJ4QC5NBNgzTPFs/s6000/IMG_7218.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAKYeuaG_z0DD4TuKE9_L9sv7W85PLQu5YNpbu3uh3aMaw0a4XChy5bSqNsIcEAqeP4xyKovaSyWsFX-zkVHsmi_hp8GTH4xR3NKUNs3_pbz9d6Nj4-RD0QtSBEmMR2DLr_7fEd_JTKBCv0qPo3NaKympFDtQfymXInok4fS72W5WFJ4QC5NBNgzTPFs/w640-h426/IMG_7218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">September was, by all accounts, fairly uneventful in the weather department. This is looking north through the labyrinth garden with a <i>Salix eleagnos </i>var.<i> angustifolia</i> in the center. I see all of my photos here for September are of the wider landscape, perhaps telling that as perennials mature for the season and start to "go over" and form seed heads and textures, that the landscape is sort of knitted together. In other words, individual plants might not be as interesting as the whole larger picture.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNTKT6E6W0s8FwoBam3O_dT2y5Rc4MoIKTZg1vnD8UrPoJPxk6LVp279dBKkPVBdJAvvlVVfLxL3P4SnaeZTcLS_jJxMybVMk-880i0QcCbe-Xehw2tklgt59FNVg0or8iQnq0JBPJtYxjHhhlo6skMjLPiaC4neUiByhxs-VmfngUDoGlIKTOB3NEMQ/s6000/IMG_7258.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNTKT6E6W0s8FwoBam3O_dT2y5Rc4MoIKTZg1vnD8UrPoJPxk6LVp279dBKkPVBdJAvvlVVfLxL3P4SnaeZTcLS_jJxMybVMk-880i0QcCbe-Xehw2tklgt59FNVg0or8iQnq0JBPJtYxjHhhlo6skMjLPiaC4neUiByhxs-VmfngUDoGlIKTOB3NEMQ/w640-h426/IMG_7258.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The meadow garden shows signs of aster color as well as a few <i>Eschscholzia californica</i> and <i>Epilobium</i> 'Solidarity Pink' sprinkled in. Grasses are also in full bloom giving a frothy wild look.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5IW5E4qH2XYM7hCZbDhH_yydwt1aADlpYJMYdkjTw9s-JmnCt_b787VLWSTZPsPaB2Avt6hWref4N-oCiW3pU2_p2q8Wa8d5Y7Uys-QRV6EsCpy480PjhRVXXy0vxSOBzWjgvTaI78MELKA2DCHooJh-SaPXgduB-fQJcbluXjmvxmDa-_Or874WiiY/s6000/IMG_7323.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5IW5E4qH2XYM7hCZbDhH_yydwt1aADlpYJMYdkjTw9s-JmnCt_b787VLWSTZPsPaB2Avt6hWref4N-oCiW3pU2_p2q8Wa8d5Y7Uys-QRV6EsCpy480PjhRVXXy0vxSOBzWjgvTaI78MELKA2DCHooJh-SaPXgduB-fQJcbluXjmvxmDa-_Or874WiiY/w426-h640/IMG_7323.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grasses in the labyrinth garden catch afternoon light.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPQ81DnqoMhA8dGKZoGUsSqDqVczKcIknGPfg_0JWU6u1dF6ZrbgVxc9mqaMBU-wPgzRhfcD51MdBQVU8YIq3labN3WA5DyFAfqvqhtfHGmaxbb-v6mwOgiw6m_A2ZWUZg9CnaUojPtKj8gqARbUiXVCb9ErLJWcA6AF3s_veO94Pee1-ouSt4M5NKX4/s6000/IMG_7231.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPQ81DnqoMhA8dGKZoGUsSqDqVczKcIknGPfg_0JWU6u1dF6ZrbgVxc9mqaMBU-wPgzRhfcD51MdBQVU8YIq3labN3WA5DyFAfqvqhtfHGmaxbb-v6mwOgiw6m_A2ZWUZg9CnaUojPtKj8gqARbUiXVCb9ErLJWcA6AF3s_veO94Pee1-ouSt4M5NKX4/w640-h426/IMG_7231.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">April's project of removing a<i> Ceanothus gloriosus </i>and replacing it with <i>Agave parryi </i>var.<i> truncata</i> (Oscar the agave) was successful. More gravel was added and a few volunteer <i>Verbena bonariensis</i> add some color. I planted <i>Cosmos</i> 'Rubenza' and <i>Agastache</i> 'Kudos Red' as well as some <i>Delosperma cooperi. </i>Overall, I am much happier with this scenario vs. a ratty plant on the edge of dying. It was hard work and a commitment to do so, but gratefully with FM's muscles we got it done.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkE71IDl3HkLqsV4VqJjKBi0s2km4jsZmUCaXdLhkZ5JckFpWPk_pP0fh-C4iilHD385rPq3l0_sGf5VfxrCUydoswjO1-ayJ0N1o4aF57kh2laMRkVn-JX2yYe-rQR7WDlsba_NZkTuHH4TS4nrWq4YxcIdW1E7lBBRqsCUo9PWaRJgJoOYYiwAwL_M/s6000/IMG_7304.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkE71IDl3HkLqsV4VqJjKBi0s2km4jsZmUCaXdLhkZ5JckFpWPk_pP0fh-C4iilHD385rPq3l0_sGf5VfxrCUydoswjO1-ayJ0N1o4aF57kh2laMRkVn-JX2yYe-rQR7WDlsba_NZkTuHH4TS4nrWq4YxcIdW1E7lBBRqsCUo9PWaRJgJoOYYiwAwL_M/w640-h426/IMG_7304.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The very unused fire pit area.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyFL6L9ChOReYfBxyO7FOCNdfG3_OIgD6bFPDdURJOoyU9iLXuX1PNOxz4J1VGVapZ9htmAnHMYQ3Y101-N_XfUqIZw1TcDP1OfoSOUgvBVpYoHfFTyFWPTcbevDJio_pt2hD9F3Grqv35Vcs31NaOhhBjcplsh4zMcCJxFXq6c-qxQ1_0QhViNFqOCM/s6000/IMG_7314.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyFL6L9ChOReYfBxyO7FOCNdfG3_OIgD6bFPDdURJOoyU9iLXuX1PNOxz4J1VGVapZ9htmAnHMYQ3Y101-N_XfUqIZw1TcDP1OfoSOUgvBVpYoHfFTyFWPTcbevDJio_pt2hD9F3Grqv35Vcs31NaOhhBjcplsh4zMcCJxFXq6c-qxQ1_0QhViNFqOCM/w640-h426/IMG_7314.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The edge of the labyrinth garden with hazy September light.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzu2Sr4WSupNsKJQBMQST1g6kjcmn7KHzXSxXXKXUErGQ2YtFaG7Gxe_3o4ENt0ioH3z09iH6fHzqtYeUebVJdN2zhQMSec-5WSNV-rkAjtfkQE-dUi36V1vrnrDM_phtlJisB5bHGxp0umFDEwI8n6TCKG_6POjh2TfXalHAEHaQEoqjVLaE7cKg5xU/s6000/hebe_sutherlandii.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzu2Sr4WSupNsKJQBMQST1g6kjcmn7KHzXSxXXKXUErGQ2YtFaG7Gxe_3o4ENt0ioH3z09iH6fHzqtYeUebVJdN2zhQMSec-5WSNV-rkAjtfkQE-dUi36V1vrnrDM_phtlJisB5bHGxp0umFDEwI8n6TCKG_6POjh2TfXalHAEHaQEoqjVLaE7cKg5xU/w640-h426/hebe_sutherlandii.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The <i>Acer palmatum</i> 'Sango Kaku' is beginning to show signs of a shift in color.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While September is usually a very busy time of the year here with harvesting and processing of food from the veggie garden and orchard, we were busy preparing for our England trip and so such chores had to wait.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AjNdeVW8ZW3lr5kEYq4YA5SdY3p2dsFxMmof1u8MFjqK16GQKNpFSi0vXfWQL6HnfccmXfOhh5r60fQVTyWA_Uuek0CcKsjX40Muv-_XkUjrLV_5qVAmq3ufDInOSow3wM5Gg6Avlwejl39cbPO0YjTXhyphenhyphenjHT48lRZWh_kwhPjwk8LsY5NA4sVIEFCw/s6000/birdhouse_gourd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AjNdeVW8ZW3lr5kEYq4YA5SdY3p2dsFxMmof1u8MFjqK16GQKNpFSi0vXfWQL6HnfccmXfOhh5r60fQVTyWA_Uuek0CcKsjX40Muv-_XkUjrLV_5qVAmq3ufDInOSow3wM5Gg6Avlwejl39cbPO0YjTXhyphenhyphenjHT48lRZWh_kwhPjwk8LsY5NA4sVIEFCw/w640-h426/birdhouse_gourd.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">But these birdhouse gourds grown in summer 2022, as seen in the garden in March 2023, needed to be turned into this before we left:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobRACA3ZGXAd_1pzFODfTyC7f6Eyfu1bZmTaa2C-k0UbTNgQkg8tcO9yd36R0rlVnOOJum298G1jzGWrd555nUyRksA11DtNJlrI8huiSTHL0qh4UjaObOCfiR9W5WGi462sz2eR3ssxWi7ZK55fkkxS3o7LQaAa_G6SXvwEve7qEMV8C8NEnJBCaVwk/s4032/20230917_181944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobRACA3ZGXAd_1pzFODfTyC7f6Eyfu1bZmTaa2C-k0UbTNgQkg8tcO9yd36R0rlVnOOJum298G1jzGWrd555nUyRksA11DtNJlrI8huiSTHL0qh4UjaObOCfiR9W5WGi462sz2eR3ssxWi7ZK55fkkxS3o7LQaAa_G6SXvwEve7qEMV8C8NEnJBCaVwk/w640-h296/20230917_181944.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some 50 gourds that spent the year drying were hand-sanded, holes drilled for chickadees and nuthatches, cleaned out, holes drilled in the bottom for drainage and air, wired for hanging and coated with two coats of bird-friendly waterproof stain. Here they are hanging in our garage drying after the second coat of stain was applied. The deadline was to get these to the <a href="https://www.kittydreams.org/" target="_blank">House of Dreams</a> cat shelter for their holiday bazaar to raise money for this fantastic non-profit shelter. Whew, mission accomplished and most of these went to the bazaar, all of which sold. Thank you to all of you who purchased them, by the way, the kitties thank you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">OCTOBER</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfYdPzpZB_W2oNA2cnu_ebG0ShQ_3Q3mJ67YS_ZgOh57vU6uXHGEjR5zw8_CjBOY3jcEyRFqVIMekcCA9KSn6icTBD8glPsmlbzHEGdN7H2AnNXCNzozm5KoOKMFWv2q3ubkfUs09kC-QtCya8lxorEHPwn-cMF0j4AO3EMFb1vHYYJibhgFshcmLa8w/s6000/IMG_8132.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfYdPzpZB_W2oNA2cnu_ebG0ShQ_3Q3mJ67YS_ZgOh57vU6uXHGEjR5zw8_CjBOY3jcEyRFqVIMekcCA9KSn6icTBD8glPsmlbzHEGdN7H2AnNXCNzozm5KoOKMFWv2q3ubkfUs09kC-QtCya8lxorEHPwn-cMF0j4AO3EMFb1vHYYJibhgFshcmLa8w/w426-h640/IMG_8132.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The end of September and beginning of October were spent in some pretty world-class British gardens. Here, FM strolls through the <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Oxford Botanic Gardens</a>. You can read more about our visit <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/10/lets-go-oxford-botanic-garden.html" target="_blank">here.</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyn8NoYKpu8DhCqzo6872MkDUn-MBWQW60y1W50uvEpnUFRIl0XRvl7kNgxn_mc-LNE-Q5oD5ivFIT7hD-Cu1B4vRM_6zxMCFVcobyAZPDxo3ilLPNZrJDeAx73J3muteKX7RgCoDTyxwg9PgOCkk3JTdSDlHrmrgIc2eLHCiSgPWwr_KV-9Uw1ounDk/s3264/20231003_111232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyn8NoYKpu8DhCqzo6872MkDUn-MBWQW60y1W50uvEpnUFRIl0XRvl7kNgxn_mc-LNE-Q5oD5ivFIT7hD-Cu1B4vRM_6zxMCFVcobyAZPDxo3ilLPNZrJDeAx73J3muteKX7RgCoDTyxwg9PgOCkk3JTdSDlHrmrgIc2eLHCiSgPWwr_KV-9Uw1ounDk/w640-h294/20231003_111232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We also visited <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/10/lets-go-sissinghurst-castle-garden-part.html" target="_blank">Sissinghurst Castle Garden.</a> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06FCFQG1Toj9ToP_N9ERSNNzM9oxoD5o9b34APXS3yfptFB_4zexgKdbtlB144oPHda-4PT7H9D2c7pf2vyewVPZrgvLQm70WuQvg93vCYMBIngmuuklCJzmWS76JaNuHDWj6TQQX0mJUos2pvbbORWpy3MGysoHC2IL98XZvirThgQc1097hNEegZC4/s6000/IMG_9131.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06FCFQG1Toj9ToP_N9ERSNNzM9oxoD5o9b34APXS3yfptFB_4zexgKdbtlB144oPHda-4PT7H9D2c7pf2vyewVPZrgvLQm70WuQvg93vCYMBIngmuuklCJzmWS76JaNuHDWj6TQQX0mJUos2pvbbORWpy3MGysoHC2IL98XZvirThgQc1097hNEegZC4/w640-h426/IMG_9131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And my favorite of them all, Great Dixter. You can read about our visit in two posts <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/11/lets-go-great-dixter-part-i.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/11/lets-go-great-dixter-part-ii.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQAbyvhCz5Sv9APE_wvRzMazAIc3DM5VbTAoy2zsy69swudGrQcqqBwGJf4tzQyTzPsdP_zliQ8SEZzgP3AD_F2l0CwBpE3lKnku73LhNj76rzldmulHr1Nr5siZ6vBypdHAPX8lqNYVa7O6XZFnj1XBes9xAzlCcwKW7iCA7-k-0UtprOiu2rN6zfsc/s6000/IMG_0277.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQAbyvhCz5Sv9APE_wvRzMazAIc3DM5VbTAoy2zsy69swudGrQcqqBwGJf4tzQyTzPsdP_zliQ8SEZzgP3AD_F2l0CwBpE3lKnku73LhNj76rzldmulHr1Nr5siZ6vBypdHAPX8lqNYVa7O6XZFnj1XBes9xAzlCcwKW7iCA7-k-0UtprOiu2rN6zfsc/w426-h640/IMG_0277.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">When we returned, we did so to some of the best autumnal foliage show in recent years and a lot of rain. But we were refreshed and invigorated and ready to take on delayed garden projects. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">NOVEMBER</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacCeBwxE62H8lRMWvASXl6aBRSmr1NfrWg1eRN5REnlrPL9C9QYwkjD-h63PU6ZnZjTvy6DRlPcVALHR0WXpK2TJjhH4fW-pTSSih3BlH9Tv3Dcw_dUVJuT0jk1B5G3K3ty1xaSgUaGP4FZqt8K1bx-HrjYSBArXr5RSNQ8FrsLKwVLZh4zWAEAYeKOI/s6000/IMG_0603.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacCeBwxE62H8lRMWvASXl6aBRSmr1NfrWg1eRN5REnlrPL9C9QYwkjD-h63PU6ZnZjTvy6DRlPcVALHR0WXpK2TJjhH4fW-pTSSih3BlH9Tv3Dcw_dUVJuT0jk1B5G3K3ty1xaSgUaGP4FZqt8K1bx-HrjYSBArXr5RSNQ8FrsLKwVLZh4zWAEAYeKOI/w640-h426/IMG_0603.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Most of what I photographed is from the beginning of November. The show continued on well into early December. The meadow garden and the several <i>Amsonia hubrichtii </i>were especially golden. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3t981y20HysDyvDNMaohRBlQq5ThH_geMJ7IxSnS-zQJbLW5DZqKztoCWhlhNUx-pIgxjM6vTrK_Dc7yRXZ5yqcIrlf51pxUkElc0KQvXF931Y_z_cu8r4mHaYAv_gdWdcpPBfW6RyNAdmCuSou6CbGqk2G2cZxWNJBi0ELs_EgcQVmOcbFx4lJZlEEY/s6000/IMG_0746.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3t981y20HysDyvDNMaohRBlQq5ThH_geMJ7IxSnS-zQJbLW5DZqKztoCWhlhNUx-pIgxjM6vTrK_Dc7yRXZ5yqcIrlf51pxUkElc0KQvXF931Y_z_cu8r4mHaYAv_gdWdcpPBfW6RyNAdmCuSou6CbGqk2G2cZxWNJBi0ELs_EgcQVmOcbFx4lJZlEEY/w640-h426/IMG_0746.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The east end of the berm garden still looked fresh in November.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sLAbVYRa-lHehAQvoR9sRL8BmHZl70zHpWg__qqXRMtjLSY_E5i-3K_GJcN440HPMbGWTiHskauDm2G8OhUn1KFya5wPXNn55dCMKeYBn7s9iU7hoYPTUCnA_xdtHHy1VJORUSNdYx0jgZHjjG5wXPZM11jBhG6u2POHXRFyOiseL6dReFmrHOTcPV8/s6000/IMG_0739.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sLAbVYRa-lHehAQvoR9sRL8BmHZl70zHpWg__qqXRMtjLSY_E5i-3K_GJcN440HPMbGWTiHskauDm2G8OhUn1KFya5wPXNn55dCMKeYBn7s9iU7hoYPTUCnA_xdtHHy1VJORUSNdYx0jgZHjjG5wXPZM11jBhG6u2POHXRFyOiseL6dReFmrHOTcPV8/w640-h426/IMG_0739.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The center of the berm garden did, too. The red foliage is <i>Itea</i> 'Henry's Garnet' and the plant spilling over the edge is <i>Juniperus conferta</i> 'Blue Pacific'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-0nLfWsdmceluDwJ8H1zY7bT7MJ4hZHxrVUDMzXWLPZULBeL_po38P1_HMfhYk5gz6-QpQP67mXGFM2u7OfveiTGgqQDCrK2olBviqqRv5ssMAdKCSOw_rmZ77vZVsIV42f90pmNvC2MZXWTXNO5ABoBsyHc8ygGmHDtj_H0C4CIDx-1MEHEX-YHkEg/s6000/IMG_0553.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-0nLfWsdmceluDwJ8H1zY7bT7MJ4hZHxrVUDMzXWLPZULBeL_po38P1_HMfhYk5gz6-QpQP67mXGFM2u7OfveiTGgqQDCrK2olBviqqRv5ssMAdKCSOw_rmZ77vZVsIV42f90pmNvC2MZXWTXNO5ABoBsyHc8ygGmHDtj_H0C4CIDx-1MEHEX-YHkEg/w640-h426/IMG_0553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Technically FM rented the sod cutter and took up grass in October, but the new bed pictured here was finished in November. I had been saving plants especially for this area including <i>Rhamnus californica ssp. tomentella, </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Eriodictyon californicum, </i></span><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Ericameria nauseosa </i>and more. It extends the bed that FM had removed sod from in May so now it runs all the way to our gate. As plants grow they will create more of a screen on this, the southern edge of our property, thereby enclosing our garden a little bit more.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gOb5hC-ojcAXj2l_Jdpx6NF6RTUCnPRQj7SnikYvAtWl4nPfiLUQxGpW-FR5kMMFDHkHgdW60hj5sr_HSAXIlqO5Q2OIMBTYZESfXhuy5lRkS4IUxCfHX_NpvP7-TXS6RVTWMFMFQYkTM88pYSt3pzoi3xNHhyphenhyphenJMr9oh5ITLqwxoEs1FWk8JVf20N70/s6000/IMG_0687.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gOb5hC-ojcAXj2l_Jdpx6NF6RTUCnPRQj7SnikYvAtWl4nPfiLUQxGpW-FR5kMMFDHkHgdW60hj5sr_HSAXIlqO5Q2OIMBTYZESfXhuy5lRkS4IUxCfHX_NpvP7-TXS6RVTWMFMFQYkTM88pYSt3pzoi3xNHhyphenhyphenJMr9oh5ITLqwxoEs1FWk8JVf20N70/w640-h426/IMG_0687.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pops of color on a cool November day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb1-ZGpOMEyyyg5Yya1n9H46jef5W1qfazQEPzgOwCsAJrLRREoLliygQnosN9uLjAdXOhZGUpPoddJpRogjYuch635NEXhU4WpRaTqHz_Bwf0j0YORaTRcGNewIRG4cWkdnDCdzd-Y7rTbRobFE2WTyWpMkgdHm0-0irk6Jp52Nbb8QWuxVWZkJezUg/s6000/IMG_0670.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb1-ZGpOMEyyyg5Yya1n9H46jef5W1qfazQEPzgOwCsAJrLRREoLliygQnosN9uLjAdXOhZGUpPoddJpRogjYuch635NEXhU4WpRaTqHz_Bwf0j0YORaTRcGNewIRG4cWkdnDCdzd-Y7rTbRobFE2WTyWpMkgdHm0-0irk6Jp52Nbb8QWuxVWZkJezUg/w640-h426/IMG_0670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The veg garden had been put to bed, but it's fun to see the fading corn stalks we leave standing for a while. The little platform is where we sprinkle sunflower seeds for the crows and whomever else wants some, usually white crowned sparrows who live in the nearby labyrinth garden in winter. We thus call the new extension in the foreground the crow garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOXJi5_xTbb9xTBoc7qIQGdBcfR6JBbPkMYM-vt5-zlCOF2AUoDoAdycBFD2kTxM7dQ6-dQpRkU3EDS53God_f_IHVgOuO7x7IrKY5CKxs-lOw50tSPACnCRTd1RIADcuuMIobZ4S_TrEDYvZK6cRp9UbWnGc-HG34vieBGBs3InSQc9gaprSi7zLhJw/s6000/IMG_0659.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOXJi5_xTbb9xTBoc7qIQGdBcfR6JBbPkMYM-vt5-zlCOF2AUoDoAdycBFD2kTxM7dQ6-dQpRkU3EDS53God_f_IHVgOuO7x7IrKY5CKxs-lOw50tSPACnCRTd1RIADcuuMIobZ4S_TrEDYvZK6cRp9UbWnGc-HG34vieBGBs3InSQc9gaprSi7zLhJw/w640-h426/IMG_0659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Helianthus</i> 'Lemon Queen' often has pretty good autumn color.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZT_RgDYi2Ef6Z_xzmBK8HXfuRqyL0xRgZdiBMbcIFMPRyKW_ZngEQ1JM47wwWzmDO6lo8TiGVjHii5tQyD0F4TPmWapFOJfCM2BCFzeEun9nx-w5dWdGTtDOysorpujOIwMCFW7gB9ftUIt24AD1tRzN337N097C_Ut-1xaMfhmgkZwSRmVSqEAgtvKA/s5680/IMG_0753.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3941" data-original-width="5680" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZT_RgDYi2Ef6Z_xzmBK8HXfuRqyL0xRgZdiBMbcIFMPRyKW_ZngEQ1JM47wwWzmDO6lo8TiGVjHii5tQyD0F4TPmWapFOJfCM2BCFzeEun9nx-w5dWdGTtDOysorpujOIwMCFW7gB9ftUIt24AD1tRzN337N097C_Ut-1xaMfhmgkZwSRmVSqEAgtvKA/w640-h444/IMG_0753.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A photo taken from inside on what turned out to be a lovely November day. We had many such days and got a lot of chores accomplished such as two gigantic batches of applesauce which were canned as well as sauerkraut.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">DECEMBER</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrR2yyvZmYeFnTDzyG_nmVFRJBb9jzk36ka_O3Fr-N5D2PGQWXlf4OzxeJuhSV0SSnuw0PnrXNaUogSQVhGu_SnCDvMCaEB4kZ5Zqi2MhsfnGcGd7bCuMfL56b01UWgUS-j9R7SNqjG5mBorc6kPu3dcSo4HTL_G6sNQARcEdf6U4hNpuws774sAxsoI/s6000/IMG_1462.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrR2yyvZmYeFnTDzyG_nmVFRJBb9jzk36ka_O3Fr-N5D2PGQWXlf4OzxeJuhSV0SSnuw0PnrXNaUogSQVhGu_SnCDvMCaEB4kZ5Zqi2MhsfnGcGd7bCuMfL56b01UWgUS-j9R7SNqjG5mBorc6kPu3dcSo4HTL_G6sNQARcEdf6U4hNpuws774sAxsoI/w640-h426/IMG_1462.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">December was pretty wet with a total of nearly 9". Still we were outside often dealing with leaves, chickens, mulching and more. Pictured about in the center is <i>Grevillea</i> 'Neil Bell' whose prune job earlier in the year proved to be successful. A large portion of the downward side of this shrub had broken away but was still attached to the main plant. I left it in place and it did indeed heal, though it was lopsided. I pruned the down side by a few feet and the plant righted itself, you would never know it had been damaged. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChsme-CH-GvCakgQn5zZF6yNzZFkxgZLNYIoGbsRIuLjsPTyAzAL5FBYzIXLdSrEi6P9AQNJTmRMAImDEiebnpFlFUVDDYT8WVdfOSmTchOzOsGLdYTX54nnoeS1myJfNODstKC2GgSdvk54iu0q3wFX4SGE65a6PdexNlWvDNcukeFaqPEAq6n87HjY/s6000/IMG_1485.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChsme-CH-GvCakgQn5zZF6yNzZFkxgZLNYIoGbsRIuLjsPTyAzAL5FBYzIXLdSrEi6P9AQNJTmRMAImDEiebnpFlFUVDDYT8WVdfOSmTchOzOsGLdYTX54nnoeS1myJfNODstKC2GgSdvk54iu0q3wFX4SGE65a6PdexNlWvDNcukeFaqPEAq6n87HjY/w426-h640/IMG_1485.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a decent persimmon crop which was fabulous, especially since we had virtually none in 2022.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQCG5C9zb3QEMM4ctTY7f1Pkhrrp_14fXiX1L2ZA103ADmuF4JIkCK7lKx993kHk6KiCy2ex00dEsrd7goxmC44PMsjQIEI5xZVn7Gv5lq2atKOqBjiKrHtUzSywBJ7RrLeA0NFFGfxIKnLa7T6zBMHbHE1K6TzMV2l1I9cxh-bF0eVhtZaKVnB7FzJc/s6000/IMG_1442.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQCG5C9zb3QEMM4ctTY7f1Pkhrrp_14fXiX1L2ZA103ADmuF4JIkCK7lKx993kHk6KiCy2ex00dEsrd7goxmC44PMsjQIEI5xZVn7Gv5lq2atKOqBjiKrHtUzSywBJ7RrLeA0NFFGfxIKnLa7T6zBMHbHE1K6TzMV2l1I9cxh-bF0eVhtZaKVnB7FzJc/w640-h426/IMG_1442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Grevillea</i> 'Neil Bell' flower, yes, in December.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokpGykMZjtHGerffRpoCT7fRKGRIqsDX0zaBnt3DcoyYd-Q88Qco2HUhAk4rjYMh8CRR_EyMLOLObDYBcEWFqE0TDgLXvHwQVvcY9_WzSjgoadbKi8nfOU-cGyhS7zo18w2CDLnP3uSddZHxFcR7TWlKqrwdneAEaOfqJQsjvCSdemJL-g_svLwDLduo/s6000/IMG_1497.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokpGykMZjtHGerffRpoCT7fRKGRIqsDX0zaBnt3DcoyYd-Q88Qco2HUhAk4rjYMh8CRR_EyMLOLObDYBcEWFqE0TDgLXvHwQVvcY9_WzSjgoadbKi8nfOU-cGyhS7zo18w2CDLnP3uSddZHxFcR7TWlKqrwdneAEaOfqJQsjvCSdemJL-g_svLwDLduo/w426-h640/IMG_1497.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Muhlenbergia rigens, Clematis c.</i> 'Wisley Cream' and deck lights make for a wet but pretty December scene.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEQmG0Ppz4dRlEGTHxI46-uFt1GNG1tMQd_RFuFaaBc9Q_ZNBnsWa2mPSqG2GPTqljWvepJEd7kX1GUQ2NvcSZwDbkmRuTdQzeVCypa-RfSu3zb8OTB0GgJ3_P906oeSYlQ97wC4W2HdRut9Cnk6GJySE86ZL20XDzQ3bWRVwxYHJe2hmtmsXqfdt6-Q/s6000/IMG_1504.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEQmG0Ppz4dRlEGTHxI46-uFt1GNG1tMQd_RFuFaaBc9Q_ZNBnsWa2mPSqG2GPTqljWvepJEd7kX1GUQ2NvcSZwDbkmRuTdQzeVCypa-RfSu3zb8OTB0GgJ3_P906oeSYlQ97wC4W2HdRut9Cnk6GJySE86ZL20XDzQ3bWRVwxYHJe2hmtmsXqfdt6-Q/w640-h426/IMG_1504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Moody fog.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CkZQwLX5mt50i8ebTGXj-C_jfvCvp-MZ7mh_Ekcz2Eh6YhUQPcopvMjRJSqw89UnXrlketRqVG0CQxtbLQlpB0GkbGqBhmLG5YBV_rNGvQ-VFTW65OW7oRJckChKWxFyxhfj5RQjQQlh-XYcDI7vCPm_dwqBvUCLMfvY7FBvkhkFlR6cJa9V-bdqYTU/s6000/IMG_1362.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CkZQwLX5mt50i8ebTGXj-C_jfvCvp-MZ7mh_Ekcz2Eh6YhUQPcopvMjRJSqw89UnXrlketRqVG0CQxtbLQlpB0GkbGqBhmLG5YBV_rNGvQ-VFTW65OW7oRJckChKWxFyxhfj5RQjQQlh-XYcDI7vCPm_dwqBvUCLMfvY7FBvkhkFlR6cJa9V-bdqYTU/w426-h640/IMG_1362.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Miscanthus </i>'Malepartus' is so upright! I love this grass. Even now in early January it is standing straight up like a soldier.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhJDpM0lcJZz480zaggQN4NTEDcSYZ3_NwPuSyCSdc0Ey4gvlc9XSP9ZncpWVjk56qqW58Ze1serlgclgePOSZ7fNWn6ATRojfLwdXBydGYEKQRALMhrKcRQNZaukGN5ByuRG9NtMwZOib6gRTGPXbEUn9Gg91Ug_xWcXbq9Q-mLm-drHag7IOqki6zw/s6000/IMG_1372.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhJDpM0lcJZz480zaggQN4NTEDcSYZ3_NwPuSyCSdc0Ey4gvlc9XSP9ZncpWVjk56qqW58Ze1serlgclgePOSZ7fNWn6ATRojfLwdXBydGYEKQRALMhrKcRQNZaukGN5ByuRG9NtMwZOib6gRTGPXbEUn9Gg91Ug_xWcXbq9Q-mLm-drHag7IOqki6zw/w640-h426/IMG_1372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">FM's bed mulched with arborist's wood chips and a sculpture in there by our dear departed friend <a href="https://www.russoleegallery.com/artists/michihiro-kosuge?view=slider" target="_blank">Michi Kosuge.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhhiA_Spvlp3FaymC5-3ZQlXuudY86zmBrLtnraNun0r1p4SCvchy_yJeY4dBVzhWpBVQPyd3SFBlnwZ4SKprr_KYdc9ammQrlKV5TZgirrteOjOvmO52Spci60x5TWCAJCnxuRR1j5tPSaI4uxwVDRsMAhQsne28Bno5KcwT1X3BawdCCNhYF3gOTkc/s6000/IMG_1451.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhhiA_Spvlp3FaymC5-3ZQlXuudY86zmBrLtnraNun0r1p4SCvchy_yJeY4dBVzhWpBVQPyd3SFBlnwZ4SKprr_KYdc9ammQrlKV5TZgirrteOjOvmO52Spci60x5TWCAJCnxuRR1j5tPSaI4uxwVDRsMAhQsne28Bno5KcwT1X3BawdCCNhYF3gOTkc/w640-h426/IMG_1451.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I close this post out with an image of a newly expanded bed on the southern edge of the labyrinth garden. FM removed more sod, added bunches of gravel and now I have tons more square footage for sun-loving, drought-adapted plants. It is exciting to think of what this area will look like in spring and in years to come. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is a new year, however, time does not come to me in beginnings and endings if endings imply a stop, a break, a pause. It's a cyclical thing. It doesn't pause. Case in point, we're planting in January. Working on cleaning up the veg garden in January, too - repairing walls, weeding a little, mulching. While it's nice and neat to wrap things up as year's end in December, the reality is that I don't know when the end is. And that is, I imagine, by design. The garden gives us rhythms that we are now familiar with and enjoy. I can only hope we continue to find pleasure in our "work" for years to come, that it's one very long and wonderful experiment. This year has been a lot of work but the weather cooperated and we look forward to seeing the fruits of our labors come to fruition in the coming months. Anticipation is half the fun in gardening, after all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>While there is so much more I could have added to this post (there are thousands of photographs of beautiful flowers and birds from which to choose), one must keep it within bounds. But stay tuned for 2024 as we continue on our adventure here at Chickadee Gardens.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. Thank you so much for reading and commenting and for sticking with us this past year. It's been a pleasure. From all of us - FM, myself, Annie, Hobbes, Sweet Pea the Turkey, all 19 hens and all the squirrels, birds, reptiles and insects, Happy Gardening and Happy New Year, whenever you celebrate!</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-28813699889912550262023-12-28T07:00:00.001-08:002023-12-28T07:00:00.132-08:00Cistus Nursery<div style="text-align: center;"> I love to play outside with my camera. Recently I've been taking photos for our newly revamped website at Cistus Nursery; find the website <a href="https://cistus.com/collections/mail-order-plants" target="_blank">here!</a> Bridget has been hard at work at the revamp, and I think the website looks fabulous. I know it will continue to evolve and grow as we add more plants for mail order. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, last week being the winter solstice and all moody-foggy (and as I was caught up with website photography for the day), I strolled a little beyond the greenhouses and ventured into some of the gardens at Cistus Nursery. Since gardening for most of us comes to a crawl this time of the year, exploring a garden that continues to excite even in December is a joy to share. Here then is a little bit of <a href="https://cistus.com/" target="_blank">Cistus Nursery</a> on a winter solstice day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvOH54Ps8GfQt3b28COlaAj7Os8TDUmRQTe6Co-kje5rSL9FnOof54MptyHpNf_OlxmNr8mTux-XHCOannd6urYAyxLmAHOfKwtb_MmqCa9NiRkZpTFTPaJjM6eKCsqi69pMpCa1ObPWVsLvT4ddUuaGf5eU8sBGOxmprCLjWwiPJt0ENqpKzkMoNSqM/s6000/IMG_1972.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvOH54Ps8GfQt3b28COlaAj7Os8TDUmRQTe6Co-kje5rSL9FnOof54MptyHpNf_OlxmNr8mTux-XHCOannd6urYAyxLmAHOfKwtb_MmqCa9NiRkZpTFTPaJjM6eKCsqi69pMpCa1ObPWVsLvT4ddUuaGf5eU8sBGOxmprCLjWwiPJt0ENqpKzkMoNSqM/w640-h426/IMG_1972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">When heading to Cistus down Gillihan Road on Sauvie Island which is quite rural and agricultural, it's easy to miss the driveway to the nursery. But no more, this new sign was revealed this summer and makes it crystal clear where we all need to go. Turn here for plant geekery!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqI0PvEM0F1Ck-GDNZwbkPWhZEafE3-7UzIsJPcyIqzyIPeHbT1R_dBDo2Eh9RecnCS3P6WkKYGJQTMPVAE1YDXbjXIj4sAlO4ca5uA6jCex8TEgI-dffqmSslIv1xJ4kow9E3L-GrSI8RTtCf7gFGWydcBwUz6aAZherNKXY5gbnDBlxM3K4es8qz-c/s6000/IMG_1980.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqI0PvEM0F1Ck-GDNZwbkPWhZEafE3-7UzIsJPcyIqzyIPeHbT1R_dBDo2Eh9RecnCS3P6WkKYGJQTMPVAE1YDXbjXIj4sAlO4ca5uA6jCex8TEgI-dffqmSslIv1xJ4kow9E3L-GrSI8RTtCf7gFGWydcBwUz6aAZherNKXY5gbnDBlxM3K4es8qz-c/w426-h640/IMG_1980.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking down the driveway</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDN7JJjVoc5rIHzRx46tUpDQGJxBpnJs_SqAO2jrsQ_Pj7fSOp8XFIUuVbhtIcAK3qnoutf0HUd6KQrXFzflI2u37ToS-D7lEH9LvnsU-u3Pf5haBMEEc1cH13SY_Ia6RBlul6nRHRcCallotlslKxhHL2af6uNiNM8B-jfDD193o67-Xc9-Djiaj9XeQ/s6000/IMG_1974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDN7JJjVoc5rIHzRx46tUpDQGJxBpnJs_SqAO2jrsQ_Pj7fSOp8XFIUuVbhtIcAK3qnoutf0HUd6KQrXFzflI2u37ToS-D7lEH9LvnsU-u3Pf5haBMEEc1cH13SY_Ia6RBlul6nRHRcCallotlslKxhHL2af6uNiNM8B-jfDD193o67-Xc9-Djiaj9XeQ/w640-h426/IMG_1974.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cistus.com/products/pyracantha-coccinea-dorothys-fav?_pos=1&_psq=pyra&_ss=e&_v=1.0" target="_blank"><i>Pyracantha coccinea</i> 'Dorothy's Fav'</a> under the Cistus Nursery sign.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d-Ntvc5kMPQOjbCeinsxa-i8Tw_9dUVhlDUKWJmRRMyneE4GOA1JGdlNCXZFjTxVPpnniEIOjDUU2LYlOojgtTahTa10UIzYRpF61NDAKGaoaFkZmtn_3TDuRRGcBAL9Lr2Ohu-YudvVHLpsggodExA-8S35xdhK7j4ZtOYhueMwmWV3dLG2cbMzx1Q/s6000/IMG_2020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d-Ntvc5kMPQOjbCeinsxa-i8Tw_9dUVhlDUKWJmRRMyneE4GOA1JGdlNCXZFjTxVPpnniEIOjDUU2LYlOojgtTahTa10UIzYRpF61NDAKGaoaFkZmtn_3TDuRRGcBAL9Lr2Ohu-YudvVHLpsggodExA-8S35xdhK7j4ZtOYhueMwmWV3dLG2cbMzx1Q/w426-h640/IMG_2020.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Arctostaphylos in front of appropriately rusted metal siding.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr9LLNZV5sdkKtLwEDBKjOfv69aUocgAqCIiCW9bjC12nnieUTe2mBVaEdrPXpW6S7tySKofCCRQVlHZ-_FretvAlCmEFlrw97gpuK5VoSYGUJD-VAzFRrra8MtxJwEK5tokHvRabflFBMTzg5tlpFjNcbia0djyz3509lx95jv8MI2DCa8F2Htib4_c/s6000/IMG_2005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr9LLNZV5sdkKtLwEDBKjOfv69aUocgAqCIiCW9bjC12nnieUTe2mBVaEdrPXpW6S7tySKofCCRQVlHZ-_FretvAlCmEFlrw97gpuK5VoSYGUJD-VAzFRrra8MtxJwEK5tokHvRabflFBMTzg5tlpFjNcbia0djyz3509lx95jv8MI2DCa8F2Htib4_c/w426-h640/IMG_2005.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the parking lot an <i>Aesculus californica</i>, California buckeye, is so heavily covered in lichen that it is lovely to look at long after its leaves and seeds have fallen.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeQtiRKRsK5dM434fJ73zgEf9V4ullwTujft3qBP3p9HgvlRkH0nwAqIkSkx4kmUMXYr1_CJEsp4C-j4cChXdFwhY96frCzoVHkrDdglFob_t3xr6HsqZPaQ1u7_uK5NCBgh589x3ywkzIL2gDc6F2cWSDXL108IrXdHgewKBTRStdg8ToNXd8d99G10/s6000/IMG_1985.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeQtiRKRsK5dM434fJ73zgEf9V4ullwTujft3qBP3p9HgvlRkH0nwAqIkSkx4kmUMXYr1_CJEsp4C-j4cChXdFwhY96frCzoVHkrDdglFob_t3xr6HsqZPaQ1u7_uK5NCBgh589x3ywkzIL2gDc6F2cWSDXL108IrXdHgewKBTRStdg8ToNXd8d99G10/w640-h426/IMG_1985.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Osmanthus in the garden along the driveway, likely <i>O. </i>'Sasaba'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5oe68wCdDeuh2rC9fH8x1rtGUm0Nq8EuduEf2K8b5tO-MzJKtV-tw8EvHVVtcKg9PFFre47QOiHavqTmg_0GGwgZg2gc8mPFuyDArY-hpfyO6LbN7uI0X8NKy4N70cPWIzttpN-kVCt7C4exmGOyguRQ4xDEyaId1W8NHY1365KwDV64Y5IjWqsITVg/s6000/IMG_1984.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5oe68wCdDeuh2rC9fH8x1rtGUm0Nq8EuduEf2K8b5tO-MzJKtV-tw8EvHVVtcKg9PFFre47QOiHavqTmg_0GGwgZg2gc8mPFuyDArY-hpfyO6LbN7uI0X8NKy4N70cPWIzttpN-kVCt7C4exmGOyguRQ4xDEyaId1W8NHY1365KwDV64Y5IjWqsITVg/w426-h640/IMG_1984.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Araucaria araucana</i>, monkey puzzle tree, along the drive.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_tRIiwJWWgavaX2KOk5tajNMY_04_DXsekZ71R-_sToVT-fu0VAwTW-PinJ07DKxK-gfmkhyphenhyphen4kKEZuJuCOFlUBSvX_N7c9OcdgkBmx5wqS5eiII59jN2EIKLHiAfdEgCdMTxNvAZ0O2Mr6JQkfb8WRJZpnvmY7W56reol1k3cVFwTwNxlcKIAG6epDU/s6000/IMG_1993.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_tRIiwJWWgavaX2KOk5tajNMY_04_DXsekZ71R-_sToVT-fu0VAwTW-PinJ07DKxK-gfmkhyphenhyphen4kKEZuJuCOFlUBSvX_N7c9OcdgkBmx5wqS5eiII59jN2EIKLHiAfdEgCdMTxNvAZ0O2Mr6JQkfb8WRJZpnvmY7W56reol1k3cVFwTwNxlcKIAG6epDU/w426-h640/IMG_1993.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my personal favorites, <i>Rhamnus alaternus</i> ‘Variegata’, an evergreen shrub with many applications, including a fabulous source for holiday greenery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zgYeXU9Ws7u3vqjsFAhI5t_2qY1urHJE2mjwYah74SbxkC9Uhg0pvcOhNL16YjqZKsymYEi_DIbfPwZAef3IvXvnGRyYQLkBPTQsbqLFmr_vo4eMAqGO2EGgC0lyJfRF_xCLw7khODqUSNC0ykDp0zjxMXCFjW6yje8RSV9avTOlPjredpQdJiz9MDM/s6000/IMG_2032.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zgYeXU9Ws7u3vqjsFAhI5t_2qY1urHJE2mjwYah74SbxkC9Uhg0pvcOhNL16YjqZKsymYEi_DIbfPwZAef3IvXvnGRyYQLkBPTQsbqLFmr_vo4eMAqGO2EGgC0lyJfRF_xCLw7khODqUSNC0ykDp0zjxMXCFjW6yje8RSV9avTOlPjredpQdJiz9MDM/w640-h426/IMG_2032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As the driveway ends there is an island known as the Desert Island that is heavily amended with rocky material and very well-drained soil. It is densely planted with all manner of spiky things and looks great year-round.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoyIOwr1yGb_LsQ6mffrWjSQuLMYv8WPahYF0SKu2XttlkubcvfHE-QBZ6g7UgYvozEvmJDIIhIu69P-0bASbWdnUdqrMKf9udy19r7by7-9Fgki1mB6sOiYJCAWSUOYtvrg5QwCUCG2Z4M9vHLSHZVVc3S-MRdr428AHz_Ew6XskYDb-qIqZo-JnLBw/s6000/IMG_2072.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoyIOwr1yGb_LsQ6mffrWjSQuLMYv8WPahYF0SKu2XttlkubcvfHE-QBZ6g7UgYvozEvmJDIIhIu69P-0bASbWdnUdqrMKf9udy19r7by7-9Fgki1mB6sOiYJCAWSUOYtvrg5QwCUCG2Z4M9vHLSHZVVc3S-MRdr428AHz_Ew6XskYDb-qIqZo-JnLBw/w426-h640/IMG_2072.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yucca rostrata,</i> the "mascot" for Cistus Nursery.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidA9oIJvGVURg871HCeSgQQvQKHD29aM8yGmV4N73ej12dTxFD1lDtAPiBh9YFXcb-qgqG3NXbA-9fe5QCS6HPtcQNdisU1qzwIyB_V5w4iBi8WmFGpr-TLcwD9ggJ-Xxt_N8H468sgVTl-Ev9PYmPkyCTXoagiASS9w-U6VXDyc4z4-GUDjPphBNzNDI/s2615/20230316_101019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2615" data-original-width="1860" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidA9oIJvGVURg871HCeSgQQvQKHD29aM8yGmV4N73ej12dTxFD1lDtAPiBh9YFXcb-qgqG3NXbA-9fe5QCS6HPtcQNdisU1qzwIyB_V5w4iBi8WmFGpr-TLcwD9ggJ-Xxt_N8H468sgVTl-Ev9PYmPkyCTXoagiASS9w-U6VXDyc4z4-GUDjPphBNzNDI/w285-h400/20230316_101019.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the Cistus logo, complete with <i>Yucca rostrata</i>. Artwork by <a href="http://markbulwinkle.com/" target="_blank">Mark Bulwinkle</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzTexMmnlQBvo_DlmkmIIkOH6b2hngiuzjL9FGFVQ8QT4H4veqv-YTXLQRMSMsZq-f1sNCYEKycoF9nct1CvUQ7qcGJhRm7XlGTMuJ7gtk_kL-aETI08pxiiN5bHtA-GQjtXLWJPjc1bNXBhtcLzXFvejdmT-5-AyM5P94VD7tZ7-X-BeXpFe6Vl7n-M/s6000/IMG_2040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzTexMmnlQBvo_DlmkmIIkOH6b2hngiuzjL9FGFVQ8QT4H4veqv-YTXLQRMSMsZq-f1sNCYEKycoF9nct1CvUQ7qcGJhRm7XlGTMuJ7gtk_kL-aETI08pxiiN5bHtA-GQjtXLWJPjc1bNXBhtcLzXFvejdmT-5-AyM5P94VD7tZ7-X-BeXpFe6Vl7n-M/w640-h426/IMG_2040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In Sean's own words, this is a pale-spined clone of <i>Opuntia whipplei.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLn4_vJw9VU0UdBZXdSEZSukquYeih2w_KOncE2MdP5xFz2GAGgnAT1DZTNLWpnbE0JQt38Oj9ipQd0HtiefuM-vglCBQBdVNmoUi7IbZISIxjR8wA0aRcbyORVAaZjd5sQ7ZKoyiJUTMbc_Hx8B7WonsUdU0TerzOHN6_8Dixvd8MB0Bsqo0bHLbTXk/s6000/IMG_2030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLn4_vJw9VU0UdBZXdSEZSukquYeih2w_KOncE2MdP5xFz2GAGgnAT1DZTNLWpnbE0JQt38Oj9ipQd0HtiefuM-vglCBQBdVNmoUi7IbZISIxjR8wA0aRcbyORVAaZjd5sQ7ZKoyiJUTMbc_Hx8B7WonsUdU0TerzOHN6_8Dixvd8MB0Bsqo0bHLbTXk/w640-h426/IMG_2030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More of the Desert Island cloaked in fog. Look at all those gorgeous spikes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jkKsAQT1R_IPcUQ6CnpjzfH-H-HJmztncrBZSVIYv-N4aF0hS5VfXdAlQjpWZNJuxGrBwFLfr1FvN8lDZTWKFvM_dItQYoJ4IX41qWcFkkeO6yF5Xxg7vZQzPBqcR-9DZDm7oA7wURLZYavc7dgmkLIIMEx6YiWti-qDrMXKlmqj7T1wbISa-gOl8bo/s6000/IMG_2228.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jkKsAQT1R_IPcUQ6CnpjzfH-H-HJmztncrBZSVIYv-N4aF0hS5VfXdAlQjpWZNJuxGrBwFLfr1FvN8lDZTWKFvM_dItQYoJ4IX41qWcFkkeO6yF5Xxg7vZQzPBqcR-9DZDm7oA7wURLZYavc7dgmkLIIMEx6YiWti-qDrMXKlmqj7T1wbISa-gOl8bo/w640-h426/IMG_2228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Opuntia (perhaps<i> O. </i>'Oh') with very pretty coloration.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gXBoD9fFIneZmOVMaviBbCIjYagq1iVz2heKUzP8fbIH0BETJBQHcYN7Xm2gA5PO4Mh-YgBF0OqG9z4HL9jh2eTKGR8fXefn4vgfJIRYqmrUMCXyHb65xa7hDbqCwJg0NCcPxPTwvVvBSWwUqEW63YckJ49ws3Rnlynzs-CWEVh_ekbdcFr4R7eS1Uw/s6000/IMG_2024.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gXBoD9fFIneZmOVMaviBbCIjYagq1iVz2heKUzP8fbIH0BETJBQHcYN7Xm2gA5PO4Mh-YgBF0OqG9z4HL9jh2eTKGR8fXefn4vgfJIRYqmrUMCXyHb65xa7hDbqCwJg0NCcPxPTwvVvBSWwUqEW63YckJ49ws3Rnlynzs-CWEVh_ekbdcFr4R7eS1Uw/w640-h426/IMG_2024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe cupressoides</i> 'Boughton Dome'</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfdbaPtVW98BYWrBvUzi3ChXkMMHQk640-2O8vAIZvQE59XcPEJhWkFut96Ull49zynRkRqzEszk1jpT4ftQVAk62_vIrW0tffsm6TBFpI98KYlyitwzlMn2wZkcpQ7oPcm94AJAD5Ke_ObIURh0Dt-1HPDC_lthvpyYLgo7NzgGnz9StrYOCpYkQ1V4/s6000/IMG_2041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfdbaPtVW98BYWrBvUzi3ChXkMMHQk640-2O8vAIZvQE59XcPEJhWkFut96Ull49zynRkRqzEszk1jpT4ftQVAk62_vIrW0tffsm6TBFpI98KYlyitwzlMn2wZkcpQ7oPcm94AJAD5Ke_ObIURh0Dt-1HPDC_lthvpyYLgo7NzgGnz9StrYOCpYkQ1V4/w426-h640/IMG_2041.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Muhlenbergia rigens</i>, deer grass.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMCO1qwpKwnDoHo65RERJufxFdMrIwp40QWJemy6fAAGZK_r3zHaAQqZHisLlR-Uf0qSv8uAyB3UEFnaWj8ePErGf1aPtvDQ65qRcL5YDIHGJI3V1GPFOUjoIT5hTk0dmNQlT8zkcOXtHt4tkO5anp101Mr8vEWhB03PS6tRsZqJWUmp5i1uFtKp_ikA/s6000/IMG_2059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMCO1qwpKwnDoHo65RERJufxFdMrIwp40QWJemy6fAAGZK_r3zHaAQqZHisLlR-Uf0qSv8uAyB3UEFnaWj8ePErGf1aPtvDQ65qRcL5YDIHGJI3V1GPFOUjoIT5hTk0dmNQlT8zkcOXtHt4tkO5anp101Mr8vEWhB03PS6tRsZqJWUmp5i1uFtKp_ikA/w640-h426/IMG_2059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lyonothamnus floribundus var. aspleniifolius,</i> Catalina ironwood. I have wanted this tree for a while and I'm pleased to say we have it for sale, so, of course, I bought one.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi4GvMQ0AUts_AeNN3i6GV_KHx5QmvStqPbt0rgVFBFuhgmGowHya12KAkTPx7gmWT5gPUwZzXvNp31iLhN8CmxthVzS92flt3VaEdiZoK5eS1dvmSaxABDttSliPq7lFCTKkcJ-GemxEvhEEb347ttF4Q65CaK1x_NFSgj9A3CvnnJDGOGa19-SQrmU/s6000/IMG_2029.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi4GvMQ0AUts_AeNN3i6GV_KHx5QmvStqPbt0rgVFBFuhgmGowHya12KAkTPx7gmWT5gPUwZzXvNp31iLhN8CmxthVzS92flt3VaEdiZoK5eS1dvmSaxABDttSliPq7lFCTKkcJ-GemxEvhEEb347ttF4Q65CaK1x_NFSgj9A3CvnnJDGOGa19-SQrmU/w426-h640/IMG_2029.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pinus contorta var. latifolia</i> 'Chief Joseph', lodgepole pine, in its winter coloration.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsPo7273mZV6FH7we4VOOsUL0-Ma8hFWwaGAyUL2toPq465vnVU6Y6gT_4h6e6TMwhJip6I9H7y3wR1YShGYPJv8jFWeiAQ2w4Fd9g-4Ll-FWOUpsMCRxC0EeVs-zRXUvGtVaytz4woQWAlAJ3_JnVorWzR9IJcLjP_j6S_lwiaYlXqTwTVo_LBTyDVg/s6000/IMG_2064.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsPo7273mZV6FH7we4VOOsUL0-Ma8hFWwaGAyUL2toPq465vnVU6Y6gT_4h6e6TMwhJip6I9H7y3wR1YShGYPJv8jFWeiAQ2w4Fd9g-4Ll-FWOUpsMCRxC0EeVs-zRXUvGtVaytz4woQWAlAJ3_JnVorWzR9IJcLjP_j6S_lwiaYlXqTwTVo_LBTyDVg/w640-h426/IMG_2064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pittosporum tenuifolium</i> 'Elizabeth', another evergreen shrub with a little sparkle, especially on a dark winter day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29JpE8NHruiFD49opi25Rg-0BsI4FppxMfu21A0OvytQf-f5lDseWadyncSDTBwyeQOYbmAsmLbci9gHEkw4p9Cr1rm1_oSlrD_CgRpbjcF8fwrtdXRxcG4aO71SykY08gDuvqK0q52lfUSQtANB9DCpmZhLanCTzjbPULZN21uJR6tv5m5LVKabmLT0/s6000/IMG_2061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29JpE8NHruiFD49opi25Rg-0BsI4FppxMfu21A0OvytQf-f5lDseWadyncSDTBwyeQOYbmAsmLbci9gHEkw4p9Cr1rm1_oSlrD_CgRpbjcF8fwrtdXRxcG4aO71SykY08gDuvqK0q52lfUSQtANB9DCpmZhLanCTzjbPULZN21uJR6tv5m5LVKabmLT0/w426-h640/IMG_2061.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are several beautiful and many mature eucalyptus in the gardens at Cistus Nursery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2Mv3GIPZvuRwqsd4ZKj6fuVM79gKC-LWEPW5Hj7d3-xDSWm6OJAivuBH10jTnZYeb-lUPhcwszmCRLZ0TqgArjFyTQ06_WLVOwpdpO-BPS1T2bNaUj7QpJ02u1TB5lFCWnGa_FfMC3LmoOTNyjt2lsPo2aePQomdCB_tvkhxtdQjwBQ1O3_H6UAlCQA/s6000/IMG_2243.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2Mv3GIPZvuRwqsd4ZKj6fuVM79gKC-LWEPW5Hj7d3-xDSWm6OJAivuBH10jTnZYeb-lUPhcwszmCRLZ0TqgArjFyTQ06_WLVOwpdpO-BPS1T2bNaUj7QpJ02u1TB5lFCWnGa_FfMC3LmoOTNyjt2lsPo2aePQomdCB_tvkhxtdQjwBQ1O3_H6UAlCQA/w640-h426/IMG_2243.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Many fantastic grasses grace the Rancho Cistus gardens.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXYGYpcPzf1pwzSnTdp9m7d68k-AmiWx7pu-4HQ6LQfqXTJIoJIf5ND4444G0CX6z7-h20NFXa6eWcHht5oLum_Fh1Ve126_K0_Nqlk5dM-6A9MOsVu6sNbGjGROBSBg-YbcifQLPiFnxBQ1kqvQL9q0TBXWMGVB-4my8GVxGFR5OGdbrekmCdoBIjUs/s6000/IMG_2244.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXYGYpcPzf1pwzSnTdp9m7d68k-AmiWx7pu-4HQ6LQfqXTJIoJIf5ND4444G0CX6z7-h20NFXa6eWcHht5oLum_Fh1Ve126_K0_Nqlk5dM-6A9MOsVu6sNbGjGROBSBg-YbcifQLPiFnxBQ1kqvQL9q0TBXWMGVB-4my8GVxGFR5OGdbrekmCdoBIjUs/w426-h640/IMG_2244.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And trees, too.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3G-0fOaB91bgLfO8CqX4sZC5bc-uAgh23Cwoebzjw4NOD6ce_rK5RVWArydQRAlr9grk2XZdwWY1LQRJUNzoVWOdJua6PqUBm0USKEs1q03HG-CjbY2LrvsOpRNrMfQMhsmWgfDg7JCdKqkmED2-JhztvA9RKIw7c8wn3zwO4JdXQSQnIV_sm7-zCf3s/s6000/IMG_2248.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3G-0fOaB91bgLfO8CqX4sZC5bc-uAgh23Cwoebzjw4NOD6ce_rK5RVWArydQRAlr9grk2XZdwWY1LQRJUNzoVWOdJua6PqUBm0USKEs1q03HG-CjbY2LrvsOpRNrMfQMhsmWgfDg7JCdKqkmED2-JhztvA9RKIw7c8wn3zwO4JdXQSQnIV_sm7-zCf3s/w640-h426/IMG_2248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hawthorn, <i>Crateagus x lavallei</i> ‘Autumn Glory' branch found on a bench.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh7bywExqpdCerz5IPKJBeQ5fjAqy3J6MouRdcl8D9oEuDQPYcEy3jbtGyOA1LpPGwkHWHWgSPKQU2AGNoR-nWOE3kcaNjhcfVySqxltrqPW52VPZhXCrMFC-QPbS9g3htZG1sj8EQp9dLAxUqrCUhuuTGXPQphW_bs1MbhwEnvhQASNcPb75ppnEPuY/s6000/IMG_2250.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh7bywExqpdCerz5IPKJBeQ5fjAqy3J6MouRdcl8D9oEuDQPYcEy3jbtGyOA1LpPGwkHWHWgSPKQU2AGNoR-nWOE3kcaNjhcfVySqxltrqPW52VPZhXCrMFC-QPbS9g3htZG1sj8EQp9dLAxUqrCUhuuTGXPQphW_bs1MbhwEnvhQASNcPb75ppnEPuY/w426-h640/IMG_2250.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Carex secta </i>along a path adds movement and color year round.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6CtzpNgGXkPQXW14ofl7GdCTaWS_U-sBqI5-GD9xdRNDsO0WW4E6f9w7Dc933FV2qKG66KAgE-gSyW-3oupX6AbNABMRESfm95778MaezjNlkL07atxyDxIJgy-iNYIkkojeH6Cqj7TEe4HqZOWlOITQNsfBTrW5mvER6caQddJRE1bv1VhblbU9Kn0/s6000/IMG_2050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6CtzpNgGXkPQXW14ofl7GdCTaWS_U-sBqI5-GD9xdRNDsO0WW4E6f9w7Dc933FV2qKG66KAgE-gSyW-3oupX6AbNABMRESfm95778MaezjNlkL07atxyDxIJgy-iNYIkkojeH6Cqj7TEe4HqZOWlOITQNsfBTrW5mvER6caQddJRE1bv1VhblbU9Kn0/w640-h426/IMG_2050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sean and Preston created a new crevice garden in their private garden on site, it is in its second year and is really beginning to fill in.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExtGTk6xwxLwqLOzq-WKM_NpY1gJVBa2g30byPjg3-uoRS_-qzUwbt9A1HDQT8pJ8BcDcJZ11hscrm7MCv5Xia1ZJ9tCTyTcf-9X7rfUA27knaNPJyzn26aGAmOQsRthb0AuaILsPb_byMsOq20aFHQpkCADNXB78KfT5A20ejucZC8iHezuy4XiBqkM/s3264/20230316_154921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExtGTk6xwxLwqLOzq-WKM_NpY1gJVBa2g30byPjg3-uoRS_-qzUwbt9A1HDQT8pJ8BcDcJZ11hscrm7MCv5Xia1ZJ9tCTyTcf-9X7rfUA27knaNPJyzn26aGAmOQsRthb0AuaILsPb_byMsOq20aFHQpkCADNXB78KfT5A20ejucZC8iHezuy4XiBqkM/w640-h294/20230316_154921.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here it is photographed March of this year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlf9Ib-ZztfMujNN7NUBCUh9tLXMxuCpG5TPmmkFFtaXM4jp8Ea18Wwk7pqBvo53vv0I_EYkGKz46HEsn_Tu1ntKwZbQEiOYoO2_Mm4anXdLW7ntGq_sPMlXcSDA0eharK1wt3wVSYMEwsyTAfNJH5Vgw4jNffqPGoDHJcpSnz5N5kSAzGFssIyKsXFU/s6000/IMG_2214.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlf9Ib-ZztfMujNN7NUBCUh9tLXMxuCpG5TPmmkFFtaXM4jp8Ea18Wwk7pqBvo53vv0I_EYkGKz46HEsn_Tu1ntKwZbQEiOYoO2_Mm4anXdLW7ntGq_sPMlXcSDA0eharK1wt3wVSYMEwsyTAfNJH5Vgw4jNffqPGoDHJcpSnz5N5kSAzGFssIyKsXFU/w426-h640/IMG_2214.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So many interesting and new-to-me plants here, I look forward to learning more over time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2gPYyBVPA2_nKKVBu90AtHwaA5LD5yLY6ypcne-JHdavvgrnAbf8QDfWdDhFgKwlqpKHh7g9cGjcOT_-OCk_L3-rtw2kWQ0BJzsv-fRY1km7cysvrc92NNnannDtOoMy7Do_v0teYAJGNvx_kz63NzWZbUgtEeW0m6xJwjekIYggLiu2dnEftAhX480/s6000/IMG_2215.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2gPYyBVPA2_nKKVBu90AtHwaA5LD5yLY6ypcne-JHdavvgrnAbf8QDfWdDhFgKwlqpKHh7g9cGjcOT_-OCk_L3-rtw2kWQ0BJzsv-fRY1km7cysvrc92NNnannDtOoMy7Do_v0teYAJGNvx_kz63NzWZbUgtEeW0m6xJwjekIYggLiu2dnEftAhX480/w640-h426/IMG_2215.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, spiky things love this well-drained gravelly environment.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPYk02b0hHGfHO0QwiImxvN060_YsMc-YwayT77WvwH5Pn6BN5_exwWqO-OBf0nOCTWzW3PyOc5GV07SgBkOd__21m09S7i87TdvCWCPMdaasDM3DxmXs2DLf1QG787977yrFYezdPriUhpMeYfQ-DvWr1oR8P7UREAnoTa0IWtJm3FQL1p9X-vRXCyo/s6000/IMG_2216.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPYk02b0hHGfHO0QwiImxvN060_YsMc-YwayT77WvwH5Pn6BN5_exwWqO-OBf0nOCTWzW3PyOc5GV07SgBkOd__21m09S7i87TdvCWCPMdaasDM3DxmXs2DLf1QG787977yrFYezdPriUhpMeYfQ-DvWr1oR8P7UREAnoTa0IWtJm3FQL1p9X-vRXCyo/w426-h640/IMG_2216.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oMzEXwAh0XgZ7M7VMQtjAEEnsoN9MVfHUJetCwA2UpTjhPuE40TM922n1vrQS4dTRaJLIRRZAGv4Kl9SG5vCgCW_nNb5-dg2VEeFfuY3TOtZXHtBDe0zqjezYxnvMUcrhrDFbb1vwLowhM4RjUkz4Dgb3csK70saMHWeWlKXChhOiiV6TPqUCHB7Lg4/s6000/IMG_2218.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oMzEXwAh0XgZ7M7VMQtjAEEnsoN9MVfHUJetCwA2UpTjhPuE40TM922n1vrQS4dTRaJLIRRZAGv4Kl9SG5vCgCW_nNb5-dg2VEeFfuY3TOtZXHtBDe0zqjezYxnvMUcrhrDFbb1vwLowhM4RjUkz4Dgb3csK70saMHWeWlKXChhOiiV6TPqUCHB7Lg4/w640-h426/IMG_2218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpONv61XOP5tH4mff8xtbPYm6GLRJR_t8_HEucgWZexTjDYBQHlVnsF-AZdaV2r9nAfKUHyhUb8cRHf3DesdWmQ_JLEMbdbuyAMN_DhvUsLg1gLGhEh9M19UEskaPn0PtWbnr9l8c9ir9SYgm0I606wBt3Bi-l_JyFyu2vcdpnOB7-IiHaoMbidiGGY4k/s6000/IMG_2253.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpONv61XOP5tH4mff8xtbPYm6GLRJR_t8_HEucgWZexTjDYBQHlVnsF-AZdaV2r9nAfKUHyhUb8cRHf3DesdWmQ_JLEMbdbuyAMN_DhvUsLg1gLGhEh9M19UEskaPn0PtWbnr9l8c9ir9SYgm0I606wBt3Bi-l_JyFyu2vcdpnOB7-IiHaoMbidiGGY4k/w426-h640/IMG_2253.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">For a summertime look at the crevice garden, my friend Loree of Danger Garden captured some lovely images and featured them on her blog this week, about half way down the post there are several images. <a href="http://www.thedangergarden.com/2023/12/random-wednesday-summer-scenes-from.html" target="_blank">Here is a link.</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcEwOtHqNEg19KMzrMaN6bGPwPijnCGZFVi6InDQFbL-o7s4bubmnpcF-7fTygd6jdYMpOyLcjzAg6jspOZRPMOxL3nQ4iotfxI9rkfuzIXW9AJ5CB31-1EBApGzKoIfWKZbH5n1eTeJiUHn1Hgd-vTsS8yvqVUl8WUMZBXcTH4a6mjqmKK6y3Vpmevo/s6000/IMG_2234.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcEwOtHqNEg19KMzrMaN6bGPwPijnCGZFVi6InDQFbL-o7s4bubmnpcF-7fTygd6jdYMpOyLcjzAg6jspOZRPMOxL3nQ4iotfxI9rkfuzIXW9AJ5CB31-1EBApGzKoIfWKZbH5n1eTeJiUHn1Hgd-vTsS8yvqVUl8WUMZBXcTH4a6mjqmKK6y3Vpmevo/w640-h426/IMG_2234.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bright berries on the shortest day of the year seem appropriate.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLirVYULA9AiPdtiuRV5pVyJNfUQegrFltAJoKC7KcwSVL8loV9eomXeinXSyEgf8d0oEUKOqkskRt_zNLjFj8M6kfB33pvBxntm8hK2N9sXCwuno1kTQRjeUfoLed0mEEOX-9WAiPIMdyu0MssPswF-81DsGFNny7xyoEhIT93tWEyz0QdQNQ4z00OY/s6000/IMG_2044.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLirVYULA9AiPdtiuRV5pVyJNfUQegrFltAJoKC7KcwSVL8loV9eomXeinXSyEgf8d0oEUKOqkskRt_zNLjFj8M6kfB33pvBxntm8hK2N9sXCwuno1kTQRjeUfoLed0mEEOX-9WAiPIMdyu0MssPswF-81DsGFNny7xyoEhIT93tWEyz0QdQNQ4z00OY/w426-h640/IMG_2044.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phlomis taking on frosty glitter on a foggy day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbUaP9TsbnBZLecMHlyYmns-EQ13H_QkF_YZWPtuX6uS6lXatKMQyhJy0VFn2qFwRMe4A3Yv8MmFIy6L1XMexM2ZFPK8NK3CMDbwhP82g9MtZfK6xJoX0xAXeuaCi85qInoG-2w0Z0FQy5PTmHwpdKOUwzN1Q30TPni_XsdedPoP96dCC3dICbsGN3MY/s6000/IMG_2048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbUaP9TsbnBZLecMHlyYmns-EQ13H_QkF_YZWPtuX6uS6lXatKMQyhJy0VFn2qFwRMe4A3Yv8MmFIy6L1XMexM2ZFPK8NK3CMDbwhP82g9MtZfK6xJoX0xAXeuaCi85qInoG-2w0Z0FQy5PTmHwpdKOUwzN1Q30TPni_XsdedPoP96dCC3dICbsGN3MY/w426-h640/IMG_2048.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Garrya x issaquaensis</i> ‘Carl Inglish’</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnRfl0HReHFRHct6LGUhA7dz8lVoibWBKU5PXv-T_Zwg14bk7zdyJYAGpzd4IC9IGF2z8QXlHasDZB_CHpdXqdSyp6VfzXhgxfXt1GbyKNcKy_kzRvFDOD5KqRLQnNX5lbQ2npgvnWIx7TbKDh_I4s2jxpNfmCz-KUnbDHgRFLd8yduw9Cu7bG5KGCvk/s6000/IMG_1861.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnRfl0HReHFRHct6LGUhA7dz8lVoibWBKU5PXv-T_Zwg14bk7zdyJYAGpzd4IC9IGF2z8QXlHasDZB_CHpdXqdSyp6VfzXhgxfXt1GbyKNcKy_kzRvFDOD5KqRLQnNX5lbQ2npgvnWIx7TbKDh_I4s2jxpNfmCz-KUnbDHgRFLd8yduw9Cu7bG5KGCvk/w640-h426/IMG_1861.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/docs/LWW_Pacific_Treefrog_final.pdf" target="_blank">Pacific tree or chorus frog</a> in one of the greenhouses. On Sauvie Island there are thousands of these native frogs. At the nursery we hear them regularly but seldom see them as they are masters of camouflage. We like having them around as they take care of many pests such as slugs. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWh0cmz6NqC6nkHjjbOpVFMRZwR-FViEIATsJiDJ6Z9Y2wKPiRaasW8KGwn_rgaJlcXtzpq1vGnHvckbm3JojabEnNfL2G_hSg_DNIkpDsT3JCkLNAzz7AzHV82jA9V60FY_9L7-_DZEx6z3_qwxK7OYAeLwzqosoNHu2gSaopvN0AnI0r4iW6ogJAjc/s6000/IMG_2069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWh0cmz6NqC6nkHjjbOpVFMRZwR-FViEIATsJiDJ6Z9Y2wKPiRaasW8KGwn_rgaJlcXtzpq1vGnHvckbm3JojabEnNfL2G_hSg_DNIkpDsT3JCkLNAzz7AzHV82jA9V60FY_9L7-_DZEx6z3_qwxK7OYAeLwzqosoNHu2gSaopvN0AnI0r4iW6ogJAjc/w426-h640/IMG_2069.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A fairly old<i> Berberis jamesiana </i>covered in moss.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCQ-vgIhLFW92KCehnNbditvK-dvoyZX0_UDciCCzH3wqROoyxfUJcVoS000rI-GZUcWuD6powDUg7q-MbMv5Aalyg7zpLKueRDeVDAPR_cdIWPFQrIlP1EkpB2XYi7EgG3I7-3Nwt9c-exHClEICs3hHilJSgPzlmUM8zAO71JdLj_0pjs4A1y4arwY/s6000/IMG_2230.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCQ-vgIhLFW92KCehnNbditvK-dvoyZX0_UDciCCzH3wqROoyxfUJcVoS000rI-GZUcWuD6powDUg7q-MbMv5Aalyg7zpLKueRDeVDAPR_cdIWPFQrIlP1EkpB2XYi7EgG3I7-3Nwt9c-exHClEICs3hHilJSgPzlmUM8zAO71JdLj_0pjs4A1y4arwY/w426-h640/IMG_2230.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Taxodium mucronatum</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ESrr0Hd4JGbL9Ky3yprkYEsISNMTsChRTX3v3QUpaK1M09quHDHJMEMTccGZlwrcQbmI6pxueV7NVArGrwCsUV-1naxodqeOmsyyPNypH1qBsNsAQ52tIDK3ILPjFifkkiD5ibk6xbntH6jhilQwBPWzxWDi_jpqs9Feb-_z0Fo2IxZxQ8j7FoWn458/s6000/IMG_2052.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ESrr0Hd4JGbL9Ky3yprkYEsISNMTsChRTX3v3QUpaK1M09quHDHJMEMTccGZlwrcQbmI6pxueV7NVArGrwCsUV-1naxodqeOmsyyPNypH1qBsNsAQ52tIDK3ILPjFifkkiD5ibk6xbntH6jhilQwBPWzxWDi_jpqs9Feb-_z0Fo2IxZxQ8j7FoWn458/w426-h640/IMG_2052.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Misty winter vibes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU6VKiDH6P-zJLjW9KzeymH-bF_HYziGC6EPH_-nOJwYl_BTclwaI1mffqNz-HGY4u0-2LL8-xH9nCVYtD4qY79jaK5npsoaBobx4E0TLSV4F9jqS1dYEwoQ72r4hyphenhyphenuakAboCQxDqkOEKna3KTEQJCQ26eeTrnlqelsd8oeiN4xnkDU8oFAP51_92VYE/s6000/IMG_2084.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU6VKiDH6P-zJLjW9KzeymH-bF_HYziGC6EPH_-nOJwYl_BTclwaI1mffqNz-HGY4u0-2LL8-xH9nCVYtD4qY79jaK5npsoaBobx4E0TLSV4F9jqS1dYEwoQ72r4hyphenhyphenuakAboCQxDqkOEKna3KTEQJCQ26eeTrnlqelsd8oeiN4xnkDU8oFAP51_92VYE/w426-h640/IMG_2084.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had some fun visitors to the retail nursery this day. Here a barred owl sits remarkably close to my colleague Aubrey, and me, putting up with my camera.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRaXHKa9wHdGm5zGBL90E_fuCKj7q_AbDn_sHKTLJzYh9HkVLcPTAhINsC_5M8__fqcVF0AOtwUtXFH168iY_Ey3m-J00oCAxvWS2I4ENKtQAOMtZaN6-6z4GtjgylMxrTquy-QTyQ5BDreUzc30lBfYxq-9ivV8GxWLfUH_4EdsTfdkCfJxka1NpPvs/s6000/IMG_2075.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRaXHKa9wHdGm5zGBL90E_fuCKj7q_AbDn_sHKTLJzYh9HkVLcPTAhINsC_5M8__fqcVF0AOtwUtXFH168iY_Ey3m-J00oCAxvWS2I4ENKtQAOMtZaN6-6z4GtjgylMxrTquy-QTyQ5BDreUzc30lBfYxq-9ivV8GxWLfUH_4EdsTfdkCfJxka1NpPvs/w426-h640/IMG_2075.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Closed eyes....typical for family portraits.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiourbIAGHTOsRNDv6WG73iGy0PW5RnGRWxoKIxjHwPGDuwygI3XoliYgxUNptryCcPZPyQ1CU8Lgezm-SiOb5cpUMn-hU_uq92wofb77K3kURlJKF3Yh-rXF-SK3JHwRXiaCZD9iuGNL5At6mSXAIgPQZvaF2NGoKMLd-K3IsP9NEx2vw6dkQNyPuJMHQ/s6000/IMG_2087.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiourbIAGHTOsRNDv6WG73iGy0PW5RnGRWxoKIxjHwPGDuwygI3XoliYgxUNptryCcPZPyQ1CU8Lgezm-SiOb5cpUMn-hU_uq92wofb77K3kURlJKF3Yh-rXF-SK3JHwRXiaCZD9iuGNL5At6mSXAIgPQZvaF2NGoKMLd-K3IsP9NEx2vw6dkQNyPuJMHQ/w426-h640/IMG_2087.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thinking about flying away, which did happen moments after this was taken.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRQewORsNdemEM5zWy8cyin183sCNPEZL0qW7Xx36Ceai23UJYBaFgG8_BQUKxkz6UFfGjN4awOVVAxOj7qIdf-2IDYNyo9FaBmCZwFJmP7Mns1Btl7HPS1HDC3ltLfXw5XzdU1pUBtDvQ6H72ybyQMWICIXdODSy3WQ5N-7T7qNVFP5Z31s0PS7-3wY/s6000/IMG_2256.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRQewORsNdemEM5zWy8cyin183sCNPEZL0qW7Xx36Ceai23UJYBaFgG8_BQUKxkz6UFfGjN4awOVVAxOj7qIdf-2IDYNyo9FaBmCZwFJmP7Mns1Btl7HPS1HDC3ltLfXw5XzdU1pUBtDvQ6H72ybyQMWICIXdODSy3WQ5N-7T7qNVFP5Z31s0PS7-3wY/w640-h426/IMG_2256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A couple signature<i> Agave ovatifolia</i> 'Frosty Blue', a Cistus introduction, in the Desert Island bed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While I did not intend to photograph for a blog post about Cistus Nursery garden this day, I felt I had enough interesting shots to put something together to brighten the dark days of winter. It reminds me I should come out here with the intention of a blog post (or three) for this garden is so interesting year-round. Sean and Preston have put together a gardener's delight, growing hardy, beautiful plants as well as unusual, hard to find and spiky beauties better than most anyone I have come across. The variety is astounding, but this should not be surprising, as Sean and Preston are plant collectors and botanists in the true sense of the word. So. Come out and visit us sometime if you are in the area, we're open daily year-round (save for holidays, naturally). I'm there on Thursdays doing my thing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens, as always thank you so much for reading and commenting, we love hearing what interests you! Happy gardening and Happy New Year! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few fun links, Cistus-related of course:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cistus <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cistusnursery/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/_sean_hogan/" target="_blank">Sean's Instagram</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/arcto_mountain/" target="_blank">Preston's Instagram</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CistusNursery" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-88632945757168641632023-12-14T07:00:00.000-08:002023-12-14T07:00:00.136-08:00December Garden<div style="text-align: center;"> The word of the month is: Rain. Oy, it's been wet this first half of December with 8.01 inches in the first nine days. There was a dry-ish moment in the middle of it all when I managed to head out with my camera for a post about the garden. Granted, visiting gardens in England these past several posts has been fantastic fun, but it is nice to focus on our own this time around.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a quiet month in terms of WOW moments in the garden, but I appreciate the quieter side and the chance to catch up on a few garden (and house!) chores. Here then is Chickadee Gardens mid-December:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAmP_zlhBw4CILHFgjahiAKojMAzwlUoB-PRyXkcKHC52wJr5zhV8fCZNUkXd6seaUsO-gmVmspRJDPUyuDLhy7mpKfXDF_6RX7rQ44OqF2et2djDzTgHwkcVGpIptN0zP9l_IAJAXvlQyf0AAXfirjjMC7Ja3Hi_6Dc4uukY27sB1OFYxDtqRA8v2Us/s6000/IMG_1442.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAmP_zlhBw4CILHFgjahiAKojMAzwlUoB-PRyXkcKHC52wJr5zhV8fCZNUkXd6seaUsO-gmVmspRJDPUyuDLhy7mpKfXDF_6RX7rQ44OqF2et2djDzTgHwkcVGpIptN0zP9l_IAJAXvlQyf0AAXfirjjMC7Ja3Hi_6Dc4uukY27sB1OFYxDtqRA8v2Us/w640-h426/IMG_1442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Grevillea</i> 'Neil Bell' continues to flower prolifically and the hummingbirds couldn't be happier. This huge shrub has been incredibly forgiving. Its first two years it didn't grow in a location with weird sandy soil and also compost. I moved it to unamended clay soil in full sun and it has since thrived. It got so large it even had half of its bulk pull away at the trunk and I thought it might be a goner, at least the half that split away. I left it to heal in place, which it did, and several months after it had healed I also tip-pruned it to lighten the load. This year it had more flowers than ever before. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyoQ2Z-yWW_JsE0Uea-N_z9amFXPjCJMTCHCOorJy-nikzMldY99HsSaCHUZkXYEiA5pKU3mvkdG-HlKq2ZYLAxIgeE7urkK8RkWfhndniIugz-iWOKNDmjAg9g4Uu0ACfrOOiGv0beTpeFqsTGKut5lHDZM18MJz-hfPyPU7SfVs2exSSYDkQu1z71k/s6000/IMG_1497.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyoQ2Z-yWW_JsE0Uea-N_z9amFXPjCJMTCHCOorJy-nikzMldY99HsSaCHUZkXYEiA5pKU3mvkdG-HlKq2ZYLAxIgeE7urkK8RkWfhndniIugz-iWOKNDmjAg9g4Uu0ACfrOOiGv0beTpeFqsTGKut5lHDZM18MJz-hfPyPU7SfVs2exSSYDkQu1z71k/w426-h640/IMG_1497.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Muhlenbergia rigens</i> dusted with fog looks slightly sparkly. You can just make out <i>Clematis cirrhosa</i> ‘Wisley Cream’ in the background climbing up the edge of the deck, its white flowers a perfect decoration for the holidays.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF84LkGOP8aXSteM_nc6ykzz3d9Y_aWQ8Zxwa6MT_IpcmXn1Gp8Zx2i86u-EfMMwlPLYYeL70cmBZwcsMFOiXMAtQ98YtCCdQWB12ptEYLY-oZqzallRIBY3uvwW-TayqbrUkr_uG2fdRuAd_PYK1y4Z33_Vda2Z35G-psaMs2DCZTWR6oCOKoyMGu85g/s6000/IMG_1450.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF84LkGOP8aXSteM_nc6ykzz3d9Y_aWQ8Zxwa6MT_IpcmXn1Gp8Zx2i86u-EfMMwlPLYYeL70cmBZwcsMFOiXMAtQ98YtCCdQWB12ptEYLY-oZqzallRIBY3uvwW-TayqbrUkr_uG2fdRuAd_PYK1y4Z33_Vda2Z35G-psaMs2DCZTWR6oCOKoyMGu85g/w640-h426/IMG_1450.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking north through the labyrinth garden,<i> Salix elaeagnos</i> ssp. <i>angustifolia</i> in the center is finally turning golden shades and starting to drop its leaves.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SsFkMGi49LqDu7WjI9DTf8snOB0NRBldKhJSOJXZiI3x6xUu07MpzlOMNQfu26pQTHrqm2G2h3bQjK0ilqVsTExi4nsOy5G-TKbaulItYdeEXEMW9zobYiQlv64ziKrJPd0cgvyhCuQYfNtfKO_lgziZY53wPRRw-7nqzqjO4mSRpBxjSwWHc3YT5_A/s6000/IMG_1362%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SsFkMGi49LqDu7WjI9DTf8snOB0NRBldKhJSOJXZiI3x6xUu07MpzlOMNQfu26pQTHrqm2G2h3bQjK0ilqVsTExi4nsOy5G-TKbaulItYdeEXEMW9zobYiQlv64ziKrJPd0cgvyhCuQYfNtfKO_lgziZY53wPRRw-7nqzqjO4mSRpBxjSwWHc3YT5_A/w426-h640/IMG_1362%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Miscanthus</i> 'Malepartus' had gorgeous orange and red colors before turning to this still attractive buff color. I appreciate this grass for its incredible upright nature, no support required.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHjCKmeaWrJRM3kS2JvD42OgKWZ9H7Zq0OeiCJGXwJiqLw26v-XIf2odGjHKZhyphenhyphenOM8AMUf6Z8p6PiKglrMZQLIYObo3Crdc2KMYVi7e0gCAKW6rO5HUe9Qf8tmZ129OtAOdwFreZnJSmKgsQLQsXgx6GjyswkssIUboxF5vkY2_8LwVxR874zxTz0uSM/s6000/IMG_1494.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHjCKmeaWrJRM3kS2JvD42OgKWZ9H7Zq0OeiCJGXwJiqLw26v-XIf2odGjHKZhyphenhyphenOM8AMUf6Z8p6PiKglrMZQLIYObo3Crdc2KMYVi7e0gCAKW6rO5HUe9Qf8tmZ129OtAOdwFreZnJSmKgsQLQsXgx6GjyswkssIUboxF5vkY2_8LwVxR874zxTz0uSM/w640-h426/IMG_1494.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A geranium seedling whose parentage is likely <i>G. sanguineum</i> 'New Hampshire Purple' or 'Max Frei'. This coloration was unexpected and rather pretty.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS_QAb6ml8jPEri3ndfMZlNS-Ne8nJeHlfDlxQln_lJ8guN4MeJXj6AJy-5QzyjYHiEub9o9PMSD944vtO5oIwdazrqBmWIngwAPQvh5JaUwy43mgxW2riwKgvhib0YJmkN_NYdkJJVdx-BLIfcsVEHs92H29Nt1zqBljAmgYJOVkdjLM9YmMi4ByINU/s6000/IMG_1488.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS_QAb6ml8jPEri3ndfMZlNS-Ne8nJeHlfDlxQln_lJ8guN4MeJXj6AJy-5QzyjYHiEub9o9PMSD944vtO5oIwdazrqBmWIngwAPQvh5JaUwy43mgxW2riwKgvhib0YJmkN_NYdkJJVdx-BLIfcsVEHs92H29Nt1zqBljAmgYJOVkdjLM9YmMi4ByINU/w640-h426/IMG_1488.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another view of the labyrinth garden with several <i>Phlomis russelliana</i>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNZ2g65uKtJ81855t7Z1fuecgtDp7-2cfwUnLxzz0Re1FLvl5R3fiV9Zc9UsQVQqJPujq6ycksnLg4EleHU2pEQbX8xhHLChbfb9rOEnnjOMczYpWJpmbfiTvQLu9ydAgXz88gonOVabYoEkYVpdTkA2kSICILVmk96HMyhrG8ljwGiumVzV3FMa6Sdc/s6000/IMG_1370%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNZ2g65uKtJ81855t7Z1fuecgtDp7-2cfwUnLxzz0Re1FLvl5R3fiV9Zc9UsQVQqJPujq6ycksnLg4EleHU2pEQbX8xhHLChbfb9rOEnnjOMczYpWJpmbfiTvQLu9ydAgXz88gonOVabYoEkYVpdTkA2kSICILVmk96HMyhrG8ljwGiumVzV3FMa6Sdc/w426-h640/IMG_1370%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Berberis jamesiana </i>had amazing orange tones to the leaves just after this photo was taken, it didn't last long but it was spectacular. The berries will persist until the birds take care of them all. I like how late this shrub turns colors and drops its leaves, it extends the autumn season for a few more weeks. It is getting huge, however, so if you plant one, expect a giant.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQ9rhmR7KJQix7f1UsYwulPOGkKBnQ9DfNHQPlMishjCTPJkMpBy6WzCFxNQbTH_4YAY00PvaG8WVSrenR1NVWB6o7oHAJoS-PXc2Fwt-kCXN9yvmIZR5QV6hzkUAO6JJ_lGmTfVUcOXgVZS0-2pNfUsNzFEgQ81bGdKte4A8R-S9gZfjkla_j4dkHrk/s6000/IMG_1372%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQ9rhmR7KJQix7f1UsYwulPOGkKBnQ9DfNHQPlMishjCTPJkMpBy6WzCFxNQbTH_4YAY00PvaG8WVSrenR1NVWB6o7oHAJoS-PXc2Fwt-kCXN9yvmIZR5QV6hzkUAO6JJ_lGmTfVUcOXgVZS0-2pNfUsNzFEgQ81bGdKte4A8R-S9gZfjkla_j4dkHrk/w640-h426/IMG_1372%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cupressus macrocarpa</i> (either 'Donard Gold' or 'Golden Pillar) still looks bright even in fog. I love how these look on the southern edge of our property now that they are large enough to be seen from inside our home. They help to enclose the garden a little.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjR0mIElyATJajVNr46F6CPU_RAkMO_0u7yORWTmSQQnq3PeUy7tm5I2hZLmpCAs5Ox2ri3ff6o2w0gWKQIMzIkg4dKSwslsrFuBXhcyat2RGS3bF4KIgkJKdUCf9V3IqAh_phl5RPDhjYzEkM5rgNIps04bfl60u-mEe2ApcIyNj5c16bchwKYm8CWF4/s6000/IMG_1381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjR0mIElyATJajVNr46F6CPU_RAkMO_0u7yORWTmSQQnq3PeUy7tm5I2hZLmpCAs5Ox2ri3ff6o2w0gWKQIMzIkg4dKSwslsrFuBXhcyat2RGS3bF4KIgkJKdUCf9V3IqAh_phl5RPDhjYzEkM5rgNIps04bfl60u-mEe2ApcIyNj5c16bchwKYm8CWF4/w426-h640/IMG_1381.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Symphoricarpos albus, </i>our native snowberry, popping against warm yellows of<i> Physocarpus capitatus,</i> ninebark. Usually the birds eat these berries last when all others have gone, but this year they are gobbling them up quickly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mgUg0D0vFteV7rLdBfMLyIvWO0SsZ4S53ppsA6oTo3gkNfUnybHJJ-Gsns4lPZsWXhVIRUSv9PVuUUJsOeoAXNj5zzD9jkeCbmwUIRqR9zMH7gVJz2FXOvvCT1itoAxephyY6ccvgACjHJrlPuhiEkctCj83Q_W4yqZdiHWzAwu9_lhweOhhW5MZym4/s6000/IMG_1392.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mgUg0D0vFteV7rLdBfMLyIvWO0SsZ4S53ppsA6oTo3gkNfUnybHJJ-Gsns4lPZsWXhVIRUSv9PVuUUJsOeoAXNj5zzD9jkeCbmwUIRqR9zMH7gVJz2FXOvvCT1itoAxephyY6ccvgACjHJrlPuhiEkctCj83Q_W4yqZdiHWzAwu9_lhweOhhW5MZym4/w640-h426/IMG_1392.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Chamaecyparis obtusa '</i>Blue Feathers' sparkles with heavy dew.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8MUmhcPOWqztrAd23e_YDz212p4l0zlG5wmPssCVHwC3wdMQqFBdlYa999F67QzeKmLc_j5IQI1hgdV6nmgYjSWN45deCu8_d1FfKIyM6XVpCU4Szm98HYFlF6Gt9sS8K2-7rKFNBKri986kacSfATXxLPA7QxXemY9KZl1Pp3h_m10LfWtI3vXjiMA/s6000/IMG_1379.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8MUmhcPOWqztrAd23e_YDz212p4l0zlG5wmPssCVHwC3wdMQqFBdlYa999F67QzeKmLc_j5IQI1hgdV6nmgYjSWN45deCu8_d1FfKIyM6XVpCU4Szm98HYFlF6Gt9sS8K2-7rKFNBKri986kacSfATXxLPA7QxXemY9KZl1Pp3h_m10LfWtI3vXjiMA/w426-h640/IMG_1379.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Physocarpus capitatus</i>, our native Pacific ninebark does indeed have lovely autumn colors. I note that this as well as<i> Lonicera involucrata </i>(twinberry)<i> </i>and ribes species have been the last to change color and the last to drop their leaves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTVdaNRYPGLRJSfqRjMWEXy3oX2a8_V4r5Wow9igUkcNkcuwqxDjlgS1wRzI48HRAUpOVlBP-VcyJZMvLBjo5hLq5XP7KF0mv-MyoDPyL2AaunfdhCT3NQqDOUlNwKIp2m8XDErjdLIdXNDV72GSrMkcLLP3M5I1UYavyGSBFvv7U4ckY-IFJtxptxc4/s6000/IMG_1468.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTVdaNRYPGLRJSfqRjMWEXy3oX2a8_V4r5Wow9igUkcNkcuwqxDjlgS1wRzI48HRAUpOVlBP-VcyJZMvLBjo5hLq5XP7KF0mv-MyoDPyL2AaunfdhCT3NQqDOUlNwKIp2m8XDErjdLIdXNDV72GSrMkcLLP3M5I1UYavyGSBFvv7U4ckY-IFJtxptxc4/w640-h426/IMG_1468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ribes hirtellum</i> 'Captivator' - gooseberry - had lovely autumn coloration too, as did our native <i>Ribes sanguineum, </i>all the ribes had exceptional color this year that is just ending now, another late-season shrub for color.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQinSFsnIMmrKr1zfuKnP0qJIPAjwlC5FEJyOSLmmwMf0VVkpPxZ9c5W9icTQT2X536JGw_Hpgj9Sv2Ovp_r4xhtmwTLBUjvN0rfveqocsAieJLjS-cAL5jPk5phFxFzLPrAegEjkFbGh_6cZAp7Imem2cgzGzmTg1Avb-PVlLivpCaB76Y3h4NpAZCpQ/s6000/IMG_1435.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQinSFsnIMmrKr1zfuKnP0qJIPAjwlC5FEJyOSLmmwMf0VVkpPxZ9c5W9icTQT2X536JGw_Hpgj9Sv2Ovp_r4xhtmwTLBUjvN0rfveqocsAieJLjS-cAL5jPk5phFxFzLPrAegEjkFbGh_6cZAp7Imem2cgzGzmTg1Avb-PVlLivpCaB76Y3h4NpAZCpQ/w640-h426/IMG_1435.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The end of the year fig photo - I cry a little when I see this because I adore ripe figs, something these will never be. I should not complain, though, as I did gorge myself earlier this autumn on a daily basis with perfectly ripe figs.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxzof6_GcedqQ5d42jkMslcA3ogahZzXLwMVEDTXR5olt9bJheJW-yBskp-uBJ1Oh18vTTVpmtgLO62iWXpiH_CXFeOvpZKE4tIj-J-L0CRoa0vXZYRIaqBr9az4gJn4Qr-KDGrg230k8-k2STfPgga457dca0C7PD6W2Q5V9w3UD2HkGsLZimnQ1G7I/s6000/IMG_1350%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxzof6_GcedqQ5d42jkMslcA3ogahZzXLwMVEDTXR5olt9bJheJW-yBskp-uBJ1Oh18vTTVpmtgLO62iWXpiH_CXFeOvpZKE4tIj-J-L0CRoa0vXZYRIaqBr9az4gJn4Qr-KDGrg230k8-k2STfPgga457dca0C7PD6W2Q5V9w3UD2HkGsLZimnQ1G7I/w640-h426/IMG_1350%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just a few lazy containers by our front door. My container philosophy is sloppy and simple - I usually only plant one kind of plant per container and there it stays for all eternity. I just don't have time to fuss with changing things out every year and also bringing tender plants inside for the winter. I do freshen potting soil from time to time but really, it's a minimalistic approach and plants have to be super hardy to be in a pot here.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO82u20spMUXDEG-oluo9qrm-vfan2gG5QpIKlC_H-bOo15Sf5PhhuGlRv8aSnIWJLDhjt5JpTjVvksn2adsvhF7r-0wR7ZFnbCVdh5oEIbm9NNmjc8JsBqKIxbo_j4tnQmSb2-X2AceFSE0_7xZ_BMP2qhr9K96FKtlGcxoq3w2vCkUHmWKvRDbCnqsg/s6000/IMG_1389.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO82u20spMUXDEG-oluo9qrm-vfan2gG5QpIKlC_H-bOo15Sf5PhhuGlRv8aSnIWJLDhjt5JpTjVvksn2adsvhF7r-0wR7ZFnbCVdh5oEIbm9NNmjc8JsBqKIxbo_j4tnQmSb2-X2AceFSE0_7xZ_BMP2qhr9K96FKtlGcxoq3w2vCkUHmWKvRDbCnqsg/w426-h640/IMG_1389.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An unidentified eucalyptus, given to us by a friend who rescued it from her neighbor, creates an interesting silhouette in the fog.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBui-IJZYpG5OsNIyuY5MwJDnVbUA9l4yv6Rv962zch4bm9Cjpqilz1RrAxvezpR1ovGzVstRR1CYjGJ96CVINVpQjVZkLimA3qE6t29u3OkwrU3uXmNORpkoyMs1kQgI3hRA1zaP9wVoyNJmBWBDPg0LXAUOr8a8xMKzk0TAEF0U_A3UKlrnLim8lGSM/s6000/IMG_1445.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBui-IJZYpG5OsNIyuY5MwJDnVbUA9l4yv6Rv962zch4bm9Cjpqilz1RrAxvezpR1ovGzVstRR1CYjGJ96CVINVpQjVZkLimA3qE6t29u3OkwrU3uXmNORpkoyMs1kQgI3hRA1zaP9wVoyNJmBWBDPg0LXAUOr8a8xMKzk0TAEF0U_A3UKlrnLim8lGSM/w640-h426/IMG_1445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Salvia</i> 'Celestial Blue' never did bloom for me this year but I love its form and the photos online of its flowers are amazing, so I am crossing my fingers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRwsHIxna7IQYoN2Xo6yNhkhx6OGNCv8Ea97kAmIKYKMpatRv37tW4FJa1CCfCw_rwnafjuNAkLI3raO1W3cLLVENkYTvAxBVhJaFI1iK1CEhARe6d5wRlCQLlM1HmIKOXsHN5x9XamrPm16An-ypBo-64p9g1ldPNhgiiMJF2rsYvAzq3sRdDjWuW20/s6000/IMG_1418.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRwsHIxna7IQYoN2Xo6yNhkhx6OGNCv8Ea97kAmIKYKMpatRv37tW4FJa1CCfCw_rwnafjuNAkLI3raO1W3cLLVENkYTvAxBVhJaFI1iK1CEhARe6d5wRlCQLlM1HmIKOXsHN5x9XamrPm16An-ypBo-64p9g1ldPNhgiiMJF2rsYvAzq3sRdDjWuW20/w640-h426/IMG_1418.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of FM's tripods in the meadow garden. Song birds love perching on these while they scan the grasses and flowers below that have gone to seed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjw2GpGXw9TQGrkoJ744Irxs-0QejlgmpHavX0Ll0OZGSOTMpnceBEyrLrqJCu49LK-y9rWfbm2MVZpzMUoJ8iwwxvqBizvt8trEYF4JQaexjc7ZfsY3JYXHn5o31SUo0nlPHwfQcfWA7JEy2r0t9hzZGol1c8Jw1QD2ISgMHoolnXX_DCW1IX3LDivk/s6000/IMG_1415.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjw2GpGXw9TQGrkoJ744Irxs-0QejlgmpHavX0Ll0OZGSOTMpnceBEyrLrqJCu49LK-y9rWfbm2MVZpzMUoJ8iwwxvqBizvt8trEYF4JQaexjc7ZfsY3JYXHn5o31SUo0nlPHwfQcfWA7JEy2r0t9hzZGol1c8Jw1QD2ISgMHoolnXX_DCW1IX3LDivk/w426-h640/IMG_1415.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A pair of <i>Hebe pinguifolia</i> 'Sutherlandii' look as if they have been shaped with clippers. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08YKWq8SFDaOgKBUx1-PkU961YFir3SnsxRTXIjAHSU0piNYUq2BzyUj2YGgVGtfZO4OKBFUfi2dgjaCXe2H1HCbzdlme1lgKXjpSN-QAf1DiRwFFW6teG5r5sa6yVTc0RaBAcUfYWlPxXw6qL8qUQuy6_8zcUbx3ChF2fFzg0BTwR_T3xS7gtbsIrw0/s6000/IMG_1431.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08YKWq8SFDaOgKBUx1-PkU961YFir3SnsxRTXIjAHSU0piNYUq2BzyUj2YGgVGtfZO4OKBFUfi2dgjaCXe2H1HCbzdlme1lgKXjpSN-QAf1DiRwFFW6teG5r5sa6yVTc0RaBAcUfYWlPxXw6qL8qUQuy6_8zcUbx3ChF2fFzg0BTwR_T3xS7gtbsIrw0/w640-h426/IMG_1431.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Miscanthus</i> 'Cabaret' in the background is short and stout this year, just now turning beautiful shades of gold, yellow and green. They don't receive supplemental summer water and that probably helps them stay this way. <i>Muhlenbergia rigens</i> in the foreground.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvujkvlOUbqSUwVtvvGqd1haP7NZNwDG_381MWO7vbFF366ASxH266DXYEQTYMtPBC2Gx2HQCvhZWtBhPM1EX68KOFT1HWOjm2v8vmnyMtU_nylZaOXHCO5sT1oG10ZsizhdSsthWBzHZwJFXyI7Vw-E7I5I-Logmi230nS5wN-94QLUrrqkaqGDeidw/s6000/IMG_1363%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvujkvlOUbqSUwVtvvGqd1haP7NZNwDG_381MWO7vbFF366ASxH266DXYEQTYMtPBC2Gx2HQCvhZWtBhPM1EX68KOFT1HWOjm2v8vmnyMtU_nylZaOXHCO5sT1oG10ZsizhdSsthWBzHZwJFXyI7Vw-E7I5I-Logmi230nS5wN-94QLUrrqkaqGDeidw/w640-h426/IMG_1363%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Dorycnium hirsutum</i>, hairy canary clover with a background of <i>Hebe</i> 'Karo Golden Esk'. I had a visitor once describe my garden as silver and green, I suppose this encapsulates that description.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALVl9-bwm0deLp3Alno7T0pDUzGjnc0dWwoYw7XPrMG2c146IIcHiQdDLn2BCxpa4RNgEG2RJbePGL-lb3WnY6PKcm_D2PbR0IIqfeyii2otaxMy4t1oeliIpkSQBTbnKNLlI8JDHM3I-1stAL2F4R-ohTjeVnRivqLiw-hn_RW9J22a1dJl_MNYDTjs/s6000/IMG_1481.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALVl9-bwm0deLp3Alno7T0pDUzGjnc0dWwoYw7XPrMG2c146IIcHiQdDLn2BCxpa4RNgEG2RJbePGL-lb3WnY6PKcm_D2PbR0IIqfeyii2otaxMy4t1oeliIpkSQBTbnKNLlI8JDHM3I-1stAL2F4R-ohTjeVnRivqLiw-hn_RW9J22a1dJl_MNYDTjs/w640-h426/IMG_1481.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Saijo persimmons, the leftovers for the birds.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhkE-ryTtogJfgse8aoOqLLOhLEfVDcrOEVuCvxM4PH4VY0r0Z-6aS-LeSVVtajfygClMpvkSCCG0TV1uXPTK16sLPvajan-Idf5SnemVmY4wYVAt_9Co72ZNi-zI8QKu1pfp59yF40P3OUsaJxXf8dBuNpT_TUQEtoC1dhGZIjP20PQ4yuC6j1gH24g/s6000/IMG_1359%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhkE-ryTtogJfgse8aoOqLLOhLEfVDcrOEVuCvxM4PH4VY0r0Z-6aS-LeSVVtajfygClMpvkSCCG0TV1uXPTK16sLPvajan-Idf5SnemVmY4wYVAt_9Co72ZNi-zI8QKu1pfp59yF40P3OUsaJxXf8dBuNpT_TUQEtoC1dhGZIjP20PQ4yuC6j1gH24g/w426-h640/IMG_1359%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Floppy <i>Hydrangea macrophylla</i> (a blue flowered form) with <i>Miscanthus </i>'Cabaret' behind it. This year these received less than a quarter of the water they usually do and they were pretty happy. They are heavily mulched (can't see in this photo) with wood chips and are also pruned hard to keep them a little smaller in size. I thought for sure these would be long gone in my summer dry garden, but FM loves them and frankly the maintenance has been so much less since the heavy mulching and hard pruning.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaI5ggrYzWjdZ6reWYW9KsnGX8ZSGMTy_5khKP1Urn4hE32BpjfxDAbHJrjAqsC9OD9B3K8qUDAlFUSVXGUgCg-aqhTYfp0IyLrxVAgnBoooloqP_i6EwE-g9mfDiK28MGEzs0guYTQ95_Y_jYBCp9oG2R9yxxLW58JIZ9CjACWy_468KQC7QG1OQ-nM/s6000/IMG_1358%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaI5ggrYzWjdZ6reWYW9KsnGX8ZSGMTy_5khKP1Urn4hE32BpjfxDAbHJrjAqsC9OD9B3K8qUDAlFUSVXGUgCg-aqhTYfp0IyLrxVAgnBoooloqP_i6EwE-g9mfDiK28MGEzs0guYTQ95_Y_jYBCp9oG2R9yxxLW58JIZ9CjACWy_468KQC7QG1OQ-nM/w640-h426/IMG_1358%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Gardenia</i> 'Frostproof' has made a good recovery from its spring damage:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JY10CNUfCC3lv5_bRNPbxEDL17zdJuIh9CR3jV8iFHaUDx8lKeMoHAf7Qc31N5NgLqFVnSgm2XB5Ko7xjwU9VuV6TrA_Ky0U3r5gSulKuCPjGxVBmgFCBLwOzMDWTEUx2XfMPRZtRT1WysGVaaEwcDSsGhGLXb0lz39KNHd1nODTtzKXnet5jbL_Acs/s6000/IMG_3228.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JY10CNUfCC3lv5_bRNPbxEDL17zdJuIh9CR3jV8iFHaUDx8lKeMoHAf7Qc31N5NgLqFVnSgm2XB5Ko7xjwU9VuV6TrA_Ky0U3r5gSulKuCPjGxVBmgFCBLwOzMDWTEUx2XfMPRZtRT1WysGVaaEwcDSsGhGLXb0lz39KNHd1nODTtzKXnet5jbL_Acs/w640-h426/IMG_3228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here it is in May of this year after what was an exceptionally cool, wet spring. Usually it is indeed frost proof and evergreen, this is the first time it defoliated. As with most plants, usually a little patience yields some kind of recovery. I left it to do what it wanted and happily it recovered.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU8jSY2jN6vVllRnTrO2vm6q-Wz29ZWmIjAZm4Wd6xvE5NI9xg-8Z2WYLbAT_Kew1w1TyMDk9oIr2AD71gSLQqcI4UNcM0tvkAwTyL7xaQnGMiqFnUCG9ZbO1xJN4LQlKwqs9V6KJszVB5x_B95yRuLxFVLZ9yFWNNB0yr1mQZJthTtYkEmf4W3nmYwc/s6000/IMG_1446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU8jSY2jN6vVllRnTrO2vm6q-Wz29ZWmIjAZm4Wd6xvE5NI9xg-8Z2WYLbAT_Kew1w1TyMDk9oIr2AD71gSLQqcI4UNcM0tvkAwTyL7xaQnGMiqFnUCG9ZbO1xJN4LQlKwqs9V6KJszVB5x_B95yRuLxFVLZ9yFWNNB0yr1mQZJthTtYkEmf4W3nmYwc/w640-h426/IMG_1446.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Closing out this post with a shot of the edge of the labyrinth garden, with a new area! FM used the sod cutter to create more garden space and extend the gravel out by about 4' wide by 20' long. I am very excited about this for the "grass" goes completely dormant by July and is basically bare soil with a few weeds, so we are slowly claiming more garden space and less sod. This is also one of the sunniest, hottest areas in the garden so lots of possibilities.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All in all this autumn has been mellow and kind to us. While, yes, December has been exceptionally wet, it's the wettest month of the year so we expect it. Earlier this autumn we were able to check off many small garden projects and do a fair amount of canning and preserving of food, as well as expand the garden in areas such as this one. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Besides our year-round bird residents, more wild birds are now here in droves (pine siskins and juncos, I'm looking at you), settling in for the winter, for they know they will be well taken care of. Critters are everywhere too, and while their antics can be frustrating we also enjoy the diversity of wildlife. All that's left to do now is plan the veggie garden for next year, draw up my maps and keep on propagating for spring plant sales. The work never really ends but it has slowed down and we're getting cozy with the kitties. We're ready for a little break as we roll into the new year. How about you? Have your garden chores come to a close for the year? Do tell, we love sharing stories.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens, as always thank you so much for reading and commenting, we love hearing from you! Happy gardening!</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-53408260239000576762023-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:002023-12-14T06:45:33.516-08:00England: The Rest<div style="text-align: center;"> The entire island is a garden, I swear. Lucky for those who call the U.K. home that they are surrounded by not only gardens but garden centers, garden television programs, hedgerows, countryside and have a love of growing their own veg that borders on obsession. So while our recent and all-too-short vacation in England had us at such magnificent places as a world-class <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/10/lets-go-oxford-botanic-garden.html" target="_blank">botanical garden in Oxford</a>, <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/10/lets-go-sissinghurst-castle-garden-part.html" target="_blank">Sissinghurst Castle Garden</a>, and <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/11/lets-go-great-dixter-part-i.html" target="_blank">Great Dixter</a>, we also experienced the ordinary, every day botanical beauty of England. Here then is a wrap-up of extra moments that are of course, plant-related.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">LONDON</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgP2QHo8krK7uzyLCOhJ4RoSMYsKRP7S1PXaQ_Yz16beUCB4DUXMiRbZbb54A2_YYIoCQNSp9WZp5XMuAX33i4ra7vRKaB-kYw9jbCZvb3moScRKW9ywg_j6tLUzPIDUDmVkmB0PVH8Ye_QMXLkURmTQDxigVL-Z7cMk8bBNDRuDP6tZlKgco50PsY8vs/s3264/20230926_122521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgP2QHo8krK7uzyLCOhJ4RoSMYsKRP7S1PXaQ_Yz16beUCB4DUXMiRbZbb54A2_YYIoCQNSp9WZp5XMuAX33i4ra7vRKaB-kYw9jbCZvb3moScRKW9ywg_j6tLUzPIDUDmVkmB0PVH8Ye_QMXLkURmTQDxigVL-Z7cMk8bBNDRuDP6tZlKgco50PsY8vs/w640-h294/20230926_122521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We stumbled upon Kensington Palace and its gardens in Hyde Park while walking around trying to stay awake after our 12-hour flight. What a blessing to have had this 350-acre park in the middle of the city to catch our breath.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JtCgTf0nl6POPSQbSpDECGnExczRyOcQ4NamVlFSVty_zeLn8XRQcO7IiYJ5dQbngW1SAhUyzTj08M6gTd_5K_62OW3czLuYdJqAGvzjgOLMIMN5JCRtHI4Rn4U5J7s0LFuG_TTCB-im60b3zEQgUxjL1J6YyjKxRKmJ9qUfSUyEFxuhJav_gniz4wE/s6000/IMG_7371.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JtCgTf0nl6POPSQbSpDECGnExczRyOcQ4NamVlFSVty_zeLn8XRQcO7IiYJ5dQbngW1SAhUyzTj08M6gTd_5K_62OW3czLuYdJqAGvzjgOLMIMN5JCRtHI4Rn4U5J7s0LFuG_TTCB-im60b3zEQgUxjL1J6YyjKxRKmJ9qUfSUyEFxuhJav_gniz4wE/w640-h426/IMG_7371.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A bit of Hyde Park's wilder side. This, London's largest park, was established by Henry VIII after he confiscated lands from the church; today it is a welcome respite for its nearly 9 million residents. Much of it is large open meadows with periodic trees and mown paths. We saw many people walking dogs, picnicking, jogging, biking, etc., basically enjoying the outdoors.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8juXXoM7pRxhhqlYhRwrrxqsG_APDFkEs5HoB6GpJHFxSuAjwclTPyWJAMsWudQhsjT0q7pIpPTONzujVFEq_co0t7n8clRD5U5R4g5YS6qd8LU1qyNtE4aZ4Xjtw5GeEzynN7CwGGB5aZWr4aZywz2BRMYF2mythS7TDnzsOHKIIxarW1njgRDxImIM/s6000/IMG_7378.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8juXXoM7pRxhhqlYhRwrrxqsG_APDFkEs5HoB6GpJHFxSuAjwclTPyWJAMsWudQhsjT0q7pIpPTONzujVFEq_co0t7n8clRD5U5R4g5YS6qd8LU1qyNtE4aZ4Xjtw5GeEzynN7CwGGB5aZWr4aZywz2BRMYF2mythS7TDnzsOHKIIxarW1njgRDxImIM/w426-h640/IMG_7378.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Arborists performing low-impact branch removal using ropes and muscle.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd9oC5Es24w92cKBr08JyHBDPrPzTxYQec2_ifioIKuytJcd03QPUyTPdowMQo9Xo3RJuRJN3jC0snFtHCkj6T-xQcWdEohtclYc-Nu-Cc-gPXmJfRp5RrSzRp1ghXKfIsUeMtm9ibgr5blVKcjroQUtwoicKgmvkd5wBVSJIjgOWGZCSShlW4-UVmFs/s6000/IMG_7406.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd9oC5Es24w92cKBr08JyHBDPrPzTxYQec2_ifioIKuytJcd03QPUyTPdowMQo9Xo3RJuRJN3jC0snFtHCkj6T-xQcWdEohtclYc-Nu-Cc-gPXmJfRp5RrSzRp1ghXKfIsUeMtm9ibgr5blVKcjroQUtwoicKgmvkd5wBVSJIjgOWGZCSShlW4-UVmFs/w640-h426/IMG_7406.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pelargoniums looking rather pretty in a border on the southern side of the park, the South Flower Walk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76aVaSogP_iFT4SZHSbv7Zi7r57yR78lE4_l6Oad7iuexZngAjo1UZ-TVQsu47OUhVzMEWwi_u22BJ_EnnCfItnHbOgG2NRL5L-bwarnGNeIaPVKRit5IDttRB87k3WKgFnrCc11QVJ-LMwdxEvIF1sGsRVw2ctHLKi2qEcx1GVad5HUp3vZ2AeX6byM/s6000/IMG_7430.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76aVaSogP_iFT4SZHSbv7Zi7r57yR78lE4_l6Oad7iuexZngAjo1UZ-TVQsu47OUhVzMEWwi_u22BJ_EnnCfItnHbOgG2NRL5L-bwarnGNeIaPVKRit5IDttRB87k3WKgFnrCc11QVJ-LMwdxEvIF1sGsRVw2ctHLKi2qEcx1GVad5HUp3vZ2AeX6byM/w640-h426/IMG_7430.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Abutilon, a rather wonderfully large tree fern and bedding plants.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTGNafGvrvK88WLfDKHUkOrmMNQ1tYhIFmiE9x37Fmkb0F-LLT65y7Iij6aQCVNy5EVnW1sd6QpbDPOI5Cl1HhgwP4bx2d0w-8s-AZqXZDXWVMUu9mmVz8sRrbeHxX9SH9PETdIdxXCInkW59n7-cvSYKEQcWmLvehjgJo1WfjMpqcADSMsM9ByrV6X8/s6000/IMG_7435.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTGNafGvrvK88WLfDKHUkOrmMNQ1tYhIFmiE9x37Fmkb0F-LLT65y7Iij6aQCVNy5EVnW1sd6QpbDPOI5Cl1HhgwP4bx2d0w-8s-AZqXZDXWVMUu9mmVz8sRrbeHxX9SH9PETdIdxXCInkW59n7-cvSYKEQcWmLvehjgJo1WfjMpqcADSMsM9ByrV6X8/w640-h426/IMG_7435.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">All kinds of fabulous plants in there including what I believe is <i>Acacia cultriformis.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibm0PlG17yosav7EVARlNK8ToaBawMq6ZBvniWkh4jJTCkwwGHPPVEvPUrkSnPGQX9CP4NMq-pUEXnjukkNta8pSOHyjr-l0N8qPLIzymRxo_D0qaPq9ILYIFe4Uh4xVyRjwpDfnksThSyex-Ov5IrAU-xuLezRcduGjHtSc2Xn_o5OI_o4lnM6cQQpMI/s3264/20230926_121601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibm0PlG17yosav7EVARlNK8ToaBawMq6ZBvniWkh4jJTCkwwGHPPVEvPUrkSnPGQX9CP4NMq-pUEXnjukkNta8pSOHyjr-l0N8qPLIzymRxo_D0qaPq9ILYIFe4Uh4xVyRjwpDfnksThSyex-Ov5IrAU-xuLezRcduGjHtSc2Xn_o5OI_o4lnM6cQQpMI/w640-h294/20230926_121601.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Statue of Queen Victoria in front of Kensington Palace.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YhE8uofcuWaNurqoc8ptzKY83CgkN3qgYsxFyfc23dyQjQGo5PM8q6M3PelRpRsgTl_JrDx-nNeCWmMdEeIK2DVhjzHyU7QBAy8wsvLLLSNiRJ0wu6YSsbC59CCoTUje1lIwHF-wlRqCJ0eJLy2q8h2ZGg9I-EFZExOV2op4tgEmwgBmBpYmROrcy8Y/s3264/20230926_121900.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YhE8uofcuWaNurqoc8ptzKY83CgkN3qgYsxFyfc23dyQjQGo5PM8q6M3PelRpRsgTl_JrDx-nNeCWmMdEeIK2DVhjzHyU7QBAy8wsvLLLSNiRJ0wu6YSsbC59CCoTUje1lIwHF-wlRqCJ0eJLy2q8h2ZGg9I-EFZExOV2op4tgEmwgBmBpYmROrcy8Y/w640-h294/20230926_121900.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The back side of a sculpture of Lady Diana in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, commissioned by her sons and unveiled in 2021. There are actually three children depicted here surrounding Diana who represent the children of the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQ_0wbD94PvFTd5S2xRzpnGZSg0Tl35xCRP9MEdHwrS5qkRVM2U7Pv2DiFOMFVK9L8LHOlkxpGiqaBLTHlwJx83g3tLay4Ffb8QzYXxaGWIAjDudq2_c_tYupew3KDBl8LH_j-vtVzqpXu-MA2DNwv_g3VfNsEni1qNyX2iC7wSstiMvQcEkM83T8Q0c/s4032/20230926_122125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQ_0wbD94PvFTd5S2xRzpnGZSg0Tl35xCRP9MEdHwrS5qkRVM2U7Pv2DiFOMFVK9L8LHOlkxpGiqaBLTHlwJx83g3tLay4Ffb8QzYXxaGWIAjDudq2_c_tYupew3KDBl8LH_j-vtVzqpXu-MA2DNwv_g3VfNsEni1qNyX2iC7wSstiMvQcEkM83T8Q0c/w640-h296/20230926_122125.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the Sunken Garden is not accessible to the public, we can't really see the front of the sculpture, but it looks nice from afar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTeecWNReHqAdOuPWHH9ew_YoiwWgjtNLfXjBlqfUq_09V5Qy4cn194ulYHehZMP6vWMLVBf39s_sZ0tnxmCO5Pv07KW7giJd5XQ4FnGbXoV2XIe9jlhtQo3YvkoaaHeDgh0-YJHV3PaCWsNLxW-OsDBJDF1S_hGTMeB2H_x2ElC0tMdxDyeyxCQ5MdI/s3264/20230926_182239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTeecWNReHqAdOuPWHH9ew_YoiwWgjtNLfXjBlqfUq_09V5Qy4cn194ulYHehZMP6vWMLVBf39s_sZ0tnxmCO5Pv07KW7giJd5XQ4FnGbXoV2XIe9jlhtQo3YvkoaaHeDgh0-YJHV3PaCWsNLxW-OsDBJDF1S_hGTMeB2H_x2ElC0tMdxDyeyxCQ5MdI/w640-h294/20230926_182239.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the other side of the park a small dry garden caught my attention.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgFrDRSQnfP9VmkcJxCCeTxz7AT6pCGBLr053VAqlFGGbYBIBv6KUcDUujY-UgLacPVUUA22vgaOvDWIDxiLGnRHHIa1mpBu1es0De5H1zrWgm0DhNSCE8pwqGohLXQzCKIwHeHQf560mu0DP3cLNJOJZ_QIWcBkHsBmhoPyFCfiE7ihnAgi5TYTJLFA/s3264/20230926_183511.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgFrDRSQnfP9VmkcJxCCeTxz7AT6pCGBLr053VAqlFGGbYBIBv6KUcDUujY-UgLacPVUUA22vgaOvDWIDxiLGnRHHIa1mpBu1es0De5H1zrWgm0DhNSCE8pwqGohLXQzCKIwHeHQf560mu0DP3cLNJOJZ_QIWcBkHsBmhoPyFCfiE7ihnAgi5TYTJLFA/w640-h294/20230926_183511.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunset in Hyde Park on The Serpentine, a rather large body of water.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h87pece_HT24lRrbbX3d-ww8lYKCWwkP2Ar6Vct9QPG3Hekxa7HtXL3jTxKIEHjMshWOOPZ6jzWmk0vkgrHprmzIGIWvB784dASPg_1VrJGI-SC6_1MCoLywcuBgnnMOAulTJOYrTtshrrJVdjw9VHX5jnWhYY2gN9raUQJbHqgHocsYAvGt9k2MQtY/s4032/20230927_112359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1860" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h87pece_HT24lRrbbX3d-ww8lYKCWwkP2Ar6Vct9QPG3Hekxa7HtXL3jTxKIEHjMshWOOPZ6jzWmk0vkgrHprmzIGIWvB784dASPg_1VrJGI-SC6_1MCoLywcuBgnnMOAulTJOYrTtshrrJVdjw9VHX5jnWhYY2gN9raUQJbHqgHocsYAvGt9k2MQtY/w296-h640/20230927_112359.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A rather blurry phone photo outside of the Imperial War Museum of a tree trunk turned into a rather lovely sculpture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjdDRK3aoxmlL_e4ZRYEbkkGsY2yUunvSlkoFAXPAhSJH2ZHCTLEguZ05Zb8Dtc1YP7A78pbGwVmMms2_Hek2BXV2r40wTHBGT13ThjOWUz46IsV6zbqeit_mSG11c_jdwjNORRKgFyn_wVO69mwQc-I7wBxz1FJgT8Tu9tvOb3DwTk4-lM5GHvNCsM8/s5258/IMG_7338crop.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3589" data-original-width="5258" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjdDRK3aoxmlL_e4ZRYEbkkGsY2yUunvSlkoFAXPAhSJH2ZHCTLEguZ05Zb8Dtc1YP7A78pbGwVmMms2_Hek2BXV2r40wTHBGT13ThjOWUz46IsV6zbqeit_mSG11c_jdwjNORRKgFyn_wVO69mwQc-I7wBxz1FJgT8Tu9tvOb3DwTk4-lM5GHvNCsM8/w640-h436/IMG_7338crop.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is actually the very first photo I took on this trip, the view out of our hotel window. How lovely is that? Even though the garden is private, that is for residents of this neighborhood only, it was a great view from above and confirms that the people of London love their green spaces.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlCJ2yZLbj-El0KT6MGzARTItZquMyFa3pMBOru1PsGmZ96Ni1M0cj0mSPQk2YiZ-5xtvVQPFuJxOzMJPlP7Q7HUepTNV7n-HCK67xFfO30sL59HH5FldpjVGyUrQHqBAoX38M-bDuMbbLe4NMTSwBar3pMK9Zrb7lhb89sNOvN63WHiM_rqZDEgyRqM/s4032/20230927_113423.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1860" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlCJ2yZLbj-El0KT6MGzARTItZquMyFa3pMBOru1PsGmZ96Ni1M0cj0mSPQk2YiZ-5xtvVQPFuJxOzMJPlP7Q7HUepTNV7n-HCK67xFfO30sL59HH5FldpjVGyUrQHqBAoX38M-bDuMbbLe4NMTSwBar3pMK9Zrb7lhb89sNOvN63WHiM_rqZDEgyRqM/w296-h640/20230927_113423.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Advertisements on the Tube for an exhibition at Kew Gardens. What a fabulous idea embracing and celebrating diversity, I wish we had had more time to see the exhibition. We did get to see Kew on our last trip, you can visit those posts <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/11/lets-go-royal-botanic-gardens-kew.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2018/11/lets-go-great-broad-walk-at-kew-gardens.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">OXFORD</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EH-Po02U-5TjQLz4RnnMEWslysxgMUCLgUn-TtJQQG-vR6Had2MtIAbEXShiHDYR8JsaQGTNjMnlV9eF1e0NHipKWYhrCnwEGH0ow6Of0mSck6LEnZwftwCOOlnkSfMeTDGEAZNPI_CqVMWB58nIaU7K6NZ9AHTIzt3J91ubWVVGq8xav-7uRlNQxfU/s4032/20231002_085553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EH-Po02U-5TjQLz4RnnMEWslysxgMUCLgUn-TtJQQG-vR6Had2MtIAbEXShiHDYR8JsaQGTNjMnlV9eF1e0NHipKWYhrCnwEGH0ow6Of0mSck6LEnZwftwCOOlnkSfMeTDGEAZNPI_CqVMWB58nIaU7K6NZ9AHTIzt3J91ubWVVGq8xav-7uRlNQxfU/w640-h296/20231002_085553.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On to Oxford. This is our hotel in a park-like setting a short bus ride away from the city center.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlpCdKLN0-b01lzHhuM6pAH6ivwrl0pHb_KWP0nZT_ITlQ2WNxEjMXSYlLOV2TNbntlLqDgpJelsfOOVWrdrhvTuNMixEdUAPGQejqmg_7MP2FphzvBGY2_SLf2r1EPDya6JFiifyL8cM6rafWljMsHn5fCqnPdGDm2iiumjc36411nJwBld4chZOwoc/s4032/20231001_144824.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlpCdKLN0-b01lzHhuM6pAH6ivwrl0pHb_KWP0nZT_ITlQ2WNxEjMXSYlLOV2TNbntlLqDgpJelsfOOVWrdrhvTuNMixEdUAPGQejqmg_7MP2FphzvBGY2_SLf2r1EPDya6JFiifyL8cM6rafWljMsHn5fCqnPdGDm2iiumjc36411nJwBld4chZOwoc/w640-h296/20231001_144824.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We went on a rather long walk around the town through fields and ended up at Christ Church College which had very pretty borders of perennials and grasses.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEG5lJvBqt2EagkWMrKTEnLweiwdmDCILw-b2MK3bMy7nc27fevi13o7ZFOAaMed6m7R4vi6LaiqYubuNA_Iaju8tyhz2Yshd0QuY9PNICfltODP5CBfuGzvmz3Z9Kohc09fnbqpkXfJOkKgPBFNCmTrhTL9ExipP9BzUxgsHtO0ikZk7SD-O2glQCgbA/s4032/20231001_144923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEG5lJvBqt2EagkWMrKTEnLweiwdmDCILw-b2MK3bMy7nc27fevi13o7ZFOAaMed6m7R4vi6LaiqYubuNA_Iaju8tyhz2Yshd0QuY9PNICfltODP5CBfuGzvmz3Z9Kohc09fnbqpkXfJOkKgPBFNCmTrhTL9ExipP9BzUxgsHtO0ikZk7SD-O2glQCgbA/w640-h296/20231001_144923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The other direction, many historic buildings as is typical for such an old university town.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp65jrUteCmSyI6iQXLngt1hm4G2ngOFB1v5i_1mn0Lvu_wTEN913lkqfMV26KpGiT3OGjTe-B6f9y2wAHiwhyl96UkNAWj9ugrQSGa5RHcxdRvlun5HbeKFzfIPNQtbg5TcNQlSlt6JqIM-KZ5cBgtCgPia6iVuWHFBhMdLMfJST56rTtrFwofMmN7I/s4032/20231001_144828.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp65jrUteCmSyI6iQXLngt1hm4G2ngOFB1v5i_1mn0Lvu_wTEN913lkqfMV26KpGiT3OGjTe-B6f9y2wAHiwhyl96UkNAWj9ugrQSGa5RHcxdRvlun5HbeKFzfIPNQtbg5TcNQlSlt6JqIM-KZ5cBgtCgPia6iVuWHFBhMdLMfJST56rTtrFwofMmN7I/w640-h296/20231001_144828.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A closer look. I love all the stone work in the buildings and walls alike.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe2jTvB4ll2XvR56SsIte1U6nef6pO1X5zpmZuaXJHZGhTHzrMPVbeYkMAIctr-Ja_4rpjb8qVeuzevQ54GaX83mqHfM1-_kBjH3FErwXZ1qpl6_OSfqRfLRmj4YQ6NsdJF42KcQbnMQlnYVfTUiOQSFEG9cX6iJ4WnSR2Qh1torilFI9eptlqjetBYg/s6000/IMG_7516.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe2jTvB4ll2XvR56SsIte1U6nef6pO1X5zpmZuaXJHZGhTHzrMPVbeYkMAIctr-Ja_4rpjb8qVeuzevQ54GaX83mqHfM1-_kBjH3FErwXZ1qpl6_OSfqRfLRmj4YQ6NsdJF42KcQbnMQlnYVfTUiOQSFEG9cX6iJ4WnSR2Qh1torilFI9eptlqjetBYg/w426-h640/IMG_7516.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the <a href="https://oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk/" target="_blank">Oxford Covered Market</a> a rabbit from Alice in Wonderland looks like he's running late. I include him here as rabbits are increasingly a part of gardeners' frustrations. Plus this is Lewis Carroll country.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAplevPo74CCVK3SdX6QVz5quvHmrfIL0bG9pgvupLqm5aUbhFQVr-RgY2P-2aLNnVdp21ra89yWNEkoj_ICDqMNUmAMwJm4wlC89DEAHFx0V27P6HXcK6m5ol-h2uqAHV5G8uZ7jHEdKW8qSxgvlj7sy95gaed_sZxDbts9v0eMmEEYTZq6nWjAUCLU0/s6000/IMG_7525.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAplevPo74CCVK3SdX6QVz5quvHmrfIL0bG9pgvupLqm5aUbhFQVr-RgY2P-2aLNnVdp21ra89yWNEkoj_ICDqMNUmAMwJm4wlC89DEAHFx0V27P6HXcK6m5ol-h2uqAHV5G8uZ7jHEdKW8qSxgvlj7sy95gaed_sZxDbts9v0eMmEEYTZq6nWjAUCLU0/w640-h426/IMG_7525.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A very pretty garden store in the same Covered Market.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfRzuQj4oguQBuohRru4HeetVL3_UqIlw1ffbDgHZS3Zt98eyQvjEpMgf1yinSKYBHtEDCKsgKOJ3yPnxOXInuImMaPbzQotYt-y4B5wO2RiVIfrK8eyPG77jZkAWWhJwvwOfR6N_NR9wsMbzCJ2_v_Qxu0UF9Xr3MU4SGX3Z07iMEI880hJcr6_LY3Q/s4032/20230930_144550.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfRzuQj4oguQBuohRru4HeetVL3_UqIlw1ffbDgHZS3Zt98eyQvjEpMgf1yinSKYBHtEDCKsgKOJ3yPnxOXInuImMaPbzQotYt-y4B5wO2RiVIfrK8eyPG77jZkAWWhJwvwOfR6N_NR9wsMbzCJ2_v_Qxu0UF9Xr3MU4SGX3Z07iMEI880hJcr6_LY3Q/w640-h296/20230930_144550.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another college, one of thirty-nine at Oxford. So many have incredible courtyards and architecture alike.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AksTG7NrhJouA5awtKb3suZseJdMFYi4Q-DQk8RGeR0AFkONsZwzw4k0pYguUuBMT0LMlnY7qP_mWVZX_T_MQk3zPOi4aZlrSVldfX7-ths9OEFLrpkgCGdxtYSpef0UOvrBn2j_xgcDMDOZSVACZkv4JZWOZdMa1Fce_BFaccBb9wgnM4Nb831MbPs/s6000/IMG_7722.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AksTG7NrhJouA5awtKb3suZseJdMFYi4Q-DQk8RGeR0AFkONsZwzw4k0pYguUuBMT0LMlnY7qP_mWVZX_T_MQk3zPOi4aZlrSVldfX7-ths9OEFLrpkgCGdxtYSpef0UOvrBn2j_xgcDMDOZSVACZkv4JZWOZdMa1Fce_BFaccBb9wgnM4Nb831MbPs/w640-h426/IMG_7722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We visited <a href="https://www.ashmolean.org/" target="_blank">The Ashmolean</a> museum, free as so many museums are in the U.K., and were astonished by the collections. A favorite of mine is ancient jewelry, this gold necklace with pomegranates circa 400 - 250 BC stopped me in my tracks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCwN1S4RG2ylVuMDnjPebLVbniWm8w58yzIaHPJyEdH8leFIIcoiKcj7X_FMB-C7ZllU0bJoW9PjRI5wjwsZ08BGizcdIjoE8CHCbz04bJiROsHdokym0OSFSG3HjUVyzGCCjTmcivszMqOiIZTjTsyTbOnAlFYWi6kqMRD8wGO7CTHXBdc4dnlzcWLo/s6000/IMG_7715.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCwN1S4RG2ylVuMDnjPebLVbniWm8w58yzIaHPJyEdH8leFIIcoiKcj7X_FMB-C7ZllU0bJoW9PjRI5wjwsZ08BGizcdIjoE8CHCbz04bJiROsHdokym0OSFSG3HjUVyzGCCjTmcivszMqOiIZTjTsyTbOnAlFYWi6kqMRD8wGO7CTHXBdc4dnlzcWLo/w426-h640/IMG_7715.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As did this incredible gold acorn necklace from a Crimean grave, 5th century BC.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczZEXgiOKRsVRHgYz4IgMTvOe4hsEoG5fXMlzhyphenhyphenQbGbakW2AtxOXjtQnhO9eHc64jOIWp7wCZy8wcYAsJxtFzbqo2fEMVyQBJ0ijiO317kYowrWKUl5Ph3mIJvAMhyphenhyphenka2nwSbBRdCxItTQPjmgBgzJTUB5fbfDtaNhLMyyaWSWJDFk6s_7hkfO5bBWvM/s6000/IMG_7752.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczZEXgiOKRsVRHgYz4IgMTvOe4hsEoG5fXMlzhyphenhyphenQbGbakW2AtxOXjtQnhO9eHc64jOIWp7wCZy8wcYAsJxtFzbqo2fEMVyQBJ0ijiO317kYowrWKUl5Ph3mIJvAMhyphenhyphenka2nwSbBRdCxItTQPjmgBgzJTUB5fbfDtaNhLMyyaWSWJDFk6s_7hkfO5bBWvM/w640-h426/IMG_7752.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Syrian tile work featuring cypress trees and flowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitARgkq6sGs6wd9aZasybKucGN_VyabVB7XnjVk3QaVcXR-NKpb-emRCo4JzAJxA3tXFVwkXcnR4A7RHCCdgSpEScgwigL3Ct5yyWTHLPViyLUmSnn73EQZCdgA64Bd6avIlSnbc650puUKL9kH4b1hi23ZoSxb7BAs1_hysByk7O5r6K5TNSdjgyWPcc/s6000/IMG_7749.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitARgkq6sGs6wd9aZasybKucGN_VyabVB7XnjVk3QaVcXR-NKpb-emRCo4JzAJxA3tXFVwkXcnR4A7RHCCdgSpEScgwigL3Ct5yyWTHLPViyLUmSnn73EQZCdgA64Bd6avIlSnbc650puUKL9kH4b1hi23ZoSxb7BAs1_hysByk7O5r6K5TNSdjgyWPcc/w426-h640/IMG_7749.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Carved 17th-century wooden doors with floral decoration from Saudi Arabia. These were reported to have been owned by T.E. Lawrence, a.k.a. Lawrence of Arabia.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzO0T-wgPru8IbDWv82m0KRZP1cfI1cSHirPmL46IeGWzcwhoiWonGtU9KrQ0xXIUwlqe_1gDRrbnMvog19o7cY2Ei7Zei-o5RGCKCu1Rj2clP0dBwZsm3JMi1zSg50-sKtJY-kSAjPFsuBMbYcHZxj6Lq3Du0SUcj-2Y3oXNe4UKYrgOJNvyhyphenhyphen2ffB0/s6000/IMG_7694.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzO0T-wgPru8IbDWv82m0KRZP1cfI1cSHirPmL46IeGWzcwhoiWonGtU9KrQ0xXIUwlqe_1gDRrbnMvog19o7cY2Ei7Zei-o5RGCKCu1Rj2clP0dBwZsm3JMi1zSg50-sKtJY-kSAjPFsuBMbYcHZxj6Lq3Du0SUcj-2Y3oXNe4UKYrgOJNvyhyphenhyphen2ffB0/w426-h640/IMG_7694.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A graveyard in Oxford with a thoughtful sculpture of a woman reading.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgws3reIiIfrHe0WDVzafaPVzFymwG_9s5niyfZ-2n8nQXKgo50KaR7UgMgkMr1qH2u5yGPCD7gCEgkFvgIC3fCr3a4LkR57eV2gfjey3HWRujik9JIc5FsYgSTFJaEbTEVAOu4bg6RyLLhfPRjw3ilWJk0Ic6EZ90-0JnJJk6RC81I2442YuFP04hvIiU/s3264/20230929_144911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgws3reIiIfrHe0WDVzafaPVzFymwG_9s5niyfZ-2n8nQXKgo50KaR7UgMgkMr1qH2u5yGPCD7gCEgkFvgIC3fCr3a4LkR57eV2gfjey3HWRujik9JIc5FsYgSTFJaEbTEVAOu4bg6RyLLhfPRjw3ilWJk0Ic6EZ90-0JnJJk6RC81I2442YuFP04hvIiU/w640-h294/20230929_144911.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Oxford coat of arms, Fortis est Veritas, "the truth is strong." Note the ox crossing the ford in the center. This is still the city symbol today, ox (crossing the) ford. The lion at the top holds the Tudor rose in its paws</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIolDSqlJTvynoQfS6GFdoUVbUwm20TECeb1oHzqJLhDhtwfwMBAQ3Az2Oz_Td3Y1Or8r-o_GhzPk1Cnqj5mB12jgB0eHXHN7NUq_zXpXplu4G7V0eFl-3emj21kYaOD16JFxgRW8zPIoMJdfsqF_qmI6qTxvrfM_1sTUetgFmW16Bv9unky6qStdHY44/s3487/20230929_144428cr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="3487" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIolDSqlJTvynoQfS6GFdoUVbUwm20TECeb1oHzqJLhDhtwfwMBAQ3Az2Oz_Td3Y1Or8r-o_GhzPk1Cnqj5mB12jgB0eHXHN7NUq_zXpXplu4G7V0eFl-3emj21kYaOD16JFxgRW8zPIoMJdfsqF_qmI6qTxvrfM_1sTUetgFmW16Bv9unky6qStdHY44/w640-h342/20230929_144428cr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two ding-a-lings who can't get a selfie right. In any event the streets of Oxford below.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">THE REST</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uhKxQVbRJgVzxqbZjcScUx8M1uRKtsckzetDpoEf_FifIBS72JKDW8D_8GGpVYyl9IRos1V7zkjISBUVPp5CrqlXFG-pIq7ca1j0fFnif-m8BuALOAvrENDP_F9Hbz1RFhoaFvOpmznPODm2Pc2wYRrrCpp9Oeu18Lu5LE_tMNvLDpQ9H4NIIRd6A_w/s2601/20231002_135307.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1978" data-original-width="2601" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uhKxQVbRJgVzxqbZjcScUx8M1uRKtsckzetDpoEf_FifIBS72JKDW8D_8GGpVYyl9IRos1V7zkjISBUVPp5CrqlXFG-pIq7ca1j0fFnif-m8BuALOAvrENDP_F9Hbz1RFhoaFvOpmznPODm2Pc2wYRrrCpp9Oeu18Lu5LE_tMNvLDpQ9H4NIIRd6A_w/w640-h486/20231002_135307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After three lovely days in the Ox-crossing-the-Ford city we headed to London to catch a train to Cranbrook in the county of Kent. With a couple of hours before our train departed we went literally across the street to the National Gallery (again, free admission) for a random exploration. How about a little Van Gogh landscape? So many treasures, it's really unbelievable.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ErWNnTVMxXtnzrebXxqW_AmYs9xKV8ey0RzuXuMA2k0FiOHLMGjIDwxTAafRg5PuVtsJN929mbg4N_eStrbRI_kWFuZyekqAgGOsQEUeWuB3qAlcm_9-U3dAVAiPmEM6WIfe6_9O96ll8PPYPHBtyeNGGciHZKcamI9phRdjw_s0OOq3eK0D1CNxU1U/s3264/20231004_165832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ErWNnTVMxXtnzrebXxqW_AmYs9xKV8ey0RzuXuMA2k0FiOHLMGjIDwxTAafRg5PuVtsJN929mbg4N_eStrbRI_kWFuZyekqAgGOsQEUeWuB3qAlcm_9-U3dAVAiPmEM6WIfe6_9O96ll8PPYPHBtyeNGGciHZKcamI9phRdjw_s0OOq3eK0D1CNxU1U/w640-h294/20231004_165832.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">While in Cranbrook we of course explored Sissinghurst and Great Dixter but didn't take a lot of photos of this very picturesque village. This, at least, is one of our B & B restaurant at the George Hotel, a building that dates to the 12th century.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRjkxnkDTQsGslyYy0QkvAxHP_kRig1h5TaXQ-DAY-Lv8N0jDEWxZVTNWVUcHKu6qO5hu36qz6Ramdsj75KrvdO0S_T-nv6ayi6RgeC-2kS9zExZmQLpNEmT3uJSOOlXnxMbyFm9-uT7l8-UJpiyfN8MDE3it91QdBKuMmcmD_zy3n-2ifvqurZf40sQ/s3264/20231004_171827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRjkxnkDTQsGslyYy0QkvAxHP_kRig1h5TaXQ-DAY-Lv8N0jDEWxZVTNWVUcHKu6qO5hu36qz6Ramdsj75KrvdO0S_T-nv6ayi6RgeC-2kS9zExZmQLpNEmT3uJSOOlXnxMbyFm9-uT7l8-UJpiyfN8MDE3it91QdBKuMmcmD_zy3n-2ifvqurZf40sQ/w640-h294/20231004_171827.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And a random pyracantha hedge in a grocery store parking lot.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlD4ooe3ZE2EmqsmvYf6PDzVhFhDhDCoFRqXeqN80wKxIFazfNKaCEyPGwpDv10vF0fM0kuIv4qlpWl1Kp2JbpDNOoCNti7l0juiCI0cMnU9w6ZqtViBR1poIAkCyBfDxRMa-SixrT6hm3F5rKnh5ctsQCJhD_B63ARP_HnBLEA8svnyu6hjvf87TaIc/s4032/20231004_171849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlD4ooe3ZE2EmqsmvYf6PDzVhFhDhDCoFRqXeqN80wKxIFazfNKaCEyPGwpDv10vF0fM0kuIv4qlpWl1Kp2JbpDNOoCNti7l0juiCI0cMnU9w6ZqtViBR1poIAkCyBfDxRMa-SixrT6hm3F5rKnh5ctsQCJhD_B63ARP_HnBLEA8svnyu6hjvf87TaIc/w640-h296/20231004_171849.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dripping with October vibes.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFhk1sHltErupjAxzlpC8exvVeLMvToedKG3J0oa-yvkmeixXvJOZ__LwlqLjK6IPJhoctLcueN65eLJF1aSEeyhok84VBJ-VtKmF-t-QWN7A-jbb33tGAl9uJL8nA7tpan2S6PMIquiUz1Rj73Axb41HAu_qbm7wjgG1Ug7YhyakKHJs16PQK7Vx68A/s1169/20231002_111406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1169" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFhk1sHltErupjAxzlpC8exvVeLMvToedKG3J0oa-yvkmeixXvJOZ__LwlqLjK6IPJhoctLcueN65eLJF1aSEeyhok84VBJ-VtKmF-t-QWN7A-jbb33tGAl9uJL8nA7tpan2S6PMIquiUz1Rj73Axb41HAu_qbm7wjgG1Ug7YhyakKHJs16PQK7Vx68A/w640-h378/20231002_111406.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As seen whizzing by on a train. Gardening is in the bones here, one reason why I enjoy the U.K. so much. Would we see something like this in the states? I doubt it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8WRNl07uX7LVBLH8E0dT2AOsQVItRcYU1iOIKGRB5YEYWh59X3yXzOqoh13lv02yXEgbIU1sO9k6-mH359_KDehPJVHRcmGNNom6OHWqoOOYYhLLIe6iyKuOXgUtkwMvdXfcFhKjjG1CMxm576aukZeyEqI49SW7GRk34Q2rqHp3OkKwbeBrqVcDqsQ/s6000/IMG_7657.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8WRNl07uX7LVBLH8E0dT2AOsQVItRcYU1iOIKGRB5YEYWh59X3yXzOqoh13lv02yXEgbIU1sO9k6-mH359_KDehPJVHRcmGNNom6OHWqoOOYYhLLIe6iyKuOXgUtkwMvdXfcFhKjjG1CMxm576aukZeyEqI49SW7GRk34Q2rqHp3OkKwbeBrqVcDqsQ/w640-h426/IMG_7657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I close this post and indeed all of our recent England adventures with a passage back to Saint Helens, our home. How convenient that a portal to our home town in Oregon exists in an enchanted alleyway in the town where the ox crosses the ford. I hope the trip can be reversed someday soon and we return to the island of green things soon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. Thank you so much for reading and commenting and coming along on our adventures! We do love hearing from you all. Happy gardening!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-1980059615966140572023-11-23T07:00:00.077-08:002023-11-24T09:07:10.909-08:00Let's Go: Great Dixter Part II<div style="text-align: center;"> This place haunts my dreams. Really. Honest to goodness unconscious dreams. I wake feeling happy. I don't think that has happened before, i.e., dreaming of gardens I have visited. What alchemy is at work, I wonder? Besides the unconscious kind, I have waking dreams when working in my own garden where flashes of Great Dixter arrive unexpectedly. I think it must be the generosity of spirit it exudes. This place does its own thing without being stuffy. It is welcoming and it changes every day. Literally. How exciting is that? No wonder, then.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is a pleasure for me revisiting my many photographs and putting these posts together, ultimately dreaming of the chance to return someday. <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/11/lets-go-great-dixter-part-i.html" target="_blank">Last week</a> we explored most of the garden areas at Great Dixter. This time, let us explore the nursery, a bit of the home's interior as well as the gardens on the north side of the home to conclude our visit to this historic, wonderful site.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDhhTZerKG1UEaD8_9y-8YufqWEl53bupmOhJcIJ2ALi-pPzwlCHg99qsELQxZBfq_tP3HH6805XTx8Yw8LjNFUnkQXyCP9ozCAa1_3ky5SeiNn7GW9wRV3T2LfFFlHq32EaaWFdPi8OR3zwZRrPS7weVU9wHSj7fQASw60Yg_Q5rg9ojpR1PRyRjMPI/s6000/IMG_9752.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDhhTZerKG1UEaD8_9y-8YufqWEl53bupmOhJcIJ2ALi-pPzwlCHg99qsELQxZBfq_tP3HH6805XTx8Yw8LjNFUnkQXyCP9ozCAa1_3ky5SeiNn7GW9wRV3T2LfFFlHq32EaaWFdPi8OR3zwZRrPS7weVU9wHSj7fQASw60Yg_Q5rg9ojpR1PRyRjMPI/w640-h426/IMG_9752.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Starting off with an image of the Solar Garden in early October, the oast house and great barn in the background. These beds are changed regularly, sometimes several times in a growing season. The look of dark foliage with shades of red feels harmonious.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">THE NURSERY</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TJG4KzRWXObQXb3Rf9Gs3aSa7mGUzv_GazfNfcKq7b5uAUnqkI6J9P3xCmnqB1nZagtLFgPokC3gfiYel7kOcWmevo8lSqJiNF7LyyCKIdYGnbeNs4Wf-TrUo-mdZbvF5ZeWOTkKTO79AkC8r3Abm7oK1iVgIA-UkMXuXuu7vTcPkiWZvakoC6cLIyc/s6000/IMG_9196.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TJG4KzRWXObQXb3Rf9Gs3aSa7mGUzv_GazfNfcKq7b5uAUnqkI6J9P3xCmnqB1nZagtLFgPokC3gfiYel7kOcWmevo8lSqJiNF7LyyCKIdYGnbeNs4Wf-TrUo-mdZbvF5ZeWOTkKTO79AkC8r3Abm7oK1iVgIA-UkMXuXuu7vTcPkiWZvakoC6cLIyc/w640-h426/IMG_9196.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.greatdixter.co.uk/the-nursery" target="_blank">Great Dixter Nursery</a> is open year-round for the lucky locals and visitors. It was started by Christopher in 1954, specializing in plants that get the seal of approval from the Great Dixter crew. Having worked at a few nurseries (currently at <a href="https://cistus.com/" target="_blank">Cistus Nursery</a>), I appreciated the simplicity, the charm and selection of plant material offered. It is not a large nursery but is packed with beautiful and healthy plants propagated from the gardens. The displays are eye candy and much care obviously goes into the growing of plants here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb93kO0TCGrICmpEiMqNxH_sGp-HeVI3ETbhCjWo_6X4Nqm7rRxmqJjuiAmlzd0t_i4c6F1dO9hl2O59__aD-AARX4_EseItDcDNtt0lwwl7vK83XJBDDxdazTHu6gllKeyNOLXo_IPqk2Cs-g8RLWOJB17hWxxVEsUQ8sw1cXE7BSlTMTGsTkcd19H0/s6000/IMG_9611.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb93kO0TCGrICmpEiMqNxH_sGp-HeVI3ETbhCjWo_6X4Nqm7rRxmqJjuiAmlzd0t_i4c6F1dO9hl2O59__aD-AARX4_EseItDcDNtt0lwwl7vK83XJBDDxdazTHu6gllKeyNOLXo_IPqk2Cs-g8RLWOJB17hWxxVEsUQ8sw1cXE7BSlTMTGsTkcd19H0/w640-h426/IMG_9611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Verbena bonariensis </i>seeded in the gravel, an informal, charming touch.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUdBIVZIvwHV6_mn1mDdYzneWK7_zAG6F3laxnvn8MF1sUAdgR_WYQBaTogU8f0VDDh-iJSTm7GYdippGGTGmuQsAesIp6S0td66jUHs3iJ0xhFkTykDa2tYlaUxPo9uupozHigGl6lIFmTqCGiRQJGQkKcQND0nZGNUy1CHc5NpGXrxkC_r4P0TSQic/s6000/IMG_9253.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUdBIVZIvwHV6_mn1mDdYzneWK7_zAG6F3laxnvn8MF1sUAdgR_WYQBaTogU8f0VDDh-iJSTm7GYdippGGTGmuQsAesIp6S0td66jUHs3iJ0xhFkTykDa2tYlaUxPo9uupozHigGl6lIFmTqCGiRQJGQkKcQND0nZGNUy1CHc5NpGXrxkC_r4P0TSQic/w426-h640/IMG_9253.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Most offerings are on the ground and in cold frames, a practical approach, especially when weather turns and plants on tables need to be moved to the ground or covered. This is much simpler and I imagine very effective.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXG13Iv3D3_SBicaN43cCMruAlxvKnM0drad7yrbCKDTZ71Mtb55Jli4vddkuW-nlAjrkyAzcVYAEWLLkPqTofIyF0yRorRRXzsqu95YB55u4UrQ_6UaW8Ofn2TOyTM4L-MJhqY8y-eeEkRNbWfd2DsGttOUZ_BNA5BArAV7hunBydTS4g2NRh_W1oa6c/s6000/IMG_9220.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXG13Iv3D3_SBicaN43cCMruAlxvKnM0drad7yrbCKDTZ71Mtb55Jli4vddkuW-nlAjrkyAzcVYAEWLLkPqTofIyF0yRorRRXzsqu95YB55u4UrQ_6UaW8Ofn2TOyTM4L-MJhqY8y-eeEkRNbWfd2DsGttOUZ_BNA5BArAV7hunBydTS4g2NRh_W1oa6c/w640-h426/IMG_9220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Masses of clematis down below, the selection is impressive. Maurice, my friend and former owner of Joy Creek Nursery, known for clematis, would be pleased.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZvqhR_oBsAPrVkc2nhtlFgw_UoeYIrwRZ23RxDflWwVIbsIToQ1aifuXd7wkCgzEtUgya39BQMQjGImI2Rom_gTq7fqQRpsZJ1RoPExELyRHCZudvW5zQT5tqZSxtJtpZf8VDPLEFWLERVqMQ22OnuM3rq48HyPbCjicJSHqWERonm8ccfGpVR4BxaU/s6000/IMG_9195.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZvqhR_oBsAPrVkc2nhtlFgw_UoeYIrwRZ23RxDflWwVIbsIToQ1aifuXd7wkCgzEtUgya39BQMQjGImI2Rom_gTq7fqQRpsZJ1RoPExELyRHCZudvW5zQT5tqZSxtJtpZf8VDPLEFWLERVqMQ22OnuM3rq48HyPbCjicJSHqWERonm8ccfGpVR4BxaU/w640-h426/IMG_9195.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxOv_DYTvrmg2cWKpfuYdrWEvxwQZ5lEWEXDtJbnpcuNq8vLy_TUweHFsCxWOhAeD1pc-I-hMHsA2Y79qAAEAobyHQB_Hzr1c-AbsRPux0wgltSBRkq25hbhnG8PxBIv0L-4PgwCFykz9kXqjV2UfYS-RC9U9o9b9xu4C1zFpQiWJg6dyufeKpEZWBPw/s6000/IMG_9233.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxOv_DYTvrmg2cWKpfuYdrWEvxwQZ5lEWEXDtJbnpcuNq8vLy_TUweHFsCxWOhAeD1pc-I-hMHsA2Y79qAAEAobyHQB_Hzr1c-AbsRPux0wgltSBRkq25hbhnG8PxBIv0L-4PgwCFykz9kXqjV2UfYS-RC9U9o9b9xu4C1zFpQiWJg6dyufeKpEZWBPw/w640-h426/IMG_9233.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of several glass houses for growing. I was tempted to peek inside but I obeyed the signs and left it to staff only.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1sax4diPkMA6-4RKAOMtyDoAEXW4f1UxEAhHIe4vLWgBlhf8qntP1f8ZvzGPuE4OzRVeWM-LjdnSKC-ivix6CikYQVD4KTsYBe4J4ISPWGbZSFd3aPEpfu7jegg6VOzbZgmS67truQd2mr2Ue8-PA1ZtFWnIqlI_-gjGFq-whi-hK68DZoLfEZGfVMA/s6000/IMG_9241.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1sax4diPkMA6-4RKAOMtyDoAEXW4f1UxEAhHIe4vLWgBlhf8qntP1f8ZvzGPuE4OzRVeWM-LjdnSKC-ivix6CikYQVD4KTsYBe4J4ISPWGbZSFd3aPEpfu7jegg6VOzbZgmS67truQd2mr2Ue8-PA1ZtFWnIqlI_-gjGFq-whi-hK68DZoLfEZGfVMA/w640-h426/IMG_9241.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MiBlQImnu2sbHIYEDT4DoojCyQOnhKH9CMd2Ud1KPXHM1c_NS_Q2QUdX0qEavdw8w3ojOT3z-XBGG-MKj9ocnEtKFoZ4YbYwWrQoYr-CCeFUSnB4s0TwZ9xXDtZAK0GJXuo8BOyu80Xu1BAs5IlwGC3oyrPIaSY9UBu2GnFdWSvf00n90krIBTDahtY/s6000/IMG_9256.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MiBlQImnu2sbHIYEDT4DoojCyQOnhKH9CMd2Ud1KPXHM1c_NS_Q2QUdX0qEavdw8w3ojOT3z-XBGG-MKj9ocnEtKFoZ4YbYwWrQoYr-CCeFUSnB4s0TwZ9xXDtZAK0GJXuo8BOyu80Xu1BAs5IlwGC3oyrPIaSY9UBu2GnFdWSvf00n90krIBTDahtY/w640-h426/IMG_9256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Great Dixter Nursery grows an impressive array of asters.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTEdLo3tqaPYg7ZZc13vGSMh1Ru7AGsMcFeZ4YmCgrmE2Z7qJScd0MHkdcUtUIJaKesVEVdKofhYx0Q6uqqOtQb_rYwk_WHi2auzkqyLJh2F1pdAJpW0arGOGj-6DFmm-Q45frkay5qCSAslg-d0c4qY_ffN5hjMWU8GdMRIxLGdHHpgCZIL7-kLMj2Q/s6000/IMG_9202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTEdLo3tqaPYg7ZZc13vGSMh1Ru7AGsMcFeZ4YmCgrmE2Z7qJScd0MHkdcUtUIJaKesVEVdKofhYx0Q6uqqOtQb_rYwk_WHi2auzkqyLJh2F1pdAJpW0arGOGj-6DFmm-Q45frkay5qCSAslg-d0c4qY_ffN5hjMWU8GdMRIxLGdHHpgCZIL7-kLMj2Q/w640-h426/IMG_9202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just a pop of color.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH1fSq7RQT5xB28TW5K401jCUzKPsGjwg9YBhsbKyDalhU4Ejo2UAm-HaKtw5LVmYpE6LvF-TJQjx4p58hufpnyFNw3TmBaoYLj4w3HTRsQwnCtWXXEPZed4IQurtdJCGTzClf8tmFdSzAm8r_mpg05szBfc9nlQ3YGMqpgjkHVck4BNxHKmgfGg2ptI/s6000/IMG_9203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH1fSq7RQT5xB28TW5K401jCUzKPsGjwg9YBhsbKyDalhU4Ejo2UAm-HaKtw5LVmYpE6LvF-TJQjx4p58hufpnyFNw3TmBaoYLj4w3HTRsQwnCtWXXEPZed4IQurtdJCGTzClf8tmFdSzAm8r_mpg05szBfc9nlQ3YGMqpgjkHVck4BNxHKmgfGg2ptI/w426-h640/IMG_9203.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Great Dixter way of doing things. I love it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhfH9yy03tac4uJMlkvsC4u9sXM2mTD5zk4RG4hPjmthefJ-KJen3845vYqZpZCkvR0EAlW3N3z-PKUBE_AEAp3V7DPx0YohK5ZWuvN6O9HVnATIjyQ-khWScVZvv8I0l1lFqFX3SytmyKrGq8Zw_Q1KcZx0dR1I5KPzW5F5GhDzub2nAzVPUAofae-I/s6000/IMG_9295.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhfH9yy03tac4uJMlkvsC4u9sXM2mTD5zk4RG4hPjmthefJ-KJen3845vYqZpZCkvR0EAlW3N3z-PKUBE_AEAp3V7DPx0YohK5ZWuvN6O9HVnATIjyQ-khWScVZvv8I0l1lFqFX3SytmyKrGq8Zw_Q1KcZx0dR1I5KPzW5F5GhDzub2nAzVPUAofae-I/w640-h426/IMG_9295.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cannas and other tropical-looking foliage plants. Note the watering cans in the background, ready for action.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lBYaNDS5luzuj7DRGQxi0EdKvC0UFryWnniIbR9-W8JJlzwzWk03xMnwIerK7ZQcS_uKLLuPNs8lhLEK0AFeeVzkEZvs0c-uksMSvp_8q9m5qnSlXHnqre80O9aJtFRToG2Z1EgSd8linXJTUzBtHRMP6aSNtDcTtzEqTe9RUCaRE6uote1fuLYvBzQ/s6000/IMG_9208.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lBYaNDS5luzuj7DRGQxi0EdKvC0UFryWnniIbR9-W8JJlzwzWk03xMnwIerK7ZQcS_uKLLuPNs8lhLEK0AFeeVzkEZvs0c-uksMSvp_8q9m5qnSlXHnqre80O9aJtFRToG2Z1EgSd8linXJTUzBtHRMP6aSNtDcTtzEqTe9RUCaRE6uote1fuLYvBzQ/w640-h426/IMG_9208.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is that same path shown in<a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/11/lets-go-great-dixter-part-i.html" target="_blank"> last week's post</a> that leads from the orchard, along the edge of the Lower Moat and into the nursery past the gate.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoiQY0qzCrxFkPYuwC6V_JtcwJMNpke0KyVRgsSs2G2k9o7-1ePlCZ180lsgkCNHGWGJGOUiDbuDZJTdLU2qowwaEmy4pbGU2625vwJgdYhRS541-Vxv1_P5dIq5TbuhjTtKR62QeLElVU9TnpfDhajhuQ20np4TqO0TtMwXz6OPOEhU8g0LMAohi5h8/s6000/IMG_9206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoiQY0qzCrxFkPYuwC6V_JtcwJMNpke0KyVRgsSs2G2k9o7-1ePlCZ180lsgkCNHGWGJGOUiDbuDZJTdLU2qowwaEmy4pbGU2625vwJgdYhRS541-Vxv1_P5dIq5TbuhjTtKR62QeLElVU9TnpfDhajhuQ20np4TqO0TtMwXz6OPOEhU8g0LMAohi5h8/w640-h426/IMG_9206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More cold frames, note the stack of windows in the background. I really like this approach.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRfqrc9_m7a-Zjcc8BIwDxg1y-tRbbx_nNKCSpLLKgWcD34Zol0NHhYhXMk3gUm2psSbb7qFPIRgeuMGXnR4lvHi0TjMbZmsAE3nfTMY_hQ3CpuKzrBn73ddMq-ALlIvvC38P4-TaQOaEndqYQm5evXluZ74hRU-5zolBKbcUiDY_eKeBAXcFNbfGN_s/s6000/IMG_9251.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRfqrc9_m7a-Zjcc8BIwDxg1y-tRbbx_nNKCSpLLKgWcD34Zol0NHhYhXMk3gUm2psSbb7qFPIRgeuMGXnR4lvHi0TjMbZmsAE3nfTMY_hQ3CpuKzrBn73ddMq-ALlIvvC38P4-TaQOaEndqYQm5evXluZ74hRU-5zolBKbcUiDY_eKeBAXcFNbfGN_s/w640-h426/IMG_9251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A wider view of the frames holding plants for sale.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAav_hJ_aPvspxpIeJM1IVFcr_Bs1nC94O62Nln1622d2KsxBPIAKW0LpSqXLIoGT2pEhSKLSIotqNLhmpMJLkf9D3iumqz0oypIH7gpIZoDr35UWbi0hTgDCOZE3ZuBziB9TGQC1Wr7lHru1BVQHaII7lk-Z0xC2NIzF9QvJEQuUh5ScXbHqjwtroHWc/s6000/IMG_9277.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAav_hJ_aPvspxpIeJM1IVFcr_Bs1nC94O62Nln1622d2KsxBPIAKW0LpSqXLIoGT2pEhSKLSIotqNLhmpMJLkf9D3iumqz0oypIH7gpIZoDr35UWbi0hTgDCOZE3ZuBziB9TGQC1Wr7lHru1BVQHaII7lk-Z0xC2NIzF9QvJEQuUh5ScXbHqjwtroHWc/w426-h640/IMG_9277.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a pretty color. I would have bought this <i>Salvia x jamensis</i><br />‘Nachtvlinder’ if we were local.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiEiATAPKCVEH3m7_s-CsI084peMhAGpAYnxYuQCeoR8zevbg-8Uf2rmvpOC7s8PhqNfBXEEv_t6T21RvyzHHFATnRcMnzIcheRLIAhdHpHeg4VbEK8wtAAZp8nwyN2u0dz_k8Y02n3nddvqIlHcE23tMT4dCJYFJMkasQHz5S3rgTwnPcx0XNXi3MV4/s6000/IMG_9198.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiEiATAPKCVEH3m7_s-CsI084peMhAGpAYnxYuQCeoR8zevbg-8Uf2rmvpOC7s8PhqNfBXEEv_t6T21RvyzHHFATnRcMnzIcheRLIAhdHpHeg4VbEK8wtAAZp8nwyN2u0dz_k8Y02n3nddvqIlHcE23tMT4dCJYFJMkasQHz5S3rgTwnPcx0XNXi3MV4/w640-h426/IMG_9198.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">If I lived there, I would have purchased so many fabulous plants. I did enjoy window shopping.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84mvEidX9idSAhIovj4njBe8VooAVHDD6IwAWlmMjF_kXLUF9DxaToR3PyRiIqJbtLtylX74xWZCUrsgerEthQqMFvezk8C3HGDCHNJ43Yp8hpJ1PgmJZHPRffdYQxPgs2RTbPrfhCcuISA-LggrI1rJ4_gJGVmXE1ahzmlpCdAav5K78YImAncOjD9A/s6000/IMG_9284.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84mvEidX9idSAhIovj4njBe8VooAVHDD6IwAWlmMjF_kXLUF9DxaToR3PyRiIqJbtLtylX74xWZCUrsgerEthQqMFvezk8C3HGDCHNJ43Yp8hpJ1PgmJZHPRffdYQxPgs2RTbPrfhCcuISA-LggrI1rJ4_gJGVmXE1ahzmlpCdAav5K78YImAncOjD9A/w640-h426/IMG_9284.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Behind the nursery and cafe they were preparing for the Great Dixter Autumn Plant Fair which we missed by a few days. Each of these shelters was for a different nursery.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkuS-InDcl4TfINkFzspz2TE0bEZqi1ycd2NPTnhwXO8CNPXPDF8RCW3wuYnRQpUypSrEtcndkD_N1B6MVD9b5-EWVcSivNmUfMclaFHMJo4Y42LENEo_x2f_8t8yFeOoldB0GLaJBeQLaJ2mDxQKMFZq8PCXwMpZhCkqprfKg439FvkN7iWleo66pJs/s6000/IMG_9613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkuS-InDcl4TfINkFzspz2TE0bEZqi1ycd2NPTnhwXO8CNPXPDF8RCW3wuYnRQpUypSrEtcndkD_N1B6MVD9b5-EWVcSivNmUfMclaFHMJo4Y42LENEo_x2f_8t8yFeOoldB0GLaJBeQLaJ2mDxQKMFZq8PCXwMpZhCkqprfKg439FvkN7iWleo66pJs/w426-h640/IMG_9613.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">If only . . . what a gathering. We missed it by two days. Could you imagine? What fun we would have here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkCkdGm4OJkumesUVBk3SsgadBzLuYxRa61MP7XS15_N9jZBDDuHp7zdRjUAwb4jMQhIK7ayiaYPGsRPZ-8iljLUlMziSgReZUiyR_RvWhmh3QEMLKyPanXj8aEdVT5rkopdrxMYpxtMW0xWHDtwFfoDrrfg1fhS0UfYUg5EDohACiRl1I-1DB0s1ykU/s6000/IMG_9230.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkCkdGm4OJkumesUVBk3SsgadBzLuYxRa61MP7XS15_N9jZBDDuHp7zdRjUAwb4jMQhIK7ayiaYPGsRPZ-8iljLUlMziSgReZUiyR_RvWhmh3QEMLKyPanXj8aEdVT5rkopdrxMYpxtMW0xWHDtwFfoDrrfg1fhS0UfYUg5EDohACiRl1I-1DB0s1ykU/w640-h426/IMG_9230.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Picnic shelters with eco roofs next to the Loggia Cafe. We did have lunch here, it was delicious, a massive salad for me and a ploughman's lunch for FM. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SoviGBXdi719YDqu5-1zxSp72M-qD_0IKC2bEp7ObsHkAcybShyphenhyphenRE2Y7msHByvIoqhVMLHp76mqLLSJMWj1Eby3CWA1zVfWJYXrEtGf4Y1kKIEBCXsFqqFsQqF7WsnG2fwfnEldoXX4rPACZgQUDHpIHc7g8vaGA7CdKFMkDc89g1eBIAUNtcvMRlCg/s6000/IMG_9225.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SoviGBXdi719YDqu5-1zxSp72M-qD_0IKC2bEp7ObsHkAcybShyphenhyphenRE2Y7msHByvIoqhVMLHp76mqLLSJMWj1Eby3CWA1zVfWJYXrEtGf4Y1kKIEBCXsFqqFsQqF7WsnG2fwfnEldoXX4rPACZgQUDHpIHc7g8vaGA7CdKFMkDc89g1eBIAUNtcvMRlCg/w640-h426/IMG_9225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A sweet begonia bouquet in the cafe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE HOUSE</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniV0f0nP872aEWkvE7ezZJJ_o2OpNTT4_TSSmaDreVRBu0Eh83eILHDVUP2Wzl46dqkC01ksuyRSGzXbdEXB0F4adJFNHSJfLapGSqpi0BVSQdhawQAQs4m5QWuHuWWXTIHQLZJQqNgc5b2f14Pyf89_T9RbwxHk423nhs9_vWKlXl4FLwvzE-f6S_a0/s3264/20231004_110229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniV0f0nP872aEWkvE7ezZJJ_o2OpNTT4_TSSmaDreVRBu0Eh83eILHDVUP2Wzl46dqkC01ksuyRSGzXbdEXB0F4adJFNHSJfLapGSqpi0BVSQdhawQAQs4m5QWuHuWWXTIHQLZJQqNgc5b2f14Pyf89_T9RbwxHk423nhs9_vWKlXl4FLwvzE-f6S_a0/w640-h294/20231004_110229.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As covered in my <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/11/lets-go-great-dixter-part-i.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, the house began its life in the mid-15th century. The porch straight ahead and everything to the right is the original Dixter manor house while everything on the left is a addition by the architect Edwin Lutyens which was completed by 1912. In addition to the Lutyen's wing, an early 16th-century timber house from the nearby village of Beneden was dismantled and moved. That section of the house is on the back side and not seen in this photograph. It comprises the Yeoman's Hall as well as additional rooms. Lutyens unified the whole structure with sympathetic architecture appropriate for a medieval manor house and tied it all together with a great tiled roof.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKB7tbshob2PvAGA3qRh_PLCiTN5sixyOj2RISksIqqeHKAZnjkLHRq38iz_O0BQDHZ3HszCt7PZ2tg3pmXlmL1lXAf_qmHvtb5UjcxJc7E2hpGBibTxPM_WUjTSZfX1QkU22i4T4j1sv3pN4r_eNtp93_HbxYEgb77OC8q_GCLdaHiXpvJE5u4_z24E/s6000/IMG_9384.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKB7tbshob2PvAGA3qRh_PLCiTN5sixyOj2RISksIqqeHKAZnjkLHRq38iz_O0BQDHZ3HszCt7PZ2tg3pmXlmL1lXAf_qmHvtb5UjcxJc7E2hpGBibTxPM_WUjTSZfX1QkU22i4T4j1sv3pN4r_eNtp93_HbxYEgb77OC8q_GCLdaHiXpvJE5u4_z24E/w426-h640/IMG_9384.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the right end of the house is The Solar (above) and The Parlor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuwdRIIUkA75X32ehEsNbhYGZLiNs0A0vS-jKihm44n-gYo6BxZCHH4-HY4UkCTOSUpupZjV_FsP4J0YR6lAr_ohLQrbsAYxzmzUG3p4plRLLO9F63hwmhjTEfGrj8LvbZdaQrd-7p5ogT5FTxW8RckszLAF9eEW-bhgVyLMFDMBLY4xdczNN1_UMTyk/s6000/IMG_9386.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuwdRIIUkA75X32ehEsNbhYGZLiNs0A0vS-jKihm44n-gYo6BxZCHH4-HY4UkCTOSUpupZjV_FsP4J0YR6lAr_ohLQrbsAYxzmzUG3p4plRLLO9F63hwmhjTEfGrj8LvbZdaQrd-7p5ogT5FTxW8RckszLAF9eEW-bhgVyLMFDMBLY4xdczNN1_UMTyk/w640-h426/IMG_9386.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The left side or Lutyens wing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a-d7eJu_J2wffVwSWidsMOLmQocC0grCQpV2OspAjHwI253dhvsnLRP5boLQdsMbXCu6wg9W-fhg0EolzOY3NpDqFY7H_ICVBNZ4tjCzvhUdwU4QPgaEjA7YxaVOYR7-YAQn4w4iMKvHAR9d1Njo66yiPzwQF3BVDJqoGn-l8fpYPQ2-xjzQyCF7Emk/s6000/IMG_9726.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a-d7eJu_J2wffVwSWidsMOLmQocC0grCQpV2OspAjHwI253dhvsnLRP5boLQdsMbXCu6wg9W-fhg0EolzOY3NpDqFY7H_ICVBNZ4tjCzvhUdwU4QPgaEjA7YxaVOYR7-YAQn4w4iMKvHAR9d1Njo66yiPzwQF3BVDJqoGn-l8fpYPQ2-xjzQyCF7Emk/w640-h426/IMG_9726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One's admission to the garden includes access to the original manor house. Pictured is The Great Hall and its amazing fireplace and tapestry.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTfQrrdISDQ78fhm1VjidlVwkYeUVjQAcTEzNTd2RnZ-bUzklaxzH6e8SySxFKq1m3IS0Ig6nj8cfuqwabKQ6IazdxmrDurhLDRM8tx85mUhEaP1-dg0xQmJFlMVEMSgn85sPBKWliTy6msR0dc7xoIQNvkWSQwHUGIPKvMGIINC3US8nJX0xKrYzjmA/s6000/IMG_9693.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTfQrrdISDQ78fhm1VjidlVwkYeUVjQAcTEzNTd2RnZ-bUzklaxzH6e8SySxFKq1m3IS0Ig6nj8cfuqwabKQ6IazdxmrDurhLDRM8tx85mUhEaP1-dg0xQmJFlMVEMSgn85sPBKWliTy6msR0dc7xoIQNvkWSQwHUGIPKvMGIINC3US8nJX0xKrYzjmA/w426-h640/IMG_9693.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Great Hall once more, the entrance to the staircase that leads to the Solar on the upper floor can be seen in the corner.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSr28f158eclGn5-EpvVVFIswSrmDFr_AinOhOu5gb1Z2z98z56erDB2h01uW75lq8mzsgIx_JyMIWsRPdEjzaORlUyokEjmqiv-iFUtzK809kLBTaAi9YwaehQDg0pGslgPXaZRSF6ynkt17zZvTXivckm6pKtIH9xxP5pJZEPmy4XP6oQz3k6CjtTrY/s6000/IMG_9689.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSr28f158eclGn5-EpvVVFIswSrmDFr_AinOhOu5gb1Z2z98z56erDB2h01uW75lq8mzsgIx_JyMIWsRPdEjzaORlUyokEjmqiv-iFUtzK809kLBTaAi9YwaehQDg0pGslgPXaZRSF6ynkt17zZvTXivckm6pKtIH9xxP5pJZEPmy4XP6oQz3k6CjtTrY/w640-h426/IMG_9689.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Details</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8h_CGFhj5pwnyH8iKk7YbSzXZIbAljQSqpAKjzml0uuZwjqttV5n_GG1aNNiMDy5fPcE9kiyCW1-HLXWQIALeFRXc63c1bUHhxZ0xNyo1ECAGQes4VR2kwmpMagUcQ2J4KVd2C1WbpMOGRrD2T-KAfDNJzNrQueKD_FxMdTs8JAB0vD5-TorPi9sXks/s6000/IMG_9699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8h_CGFhj5pwnyH8iKk7YbSzXZIbAljQSqpAKjzml0uuZwjqttV5n_GG1aNNiMDy5fPcE9kiyCW1-HLXWQIALeFRXc63c1bUHhxZ0xNyo1ECAGQes4VR2kwmpMagUcQ2J4KVd2C1WbpMOGRrD2T-KAfDNJzNrQueKD_FxMdTs8JAB0vD5-TorPi9sXks/w640-h426/IMG_9699.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the Solar upstairs, a peek at the Topiary Lawn through the windows.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDsHCzjmiWRyC9n2IiWlbCPEMGFdBQ9RqqJQvNaldw4Fwa2XHYn2n4AwRdS5xPHSMJQdD-oqZLwQG8cVEolDN_E_0iuxXURdnfMP2hyphenhyphenSflF1PbNncZNz4HqVo3qn9VACskFtslIg0fqyuBpBnQ8P6fHbjNAlsd2ktssG6eeg4WewK5dNy0BAxK6yT3P4/s6000/IMG_9713.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDsHCzjmiWRyC9n2IiWlbCPEMGFdBQ9RqqJQvNaldw4Fwa2XHYn2n4AwRdS5xPHSMJQdD-oqZLwQG8cVEolDN_E_0iuxXURdnfMP2hyphenhyphenSflF1PbNncZNz4HqVo3qn9VACskFtslIg0fqyuBpBnQ8P6fHbjNAlsd2ktssG6eeg4WewK5dNy0BAxK6yT3P4/w640-h426/IMG_9713.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Upstairs in the Solar, facing north or the front of the home. Note the needlework embroidery chair, an example of Daisy's talent. She also taught all of her six children the craft of embroidery.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseFyRc3llCXnYSjLP3B0wu6XWtFjlrZ3q5nuynoH9qMZxbURTNcOuqlh_9pOPftUap9wEF79KrWf0g_d_W2GxUdl0ts1MfvUuG5lykKtJ8bzZUwZ5F322d2SoE9EyYu25p0Dz1X-TzWsj0U1WyoytdKvHgiKYd1xa1tcUgo-b4_jZSYaxNwla8U94GhA/s6000/IMG_9704.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseFyRc3llCXnYSjLP3B0wu6XWtFjlrZ3q5nuynoH9qMZxbURTNcOuqlh_9pOPftUap9wEF79KrWf0g_d_W2GxUdl0ts1MfvUuG5lykKtJ8bzZUwZ5F322d2SoE9EyYu25p0Dz1X-TzWsj0U1WyoytdKvHgiKYd1xa1tcUgo-b4_jZSYaxNwla8U94GhA/w640-h426/IMG_9704.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Detail with volumes of <i>Country Life</i>, bound in blue, on the bottom shelf.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKt1hFf3bx7523gJT9WzhYfPx8baUiMCEcJVRrS7wAwqIQn7-clS3abWnLfNq4swPcXgtTI1RD08_38JS1fnC6vGSKXjA-MTRN1ppZfomu8unETI7-cRnZVi4EdcUiM6iJGt-ZtKnEvrVdPYRguL2xknoDehvQDCBsQMn6BODQRbJun24YWysZ3mePKU0/s6000/IMG_9712.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKt1hFf3bx7523gJT9WzhYfPx8baUiMCEcJVRrS7wAwqIQn7-clS3abWnLfNq4swPcXgtTI1RD08_38JS1fnC6vGSKXjA-MTRN1ppZfomu8unETI7-cRnZVi4EdcUiM6iJGt-ZtKnEvrVdPYRguL2xknoDehvQDCBsQMn6BODQRbJun24YWysZ3mePKU0/w426-h640/IMG_9712.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Facing south, the door to the staircase in the corner of the room.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8MI8TCpS2XaBXpq8zvdhcc2ExKXKtM82fwGHSoWEDgtFWwBfaeYn1svRYreBsWRR19XoB3pH5RNf5s_2TyivU22rUuAjLssyh2LkuVAsHEX9Z3_IsuON5s0a0GW7rliwaUNPxq4OZ1Mgw7HFkSjPp5_pgq2pxs-WChL-JIeQYzk_oLt4HKpgGtfiNcQ/s6000/IMG_9734.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8MI8TCpS2XaBXpq8zvdhcc2ExKXKtM82fwGHSoWEDgtFWwBfaeYn1svRYreBsWRR19XoB3pH5RNf5s_2TyivU22rUuAjLssyh2LkuVAsHEX9Z3_IsuON5s0a0GW7rliwaUNPxq4OZ1Mgw7HFkSjPp5_pgq2pxs-WChL-JIeQYzk_oLt4HKpgGtfiNcQ/w640-h426/IMG_9734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Parlour on the ground level behind the Great Hall. Note the pillow on the chair.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglX39Ocj8Shl3_DVUn52cO2l5CuxRpZb59i0jzeJqk9onKWThNX2Yf9YB06NGgxdgthb1xjqZ_JcPicgTWKXympxwG1TQkX5QgySIM2FjrAzEfa-lv9lSh2EUw_hOCSTaiiiY7m4qmEcHd3pDY3Ckbi_adc41CbEbm7JePbbHMTW2yoHhCVKvxjbAC-nI/s6000/IMG_9729.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglX39Ocj8Shl3_DVUn52cO2l5CuxRpZb59i0jzeJqk9onKWThNX2Yf9YB06NGgxdgthb1xjqZ_JcPicgTWKXympxwG1TQkX5QgySIM2FjrAzEfa-lv9lSh2EUw_hOCSTaiiiY7m4qmEcHd3pDY3Ckbi_adc41CbEbm7JePbbHMTW2yoHhCVKvxjbAC-nI/w640-h426/IMG_9729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some embroidery work by Christopher. My sentiment exactly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf11_1n0Oej1yRblLrIJ31WYMmMPo9yhFWnn3sLb0yJnPqZtcJqwRmkAYIQegFbP_gx32bA2N8ZO6KVtKHjFCX1BdvzWLBkZEzitveXxRRchgtzdcSN3HKJ7fUyIOniRlCdB1kMRopiLIvnYV22uX0Yhoks1eUlOvc1hJJgFAhFNnFSkvpsR5VlT5vwHE/s6000/IMG_9736.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf11_1n0Oej1yRblLrIJ31WYMmMPo9yhFWnn3sLb0yJnPqZtcJqwRmkAYIQegFbP_gx32bA2N8ZO6KVtKHjFCX1BdvzWLBkZEzitveXxRRchgtzdcSN3HKJ7fUyIOniRlCdB1kMRopiLIvnYV22uX0Yhoks1eUlOvc1hJJgFAhFNnFSkvpsR5VlT5vwHE/w640-h426/IMG_9736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Early 18th-century English walnut bureau with mirrored doors, part of the antique furniture collection of the Lloyds.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLK0Y_cGT87bADdvg9X6RUO3a6QWWSaa0yzXRj-yvggj3KoHwOM7-VUpcMnJZ1nLC6dO5JgaG5ysYNxhiu_YDAnaNso6jrZEhNT6JkGbNbwX6J0Rl10ZU6vtUXaMsU4o8p8Ilal4Cs823LxhR9whZjYB6jR4Xrk6LFmhpAxVyNW2S6ZDsixmR6NL2s1o/s6000/IMG_9730.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLK0Y_cGT87bADdvg9X6RUO3a6QWWSaa0yzXRj-yvggj3KoHwOM7-VUpcMnJZ1nLC6dO5JgaG5ysYNxhiu_YDAnaNso6jrZEhNT6JkGbNbwX6J0Rl10ZU6vtUXaMsU4o8p8Ilal4Cs823LxhR9whZjYB6jR4Xrk6LFmhpAxVyNW2S6ZDsixmR6NL2s1o/w640-h426/IMG_9730.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A peek into the library of the Parlor.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIiN6DB7h-8BrPe5szhYK2BctGJd7GBRcBX-Oy4R34h2VtSRHog7JbRZb9PSFfWrr9ohGG3p8miIVa3UWmE8SfgkUz9MHiGgMRG308BiNpK6izH7_z89HzP5d31wAHuYuhGo4J3gw938axMMyqSVFt0FhTQL5TjAC4zSdxBOBxS1S-aPZswxnygaRG_g/s6000/IMG_9737.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIiN6DB7h-8BrPe5szhYK2BctGJd7GBRcBX-Oy4R34h2VtSRHog7JbRZb9PSFfWrr9ohGG3p8miIVa3UWmE8SfgkUz9MHiGgMRG308BiNpK6izH7_z89HzP5d31wAHuYuhGo4J3gw938axMMyqSVFt0FhTQL5TjAC4zSdxBOBxS1S-aPZswxnygaRG_g/w640-h426/IMG_9737.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of many dachshund images throughout the the home. Christopher had several in his lifetime, two of whom, Dahlia and Canna, were immortalized in a mosaic in the Wall Garden we looked at last time.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-vZcQ3nJmgMpepGaFzfR6lQQC2rnPAylaQd2_f5QFtUT9FYiGNtkcHyIR1qnGme7hz1lE4MyaRq0GwX9OI3Aue9YwbJu6H5OiN4ZyBblFUiertL5T3BvoTByFRWPbd1_MD1qB47X3gUGSabIiD-XZg3lXXuQkGguovn_lHf2-LIbEgkTTVATRRm736Q/s6000/IMG_9719.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-vZcQ3nJmgMpepGaFzfR6lQQC2rnPAylaQd2_f5QFtUT9FYiGNtkcHyIR1qnGme7hz1lE4MyaRq0GwX9OI3Aue9YwbJu6H5OiN4ZyBblFUiertL5T3BvoTByFRWPbd1_MD1qB47X3gUGSabIiD-XZg3lXXuQkGguovn_lHf2-LIbEgkTTVATRRm736Q/w640-h426/IMG_9719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Christopher and Fergus. There were many warm touches of artwork and familiar, personal items from Christopher's lifetime (and indeed his family's) throughout that made it a home rather than a museum.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are vast numbers of rooms not pictured here for they are not open to the public, generally speaking. We were honored when Ashley, the Facilities Manager for Great Dixter offered to show us a few more rooms including the kitchen, pantry, a couple bedrooms and a maze of staircases. It was a thrill, thank you again, Ashley! We honored the request to not take photographs, I will just have to use my memory. Let me just say the home's interior feels harmonious and well-loved.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVaOSfbEgXgYcPd5dxjImt_Ryrmk3F_qSZKQceKfJ4JYngKFFc8nclz7BCImh2RE-JtIfUbllqVZPkUISjtVVqJYdLFKO0JhjdB14AQhAs-xUnr6VyBTSt3ZiX8_29HbhpLJB4st6V1603szdgDOGx5bewIiuJFutrpmeRd6PUHmRpaJ6tvCWv3uBdJQ/s6000/IMG_9747.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVaOSfbEgXgYcPd5dxjImt_Ryrmk3F_qSZKQceKfJ4JYngKFFc8nclz7BCImh2RE-JtIfUbllqVZPkUISjtVVqJYdLFKO0JhjdB14AQhAs-xUnr6VyBTSt3ZiX8_29HbhpLJB4st6V1603szdgDOGx5bewIiuJFutrpmeRd6PUHmRpaJ6tvCWv3uBdJQ/w640-h426/IMG_9747.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Under the porch near the front door, a tray of tender plants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGgsFXNlShg2HiebXsTu4e54se6PAaJ-fB7ecpC0nr9wk6goeORtT7xoBerxFzqMuBLcBVcTSnJDLTglmfc3sSHkp59mZpsn_GcbNOE-e_J0wny-o_tstaaYf2UVsDh8pc4b8CKWsb4j21HWat22Mq5dA7FU_78GeCqNlg0BYMeb4sYNZ-FEXt-V9XGc/s6000/IMG_9027.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGgsFXNlShg2HiebXsTu4e54se6PAaJ-fB7ecpC0nr9wk6goeORtT7xoBerxFzqMuBLcBVcTSnJDLTglmfc3sSHkp59mZpsn_GcbNOE-e_J0wny-o_tstaaYf2UVsDh8pc4b8CKWsb4j21HWat22Mq5dA7FU_78GeCqNlg0BYMeb4sYNZ-FEXt-V9XGc/w640-h426/IMG_9027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful windows bring to mind fairy tales.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7UK1pX_xuec30Te1Jim86gM17RdWalTcR_7PMRjOaJLATaQRNOktTNdBwxdzj9K7l6hY5rDPextque8RmKhwbCSE6OEJHFky9WYtC8O6SKo4SpXD6bDrZ482om6ofJc9kSCV7mmDfKLRCLn_ABtMl9t4QbkJ_HWLmZ1JJ2BUEkmYn3h3ulHEWm3Okgc/s6000/IMG_9776.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7UK1pX_xuec30Te1Jim86gM17RdWalTcR_7PMRjOaJLATaQRNOktTNdBwxdzj9K7l6hY5rDPextque8RmKhwbCSE6OEJHFky9WYtC8O6SKo4SpXD6bDrZ482om6ofJc9kSCV7mmDfKLRCLn_ABtMl9t4QbkJ_HWLmZ1JJ2BUEkmYn3h3ulHEWm3Okgc/w640-h426/IMG_9776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finishing off our visit with areas of the garden we haven't covered yet. Leaving the Barn Garden, heading to the front of the home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4GdWZGRHCkPDVQqLa_ljsCNHBNX4vcno1Q0Hkz2SrtgtsxYfo64fq8binbOWPbYfvHr90S8Y3XSUnq6xC4evs2vH_M8kQhZF0JhaSwVyeZwkrLS1w5qZCnJeGKOtCINuJIchK3Rp8v_C8_glJ-7PPoY9cgKPsfeNTUMz05Lr-ZnSYc2kzD0h08mvIZc/s6000/IMG_9787.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4GdWZGRHCkPDVQqLa_ljsCNHBNX4vcno1Q0Hkz2SrtgtsxYfo64fq8binbOWPbYfvHr90S8Y3XSUnq6xC4evs2vH_M8kQhZF0JhaSwVyeZwkrLS1w5qZCnJeGKOtCINuJIchK3Rp8v_C8_glJ-7PPoY9cgKPsfeNTUMz05Lr-ZnSYc2kzD0h08mvIZc/w426-h640/IMG_9787.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the back of the brick wall looking west towards the oast house, Japanese anemones bloom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-OndAk0qluuftfVGMRZa3U3cPcQ8JmO2L15o3VyAYF1PIIDT8B76sZX5a_zojKwBwb7zqR0aJDr7sthG_LBWiVgSIeOj5NleBAwjUQkwTrk5v52kG93h8yfylW9FVzvio6uU0zcCtJYKuvlL1Ze7GS7XZ8h6Jrz655Bwlu2ttIk7CkTI26VUDNlzB7U/s6000/IMG_9781.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-OndAk0qluuftfVGMRZa3U3cPcQ8JmO2L15o3VyAYF1PIIDT8B76sZX5a_zojKwBwb7zqR0aJDr7sthG_LBWiVgSIeOj5NleBAwjUQkwTrk5v52kG93h8yfylW9FVzvio6uU0zcCtJYKuvlL1Ze7GS7XZ8h6Jrz655Bwlu2ttIk7CkTI26VUDNlzB7U/w426-h640/IMG_9781.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oast house in the background.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowqqvf6ThUKsEUM4PDjkvN1jyqGWoSD78hrLdBTAfSfTk_M91Ejd4C4AY4HnW3ufk0gBXTtx1xaSUwBWnnlS43KghoG86NLiovGOsGctcFMZXKvdYCFJxO-IVFLiZpyccw2V-w2AY9si7IypgyXyBESqBW6pUV8D7UH_FROEoqg9G61MD3Gi-bRJw3CE/s6000/IMG_9582.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowqqvf6ThUKsEUM4PDjkvN1jyqGWoSD78hrLdBTAfSfTk_M91Ejd4C4AY4HnW3ufk0gBXTtx1xaSUwBWnnlS43KghoG86NLiovGOsGctcFMZXKvdYCFJxO-IVFLiZpyccw2V-w2AY9si7IypgyXyBESqBW6pUV8D7UH_FROEoqg9G61MD3Gi-bRJw3CE/w640-h426/IMG_9582.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Towards the front of the house are the High Garden, the Peacock Topiary Garden and the Orchard Garden; the Orchard Garden is used for nursery stock. Dried astilbe flowers pictured here are interesting and add texture.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKlI-VbJwNmD98mLs1ym4Y0HRhRmZE2A9utCU9Zz-8-RHtImOBiGEdHuRlTKstcFdy91TwJCnzEC0I4BOil-TAdqjV72kVyIHpv6wlWPpHds7HhDOYXmb5lsEgIZSAWKMBeJln5JWSTXUE02yvGIwctY0OalSIG9b8wGq2O8tXUK0sVd3z-Js8eCXggQ/s6000/IMG_9585.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKlI-VbJwNmD98mLs1ym4Y0HRhRmZE2A9utCU9Zz-8-RHtImOBiGEdHuRlTKstcFdy91TwJCnzEC0I4BOil-TAdqjV72kVyIHpv6wlWPpHds7HhDOYXmb5lsEgIZSAWKMBeJln5JWSTXUE02yvGIwctY0OalSIG9b8wGq2O8tXUK0sVd3z-Js8eCXggQ/w426-h640/IMG_9585.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Warm reds of rose hips echo tones of the roof behind.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdJGOVAym8C4RHbF53kdqooLY74d1Sgnv8julYtgWo_4U0eGsfe2ER_7Lg9Xn5aYqkDEpkm6G0WNunurlXJLWZV79t7aHCcnYTCqb8ErxO2S6XWM3lZ8NEzue3YiEC-JihFzfbsmpqbOPO4ekETikDC6m8H3MDF65zqeKlDk2CScXrz8vZhqSvRt9q8o/s6000/IMG_9557.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdJGOVAym8C4RHbF53kdqooLY74d1Sgnv8julYtgWo_4U0eGsfe2ER_7Lg9Xn5aYqkDEpkm6G0WNunurlXJLWZV79t7aHCcnYTCqb8ErxO2S6XWM3lZ8NEzue3YiEC-JihFzfbsmpqbOPO4ekETikDC6m8H3MDF65zqeKlDk2CScXrz8vZhqSvRt9q8o/w640-h426/IMG_9557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The borders here as with the Barn Garden are planted densely right up to the edge of the path. Amaranth, asters, persicaria and salvia extend the garden season right through autumn.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDN3p2dKWu9tUvuQ3V_zPmXxzzGZlWKDgfbH0RKUd1vk-9aXcP8X1M1XZp_ihnTnN_1bbOWP8fq8P-T0qWsJiL0moj37fpxrU6jezYrMp4T0NqiIYA9vUR5c9L63ToIvD3QWuj0upFq5fxfbluW8LuW2sKdX2b3ICul1yNeM5EkExXm1Cczu1hkGKfgh0/s6000/IMG_9527.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDN3p2dKWu9tUvuQ3V_zPmXxzzGZlWKDgfbH0RKUd1vk-9aXcP8X1M1XZp_ihnTnN_1bbOWP8fq8P-T0qWsJiL0moj37fpxrU6jezYrMp4T0NqiIYA9vUR5c9L63ToIvD3QWuj0upFq5fxfbluW8LuW2sKdX2b3ICul1yNeM5EkExXm1Cczu1hkGKfgh0/w426-h640/IMG_9527.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved this, I believe it is <i>Hebe cupressoides</i>, a plant I grow and love. Its pruning is something I wouldn't have thought of; however, it works. I wonder how old this particular specimen is?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NFAd-Z8fnsRosJihpCod28tya46o4WudvbNMLNIjrFwjGe-0SjcdBZnzmOXPwno925T25E-2Cg3VKBnPE_225-zoRUue7F7Dx2ks5N-NnjKHN3gbuEcwz4fc1OEUD7JFRVM2QMxGiL7mMrxAafrK6Q-wWiE5s7ORAjpQM_4uIsMoOg74koAk4O9n7MI/s6000/IMG_9419.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NFAd-Z8fnsRosJihpCod28tya46o4WudvbNMLNIjrFwjGe-0SjcdBZnzmOXPwno925T25E-2Cg3VKBnPE_225-zoRUue7F7Dx2ks5N-NnjKHN3gbuEcwz4fc1OEUD7JFRVM2QMxGiL7mMrxAafrK6Q-wWiE5s7ORAjpQM_4uIsMoOg74koAk4O9n7MI/w640-h426/IMG_9419.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Tagetes</i> 'Cinnabar', a Great Dixter strain of marigolds, are sprinkled throughout. Not a huge marigold enthusiast (I like them but never considered adding them to my garden), I fell in love with these as they are especially tall, wiry and have the richest dark orange color with golden petal margins. I just ordered a few seed packets to try these in my own garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MfV_Ft6voFIzZawiN8DmCPwLkFoWIZ3jD5oOyNrn8EsJEXMGttQreP4aUi28tyuWDGjhzlSEKcFX2G6WJQK2mHnekKKU7XEl_jAgfVf7cF1MSXCTtGrbjTvcu03qx37xZicqeBZoJS0M1PcwnAoB0Jk58ia4DKnOAF254S-8Hzi23p7IJHGm65i1AoQ/s6000/IMG_9524.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MfV_Ft6voFIzZawiN8DmCPwLkFoWIZ3jD5oOyNrn8EsJEXMGttQreP4aUi28tyuWDGjhzlSEKcFX2G6WJQK2mHnekKKU7XEl_jAgfVf7cF1MSXCTtGrbjTvcu03qx37xZicqeBZoJS0M1PcwnAoB0Jk58ia4DKnOAF254S-8Hzi23p7IJHGm65i1AoQ/w640-h426/IMG_9524.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grasses, evergreen plants, annuals and perennials against a rustic wooden structure.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6dr1dJXS_l6YH86u3YXFGVQLwg_gEG-wsG2EEzPMJ72tsA5mZO8VjrDyBihHtSRAQ6xoZdzBMtJnA_dPySk7lb0j9U47Kr6I9c7cueucsrwja_FZyG8D8_ZWkFhZUjUz1jGChdX2x3pn0p-zziTdz4lBX2A39S8sovgvEKNdMgM_mrMtxMYzNM54y88/s6000/IMG_9510.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6dr1dJXS_l6YH86u3YXFGVQLwg_gEG-wsG2EEzPMJ72tsA5mZO8VjrDyBihHtSRAQ6xoZdzBMtJnA_dPySk7lb0j9U47Kr6I9c7cueucsrwja_FZyG8D8_ZWkFhZUjUz1jGChdX2x3pn0p-zziTdz4lBX2A39S8sovgvEKNdMgM_mrMtxMYzNM54y88/w640-h426/IMG_9510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The swale below is known as the Cat Garden. The autumn colors of what looks to be <i>Parthenocissus quinquefolia</i> drip down the bricks.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0gxAF4N84nb2wTl47kPrRBD41blfAdIkmalzarU_VZbpAIh4lVDyy7_EkyWMubyyMeN5ewDBnzOkeEiOOPI_xcIhX21X9MZyZyD6FsHyOCk4xEehu75HXtZYabY2bEKCiVAyI2rWHqEx-UXjypItfb1RxjhGpShrPVq_fCyCytzSv8JrgNKhQYXiz9w/s6000/IMG_9490.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0gxAF4N84nb2wTl47kPrRBD41blfAdIkmalzarU_VZbpAIh4lVDyy7_EkyWMubyyMeN5ewDBnzOkeEiOOPI_xcIhX21X9MZyZyD6FsHyOCk4xEehu75HXtZYabY2bEKCiVAyI2rWHqEx-UXjypItfb1RxjhGpShrPVq_fCyCytzSv8JrgNKhQYXiz9w/w640-h426/IMG_9490.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the Peacock Topiary Garden looking towards the edge of the house.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv2r0EtDZm7fuOYgUcSZoWhGU0jtfucfSZHP0amxZrI-1p-Taw6K8lMKkeTv_nEb7-Ws1kYIdljHrFAU6cbt11AuU82-p2eNyk6sUaB-CNbLIPdYSgM0CVYetmv-P7UWUEyGijGomqEO1xpstCQ64cPvLijWK5FunjOHAu27B3cYU6WpsgRhsbbmOPr0/s6000/IMG_9505.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv2r0EtDZm7fuOYgUcSZoWhGU0jtfucfSZHP0amxZrI-1p-Taw6K8lMKkeTv_nEb7-Ws1kYIdljHrFAU6cbt11AuU82-p2eNyk6sUaB-CNbLIPdYSgM0CVYetmv-P7UWUEyGijGomqEO1xpstCQ64cPvLijWK5FunjOHAu27B3cYU6WpsgRhsbbmOPr0/w640-h426/IMG_9505.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A field of <i>Symphyotrichum lateriflorum</i> var. <i>horizontalis. </i>Fergus in the background.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCns1uORsF3uyHd_DzV6z7FUAGnZmZoiuccLS_8U1Vs1bFDr7Q9_E4rO60f5O_YejvXZZkZJuIGnkczkJUe-W8xR97bAzwaLskQWt7BTUjwGmS7tGQYoiPCyIswkYFKS1s4D6ml4GKbf_lilF8TGsfqoh644pCRyeoaw13eRcaqOSsNRw26ukkD4v5m3s/s6000/IMG_9503.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCns1uORsF3uyHd_DzV6z7FUAGnZmZoiuccLS_8U1Vs1bFDr7Q9_E4rO60f5O_YejvXZZkZJuIGnkczkJUe-W8xR97bAzwaLskQWt7BTUjwGmS7tGQYoiPCyIswkYFKS1s4D6ml4GKbf_lilF8TGsfqoh644pCRyeoaw13eRcaqOSsNRw26ukkD4v5m3s/w640-h426/IMG_9503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peacock topiary fronted by a <i>Yucca gloriosa</i> 'Variegata'.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnFKCrgdgdsnhNEd87uxyZ2g_LRi4IiKCOtv2XaF4ZT47gkEawREbpsK863v4novy4tQIivl2ZKwhyBX4D9_uSGHMIGbfIyFl5bljfvknkTjv_1II8H7fEQHLn4QYmnpJNs6yBv4bU99X4Gq9zF83JdsjsSw0FVJ6vL76pNZmVWvwDtGA4yCE91ZeNFQ/s6000/IMG_9518.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnFKCrgdgdsnhNEd87uxyZ2g_LRi4IiKCOtv2XaF4ZT47gkEawREbpsK863v4novy4tQIivl2ZKwhyBX4D9_uSGHMIGbfIyFl5bljfvknkTjv_1II8H7fEQHLn4QYmnpJNs6yBv4bU99X4Gq9zF83JdsjsSw0FVJ6vL76pNZmVWvwDtGA4yCE91ZeNFQ/w426-h640/IMG_9518.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Many clipped hedges all around the gardens.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoUUwNgSE3gzB4yiBtLI7vylP-02A5bg339yc-nifOozjBgc_cQEQAIShLCkyWYhmAUXmnEurOPrIAYrodK_Ly_BHJwgo4rfjcvVFDjLDfxldh9bc_gJKJu8rgm34jt3raWRmP5SGcs5aO9N4L66bjVBdQFF8xEaAwwcChxxUGvyIrJ9qG4ZphUOviLY/s6000/IMG_9474.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoUUwNgSE3gzB4yiBtLI7vylP-02A5bg339yc-nifOozjBgc_cQEQAIShLCkyWYhmAUXmnEurOPrIAYrodK_Ly_BHJwgo4rfjcvVFDjLDfxldh9bc_gJKJu8rgm34jt3raWRmP5SGcs5aO9N4L66bjVBdQFF8xEaAwwcChxxUGvyIrJ9qG4ZphUOviLY/w640-h426/IMG_9474.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A couple peacock topiaries having a conversation.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtS3rmWSyH1k_JSVN5Ru8NmCz-c5DCjR15OpUR0_OrVHBWxFYLBKiKGg7lefGdASnmn-3D6LBpeuPGC7RoxlP132qs0qBIuAmUCg8d1UU86zCdNvOWOSVTgc1syM6f9XNt7WBJyIr-Bsgnal6KeggBB4IsbUur3um5LBrpL_SQywhDOhYgkqLmxIXp8Q/s6000/IMG_9493.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtS3rmWSyH1k_JSVN5Ru8NmCz-c5DCjR15OpUR0_OrVHBWxFYLBKiKGg7lefGdASnmn-3D6LBpeuPGC7RoxlP132qs0qBIuAmUCg8d1UU86zCdNvOWOSVTgc1syM6f9XNt7WBJyIr-Bsgnal6KeggBB4IsbUur3um5LBrpL_SQywhDOhYgkqLmxIXp8Q/w640-h426/IMG_9493.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ferula communis,</i> giant fennel, stems and seeds standing tall above the borders.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQTOBR-zMWeO6vVb3Q9CHVbwyEprEWyChbL71h4I7a3cOIjOVpRd1mDYqzm78y_8FS3ahLhwW85rTECqURqsLiSQ7vbFLwE474zOuwSF9YnRgCWkgPNBeR1j2nLzrtGTq8zlaC-Zvi-fHFxteMpsAfjgJdNusUgx7rQ-cA9jKZw0PiFBO0OhX4Ft-HcM/s6000/IMG_9499.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQTOBR-zMWeO6vVb3Q9CHVbwyEprEWyChbL71h4I7a3cOIjOVpRd1mDYqzm78y_8FS3ahLhwW85rTECqURqsLiSQ7vbFLwE474zOuwSF9YnRgCWkgPNBeR1j2nLzrtGTq8zlaC-Zvi-fHFxteMpsAfjgJdNusUgx7rQ-cA9jKZw0PiFBO0OhX4Ft-HcM/w640-h426/IMG_9499.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rustic, historic details. What I would do to have a gate such as this.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6TaIgAdjLOo8DWQSIDjx4kOzJyxxDha1rGHYFr9_FZS2Pfxw9GoGzlWQg3ctawZ81k6g597wF9IWM1J5eW8Tw-fxRsTDc9FjQedrIO21ulJBocwLbTguS_1x28fAoTHZGNXnYNXdQM7UQUl31XcdZGjGEQTi55b6leMPY39yYZkMhebQVUkftwP-wYg/s6000/IMG_9123.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6TaIgAdjLOo8DWQSIDjx4kOzJyxxDha1rGHYFr9_FZS2Pfxw9GoGzlWQg3ctawZ81k6g597wF9IWM1J5eW8Tw-fxRsTDc9FjQedrIO21ulJBocwLbTguS_1x28fAoTHZGNXnYNXdQM7UQUl31XcdZGjGEQTi55b6leMPY39yYZkMhebQVUkftwP-wYg/w640-h426/IMG_9123.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A chair at the end of the Long Border where Christopher often sat.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YkxRyT84wLnrpAVPdGLsJhq12DQg2M8uem8y_m5SPW0BZvHxS9YR6IpgL4fsTwgkyBx4rqgdbSUYNr43TOeA3RYg8vJGmt2FFGxCt8AetA59VCXaNUo3sEzfKHcxkOYAgpMmADk8AWyDQOMLsX5qwx2NLHjinppqLBoRuQoiOND1HCpTP9vDYgvRYcM/s6000/IMG_9383.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YkxRyT84wLnrpAVPdGLsJhq12DQg2M8uem8y_m5SPW0BZvHxS9YR6IpgL4fsTwgkyBx4rqgdbSUYNr43TOeA3RYg8vJGmt2FFGxCt8AetA59VCXaNUo3sEzfKHcxkOYAgpMmADk8AWyDQOMLsX5qwx2NLHjinppqLBoRuQoiOND1HCpTP9vDYgvRYcM/w426-h640/IMG_9383.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The pathway from the gate up to the front door, crocus in the meadow and a wheelbarrow at the ready for one of the many talented gardeners to do their work for the day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIho-Tu0VeScTRBDruQouMgPpMV4DpNjJUClteV8u5VTG-uvl9p0u7TdKcey1ARpPpegVU1RoNcNjJJ36oMGUF9JEOzwF-JNEX9jqfHPlUFozrFDz0JRCFH0hQyG5MbDsNpSzPXnTn-7GvmXtxDTM-H6ExEr38eT-j8mJxSv3Jp3NkI07Zc3mc2yeCIg/s4032/20231004_101053.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIho-Tu0VeScTRBDruQouMgPpMV4DpNjJUClteV8u5VTG-uvl9p0u7TdKcey1ARpPpegVU1RoNcNjJJ36oMGUF9JEOzwF-JNEX9jqfHPlUFozrFDz0JRCFH0hQyG5MbDsNpSzPXnTn-7GvmXtxDTM-H6ExEr38eT-j8mJxSv3Jp3NkI07Zc3mc2yeCIg/w640-h296/20231004_101053.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A parting photograph of the Long Border in full autumn glory. On reflection, here are some take aways I learned from Great Dixter: Every bit of garden counts. Make the most of what you have. I want to create more biodiversity in my own two-acre parcel of land including learning more about succession planting. It's ok to pick and choose what you love from any garden, there are no rules. Embrace change. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I just don't want to leave. It has brought me much joy to revisit these images from Great Dixter, they float in my memory and take me from border to border in my own garden, telling some kind of story, a fairy tale of some kind constructed in childhood and forgotten until now. If only I had a year to spend at Great Dixter! I want to learn so much more about it, I feel connected to it in some uncanny way. A lot of the magic indeed comes from the home, especially for a Yankee who has no equivalent in her country. But it's the combination of the home, the gardens, the innovation and constant change (held in check by the permanent plantings and hedges), the wildlife, Fergus and the people under his generous guidance that make the whole. It is, in a word, heart.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you to everyone at Great Dixter for making the last day of our U.K. trip so warm and memorable. I'll say it again, it's the people that make a place. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this time at Chickadee Gardens. As always, thank you so much for reading and commenting, we do love hearing from you all! Happy gardening.</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-49340331094514984032023-11-16T07:00:00.121-08:002023-11-27T21:02:52.455-08:00Let's Go: Great Dixter Part I<div style="text-align: center;">I saved the best for last, a garden with a huge heart, Great Dixter. On paper this is a six-acre garden in Northiam, East Sussex surrounding a historic home. In person? It is pure alchemy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">From the <a href="https://www.greatdixter.co.uk/" target="_blank">Great Dixter House & Gardens website</a>: <i>Great Dixter was the home of gardener and writer Christopher Lloyd (1921 - 2006), who developed it into a hub of ideas and connections that spread out across the world. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Christopher Lloyd was a generous man with a talent for gardening, teaching and writing. Born at <a href="https://www.greatdixter.co.uk/" target="_blank">Great Dixter</a>, he was initiated into the world of gardening from a very young age by his mother Daisy, an incredible plantswoman. He gardened and lived at Great Dixter for the majority of his life and used it as a primary source for his writing. He was and is one of the most influential and well-known gardeners of the last century, having freed and encouraged so many of us to garden in a style for ourselves, not necessarily to please others. In 1993, he hired Fergus Garrett as his head gardener and they collaborated together as friends and fellow gardeners until Christopher's death.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Great Dixter and its charitable trust is now in the incredibly capable hands of Fergus Garrett and his team of inspired gardeners from around the world. For more than thirty years Fergus has been at the core of what makes Great Dixter shine as a garden of not only great beauty, but of experimentation, boldness, originality, biodiversity, generosity, education and exploration. He continues on in Christopher's wonderful spirit, that of friend and collaborator. It is a garden that changes more in one year than most do in twenty, and it is not afraid to make mistakes or share its successes. It changes fast and often, so my snapshot of this early October day at Great Dixter is a fleeting one, one I cherish nonetheless.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBSbaHbruooOTE57NgYaP9WYEzMiy0zQ1u5lYhrFEEFIkIGKW5WE-2bW_K30cseieVi6al8DQMdMCG-q2gmAf9wHg07Hm3UeEV_ifj34AxxynA1ZbxKqPu67ch7RFiwepByMFLbGn-hXfa_l7SiW3g7FHW352IwVVVm6PE8UEUPVc0-pwg4hjOPDfvWE/s6000/IMG_9145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBSbaHbruooOTE57NgYaP9WYEzMiy0zQ1u5lYhrFEEFIkIGKW5WE-2bW_K30cseieVi6al8DQMdMCG-q2gmAf9wHg07Hm3UeEV_ifj34AxxynA1ZbxKqPu67ch7RFiwepByMFLbGn-hXfa_l7SiW3g7FHW352IwVVVm6PE8UEUPVc0-pwg4hjOPDfvWE/w640-h426/IMG_9145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An iconic image, The Long Border, one of the most photographed of its kind in the UK. It graced the cover of <a href="https://www.gardensillustrated.com/gardens/country/great-dixter-volunteering" target="_blank">Gardens Illustrated</a> in its September 2023 issue (and indeed countless other publications over the years). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsllPT-DAoYqbQqxSLxS3AzXEBQFOfs9IYKUTISN-7LNzZPYIPsauD2nKinbFB9kqZ94sgWPLng9fLWXbq90sRPIYXXUGNyN9t5OAwd8kg6fPoEjvFwysfzskhco1PIAeoR4LLt708-VICyNLp7u0Zw1S8XdtEb_2xOLlaj1EX1GHBDlSXdy6u-94DQt8/s6000/IMG_9390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsllPT-DAoYqbQqxSLxS3AzXEBQFOfs9IYKUTISN-7LNzZPYIPsauD2nKinbFB9kqZ94sgWPLng9fLWXbq90sRPIYXXUGNyN9t5OAwd8kg6fPoEjvFwysfzskhco1PIAeoR4LLt708-VICyNLp7u0Zw1S8XdtEb_2xOLlaj1EX1GHBDlSXdy6u-94DQt8/w640-h426/IMG_9390.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The original 15th-century home was purchased by Christopher Lloyd's parents Nathaniel and Daisy Lloyd in 1910. The original home consists of the porch and everything towards the right. The home (which will be covered in the <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/11/lets-go-great-dixter-part-ii.html" target="_blank">next post</a>) is made up of three distinct homes from three different eras that were seamlessly combined by the architect Edwin Lutyens. They are the original, yes, and an early 16th-century timber house from the village of Beneden nine miles away that was dismantled and moved piece by piece, and lastly the 20th-century Lutyens wing that combined the three with a unifying tiled roof. The plantings were established by Daisy Lloyd who was very close to her youngest of six children, Christopher. They collaborated closely in the garden up until her death in 1972. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The house comprises the heart of Great Dixter; from there it radiates outwards into exciting plant combinations all reigned in by Lutyens' original garden bones of which Christopher was most grateful to work with, as he admitted to not having talent for such things. But his talents lie elsewhere, which we shall see. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsqai7PQmb7u3cRsX1NlJdRs4EMzb_MXGpephd-yFkgTnDXRbhE8LpA-61qjDImYqjmFE-0LcpezzBKNiDg2iANTaBuclYXo9GtW-MH7s4bTV8Ldu2pHqi2COSucF3VxggmD93tGs7WbSrrhxWAB-C7rIRNL0MBZXMBiN5xumgT7pdM62aC6Kwq7OtSs/s6000/IMG_8999.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsqai7PQmb7u3cRsX1NlJdRs4EMzb_MXGpephd-yFkgTnDXRbhE8LpA-61qjDImYqjmFE-0LcpezzBKNiDg2iANTaBuclYXo9GtW-MH7s4bTV8Ldu2pHqi2COSucF3VxggmD93tGs7WbSrrhxWAB-C7rIRNL0MBZXMBiN5xumgT7pdM62aC6Kwq7OtSs/w640-h426/IMG_8999.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Great Dixter is a garden known for its bold use of color. However, it is so much more. If you have ever read any of Christopher Lloyd's 25 books or his 42 years of weekly columns in <i>Country Life</i> magazine (he never missed an issue and kept writing up until October 2005), you can appreciate his contribution to horticulture and gardening as well as his sense of humor and definite opinions on gardening. He loved experimentation, bold combinations as well as subtle nuance and changing seasons. He appreciated, as well as his mother and first garden teacher, Daisy, wildflowers, meadows and wild places in the garden well before their importance to biodiversity surfaced to the forefront of current garden practices. He was also a generous gardener, sharing his home and garden with the public and indeed friends, of whom he had many. He started a small nursery to help supplement the household; it is still going strong today.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pictured is the hovel or old cow shed fronted by a bed of marigold, amaranth, <i>Plectranthus argentatus</i> and canna. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_Ae7W7rzyGg5iORx0YaOTcHbAGn4JRtIH5gqPmO6OBSRub1qFDujWU6kGCzdPyLyZ1f1SPE9wUx49VcPSRXPh39WPlcQi8txYJUcnO9JmSQlK2eRpi0jajePyydnOXxftQ-Pn6zSeeUf-d1HSrd5j7ZSfe63qcZm2KzEFHoFHTYNth-jKxzvR_0l8Aw/s6000/IMG_8971.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_Ae7W7rzyGg5iORx0YaOTcHbAGn4JRtIH5gqPmO6OBSRub1qFDujWU6kGCzdPyLyZ1f1SPE9wUx49VcPSRXPh39WPlcQi8txYJUcnO9JmSQlK2eRpi0jajePyydnOXxftQ-Pn6zSeeUf-d1HSrd5j7ZSfe63qcZm2KzEFHoFHTYNth-jKxzvR_0l8Aw/w640-h426/IMG_8971.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the Topiary Lawn with the back side of the home in the distance with the 16th-century timber house on the right. The topiaries were created by Christopher's father Nathaniel who was so enthusiastic about topiary that he wrote a book on the subject. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the first photo I took upon arrival at 9 am. We were able to arrive early in the day before they opened to the public due to the generosity of friends. It seems that many of my garden friends here including Maurice, my friend and former boss at Joy Creek Nursery, Sean Hogan who is my current boss at Cistus Nursery, a friend Julie Weiss who is very involved with Great Dixter, all know and love Fergus. In fact, I think if you polled people in the Pacific Northwest, you would find a large Fergus fan club or FOF, "Friends of Fergus." He has been most generous with his time and contributions and speaking events for several horticulture organizations here in the Northwest. I was excited and honored to have met him, even for a brief moment (the man is busy!). In any event, my friend Julie let everyone know we would be two dazed Americans wandering around the gardens before they opened to the public. Lucky us!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Fergus introduced us to a gardener who had recently come on board with Great Dixter, Naciim Benkreira, a Ruth Borun Scholar from Washington, D.C. He is especially interested in regenerative food production and I really enjoyed chatting with him. He shared with me that the meadow in the Topiary Lawn that is rich in biodiversity and layers of plantings had recently been cut and the dried grasses and seeds spread about.</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WRzQKECZ-hU3pL23T5bvbcMWvbpCfJXJl_40_6vGQOlU4oPNH5W21xE03wy9nXKsjNKnEcND4lestDaS3e-wrBAd3vIO_tquSbHhBmnpaHYKwQ0v1_XcuDKX_F9taLMPqTdfrNTuAPtUxEpze-QlWG7iSckN5ytp1dwmVZJuNSwCSMRQRsV7DS0niyQ/s6000/IMG_9659.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WRzQKECZ-hU3pL23T5bvbcMWvbpCfJXJl_40_6vGQOlU4oPNH5W21xE03wy9nXKsjNKnEcND4lestDaS3e-wrBAd3vIO_tquSbHhBmnpaHYKwQ0v1_XcuDKX_F9taLMPqTdfrNTuAPtUxEpze-QlWG7iSckN5ytp1dwmVZJuNSwCSMRQRsV7DS0niyQ/w640-h426/IMG_9659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Topiary Lawn a little later in the day when the sun was out. You can just make out the dried grasses and wildflowers spread across the lawn.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7D6Ycmy6p-rF38Oi43FcsK_6k_Ib5ZeAzw0TUt17PoL9kUNURjBlwao5I88Q57qz8z64Hz3oqSaDZbtEgCs3pzNpTIV_02UWMGHVgIA7Z2GFtioissQ1ZChjgPma34BhH958e3pekcXBlF6g29i8qvVbsdM8txhtwTlx0TD7DIhh3EUs1HYa1VaSPdg/s6000/IMG_9009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7D6Ycmy6p-rF38Oi43FcsK_6k_Ib5ZeAzw0TUt17PoL9kUNURjBlwao5I88Q57qz8z64Hz3oqSaDZbtEgCs3pzNpTIV_02UWMGHVgIA7Z2GFtioissQ1ZChjgPma34BhH958e3pekcXBlF6g29i8qvVbsdM8txhtwTlx0TD7DIhh3EUs1HYa1VaSPdg/w640-h426/IMG_9009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An old brick cattle tank with a new life as a planter, currently for<i> Plectranthus argentatus, </i>on the edge of the Topiary Lawn.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZueLtOGHLye8KRV6cEBXMKgaY8Xhu2ilu95t65cjmeRTq1zlRgOFon07NyAkISPYsJmtqbCQkUYLhVVcu1O6oXnFWoVIKfurejnjUnABdaYeUhYKNoHCPWjMx7VKgobRvqr3ePLEnKxbarkkN5z2qNht8lti0Y5JcoY0ZAylqOsKneIefN4ZF4H12_s/s6000/IMG_9310.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZueLtOGHLye8KRV6cEBXMKgaY8Xhu2ilu95t65cjmeRTq1zlRgOFon07NyAkISPYsJmtqbCQkUYLhVVcu1O6oXnFWoVIKfurejnjUnABdaYeUhYKNoHCPWjMx7VKgobRvqr3ePLEnKxbarkkN5z2qNht8lti0Y5JcoY0ZAylqOsKneIefN4ZF4H12_s/w640-h426/IMG_9310.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The hovel with surrounding yew topiaries that are clipped once a year. The darker green grass is where it is mowed while the meadow is tall to give a contrast and a place to traverse.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wuV6ysvZjKqsbMIU97feJoXbpdkDsgqr-jdBcHs24_JESKAEIKD0OHAWQms7Vy6Ez4KTzl_7OTwvmCF6u8K6wOARD2B2JU_cOSQxZubJf9idCiqWhx87iGB6UMXQ224Qb-n8cb21KrR7sh2-ItOgN1ZrjOFw9ATfFInGNUJ6UGq-V4VJz6_yio0X5cs/s6000/IMG_9053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wuV6ysvZjKqsbMIU97feJoXbpdkDsgqr-jdBcHs24_JESKAEIKD0OHAWQms7Vy6Ez4KTzl_7OTwvmCF6u8K6wOARD2B2JU_cOSQxZubJf9idCiqWhx87iGB6UMXQ224Qb-n8cb21KrR7sh2-ItOgN1ZrjOFw9ATfFInGNUJ6UGq-V4VJz6_yio0X5cs/w640-h426/IMG_9053.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A cozy refuge within the hovel that I can imagine in use when the weather turns inclement.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QhNUIiItJfosuIyq_Eh4HoIC9zwMB6lR4FFL50N91sMPZJ4WBlpxjHPmn8kvLUZAhm4RzpG80u6lXXVncCX_0bD8KrYyoJuNtiFSsyWgxpNrM5_R2Pf6U23gzejf5VkTdg_D_5qKDqDEkoXs9DP4hFaJL51GHkpxCtAS0TPj5ccFAVCyDxl6sIl_0rI/s6000/IMG_9026.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QhNUIiItJfosuIyq_Eh4HoIC9zwMB6lR4FFL50N91sMPZJ4WBlpxjHPmn8kvLUZAhm4RzpG80u6lXXVncCX_0bD8KrYyoJuNtiFSsyWgxpNrM5_R2Pf6U23gzejf5VkTdg_D_5qKDqDEkoXs9DP4hFaJL51GHkpxCtAS0TPj5ccFAVCyDxl6sIl_0rI/w640-h426/IMG_9026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wider image of the hovel with the Exotic Garden behind.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcaHNIxp6QEARxTbNsNH6eI9lhWAnDJQMWXK5FHbF-DHV-DOyYrEZfjvGL8UH9GiaDzPtOwFC0t2ZClyfIAbzCo5EKQEXbEd1ySea7XLXSGzZT3pgjtPdJgCtC-S3F8wwbkNkd8ruo4Q4wDxVviFJuY7IN5nrgvRb51NOBPZUamcRmwjl7h6OYHyijOI/s6000/IMG_9062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcaHNIxp6QEARxTbNsNH6eI9lhWAnDJQMWXK5FHbF-DHV-DOyYrEZfjvGL8UH9GiaDzPtOwFC0t2ZClyfIAbzCo5EKQEXbEd1ySea7XLXSGzZT3pgjtPdJgCtC-S3F8wwbkNkd8ruo4Q4wDxVviFJuY7IN5nrgvRb51NOBPZUamcRmwjl7h6OYHyijOI/w426-h640/IMG_9062.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Within the Exotic Garden, one is swallowed up by foliage. Once a formal rose garden designed by Lutyens, it was taken out upon Fergus' arrival in 1993 and replaced with exotic looking foliage plants. While perhaps shocking to some in the gardening community at the time, it demonstrates Christopher's desire to experiment and his willingness to toss out old ideas in favor of exciting new ones. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR_yGDKhcf1Ui5s9vAI242cZkos3WvbF2bdXqYs5FBN-MEZ-5k0hBj_omBub1l8HY9bFkKTcjCNUltBDwfbiDi4K6q1QtAuDXTxWLkM6tD786uTdVPZF8gCEhumIJlnlpzACn6pFVNQO_F6Bxrrs04_BsP5j9RNtJyjkNzIZ5lTUmkmNXQ6H_oc91-Ak/s6000/IMG_9646.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR_yGDKhcf1Ui5s9vAI242cZkos3WvbF2bdXqYs5FBN-MEZ-5k0hBj_omBub1l8HY9bFkKTcjCNUltBDwfbiDi4K6q1QtAuDXTxWLkM6tD786uTdVPZF8gCEhumIJlnlpzACn6pFVNQO_F6Bxrrs04_BsP5j9RNtJyjkNzIZ5lTUmkmNXQ6H_oc91-Ak/w640-h426/IMG_9646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Circular steps by Lutyens connect the Long Border with the orchard are a fine example of the stone structure at Great Dixter. In the upper right is one of what was a pair of mulberry trees. The plantings here, as in most areas at Great Dixter, change regularly. While now taken over with amaranth, I have seen photographs of it planted seasonally with cacti and succulents, an interesting juxtaposition with fluffy <i>Erigeron karvinskianus</i> that is allowed to seed in the cracks and visually soften the stone. Experimentation and learning are ongoing at Great Dixter as exiting new ideas are embraced, keeping the place from becoming stale and frozen in time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRElShygeqt77nWcRP0mztITIkVsxHhOaVgAKUkTK25HUld1DO8OGlOZnOKr9jSzVdDimtExL7D6EubUBkef6rUiyabsEq1cEaKukva7aiqR9b_KoLADTaDFKtJzyXfa6DkyLLZtPV37m8lV1KNkCt788RKfhG8NE0qCbkELCM6YaXA-7eYXYmS3yOshg/s6000/IMG_9091.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRElShygeqt77nWcRP0mztITIkVsxHhOaVgAKUkTK25HUld1DO8OGlOZnOKr9jSzVdDimtExL7D6EubUBkef6rUiyabsEq1cEaKukva7aiqR9b_KoLADTaDFKtJzyXfa6DkyLLZtPV37m8lV1KNkCt788RKfhG8NE0qCbkELCM6YaXA-7eYXYmS3yOshg/w640-h426/IMG_9091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Long Border and the eastern side of the house. It is a mixed border of shrubs, perennials, biennials, bulbs, annuals in an ever-changing tapestry of foliage and texture with a clipped yew and boxwood hedge as a backdrop. Many see-through plants are allowed at the front of the border such as <i>Verbena bonariensis </i>to great effect.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqn6sKjBW2BnUb_7Ut3pHSrWtqcDz8Z435hEEkcehydIyXC7vt5-HGDClLzObfZ0x6aGuffcZziUqa29hRhLr8Yyht8AZb3a45h5h8GHPdVm_rVP_UteRGXBggr9RtjloHeCXh3Udxln92OtyqbJgKVlq-2K0D-BQptff_5UhvtbQSqA004dGwQcd9GAM/s6000/IMG_9082.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqn6sKjBW2BnUb_7Ut3pHSrWtqcDz8Z435hEEkcehydIyXC7vt5-HGDClLzObfZ0x6aGuffcZziUqa29hRhLr8Yyht8AZb3a45h5h8GHPdVm_rVP_UteRGXBggr9RtjloHeCXh3Udxln92OtyqbJgKVlq-2K0D-BQptff_5UhvtbQSqA004dGwQcd9GAM/w426-h640/IMG_9082.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><i>Salvia confertiflora</i>, a rather large patch of one of my favorite in this genus, impressed. This tender salvia must surely be propagated by the nursery crew. But if it can indeed survive in East Sussex without being lifted I'm moving there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGjpqOtdOxie4oQoViWMb8ayH4vy8MmKKUB3ehqtfyEZC_7HdkF4nqnYVxZpgYeIX9YC4EhmnVrzclM-h3FUV7xLIDPJonGRtASwtw6O6CJF1M5x15T6jUGlPLHm97c1wcYEl0IQdJ-g71PIl77zAHeG47eGsys8GQ0Wa3Bu7OXxC8IeIqeUtV9zrc28/s6000/IMG_9125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGjpqOtdOxie4oQoViWMb8ayH4vy8MmKKUB3ehqtfyEZC_7HdkF4nqnYVxZpgYeIX9YC4EhmnVrzclM-h3FUV7xLIDPJonGRtASwtw6O6CJF1M5x15T6jUGlPLHm97c1wcYEl0IQdJ-g71PIl77zAHeG47eGsys8GQ0Wa3Bu7OXxC8IeIqeUtV9zrc28/w640-h426/IMG_9125.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More salvia mixed with yellows and tawny colors of fading perennials.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2zGdOY6su-Q2D0ONTq41PWFcIsRYf4tL1sc7uMEV8VrVbreJ729uzzlBWoN6qSc18depcNaIhbnQX4AQhL39ZJomOkAYTCLiT7eZfZWNDuNSCcjUSv2d2SChIOf4-nnEaxvL8REJ97gKOXTs4gnv215SPPyXWiBp-Nl0XMoPEcDWMg_Zq7DU3zjsMYQ/s6000/IMG_9090.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2zGdOY6su-Q2D0ONTq41PWFcIsRYf4tL1sc7uMEV8VrVbreJ729uzzlBWoN6qSc18depcNaIhbnQX4AQhL39ZJomOkAYTCLiT7eZfZWNDuNSCcjUSv2d2SChIOf4-nnEaxvL8REJ97gKOXTs4gnv215SPPyXWiBp-Nl0XMoPEcDWMg_Zq7DU3zjsMYQ/w426-h640/IMG_9090.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Persicaria orientalis</i> rises and falls in many garden beds at Great Dixter, its vibrant color working especially well with autumnal shades of red and gold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidORh17LqyErtWK13M0Ql4riAgtGV3x16oqaQXyDiubGWv6d120Zg1S2m6-oDt3-EalWRvSpGm_weDmIwX5H9o2GlmVB19vhyphenhyphensxKM8JkeBtOGpSkD5FrdQMsKpZKm5MfYc8wY2OTBrpuyGNMdmYbAcNCnTNk0W9t8-09R1jwNUJk5NCCbkFZZEF_kq200/s6000/IMG_9131.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidORh17LqyErtWK13M0Ql4riAgtGV3x16oqaQXyDiubGWv6d120Zg1S2m6-oDt3-EalWRvSpGm_weDmIwX5H9o2GlmVB19vhyphenhyphensxKM8JkeBtOGpSkD5FrdQMsKpZKm5MfYc8wY2OTBrpuyGNMdmYbAcNCnTNk0W9t8-09R1jwNUJk5NCCbkFZZEF_kq200/w640-h426/IMG_9131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The stone path on one edge of the Long Border and the clipped hedges on the other edge contain its bountiful plantings. The orchard begins here on what looks to be lawn but is in fact a meadow filled with layers of succession plantings and allowed to grow tall most of the year. It too had recently been mowed as these things require. During the year when it is left long a path is mowed along the edge of the stone path adding interesting tension between mowed and unmowed, a look I love. It says, "I'm supposed to be wild, it's intentional, but here's a path for you to safely walk through me."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oLgrWlfD8oCKJdpfkPM8dUrK72jxmG8fP4Hmy5GYtbNKrwS-RAimm_BzKj8riLWxwufLOUXueafV92RzHAG02BaubA686pIUp8Q1R7blkG4Gyz503OJr09YESganic9cL3Ehb1EfJVWTtJowQxZjLiLw-P2DiYsfYcmY2aH9WiWsSg14HVMh6szhCfI/s6000/IMG_9144.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oLgrWlfD8oCKJdpfkPM8dUrK72jxmG8fP4Hmy5GYtbNKrwS-RAimm_BzKj8riLWxwufLOUXueafV92RzHAG02BaubA686pIUp8Q1R7blkG4Gyz503OJr09YESganic9cL3Ehb1EfJVWTtJowQxZjLiLw-P2DiYsfYcmY2aH9WiWsSg14HVMh6szhCfI/w640-h426/IMG_9144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a lot of color, a lot of texture, a lot going on even in early October. As the garden ages in winter many plants are left for their interesting forms, seeds, textures and value to wildlife.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf16ED0PuJCqTyy7OkGLqezO9FViiSEfQ2YpYS_Ss-hriwRIk3PyE_ztYcZVwmIOs7rwyVK-JXGhg0Xq-VxcqUCN2qc30d11V03MIPyQnv7XnwOA4X6TwVBxplPhIiztj_sOcdx2jxTT_Nm3y5sH5XxtB2laQADAOWv3yNF4xaHgi4kwFPJ7s0uxdafM/s6000/IMG_9168.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf16ED0PuJCqTyy7OkGLqezO9FViiSEfQ2YpYS_Ss-hriwRIk3PyE_ztYcZVwmIOs7rwyVK-JXGhg0Xq-VxcqUCN2qc30d11V03MIPyQnv7XnwOA4X6TwVBxplPhIiztj_sOcdx2jxTT_Nm3y5sH5XxtB2laQADAOWv3yNF4xaHgi4kwFPJ7s0uxdafM/w640-h426/IMG_9168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pulled back view with the Lutyens staircase straight ahead and the top end of the orchard, a view that changes throughout the year. Here it seems like a simple lawn because of its recent mowing. If you do a search of photographs of the meadows at Great Dixter especially in spring, it's pretty mind-blowing with native orchids and a vast array of plant material including spring flowering bulbs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKUTpXPRlqY2MkrxUqMf77cN4sfGWH_Oa85UABoo3lglxD-IxkZzfgpUvlur-kXHAnhnaSYMqrem0R3flZOL7XFYmkXFmdo_GV7UQBqgKR3BIQLr-NvZkyTq3mBQ3viTIcJMsuFZbuuf-XMvKstc2y0mVU_PGZSzOqgwmj6YAYUfZCHZ3tRwjwIi9xKk/s6000/IMG_9171.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKUTpXPRlqY2MkrxUqMf77cN4sfGWH_Oa85UABoo3lglxD-IxkZzfgpUvlur-kXHAnhnaSYMqrem0R3flZOL7XFYmkXFmdo_GV7UQBqgKR3BIQLr-NvZkyTq3mBQ3viTIcJMsuFZbuuf-XMvKstc2y0mVU_PGZSzOqgwmj6YAYUfZCHZ3tRwjwIi9xKk/w640-h426/IMG_9171.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wandering through the orchard, taking in the autumnal colors.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEO6WIfLBZ8sIlwnCYhk_vFkBoYywYndjkENEakG_XKROBurlZMtX9Cl2TXNiOtAWmvDLOEK82ytpkan1slSNBP0OMU3lII73li44rOxlej3j9RtC9qUKHGNS9NM0dyJX0hVjjyllEnNB8xX-jU8_2lYjBH-axTIBkNgMtdhjeqUc3Pb3fqZ6RPrBlBVY/s6000/IMG_9148.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEO6WIfLBZ8sIlwnCYhk_vFkBoYywYndjkENEakG_XKROBurlZMtX9Cl2TXNiOtAWmvDLOEK82ytpkan1slSNBP0OMU3lII73li44rOxlej3j9RtC9qUKHGNS9NM0dyJX0hVjjyllEnNB8xX-jU8_2lYjBH-axTIBkNgMtdhjeqUc3Pb3fqZ6RPrBlBVY/w640-h426/IMG_9148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A dead tree is left where it is. I found it interesting and freeing that most trees in the orchard are left with minimal pruning. Perhaps I'll take a similar approach to our own orchard.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegwO9dKNncvCqaWblQ2YzXyV60tSVdbroX3K9mDGg4TcOIenIinuPHZwkiMVTDmbVZDPzT9Y8bU7owvBekCHZBv84OntdgRc889LRwXXYSI-dMTKghfbDwLsbtSFShcuXxmAINjajKsAx4AbsEhU4-v7mMHFh9BirHhliS7MZD7clD3affz5GPwrzQfg/s6000/IMG_9165.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegwO9dKNncvCqaWblQ2YzXyV60tSVdbroX3K9mDGg4TcOIenIinuPHZwkiMVTDmbVZDPzT9Y8bU7owvBekCHZBv84OntdgRc889LRwXXYSI-dMTKghfbDwLsbtSFShcuXxmAINjajKsAx4AbsEhU4-v7mMHFh9BirHhliS7MZD7clD3affz5GPwrzQfg/w640-h426/IMG_9165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A path through the orchard, the Lower Moat on the left with large leaves of <i>Gunnera manicata</i> standing out and a few autumn crocus blooming in the grass.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56cZnZR_SbLlCQEZocA5Wahdd_IafIKt4MWaySAWwdzz_uImVH04rsaKXITyDCPEYEWLIVi3muZVT1MxAKbnM-RMHKy-Wkos2QTw1J8-EruXZkDzpwI-4iiQWfj4NqmhBvW8AfpBz3nCenx2QIaSKGCAZU4B8julovL-RvxnwjAgtd6PoTWUIKnPFFOw/s6000/IMG_9182.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56cZnZR_SbLlCQEZocA5Wahdd_IafIKt4MWaySAWwdzz_uImVH04rsaKXITyDCPEYEWLIVi3muZVT1MxAKbnM-RMHKy-Wkos2QTw1J8-EruXZkDzpwI-4iiQWfj4NqmhBvW8AfpBz3nCenx2QIaSKGCAZU4B8julovL-RvxnwjAgtd6PoTWUIKnPFFOw/w640-h426/IMG_9182.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztcT-LjnEYJVlmb4_384Bjj6PWC0GAqs97_noU0r3Dlf16RgIxCqeXnIjR3PBP8pbw_Zbcw3ydWh7qUOVaTV9yIOsaI1QbOFONcUa0izYSzgFy78FoxYhu5mCFZEP7sDeZl0k5vxMSAVsyLDeBLG4l8waEJ-k2tKLVZLsrukSjbmZkRghWL79K3_IzTM/s6000/IMG_9602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztcT-LjnEYJVlmb4_384Bjj6PWC0GAqs97_noU0r3Dlf16RgIxCqeXnIjR3PBP8pbw_Zbcw3ydWh7qUOVaTV9yIOsaI1QbOFONcUa0izYSzgFy78FoxYhu5mCFZEP7sDeZl0k5vxMSAVsyLDeBLG4l8waEJ-k2tKLVZLsrukSjbmZkRghWL79K3_IzTM/w640-h426/IMG_9602.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The path continues on past the wooden gate where you find yourself in the nursery. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEd-yTzkWjvDNJx7RTLxwZOyyAtm6fd7laEA9iXefLzgHtwA2WIF_gHGL1k1b3HB-p3x2iXCV4Eald2_qSKbXXlT4dSEfeq6DKXOVadmChrES7xG0rAm7iQ7Rlw-AmAeV6rj8OTbGEvcL61dNyL9dRNAeJwJvM2U1o0TY3ufG5JC5EDMC4k-l1WW7Nc8/s6000/IMG_9154.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEd-yTzkWjvDNJx7RTLxwZOyyAtm6fd7laEA9iXefLzgHtwA2WIF_gHGL1k1b3HB-p3x2iXCV4Eald2_qSKbXXlT4dSEfeq6DKXOVadmChrES7xG0rAm7iQ7Rlw-AmAeV6rj8OTbGEvcL61dNyL9dRNAeJwJvM2U1o0TY3ufG5JC5EDMC4k-l1WW7Nc8/w640-h426/IMG_9154.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Biodiversity audits have recently put Great Dixter into the spotlight. While it is indeed a garden where plants are the priority, Christopher celebrated wildlife. Fergus continued with this ethic and although they did not spray nor use pesticides much while Christopher was alive, he thought they could do better after Christopher's death. Fergus stopped the practice all together. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Knowing that wildlife is abundant here, eventually Fergus invited ecologists to do proper audits to determine who was calling this garden home. What they discovered was startling even for Fergus. <a href="https://www.greatdixter.co.uk/great-dixter-biodiversity-audit" target="_blank">The audits</a> revealed large populations of some of the country's most threatened species - not just in the outlying areas - but in the borders themselves, the Sunk and Barn Gardens among the richest. Pictured is one of the many habitats created for wildlife, though wildlife was already present well before this was built. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fergus states this is a garden that was not necessarily planted to attract wildlife. It was planted for the love of plants. The fact is that it is so dense and richly planted with succession planting and layers that wildlife naturally arrived. The whole place seems to be habitat, from logs and crumbling stones to fields and marshy areas, grasses and densely planted beds. Rooftops, trees, benches - it all counts. For a deeper dive into the biodiversity at Great Dixter, Fergus recently spoke at the Beth Chatto Symposium for 2023 on this subject, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3tBJ_2SBOA&t=4s" target="_blank">here is a link</a>. In fact, the entire symposium is free to watch online and is so worthwhile. Great Dixter strikes an important balance between completely wild places and manipulated landscapes and goes to show that what we as gardeners do, matters.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMCg-wisauVIHBA4NTCW4n3OU7ZorflUvcyT9vtUb0CzeZy751IBD1_QUjwUbbJAT_RHkS7MQ7PE7H6-975FjsmqjRef_pcj4bpPPhTe9YRxYI0_iBnYwJgPAlEksXgcbbaa3iZUiXU99slfSLhzyGickwf2AZvZ2Qxd3NXQu_UTuzFoL9zf-S5noqjI/s6000/IMG_9040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMCg-wisauVIHBA4NTCW4n3OU7ZorflUvcyT9vtUb0CzeZy751IBD1_QUjwUbbJAT_RHkS7MQ7PE7H6-975FjsmqjRef_pcj4bpPPhTe9YRxYI0_iBnYwJgPAlEksXgcbbaa3iZUiXU99slfSLhzyGickwf2AZvZ2Qxd3NXQu_UTuzFoL9zf-S5noqjI/w640-h426/IMG_9040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The edge of the Upper Moat that once contained water. It was drained decades ago and is now home to water-loving meadow plants. The stone walls drip with plants and frankly, romance. I've seen photographs of this in spring and it is enchanting.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5iSzJD1auI4M7hkPpjKp_sFuXMzUuhklJKQatDA1gLBdvV7mH9YS5k-jPaoafxLlHMb8tW11WyFBD26fwl-9E4zA3jLo26rIAecFdlre74he90yogtIGFlk8ECImDZlGTzhZDN6MhWQfc3_nefiLan6HSf45_FlPXGULgHU_-3_9Z4k-sIR_got0XIs/s6000/IMG_9321.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5iSzJD1auI4M7hkPpjKp_sFuXMzUuhklJKQatDA1gLBdvV7mH9YS5k-jPaoafxLlHMb8tW11WyFBD26fwl-9E4zA3jLo26rIAecFdlre74he90yogtIGFlk8ECImDZlGTzhZDN6MhWQfc3_nefiLan6HSf45_FlPXGULgHU_-3_9Z4k-sIR_got0XIs/w640-h426/IMG_9321.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">At the end of the stone wall above the Upper Moat, we reach the Loggia, a former chicken house with tile pillars is now a functional part of the garden. Lutyens retained as many of the outbuildings as possible to incorporate into the design of the gardens.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BcWchuhFkRqSLJ_RIvtoq7TV81M8eEvBRCRHNwGDeKx331VcQryVnXLaCjUWC3I7-jZgr9X_3TBRE8E_GjJeyLuuemxUViFs8i7mrG1yZRgIBd8tz9ET-_B2bagL51yaWDwx6gpIpTnNP-ztTGTT7LpJnUNNAJXKqHfuTDxYR6FK3BPuSzQhPTP1WDU/s6000/IMG_8975.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BcWchuhFkRqSLJ_RIvtoq7TV81M8eEvBRCRHNwGDeKx331VcQryVnXLaCjUWC3I7-jZgr9X_3TBRE8E_GjJeyLuuemxUViFs8i7mrG1yZRgIBd8tz9ET-_B2bagL51yaWDwx6gpIpTnNP-ztTGTT7LpJnUNNAJXKqHfuTDxYR6FK3BPuSzQhPTP1WDU/w640-h426/IMG_8975.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Continuing around the corner we come towards the Blue Garden through the steps on the right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdHugbebeWIdO9QYt4j_pXzFt06vrshUyVXSjjgGMi5I5osAH6deqbXeGgB7uflMDdsUOwdinuSLoH91KyQfkxF7xEQUF1SldTsbTfmG5YBxoj9CKM5CtCu91iLHua-lBVERJzA1HmWowhsL_DlTAVsA-_pKTw9vyW_0bu-phBocAgpdtb_TS64BJv8g/s6000/IMG_9012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdHugbebeWIdO9QYt4j_pXzFt06vrshUyVXSjjgGMi5I5osAH6deqbXeGgB7uflMDdsUOwdinuSLoH91KyQfkxF7xEQUF1SldTsbTfmG5YBxoj9CKM5CtCu91iLHua-lBVERJzA1HmWowhsL_DlTAVsA-_pKTw9vyW_0bu-phBocAgpdtb_TS64BJv8g/w426-h640/IMG_9012.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Peeking through topiary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ohkkCQ9KKKqYlEAW48wIv7ynqUNXex5quvIoYSnTBj73IWKw_nHW0QrTbwpo1JQH54_yRIaNToQ5VtIGhWeSla4EaSZQclCNdkfBhj9QiBVW_Bg2oD4j2eHD0TTS6wCi40F2Cp_WFr2xzZlxIqurrwjOsgOTZRmB2_CPqvYQBzMJD7DnWv28CEkprjs/s5722/IMG_9311_rotate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3815" data-original-width="5722" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ohkkCQ9KKKqYlEAW48wIv7ynqUNXex5quvIoYSnTBj73IWKw_nHW0QrTbwpo1JQH54_yRIaNToQ5VtIGhWeSla4EaSZQclCNdkfBhj9QiBVW_Bg2oD4j2eHD0TTS6wCi40F2Cp_WFr2xzZlxIqurrwjOsgOTZRmB2_CPqvYQBzMJD7DnWv28CEkprjs/w640-h426/IMG_9311_rotate.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Blue Garden opens up to the side of the house with an espaliered pear tree growing against the chimney.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONLIq2t6omRqbZQHhazH1a5nhRzNXfvGBaT_hLb1NT08PWKvFcYHrffofAiL3sn8huXs-ux1e4wu-0vU2Pig6Gg7kIGcaMhK3erSWHTP9H2VHV3_AS8l25tl84jTUvP5kBJhsiAqRvQhFIqVoGIXqsV27bJaUOHF96GX9ZK_jcrfp0FCSZ1fmUYr4d9M/s6000/IMG_9668.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONLIq2t6omRqbZQHhazH1a5nhRzNXfvGBaT_hLb1NT08PWKvFcYHrffofAiL3sn8huXs-ux1e4wu-0vU2Pig6Gg7kIGcaMhK3erSWHTP9H2VHV3_AS8l25tl84jTUvP5kBJhsiAqRvQhFIqVoGIXqsV27bJaUOHF96GX9ZK_jcrfp0FCSZ1fmUYr4d9M/w640-h426/IMG_9668.JPG" width="640" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mixed border plantings in early October still evoke feelings of summer. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZd4BX4LrGZYbjiC3ntZB1_jcVg_KWialBEigFKdZY929e9nyAzx5dJgKBgEWrEejo6t4ypOXb0RMQOwI5OJZQlg9-hZNcGSVSH8Ax66yPionTbZypPW-2BdcFfDU-ys9mQJCldtGzM2usMw764mu5NchO_TnkTNhZKU-VJQoveJXBuQYXc-d9Tdjtx4k/s6000/IMG_9330.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZd4BX4LrGZYbjiC3ntZB1_jcVg_KWialBEigFKdZY929e9nyAzx5dJgKBgEWrEejo6t4ypOXb0RMQOwI5OJZQlg9-hZNcGSVSH8Ax66yPionTbZypPW-2BdcFfDU-ys9mQJCldtGzM2usMw764mu5NchO_TnkTNhZKU-VJQoveJXBuQYXc-d9Tdjtx4k/w426-h640/IMG_9330.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>Espaliered pear tree detail. I remember reading about this tree in Christopher's <i><a href="https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/the-well-tempered-garden/" target="_blank">The Well Tempered Garden.</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy6i5UMGnTLFLHin0lda_6Xw2VKyzvKilxRINiVZtx8vt4Kfjo8opxWCHlr45NBnO-69HKHS2etRnL10iDWaN5IdLDA_xQdLmCCKEM3Hv6YsinUBkHBGEvABsKgU2tQoFTIh0HUxVJz-2giMMwYFt3BHXaviz6I-oaFt28VYeI7ybe6J5pZ6qQcX0CCc/s6000/IMG_9337.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy6i5UMGnTLFLHin0lda_6Xw2VKyzvKilxRINiVZtx8vt4Kfjo8opxWCHlr45NBnO-69HKHS2etRnL10iDWaN5IdLDA_xQdLmCCKEM3Hv6YsinUBkHBGEvABsKgU2tQoFTIh0HUxVJz-2giMMwYFt3BHXaviz6I-oaFt28VYeI7ybe6J5pZ6qQcX0CCc/w640-h426/IMG_9337.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking back past topiaries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCIQpPYbdJcJhexRXatN1luI2lX3CL2f1WCizdbmJnOS0R85GTObe0LSUa_FoVkavZnUPZxV3D00EKcZBmtXNVKgi0Af0Y_KGN74sAxLC6AtZiao8pW3vwfTVPhwgw31QN4tRMkrqJNypwkUhJQt48b4BqsNML-9_nKyDB6nJHLHabnDQw7CxgutwfPQ/s6000/IMG_9339.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCIQpPYbdJcJhexRXatN1luI2lX3CL2f1WCizdbmJnOS0R85GTObe0LSUa_FoVkavZnUPZxV3D00EKcZBmtXNVKgi0Af0Y_KGN74sAxLC6AtZiao8pW3vwfTVPhwgw31QN4tRMkrqJNypwkUhJQt48b4BqsNML-9_nKyDB6nJHLHabnDQw7CxgutwfPQ/w640-h426/IMG_9339.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Into the Wall Garden where FM takes it all in. At his feet is a mosaic of two dachshunds, Christopher's constant companions. The pot displays in this courtyard change throughout the year, sometimes several times. In October it was filled with fiery colors and a few choice agaves.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoU7wQfRMJVb-3pWmRo0ipG46K7vXQFJ2hzt0RN13aZBpN80xR0rztBoVeSzihjyJBzSZjhzTla_aAb9f5paaKU5ey6_A__0TafoDy-K09LpfqyLyadbiZ41tKG2jLSxZSfpP46XTbCCpBTa8pmwOApCYqBRcswypRSrlPVQ4Lx_Y_-4Kp79fjOs2ROk/s6000/IMG_9344.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoU7wQfRMJVb-3pWmRo0ipG46K7vXQFJ2hzt0RN13aZBpN80xR0rztBoVeSzihjyJBzSZjhzTla_aAb9f5paaKU5ey6_A__0TafoDy-K09LpfqyLyadbiZ41tKG2jLSxZSfpP46XTbCCpBTa8pmwOApCYqBRcswypRSrlPVQ4Lx_Y_-4Kp79fjOs2ROk/w640-h426/IMG_9344.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fergus and his crew are constantly playing with color and texture, new plants and old favorites, bulbs and annuals, evergreens and trees. In other words, it is all worthy. Admittedly it doesn't always work (this does!), however you won't know until you try and Great Dixter is quite brave in this regard. These displays are also never repeated, Great Dixter is a place of high energy gardening, exploration and interesting and complex plant combinations. While there are indeed many permanent plantings throughout the gardens, much of it is given over to inspired experimentation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pLArn8juXk5fb5ifPWYCjss8jXREoYwPsa6jN_JqSaXM_P6XQ_e221QqxsFn7iqbRVxWb5H0FoEfEPiMk7ZCpsjrvhl64Q6c7Apo45-yuhy2yyZGRGc_8jezPk7FoukGO_WHAIjKjvdnVFBSlFAdgQ6DzyGMOrvrlIvvq7rQR64c4GaFDkKfIkpw8Eo/s6000/IMG_9356.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pLArn8juXk5fb5ifPWYCjss8jXREoYwPsa6jN_JqSaXM_P6XQ_e221QqxsFn7iqbRVxWb5H0FoEfEPiMk7ZCpsjrvhl64Q6c7Apo45-yuhy2yyZGRGc_8jezPk7FoukGO_WHAIjKjvdnVFBSlFAdgQ6DzyGMOrvrlIvvq7rQR64c4GaFDkKfIkpw8Eo/w640-h426/IMG_9356.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking back through the arch, you can just make out the edge of the mosaic in the corner.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls4ZH5AID6xij3LzeItCsKIgq03lPs8E0sbYYWzdcM3V-VR4j2RGRjN_0eTOTm8xOSXiM6rYAd_rz7An3eyxEwRh1f80LNNXk3fprZjbUq1F2Ekovpx5iAPVBFcM0M7RE3ZDCwKpaWcBdSokqsV9xpEZat0JCE_TRpgHGRkCfW94DvSedgpzl0cIuDow/s6000/IMG_9348.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls4ZH5AID6xij3LzeItCsKIgq03lPs8E0sbYYWzdcM3V-VR4j2RGRjN_0eTOTm8xOSXiM6rYAd_rz7An3eyxEwRh1f80LNNXk3fprZjbUq1F2Ekovpx5iAPVBFcM0M7RE3ZDCwKpaWcBdSokqsV9xpEZat0JCE_TRpgHGRkCfW94DvSedgpzl0cIuDow/w640-h426/IMG_9348.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">What a joy to view a 15th-century manor house in the background as the centerpiece of this garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ReLMADbfr0oJdBY8ad2h9fltVVemse5i9RMYAg642fwHcXcoJjePrXSXDWjCKNrPRkV85Es858_TE0kti9mPoNrgVov7LtHivq-SIn2ivQ1lHGajsGErhBwooQFPO2Cf5YGCXBXKrVC3Ha9HwMtYZW4IVR36GuhLSyHTFXx6BJR48vhzbshxb6CgqvY/s6000/IMG_9401.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ReLMADbfr0oJdBY8ad2h9fltVVemse5i9RMYAg642fwHcXcoJjePrXSXDWjCKNrPRkV85Es858_TE0kti9mPoNrgVov7LtHivq-SIn2ivQ1lHGajsGErhBwooQFPO2Cf5YGCXBXKrVC3Ha9HwMtYZW4IVR36GuhLSyHTFXx6BJR48vhzbshxb6CgqvY/w640-h426/IMG_9401.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you walk past the Wall Garden you come through to the Barn Garden and at its heart, the Sunk Garden. Plantings through here and indeed much of Great Dixter envelop you, feel exuberant and comforting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1s8jFQ02ayEGBqqzr2uheUWNBR7pWDQ14ermB2rXLVKSDykTkgHKLNprn7QKqXWBgh51yg6nAHEOMVxSU08glEL7J9tMJW1kMZBXeu2VPSeVr3aRoT100GQG1AHzVuIznO6mqPTMwplpFNuXP6eawduvP9Qyv3YZIMP58YmPyJeJUnxY_vfM7tEuYe0/s6000/IMG_9404.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1s8jFQ02ayEGBqqzr2uheUWNBR7pWDQ14ermB2rXLVKSDykTkgHKLNprn7QKqXWBgh51yg6nAHEOMVxSU08glEL7J9tMJW1kMZBXeu2VPSeVr3aRoT100GQG1AHzVuIznO6mqPTMwplpFNuXP6eawduvP9Qyv3YZIMP58YmPyJeJUnxY_vfM7tEuYe0/w640-h426/IMG_9404.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Barn Garden with the White Barn straight ahead. A mix of perennials, shrubs, grasses, bulbs, biennials and annuals leaves no patch of soil bare. This part of the garden was documented as being the richest in biodiversity by <a href="https://www.greatdixter.co.uk/great-dixter-biodiversity-audit" target="_blank">recent audits</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rxuQGLb8YjThT0lULGYdCCX1l56drd2Stj2ne0O7PBqIbtgqDHoQf3equP1qP-Z8mWIuFnMDe_UGZW7QdL2YEWui1gWOAbZHumiKdaixjaooaIXaCov0rAqx5K2DwpMEC5UdBfiuFYaTi6HqzahuGRakvDNo_pnL3EX_065RQTQIRhZggOSidNCt5zI/s6000/IMG_9407.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rxuQGLb8YjThT0lULGYdCCX1l56drd2Stj2ne0O7PBqIbtgqDHoQf3equP1qP-Z8mWIuFnMDe_UGZW7QdL2YEWui1gWOAbZHumiKdaixjaooaIXaCov0rAqx5K2DwpMEC5UdBfiuFYaTi6HqzahuGRakvDNo_pnL3EX_065RQTQIRhZggOSidNCt5zI/w640-h426/IMG_9407.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fascinating color combinations everywhere. For example, the pale yellow of the oenothera, perhaps a volunteer, paired with rich, dark reds of the dahlia and its dark foliage are not colors I would necessarily pair, but the pale yellow draws me in.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrTN2slMJrFBFpdy2oetDJC-DyQgBUP64WzGtrNcj8-NtRKp3myUDiJmO5V1O9JyuZUzykBst0r4cQBeDYzqaJYk7GvyYJtXNGtgvHkoLKETDeS1KTo7P0uG6SfQHyCl0YCUwMOkEiBCS6CCkclQhne7HVaety8WgSJoDaE8ww9R4npc4oI5ZImqFUxg/s6000/IMG_9428.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrTN2slMJrFBFpdy2oetDJC-DyQgBUP64WzGtrNcj8-NtRKp3myUDiJmO5V1O9JyuZUzykBst0r4cQBeDYzqaJYk7GvyYJtXNGtgvHkoLKETDeS1KTo7P0uG6SfQHyCl0YCUwMOkEiBCS6CCkclQhne7HVaety8WgSJoDaE8ww9R4npc4oI5ZImqFUxg/w640-h426/IMG_9428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The Sunk Garden in the center of the surrounding Barn Garden, was originally a lawn. This favorite garden for many was designed by Nathaniel Lloyd rather than Edwin Lutyens.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0NsOaey_plHEmAh_Qo9UvSMiTOK4rrKsO5nz_Y0Uf7Lhf6FRT2gBdHI7jUGzWOUW1pMNalZxDkP6xYekylN4sembKl7sr-JwmyAgMmgVVJsJTZ31-30Ccl-GlUETtEgUxyrXNd5oCkpQFQAgbYQBBQPnwwUTxbneKJnmSY29W2gWjpI72KoAuZW7WuI/s6000/IMG_9775.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0NsOaey_plHEmAh_Qo9UvSMiTOK4rrKsO5nz_Y0Uf7Lhf6FRT2gBdHI7jUGzWOUW1pMNalZxDkP6xYekylN4sembKl7sr-JwmyAgMmgVVJsJTZ31-30Ccl-GlUETtEgUxyrXNd5oCkpQFQAgbYQBBQPnwwUTxbneKJnmSY29W2gWjpI72KoAuZW7WuI/w426-h640/IMG_9775.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">With a little more dramatic lighting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bZibRU3Sxr6aklF8o3hrpM1SkGuof4q1lnCCc7Agb24f-m78dM3Ulpcmm_ILk-SpdpWbYVAGPdpJ8-iE8MWuiQQU8Q7UnTxXt3J9osGB8qINTDYgDYUc0wuti5pOmRmMpX0XH4_H58IeJYAuCFa8sBrZJVZv3NRt96oClUQ1mUiNdwKG6-MXhyphenhyphenGCiUs/s6000/IMG_9446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bZibRU3Sxr6aklF8o3hrpM1SkGuof4q1lnCCc7Agb24f-m78dM3Ulpcmm_ILk-SpdpWbYVAGPdpJ8-iE8MWuiQQU8Q7UnTxXt3J9osGB8qINTDYgDYUc0wuti5pOmRmMpX0XH4_H58IeJYAuCFa8sBrZJVZv3NRt96oClUQ1mUiNdwKG6-MXhyphenhyphenGCiUs/w640-h426/IMG_9446.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The White Barn in the background.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4k-fu2twOZlkW5eKx_J9jFTUanE8gmK11zVKyK3ZkyQCJd5qMX6dA6Fz8p4QdksCR74GIHu0bXGntNFmaFbSqbRzdnyPP6xLmcRyBXDByWk9i39cNu480iWp6MaAS0HEH18eps96JCSjhrJ_jNwzHVHU8eDSOl1-_OVBZCi9PYmefhyI6wb8HB8IinM/s6000/IMG_9440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4k-fu2twOZlkW5eKx_J9jFTUanE8gmK11zVKyK3ZkyQCJd5qMX6dA6Fz8p4QdksCR74GIHu0bXGntNFmaFbSqbRzdnyPP6xLmcRyBXDByWk9i39cNu480iWp6MaAS0HEH18eps96JCSjhrJ_jNwzHVHU8eDSOl1-_OVBZCi9PYmefhyI6wb8HB8IinM/w640-h426/IMG_9440.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNY-2I_7sBfdLSX8BbAeW35YxehxLsjvJvZeIZLI6QQ2t6EfN80Nv9fKLE-WxUVz2L8L83CALH2vQvt8zS1k4f8U4M-ZksVdcSVwhiw_92uv101YZg6iY7qeNlPzIgjKEneEH-a7LfO5j7ku4jmdkr7X4OYurqUk-cEWhTjKO_vcn2UtuK9q2oFyxJE8I/s6000/IMG_9456.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNY-2I_7sBfdLSX8BbAeW35YxehxLsjvJvZeIZLI6QQ2t6EfN80Nv9fKLE-WxUVz2L8L83CALH2vQvt8zS1k4f8U4M-ZksVdcSVwhiw_92uv101YZg6iY7qeNlPzIgjKEneEH-a7LfO5j7ku4jmdkr7X4OYurqUk-cEWhTjKO_vcn2UtuK9q2oFyxJE8I/w426-h640/IMG_9456.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC3KxAQX7aEr48n5DWl1K2HGk-QEI75-J67Ts3YTVdm9p70eN33DqeMmI0fQsdwY70j2XNLp9bCGu5Vv6G2fJRURKZ6dBlmQ2QazouuFTCtRL1-wKnPtlS8CjDR1LKyUn1-GvPXESJ6sEar4QyFOZF_rk1CBZ6JKhwo-UecOVHX5GSL2FKYYwXLEZ9ss/s6000/IMG_9462.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC3KxAQX7aEr48n5DWl1K2HGk-QEI75-J67Ts3YTVdm9p70eN33DqeMmI0fQsdwY70j2XNLp9bCGu5Vv6G2fJRURKZ6dBlmQ2QazouuFTCtRL1-wKnPtlS8CjDR1LKyUn1-GvPXESJ6sEar4QyFOZF_rk1CBZ6JKhwo-UecOVHX5GSL2FKYYwXLEZ9ss/w640-h426/IMG_9462.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The Great Barn on the west side of the Sunk and Barn Gardens, with the Oast House in the background. Oast houses are for drying hops.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuURSYbDj7kMk8itQOhifh2xDLhRQRNmdW7qzId5fwf65Psm3_UV05SLi1scO1EwdnbPcsbtkR-Rumqak566psHq_7hOvdvFTnK6SMkN1iiC-F68MceLu5N1vFYwWQJHMMCG8OWMY_5eO-LIbzoV3mFKpBk3kN6B4iRO1CewAGE7DMIeoe8-dslMwJRkc/s6000/IMG_9468.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuURSYbDj7kMk8itQOhifh2xDLhRQRNmdW7qzId5fwf65Psm3_UV05SLi1scO1EwdnbPcsbtkR-Rumqak566psHq_7hOvdvFTnK6SMkN1iiC-F68MceLu5N1vFYwWQJHMMCG8OWMY_5eO-LIbzoV3mFKpBk3kN6B4iRO1CewAGE7DMIeoe8-dslMwJRkc/w426-h640/IMG_9468.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>From the Barn Garden looking southwest towards the manor house where plants greet you right up to the edge of the path.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVSQKaGhbDvO3dtRxQXFJPrq9axFtH_C0pwga6xGDnuHvx8CpNfBrHju5JrcP3OZ1W4xy8757pi99lpeFuZ_HftsVQ76THIQcpQxZ2nxThIGZHoCdWWo0MahIAcJ3XkkmGVJmzohKcOI7if8Ut0SW9VVK57G7VnTe_usrMQSlbpa18ktWkrRBYwCQgHg/s6000/IMG_8985.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVSQKaGhbDvO3dtRxQXFJPrq9axFtH_C0pwga6xGDnuHvx8CpNfBrHju5JrcP3OZ1W4xy8757pi99lpeFuZ_HftsVQ76THIQcpQxZ2nxThIGZHoCdWWo0MahIAcJ3XkkmGVJmzohKcOI7if8Ut0SW9VVK57G7VnTe_usrMQSlbpa18ktWkrRBYwCQgHg/w426-h640/IMG_8985.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> To end this post, a picture of FM who found a friend. This is Neil, a kitty who was brought back to Great Dixter from Kabul. She wasted no time finding a warm lap on a cool autumn morning and they became fast friends. She is reason enough to return to Great Dixter someday as I sincerely hope we do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With its incredible <a href="https://www.greatdixter.co.uk/Pages/News/Category/student-placements" target="_blank">education programs</a>, scholarships and <a href="https://www.greatdixter.co.uk/Pages/Events/Category/adult-learning-programme" target="_blank">adult learning programs</a>, Great Dixter continues to excel in the field of horticulture. It is sending out gardeners from all walks of life into the world with an appreciation for horticulture and wild things; it makes me a little teary to have hope for the future of something I love so dearly. This place is all heart, it is a place that makes gardeners. It teaches people how to garden. Not how to copy Great Dixter, rather how to apply what is learned and make your own interpretation. It teaches how to bend the rules and challenge you to <i>really </i>look at plants, just as Christopher did in his day. Fergus carries on in this spirit with vibrant enthusiasm, energy and great skill. While Daisy was the original heart of the garden, Christopher then took the reigns and drove it in a new direction while continuing to embrace much of what she championed. Fergus has the reigns now. With his focus on education and biodiversity, he has championed not only Christo's vision, but also what the gardens of this century can and indeed should become - vital in every sense of the word. As Christopher said a year before his death in 2005, "If Dixter remains loved and retains its own identity, everything else will fall into place." It certainly has.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great Dixter in October was amazing. Yes, the meadows had been mown and generally it was not at its height of summer flower color. I found it enchanting and vibrant and appreciated its warmth. A garden isn't all flower color, after all. I love all seasons in the garden. Great Dixter with its amazing bones and gentle approach to cleaning up the garden must be beautiful even in January. To experience this place regularly is a lucky individual indeed. I am so honored to have been able to see such a dynamic working garden that continues to evolve and is full of friendly and wonderful staff, volunteers and gardeners. These are some of the hardest working people in horticulture, who seem to be having all the fun. A special mention to another Facilities Manager, Ashley, who took time out of his busy day to visit with us. Julie, a volunteer and garden designer, so generously gave us a ride to our hotel in nearby Cranbrook, we thank you as well. Thank you to you all. It's the people that make a place, after all and I'll say it again, Dixter is all heart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Join me <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/11/lets-go-great-dixter-part-ii.html" target="_blank">next time</a> as we explore the nursery, the interior of some of that fabulous manor home and more borders at Great Dixter for Part II of what is a garden that has enriched my heart. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, we love hearing from you! Happy Gardening!</div></div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-63562766750711790332023-11-09T07:00:00.372-08:002023-11-15T12:00:00.253-08:00November Garden<div style="text-align: center;">Among the daydreams of our recent garden adventures in England is the real life garden at home here at Chickadee Gardens. Before I delve into a deep <a href="https://www.greatdixter.co.uk/Pages/News/Category/garden-tour" target="_blank">Great Dixter</a> daydream for the next couple of posts (the last place we visited in England), I want to stop for a moment and appreciate my own garden in full-color swing right now. We have been working so hard on it and it feels like it is knitting together bit by bit, finally. Here then is our little corner of the world in early November.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxCjyyMqY8vcGJAKrmoKDRDMyI5ZquxQaDy6MBbjZdNlj9nbtH3C7DTWOUb_ZSTKNu5Yye12oU2n2VmWESExgnEeWx5-VuFOM2VK5Nc1_w2LalOp5tBM_dU7dp1QueFuax8tk_sKL3pTsIAth26tmmVy52gl8OYvTzEheK3Wc0XPde4_o13PNdBn-Sug/s6000/IMG_0687.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxCjyyMqY8vcGJAKrmoKDRDMyI5ZquxQaDy6MBbjZdNlj9nbtH3C7DTWOUb_ZSTKNu5Yye12oU2n2VmWESExgnEeWx5-VuFOM2VK5Nc1_w2LalOp5tBM_dU7dp1QueFuax8tk_sKL3pTsIAth26tmmVy52gl8OYvTzEheK3Wc0XPde4_o13PNdBn-Sug/w640-h426/IMG_0687.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Acer palmatum</i> 'Sango kaku' has had a pretty good run with its autumn coloration. I like it juxtaposed with the emerald green of <i>Hebe</i> 'Karo Golden Esk'.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslUptZJP8n4MhOI13l1uieYLjWwkeWDaT_mifX3YiGCMxsFiziD4moN6rWwtZ6OJeolNlNZktN4XsCNx5MKqi8oG_Lo34kXHtUrp8BxPCZBQlpgKfR-Ff3syHJ3nF6maRIhxFQ1gC8DiCU1RYFbrGfLSPcfAVBcEx2TPV36WbPQ8vyG435ZioHnZ53J8/s6000/IMG_0515.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslUptZJP8n4MhOI13l1uieYLjWwkeWDaT_mifX3YiGCMxsFiziD4moN6rWwtZ6OJeolNlNZktN4XsCNx5MKqi8oG_Lo34kXHtUrp8BxPCZBQlpgKfR-Ff3syHJ3nF6maRIhxFQ1gC8DiCU1RYFbrGfLSPcfAVBcEx2TPV36WbPQ8vyG435ZioHnZ53J8/w640-h426/IMG_0515.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An absolute favorite for foliage color is<i> Itea virginica</i> 'Henry's Garnet'. Its early summer flowers are white pipe cleaners with pretty bright green foliage. In late October it turns to this, brilliant cranberry shades and often holds onto its foliage through winter.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgdZD2uR19kSdjDX-qrFusyd5in9TIpbwvKs3WJ-bZA5nYeMZ1T5WKS2gexEHXmry1cL98UesTayFLeEyiPcZ2CVKENH-YK2wBwLtP09RPlgTKJpVD8ioFyGaXYdSM1QhYa-cXXSVtXTq_eO2VuTPlJB3eSUcjud_Omd19fK8W6ePV0W4YQ8w-vGWGkQ/s6000/IMG_0521.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgdZD2uR19kSdjDX-qrFusyd5in9TIpbwvKs3WJ-bZA5nYeMZ1T5WKS2gexEHXmry1cL98UesTayFLeEyiPcZ2CVKENH-YK2wBwLtP09RPlgTKJpVD8ioFyGaXYdSM1QhYa-cXXSVtXTq_eO2VuTPlJB3eSUcjud_Omd19fK8W6ePV0W4YQ8w-vGWGkQ/w640-h426/IMG_0521.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even Calycanthus has a little color. Next to it is <i>Berberis jamesiana</i> and its coral colored berries. Its foliage will turn colors in a couple of weeks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p_a-kh_BmMgW5wkC4J31HgK8NE0YaTimuQwtX428Wwwx_G9Wrb3zpTxd9hCPxeXasTXI5GtxkyzQbHxip3d9If8kF9v67QDarnVZ7H1zG_CDyggS_4YpsXGswWuukWZoiEreTxtf880j6e7xQDAac4tTLkNczFzrf4mmzPgM-CDDkdLLHdu6Y9VNx1Q/s6000/IMG_0545.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p_a-kh_BmMgW5wkC4J31HgK8NE0YaTimuQwtX428Wwwx_G9Wrb3zpTxd9hCPxeXasTXI5GtxkyzQbHxip3d9If8kF9v67QDarnVZ7H1zG_CDyggS_4YpsXGswWuukWZoiEreTxtf880j6e7xQDAac4tTLkNczFzrf4mmzPgM-CDDkdLLHdu6Y9VNx1Q/w426-h640/IMG_0545.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><i>Spiraea betulifolia </i>in golden and red shades.</div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf9h0mQZG58feL_1icZErD3RW7H_MtZBeHs8QxzT1Dbw5BVy0WbBMkmADYmp_tO2HZtan26WrF6G9_3SL6gBwWV967JdKj6zEQR9RCh3ZQQbwSAQ-Lu-66eWuWCLRb7gHrncVm7MYRDmzw73S0HP1gz9eOGbb6UfN1EBz5R4cC3EqkVnfH3hNiuo2w_M/s6000/IMG_0523.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf9h0mQZG58feL_1icZErD3RW7H_MtZBeHs8QxzT1Dbw5BVy0WbBMkmADYmp_tO2HZtan26WrF6G9_3SL6gBwWV967JdKj6zEQR9RCh3ZQQbwSAQ-Lu-66eWuWCLRb7gHrncVm7MYRDmzw73S0HP1gz9eOGbb6UfN1EBz5R4cC3EqkVnfH3hNiuo2w_M/w640-h426/IMG_0523.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Stewartia pseudocamellia</i> changing colors in the center. This is the edge of the western woodland garden. Earlier this autumn FM took up the sod beneath this corner and added wood chips as a mulch. It looks a lot better.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxoOHFEmKymEVo4n77Me2o75nl8fz4REcrlf3dpzI1Ci_FzcgAdyi71WdzUoTjmNZ-sRtJAapB-GXfAetJnDdzLlcy2BjrHbI-SPYvFKFIynsfJAx0SJvjuWSx8FU07AFg9V6zMTySbnldRICckUXh44jdrzm1FCCLIafaa3GKtvLGtoXU3cEmDfg0fo/s6000/IMG_0542.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxoOHFEmKymEVo4n77Me2o75nl8fz4REcrlf3dpzI1Ci_FzcgAdyi71WdzUoTjmNZ-sRtJAapB-GXfAetJnDdzLlcy2BjrHbI-SPYvFKFIynsfJAx0SJvjuWSx8FU07AFg9V6zMTySbnldRICckUXh44jdrzm1FCCLIafaa3GKtvLGtoXU3cEmDfg0fo/w640-h426/IMG_0542.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A variety of deciduous shrubs turning color in the western woodland. Among them are <i>Hydrangea quercifolia</i>, <i>Rosa foliolosa</i>, <i>Spiraea betulifolia</i>, <i>Cornus sericea</i> 'Hedgerows Gold' and <i>Viburnum ellipticum</i>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewTehg3ggae3Kl9d-aOjlRJEyGw3k_2B8mGgCdkeUgvmVob4L9XxfwiCe2uX2d_ticfAw6IONoxLrfSbYa6aNZXzmn9bfyllRiOtuLCuP1817LXy8lDGEqB1d79AVZzKBRdjxWW1k0nzmmIvB5RmVY5toj9EOmeaopR5WRaY4mtX4jqPOfFKTX75s35I/s6000/IMG_0547.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewTehg3ggae3Kl9d-aOjlRJEyGw3k_2B8mGgCdkeUgvmVob4L9XxfwiCe2uX2d_ticfAw6IONoxLrfSbYa6aNZXzmn9bfyllRiOtuLCuP1817LXy8lDGEqB1d79AVZzKBRdjxWW1k0nzmmIvB5RmVY5toj9EOmeaopR5WRaY4mtX4jqPOfFKTX75s35I/w426-h640/IMG_0547.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Chamaecyparis obtusa</i> 'Blue Feathers' with <i>Viburnum opulus var. americanum</i> behind it. This color combination is one I really appreciate, powder blue with shades of red.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYmaGxwZwXZIUrUK8-HrOjG8dZ1XK-iboBPaNLWOXJT18LAseF5btk6O6eA4M8QjXI96RswkP_28CPUgz4pyK8m9lATEX2k8WQh-Z0AFeLwGE24Ulg1PeAasOc4avK-oRpq50mLZZ4Nldj9GVHDNV5daHlnt9SWDHbGj6D1ghF41-EetjbR835LIqWJk/s6000/IMG_0536.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYmaGxwZwXZIUrUK8-HrOjG8dZ1XK-iboBPaNLWOXJT18LAseF5btk6O6eA4M8QjXI96RswkP_28CPUgz4pyK8m9lATEX2k8WQh-Z0AFeLwGE24Ulg1PeAasOc4avK-oRpq50mLZZ4Nldj9GVHDNV5daHlnt9SWDHbGj6D1ghF41-EetjbR835LIqWJk/w640-h426/IMG_0536.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Callicarpa dichotoma</i> 'Early Amethyst' adding a punch of vibrant color to the western woodland.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9JjUeGEGkliiI9MKS80rngWmCcrQtO0-1V3BjswrSxcNfZ-n2cRB7sS-70BB0YQsgIlRc1QxvYpoEhgpdXQUWotHtQNa6kgJ7itku-1YbQO6iqpQ2terpdLAR_XD-MErdVV4eA0YY2PAI1AZ9ynxEBh0Uuak4-Y441J8Krj3GQcZJr50xWzi_2Zxsaw/s6000/IMG_0550.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9JjUeGEGkliiI9MKS80rngWmCcrQtO0-1V3BjswrSxcNfZ-n2cRB7sS-70BB0YQsgIlRc1QxvYpoEhgpdXQUWotHtQNa6kgJ7itku-1YbQO6iqpQ2terpdLAR_XD-MErdVV4eA0YY2PAI1AZ9ynxEBh0Uuak4-Y441J8Krj3GQcZJr50xWzi_2Zxsaw/w640-h426/IMG_0550.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking up the driveway with the western woodland on the left, <i>Spiraea betulifolia</i> lineup on the right (though <i>Spiraea betulifolia</i> is also the brightly colored shrub on the left).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfbjECDVOJSdclUVg2KKldtDip737mbIVv1tuSrcPvOBiIqirIvDPUqQnkEx3EQLMxBORpm-xvAcDUfe5zDIM8AqjZVzHoUKZM3Z8d3vne1W8eRJXM86SWupekzXTqER29UgjAKzHJZbabWcxf7_X6UA1_s0ZGl5ix616VpNdthx7Mne2xH6XxeUeBvk/s6000/IMG_0587.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfbjECDVOJSdclUVg2KKldtDip737mbIVv1tuSrcPvOBiIqirIvDPUqQnkEx3EQLMxBORpm-xvAcDUfe5zDIM8AqjZVzHoUKZM3Z8d3vne1W8eRJXM86SWupekzXTqER29UgjAKzHJZbabWcxf7_X6UA1_s0ZGl5ix616VpNdthx7Mne2xH6XxeUeBvk/w640-h426/IMG_0587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking northeast towards the gravel garden and meadow garden. The new spring addition of the graveled area can be seen in the upper left of this photo.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCc6cAn6ButjZQrrpgvcKruSB5jSwa7RSCoqqm_IdVTyBc9eW4ylslDdI70lfhacePywuiVt-jdM1VeHpv_h9vPwuAE506Nf93cVWrjm49LBo3f_5ggfO3EbNxzD8QzYbqPEh-FFrAALptNY7J9Guaq8etwn1BzXT6p0alDlVd9hlfhBnv7m_2ww5B5Y/s6000/IMG_0560.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCc6cAn6ButjZQrrpgvcKruSB5jSwa7RSCoqqm_IdVTyBc9eW4ylslDdI70lfhacePywuiVt-jdM1VeHpv_h9vPwuAE506Nf93cVWrjm49LBo3f_5ggfO3EbNxzD8QzYbqPEh-FFrAALptNY7J9Guaq8etwn1BzXT6p0alDlVd9hlfhBnv7m_2ww5B5Y/w640-h426/IMG_0560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Detail of the edge of the meadow and gravel gardens, <i>Amsonia hubrichtii </i>glowing in the foreground.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ueS9dzK6Sskllt4qrmCePXVu_oTM5iv_AE3PIVsi2TaQsH7o77MaQXC157rAOIJ0oGN-_Kt126k4alEMeGkxkM53dwSRlmK6S88BJukbBPd5vtuxx5QmiLIW4YWidL_h7V7x05rBALibDHAEAHw1z62bJxVcmqGYDWFFwMyFyhu5Cv_5Ws_bgbq6hmI/s6000/IMG_0581.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ueS9dzK6Sskllt4qrmCePXVu_oTM5iv_AE3PIVsi2TaQsH7o77MaQXC157rAOIJ0oGN-_Kt126k4alEMeGkxkM53dwSRlmK6S88BJukbBPd5vtuxx5QmiLIW4YWidL_h7V7x05rBALibDHAEAHw1z62bJxVcmqGYDWFFwMyFyhu5Cv_5Ws_bgbq6hmI/w640-h426/IMG_0581.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's an exciting new project. Earlier this year I mentioned we would be expanding FM's latest bed to reach across the southern stretch of the property. This week FM rented a sod cutter and did indeed take up the sod. You can just make out the dark line extending from the bed on the left.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZrMsACQ-5lGw6ONZyLG-bvvRh_lporb6Pp2hqTRcnrtZq1gaJYv4Y5yZa4zInOrflYEW2_jxVcauidJxpRIRgWCK-NzvJBICuGHkhA0mTXiK_bbSekWnoUmCFIn6bMPMAa54ZKWkRQKWPOxtayFZjlF3ByLqhfSTj4SyJRj3edcCboO3fbRut1EERUk/s6000/IMG_0574.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZrMsACQ-5lGw6ONZyLG-bvvRh_lporb6Pp2hqTRcnrtZq1gaJYv4Y5yZa4zInOrflYEW2_jxVcauidJxpRIRgWCK-NzvJBICuGHkhA0mTXiK_bbSekWnoUmCFIn6bMPMAa54ZKWkRQKWPOxtayFZjlF3ByLqhfSTj4SyJRj3edcCboO3fbRut1EERUk/w640-h426/IMG_0574.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A closer view, this is facing east. Though difficult to see, earlier this week I planted it with a stash of plant material I had been saving, plants such as <i>Frangula</i> (syn. <i>Rhamnus</i>) <i>californica ssp. tomentella</i>, <i>Baccharis pilularis </i>'Pistol Pancake' (Cistus introduction), <i>Salvia</i> 'Celestial Blue' and so many other treasures that have low water requirements. The area will be mulched with wood chips, continuing the bed across to eventually end at our gate.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkhHG2JtSIVXjgFaEqneXvufUy6zpEmLoTirp069IMlKWqzaNvVoW6QVZ4zsUv6sCTPQzb9I8dmWGjZWd8GWReCjEosR8InQnOxMB5AT1CFbRSE1iywGp7OVANQdV0BSocsGPrBslNpF-M3woZu9qYVdfe5zfhcubUXuayuLWksBXK58vudvgbnvCcq4/s6000/IMG_0578.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkhHG2JtSIVXjgFaEqneXvufUy6zpEmLoTirp069IMlKWqzaNvVoW6QVZ4zsUv6sCTPQzb9I8dmWGjZWd8GWReCjEosR8InQnOxMB5AT1CFbRSE1iywGp7OVANQdV0BSocsGPrBslNpF-M3woZu9qYVdfe5zfhcubUXuayuLWksBXK58vudvgbnvCcq4/w640-h426/IMG_0578.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The new stripe of brown just behind the large maple tree, while seemingly insignificant here, brings me much joy. When the plants fill in they will help to block noise from the road below and enclose us more as well as creating cohesion to garden beds and overall flow of the garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFn06DvxuFTyo8D2EC_BAOPdibQ006PFQcng_orBMDStS2MD2Xk2f6mGDa6kL4v5QdhzszPUWdRmJlGmyj6_eJ8hc6hkkUCbIfp9kfM9KtaWl1CSCE650pT7Gos1UKUOlVtrfkK07c_QRATdnG4NnL1Z489J5f5F146HIFOOUGrrJq6lYYkKr5tGT-gRw/s6000/IMG_0564.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFn06DvxuFTyo8D2EC_BAOPdibQ006PFQcng_orBMDStS2MD2Xk2f6mGDa6kL4v5QdhzszPUWdRmJlGmyj6_eJ8hc6hkkUCbIfp9kfM9KtaWl1CSCE650pT7Gos1UKUOlVtrfkK07c_QRATdnG4NnL1Z489J5f5F146HIFOOUGrrJq6lYYkKr5tGT-gRw/w640-h426/IMG_0564.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The edge of the meadow area is filled with amber colors from <i>Amsonia hubrichtii</i> and <i>Anementhele lessoniana</i>. Seed heads of <i>Achillea millefolium</i>, penstemon and other perennials add to the ambiance. The tall stalks are <i>Digitalis ferruginea.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptUT61SVlqdgtgHotCCjw8lQWTtOG_IHFgxJtz6cMsnesAQH3viD42plvlekVP7fHCD25e-xqJPnAQR3ipRE_M4JANGI_LawXUHJiX1zjSuYUw2Fd9AQzMkPpQKor3UIAswTuv_3tinIuOdh1xJjs2qz9Waua8NgIoiUdd9n5uN3Uxi78lyFmhWUjXgs/s6000/IMG_0614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptUT61SVlqdgtgHotCCjw8lQWTtOG_IHFgxJtz6cMsnesAQH3viD42plvlekVP7fHCD25e-xqJPnAQR3ipRE_M4JANGI_LawXUHJiX1zjSuYUw2Fd9AQzMkPpQKor3UIAswTuv_3tinIuOdh1xJjs2qz9Waua8NgIoiUdd9n5uN3Uxi78lyFmhWUjXgs/w640-h426/IMG_0614.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The southern edge of the garden where FM removed sod this spring and added wood chips for mulch. This is the bed that's been added to at its western end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYZV_M80A38dqYcjbmoFUKSzRq1AUZ4YvCdPwAMMvYxjFL1pn-1FB6pItL5IuyweJZrmW7j_SjcgxODtxqI3t364Rw8kp-mb9rJTBjbIy1BeZMx8rJry_F3SDBTxTwv1E7NlX4uHNiyNIOEOt24tlIAk-aKmKQM6piu1ZQd2r2b4cyLWWFyDxTawBwg4/s6000/IMG_0633.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYZV_M80A38dqYcjbmoFUKSzRq1AUZ4YvCdPwAMMvYxjFL1pn-1FB6pItL5IuyweJZrmW7j_SjcgxODtxqI3t364Rw8kp-mb9rJTBjbIy1BeZMx8rJry_F3SDBTxTwv1E7NlX4uHNiyNIOEOt24tlIAk-aKmKQM6piu1ZQd2r2b4cyLWWFyDxTawBwg4/w640-h426/IMG_0633.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some shrubbery love including <i>Arctostaphylos pumila</i> on the right, rosemary on the left and <i>Ozothamnus</i> 'Sussex Silver' top left. You can just make out the fading corn stalks in the veggie garden in the distance.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dzbf_U-DtAVqNqGSL8XR1I8ie0Ot-FnRVhTPDT2DYCRuZlwKB2qzBZ0GKo2HUNOt2ezjer4PkwHx_PNGe8mY7VSmuAfVkeGlpAyUjT5DRLB-CDnCAmefyBeiTvna78z8IevxZUM2x3GatnWTBytvn5spYNyLD1yaeGe1iGlecfgloAIJ3N0aGy0qSpM/s6000/IMG_0648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dzbf_U-DtAVqNqGSL8XR1I8ie0Ot-FnRVhTPDT2DYCRuZlwKB2qzBZ0GKo2HUNOt2ezjer4PkwHx_PNGe8mY7VSmuAfVkeGlpAyUjT5DRLB-CDnCAmefyBeiTvna78z8IevxZUM2x3GatnWTBytvn5spYNyLD1yaeGe1iGlecfgloAIJ3N0aGy0qSpM/w426-h640/IMG_0648.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Phlomis russelliana</i> doing its pom pop thing which will continue right through winter until I finally cut them off in early spring.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTuPdBy932Higb-jQcs_ITPXbw789DfCE99Yf5wv0XFwHrpCOdQKkU8M08iWibdlwuCgYLkTimp3ocdjQfywFl3CcWr_kl9f7BdUugdDSGWyZYo7hsJQ9tLYA8koRJASMVFnQQnkSTygGyZPT7IKS-9xaVDj6bCxSSbZQakOqvnmY-L3X_O3zAccl8OA/s6000/IMG_0639.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTuPdBy932Higb-jQcs_ITPXbw789DfCE99Yf5wv0XFwHrpCOdQKkU8M08iWibdlwuCgYLkTimp3ocdjQfywFl3CcWr_kl9f7BdUugdDSGWyZYo7hsJQ9tLYA8koRJASMVFnQQnkSTygGyZPT7IKS-9xaVDj6bCxSSbZQakOqvnmY-L3X_O3zAccl8OA/w640-h426/IMG_0639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the heart of the labyrinth garden <i>Solidago</i> 'Fireworks' puts on a little color.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8JTJzBbh_YKUb9E-_qgGQGWy3g2bZ_NWaIMsqCi7_JSJN6SCz8V-sB38YKUUKXZY6_nutE4irrJRmeQerW-Oy7XRqIJErQek75iAj6dG_G_gujP-d8yhqAfgsW-VX6jsOuopBrISZxypP0HcmU4GDuauJbqf693aMF3ny8okfi8fS8uJvCRe4S4Xe9o/s6000/IMG_0660.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8JTJzBbh_YKUb9E-_qgGQGWy3g2bZ_NWaIMsqCi7_JSJN6SCz8V-sB38YKUUKXZY6_nutE4irrJRmeQerW-Oy7XRqIJErQek75iAj6dG_G_gujP-d8yhqAfgsW-VX6jsOuopBrISZxypP0HcmU4GDuauJbqf693aMF3ny8okfi8fS8uJvCRe4S4Xe9o/w640-h426/IMG_0660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Helianthus</i> 'Lemon Queen' also with autumn foliage color, creeping thyme at its feet. <i>Phlomis russelliana</i> on the left again, the large shrub left center is <i>Salix eleagnos </i>var<i>. angustifolia</i>. This section of the center of the labyrinth was heavily reworked about this time last autumn and is beginning to fill the gaps left by vast amounts of the removal of <i>Rudbeckia hirta. </i>The <i>Rudbeckia hirta</i> sulked every time the soil became even a little dry, so it had to go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BX6m30OQN7T8dsLGOqQNmBmfOHbSdtURdBVLykk6WBXeLUVVxkcVZx-G3NEa4vT06Vo15zaOTrGCGcfT7BjgVSMYxxQ8zK0-5Ir-d1kAl_Hhj5tnwGF47sn6TahzpmSNfqGSO_yJWITIIrezfUyRNoEiDiSj7fkBE-xkTcHEtNCEvYUg3dubqe0nYmk/s6000/IMG_0665.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BX6m30OQN7T8dsLGOqQNmBmfOHbSdtURdBVLykk6WBXeLUVVxkcVZx-G3NEa4vT06Vo15zaOTrGCGcfT7BjgVSMYxxQ8zK0-5Ir-d1kAl_Hhj5tnwGF47sn6TahzpmSNfqGSO_yJWITIIrezfUyRNoEiDiSj7fkBE-xkTcHEtNCEvYUg3dubqe0nYmk/w640-h426/IMG_0665.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking south from my garden shed towards a limbed up <i>Olearia</i> 'Dartonii' in the center. <i>Muhlenbergia rigens </i>grass on the right. Two <i>Acanthus mollis</i> that flank a path (center) at the edge of the labyrinth had a long recovery from what was a bad summer last year. They are surprisingly actively growing right now and look better than they did all summer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9Jl8z34_2cgerjTbPxJC_PvKi3pGhYbqAxWVWAi5xdolZ0IoAFZP-ujg5lEmmVTf5b56HuHbPqvctqttKLU67NUXRx07gEVqqdDfcHenl6Jv1gayNqyTWBifdAk_x7AZCZnd0ly7b6AT6Z13cD4psm_ZpTE_ltEVuiI8XSbmSuoNVeIe3sEdI3m4LkY/s6000/IMG_0670.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9Jl8z34_2cgerjTbPxJC_PvKi3pGhYbqAxWVWAi5xdolZ0IoAFZP-ujg5lEmmVTf5b56HuHbPqvctqttKLU67NUXRx07gEVqqdDfcHenl6Jv1gayNqyTWBifdAk_x7AZCZnd0ly7b6AT6Z13cD4psm_ZpTE_ltEVuiI8XSbmSuoNVeIe3sEdI3m4LkY/w640-h426/IMG_0670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fading corn stalks in the vegetable garden remind us the busy season has ended. The apple harvest was fabulous this year, we lost our plum tree to what looks like borers, had few if any cherries, many pears and the figs are just ending now. Persimmons still to come (ripening) and the nectaplum will probably be removed as it's never fruited and is always sickly looking with peach leaf curl. Not the best climate for it, I think. It was overall a good year for producing food and I'm excited to try a few new things next year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJvnPBFBDBKQlSNTd8TgUjoT-ga9qekhsfW16wTSbRRod2fCj8b6CT_tVYuVdX4JHx9Izeal-Yv42yL5ButOk5QwwxNkVOd8HMzo8uAK_yiek-32JEqsAt6dOaxMtdv2k-boe_Oxk5aWqXszHnKN8I1UJyYndLRmhCacvwYvtrevJIy1jcz7PhTK9M6g/s6000/IMG_0680.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJvnPBFBDBKQlSNTd8TgUjoT-ga9qekhsfW16wTSbRRod2fCj8b6CT_tVYuVdX4JHx9Izeal-Yv42yL5ButOk5QwwxNkVOd8HMzo8uAK_yiek-32JEqsAt6dOaxMtdv2k-boe_Oxk5aWqXszHnKN8I1UJyYndLRmhCacvwYvtrevJIy1jcz7PhTK9M6g/w640-h426/IMG_0680.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Muhlenbergia rigens</i>, deer grass, is always wonderful, especially this time of the year. Two of the three <i>Acer palmatum</i> 'Sango kaku' can be seen in the background. <i>Azara microphylla</i> is reaching for the sky giving good dark contrasting colors to its surrounding neighbors.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1ELnQj3p2U2t5W0WziUUjUDtCvmbbv8As5x8X4yTPG1GKwh3v_zMw7u_862W8IVgG-enagOdJ6sk_xFK8xlbFO805_fKN1JS4tFONC1-GpbD6F0CSZHi0rtEr2rvUNd_qoK7G2LUMedFjzHNqicJxBeXEFR8tQeSPa11R7pCVR4cF6hOMHCgaHVM-7g/s6000/IMG_0691.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1ELnQj3p2U2t5W0WziUUjUDtCvmbbv8As5x8X4yTPG1GKwh3v_zMw7u_862W8IVgG-enagOdJ6sk_xFK8xlbFO805_fKN1JS4tFONC1-GpbD6F0CSZHi0rtEr2rvUNd_qoK7G2LUMedFjzHNqicJxBeXEFR8tQeSPa11R7pCVR4cF6hOMHCgaHVM-7g/w640-h426/IMG_0691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">At the edge of the meadow garden with many grasses, perennials, seeds and texture. A lot to see still even in November. <i>Teucrium chamaedrys</i> in the foreground. This will remain intact until late winter when it all gets cut back. This time of year and into late winter many birds pretty much live in this: sparrows, juncos, towhees, finches and the occasional flock of bushtits. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2yqjNEpPt1UgMUNK52NGmqDAT8mRCNJEfp1GObe2dLAyGYBr1HrwoYCuIsgzluSqJVxiBxHyrZ3y9ZJIRe3FoShRh243K7IKIgREXC252FJ0PCPfcfMn3hSRHA59h43PxpeY7yDsZYNUkgMfyi1k0u4CMIKrx2_D0gTfQ56U1rcT39ZJMODHqN6w23I/s6000/IMG_0725.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2yqjNEpPt1UgMUNK52NGmqDAT8mRCNJEfp1GObe2dLAyGYBr1HrwoYCuIsgzluSqJVxiBxHyrZ3y9ZJIRe3FoShRh243K7IKIgREXC252FJ0PCPfcfMn3hSRHA59h43PxpeY7yDsZYNUkgMfyi1k0u4CMIKrx2_D0gTfQ56U1rcT39ZJMODHqN6w23I/w640-h426/IMG_0725.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Foliage colors near the shade garden while not spectacular are filling in nicely and changing the character of what was blank canvas of weedy field grass. We may remove more of this grass next year as we tend to remove a little every year. This is an area of grass that turns quite brown come June, so it makes sense to cover it with plants that will thrive and cover the soil.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqRH44AB_4xENlNInkxtBwSZuMXNkbVyTHBbH0yiefBLJXNO3l8MSGq8JYY2dTRghZg1IFTML8dmrtmdvJjZYn0a5nKMSZxc7WkZSBiwVbg_Y28LcVOJLHb0r-hqhVRkAEV7Ql2WhtygYLCSvV78rbuK7l5mh6fhbOWHFwr_1-UgW2jwzC-zF497JJdw/s6000/IMG_0739.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqRH44AB_4xENlNInkxtBwSZuMXNkbVyTHBbH0yiefBLJXNO3l8MSGq8JYY2dTRghZg1IFTML8dmrtmdvJjZYn0a5nKMSZxc7WkZSBiwVbg_Y28LcVOJLHb0r-hqhVRkAEV7Ql2WhtygYLCSvV78rbuK7l5mh6fhbOWHFwr_1-UgW2jwzC-zF497JJdw/w640-h426/IMG_0739.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The berm garden looking fine in early November. <i>Itea v.</i> 'Henry's Garnet' is the red foliage.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ai12WlkQXEYE048iwOmRWl3wHxOrUp_k4af4QfAgcQMZQDE0Eg3jW7-QtqSK0jKgkQ3ouWM23UXy-rC3HgV7bMXjobPtcmRX77LILdB-45SSPHJCjtl0funU45N2Y04f711RhcGtJRMwkwXOcYqoRIKOvqw7AcbIUQ9TQtQKNr-WgeZenCZnD-E5cuo/s6000/IMG_0749.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ai12WlkQXEYE048iwOmRWl3wHxOrUp_k4af4QfAgcQMZQDE0Eg3jW7-QtqSK0jKgkQ3ouWM23UXy-rC3HgV7bMXjobPtcmRX77LILdB-45SSPHJCjtl0funU45N2Y04f711RhcGtJRMwkwXOcYqoRIKOvqw7AcbIUQ9TQtQKNr-WgeZenCZnD-E5cuo/w640-h426/IMG_0749.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Veronicastrum virginicum</i> 'Album' with golden autumnal foliage. I did an experiment with these this year. It usually gets so tall that it flops open as well as dries out quickly in hot, dry weather. I gave them the Chelsea chop (in May) which is basically giving them a haircut to keep them much shorter than they would be otherwise. Not only did I rarely have to water them this summer, but they stayed short as you can see and did not flop. The flower show wasn't as spectacular and was much later but it worked.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIETd86SL_g4z6PY59sJQc_JIZhyphenhyphenADRmbkQ1ijd-etSvjvidowfXht90meJgqp1EUqRmD1K8dhJhgpYmQvuPBy3IFatQcsvsYSKXaAWbuFL0vaTwM4hiGPt2E91KE04h5GfBsSPE2nBXN9UnbWgRZHavqzPtBH3F-egaS2GPMvDWOyG1J75HZS4gJqnI/s5680/IMG_0753.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3941" data-original-width="5680" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIETd86SL_g4z6PY59sJQc_JIZhyphenhyphenADRmbkQ1ijd-etSvjvidowfXht90meJgqp1EUqRmD1K8dhJhgpYmQvuPBy3IFatQcsvsYSKXaAWbuFL0vaTwM4hiGPt2E91KE04h5GfBsSPE2nBXN9UnbWgRZHavqzPtBH3F-egaS2GPMvDWOyG1J75HZS4gJqnI/w640-h444/IMG_0753.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Parting shot out of our window looking south towards the new bed, barely visible as a brown strip going horizontally behind the large tree.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now that the rains are here and I have a little extra time I have been planting treasures that have been awaiting their homes. The primary area is the extension on the south edge of the property, but additionally I have been collecting a few specimens from Cistus Nursery where I work. Many are west coast natives that are particularly drought adapted and new to me, more on those to come as they fill in. A few came from a dear friend who is moving from a five acre garden to a condo in town, plants such as a second <i>Stewartia pseudocamellia, Drymis lanceolata, Cornus </i>'Compressa' and others. Also a few plants get moved this time of the year to better locations, though I really dislike moving plants. I tend to leave them where they are once in the ground. But if a plant is not happy I do my best to make it so. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is satisfying, this time of the year, for the overwhelmingly busy season is finally settling down and I can check off those to-do items on my long list. New plants in? Check. Sod cut? Check. Mulch spread? Working on it. Hebes propagated? Check. Now to go make applesauce from our bountiful harvest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. As always thank you so much for reading and commenting, we love hearing from you! Happy autumn gardening! Stay tuned for Great Dixter adventures next time.</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-72216835283436915682023-11-02T07:00:00.825-07:002023-11-02T09:30:17.897-07:00Let's Go: Sissinghurst Castle Garden Part II<div style="text-align: center;">There is so much more to <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/sissinghurst-castle-garden" target="_blank">Sissinghurst Castle Garden</a> than I can reasonably cover. How does one even scratch the surface in a few words? Between my <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/10/lets-go-sissinghurst-castle-garden-part.html" target="_blank">first post</a> from last week and this, Part II, I hope to at the very least document our visit on a fine October day this year. I will try to scratch that surface.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson were amateur gardeners, having honed their skills in their first garden at Cospoli, Turkey, and their second at Long Barn, their home near Vita's childhood home of Knole in West Kent. Having purchased Sissinghurst Castle in 1930, they promptly began gardening on this historic site and spent the last 30 or so years of their lives here. They gardened until the end, lucky for us. What makes Sissinghurst Castle Garden special? Hopefully we'll get another glimpse into a bit of garden magic here in Part II.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-4RUz1GgBy8ot2JZrkNUJmh_le_rPzLTjrXQgRM9pvV5iD5kXoIWcWcXUN6od7Oth3dwrnGlBJZE7pbZt4WanmzqIkd4AJePb5ePioPg-A19BHdazj6F8_ZO_gWAf35-tmfLqmR570C98iwfNqFit6-bkS0mqTHgQdHP0XKF_WpzHYxou1k1QL_LCGo/s6000/IMG_8859.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-4RUz1GgBy8ot2JZrkNUJmh_le_rPzLTjrXQgRM9pvV5iD5kXoIWcWcXUN6od7Oth3dwrnGlBJZE7pbZt4WanmzqIkd4AJePb5ePioPg-A19BHdazj6F8_ZO_gWAf35-tmfLqmR570C98iwfNqFit6-bkS0mqTHgQdHP0XKF_WpzHYxou1k1QL_LCGo/w640-h426/IMG_8859.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A copper container in the heart of the Cottage Garden surrounded by rather robust Irish yews. This centerpiece for me is what drew me in from photographs in the book <i>Gardening at Sissinghurst</i> by Tony Lord. More on the Cottage Garden to come. Also, the history of the estate was briefly covered <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/10/lets-go-sissinghurst-castle-garden-part.html" target="_blank">last time</a>, so I will not repeat it here. It is a fascinating one, worthy of a deep dive.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4e9cqg2SGoPTSGEllT7XJ-4yvjtadMg3TkriJIlLl6NNBhZnfraDP2DMIPM1QSd9VDEmpsqFbAXu1KOROvo8I8ZGsquoLcSw8ZCXX14hgz6XiyhmzCvtG6-1GtbBwZRkruBV4K78BJxSHe9bRIn6lcsGK0UKb7bsS-TTkagCI0Z4EnKl1uD1i-by-n2E/s5502/IMG_8909_rotate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5502" data-original-width="3668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4e9cqg2SGoPTSGEllT7XJ-4yvjtadMg3TkriJIlLl6NNBhZnfraDP2DMIPM1QSd9VDEmpsqFbAXu1KOROvo8I8ZGsquoLcSw8ZCXX14hgz6XiyhmzCvtG6-1GtbBwZRkruBV4K78BJxSHe9bRIn6lcsGK0UKb7bsS-TTkagCI0Z4EnKl1uD1i-by-n2E/w426-h640/IMG_8909_rotate.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beginning where we left off last week, we're headed to the Rose Garden. This is the west side of the tower facing the top courtyard. Through the tower arch we go. The rosemary in the foreground is 'Sissinghurst Blue', one of several plants found as sports or seedlings in the gardens and have proved to be worthy of the Sissinghurst name.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0gzdnetMFB8PFrff0VkAP0dNUPycCFZDEFrnszCGmZaQDE0SxQDSEdcVdVCejCeTaIh2CoJnRc21q7XUxWbygZn0FANfFvUr5UlMGr8vsPjYO17wtc4ARpFWfyShqm9uzrmjEeTMjyBx0YrGrIdNJR5ThtCI9LkozqOZbWgTjY6UCK1jOtc-X2bBlZU/s6000/IMG_8676.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0gzdnetMFB8PFrff0VkAP0dNUPycCFZDEFrnszCGmZaQDE0SxQDSEdcVdVCejCeTaIh2CoJnRc21q7XUxWbygZn0FANfFvUr5UlMGr8vsPjYO17wtc4ARpFWfyShqm9uzrmjEeTMjyBx0YrGrIdNJR5ThtCI9LkozqOZbWgTjY6UCK1jOtc-X2bBlZU/w640-h426/IMG_8676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Turning right or south we enter into the Rose Garden. Here is the curved Powys Wall with an espaliered fig obscuring its left corner end. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkjvldUq1iOmCaLil7gtEeO3KcW2qv9sbTJkYmYa8SrA32tPwiPR5T-gYRe_9WZ7KyYUOIRHBH71FXo0kJFhPrSSkuzI3a_L9ezUWF3aJ5CPkk8L_UjrrVr2m-e9qtJmHhi6Q324f_XVsxKF2kaDmwcfeuG1rQsawlKDAnEqy6SV4aqr3vYPpi5ItxxA/s6000/IMG_8467.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkjvldUq1iOmCaLil7gtEeO3KcW2qv9sbTJkYmYa8SrA32tPwiPR5T-gYRe_9WZ7KyYUOIRHBH71FXo0kJFhPrSSkuzI3a_L9ezUWF3aJ5CPkk8L_UjrrVr2m-e9qtJmHhi6Q324f_XVsxKF2kaDmwcfeuG1rQsawlKDAnEqy6SV4aqr3vYPpi5ItxxA/w640-h426/IMG_8467.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Rose Garden as seen from the tower. Note the gate in the wall, also the curve of the Powys Wall can be seen in the upper right corner.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q7wjqBldbyUsSaLEfEOyRaySr91mHcBRZtPIgDPHbFzWwLgflk-mPHi1q5FA-Iqb2lqfhYWwql3VQqbk1PkxAx137YgvZgrtQxczNckA-QjPAY-yS0-gzD-YKxqOzx2H0POYNPpow_D8xuZbmry3_GE2r0mf2BNsehw-8PWU2nB4VCiKsR1tQAkDSJo/s6000/IMG_8686.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q7wjqBldbyUsSaLEfEOyRaySr91mHcBRZtPIgDPHbFzWwLgflk-mPHi1q5FA-Iqb2lqfhYWwql3VQqbk1PkxAx137YgvZgrtQxczNckA-QjPAY-yS0-gzD-YKxqOzx2H0POYNPpow_D8xuZbmry3_GE2r0mf2BNsehw-8PWU2nB4VCiKsR1tQAkDSJo/w426-h640/IMG_8686.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gate detail in the Rose Garden. I love the juxtaposition of red orange bricks with blue.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjWWHAP-3XiI6W2pw2AIBqZHMh3WGkR_3iOBXqzzFDc44qxG-t2EJinlQ9eP08CRmKPkYoH2E5IBccf7CQ2k6ENOJGaZSwk-5XFZ9TObGjipg9GGFyHxh7NbrEq9BPXwX9IoHH5yvVmhanwpeyBHXeWVpgy_Z_4ErnbG26x-Ma-kXl0fimpo55_T_3yc/s6000/IMG_8674.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjWWHAP-3XiI6W2pw2AIBqZHMh3WGkR_3iOBXqzzFDc44qxG-t2EJinlQ9eP08CRmKPkYoH2E5IBccf7CQ2k6ENOJGaZSwk-5XFZ9TObGjipg9GGFyHxh7NbrEq9BPXwX9IoHH5yvVmhanwpeyBHXeWVpgy_Z_4ErnbG26x-Ma-kXl0fimpo55_T_3yc/w640-h426/IMG_8674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Powys Wall behind the Lutyens bench. Difficult to make out but the wall is a curved semi-circle, easily seen from above as from the top of the tower in my <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/10/lets-go-sissinghurst-castle-garden-part.html" target="_blank">last post</a>. The wall is famously covered in climbers, most notably <i>Clematis</i> 'Perle d'Azur', which was sadly not in bloom in October.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE14WOLnbmAz4HYu1N-ZNdrDgdyxTad_7tkMDydDoEV9u-7ZMqPvlAyDuo06qobCgqWxxB-H0iC4fX_hWIpwsK6mbs5DE0pbb3D43KBTGuLxfSrCpOI-o2mo9T_SJ7rnEIooWHR8Srlr1eHVu8PfjM5okP4BXj6MwO9Ujoq1_iGhU0jtIy3bO6vpiT0i4/s6000/IMG_8892.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE14WOLnbmAz4HYu1N-ZNdrDgdyxTad_7tkMDydDoEV9u-7ZMqPvlAyDuo06qobCgqWxxB-H0iC4fX_hWIpwsK6mbs5DE0pbb3D43KBTGuLxfSrCpOI-o2mo9T_SJ7rnEIooWHR8Srlr1eHVu8PfjM5okP4BXj6MwO9Ujoq1_iGhU0jtIy3bO6vpiT0i4/w640-h426/IMG_8892.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the Rose Garden looking north through the Yew Walk to a sculpture at its termination point. Speaking of visiting in October, while the flower show that the gardens are so famous for was well past its peak and very few roses were in bloom, the crowds were thin. That alone for me is reason to travel in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, although I would love to see Vita's color harmonies on full show another day.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAk86vJZloJ1MsyNdplIESr8wtLENctFq07l4Hynb_j8X47Z2bUUaCbhpeK5lc8GQ7Y5-9bUaQuud_py5ucnap0v1TcHv6NCySPYzYGOqp2nqqO6uLsV-Ncet7M-8nVId0WPNVBY74OXUBkHGuD1OLJfeey1NRqQ7joZwZ_BDdKiCo2BQEkQWAaUb-kp0/s6000/IMG_8895.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAk86vJZloJ1MsyNdplIESr8wtLENctFq07l4Hynb_j8X47Z2bUUaCbhpeK5lc8GQ7Y5-9bUaQuud_py5ucnap0v1TcHv6NCySPYzYGOqp2nqqO6uLsV-Ncet7M-8nVId0WPNVBY74OXUBkHGuD1OLJfeey1NRqQ7joZwZ_BDdKiCo2BQEkQWAaUb-kp0/w640-h426/IMG_8895.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anemones and rose hips against the dark of the yew hedge with the South Cottage behind.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMBoiUy8ZKzerNvlvjCwMwrdIzwTBXB7GBEGY2RZHCd5Fh31NJ1Jv3NpfhtzfSo2hdFvzHn1sfmZpCV4sq2tN6ohDF3Z4AZPiFfu9lhyecrhLrqLdv26vVhDUfcWvoVvAhq1cKn_io_DcFJJuEtodvBa77jAAIdC6UB8Q7CuGsdgFj5AWRCs4DXTRZKc/s6000/IMG_8510.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMBoiUy8ZKzerNvlvjCwMwrdIzwTBXB7GBEGY2RZHCd5Fh31NJ1Jv3NpfhtzfSo2hdFvzHn1sfmZpCV4sq2tN6ohDF3Z4AZPiFfu9lhyecrhLrqLdv26vVhDUfcWvoVvAhq1cKn_io_DcFJJuEtodvBa77jAAIdC6UB8Q7CuGsdgFj5AWRCs4DXTRZKc/w426-h640/IMG_8510.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Sunken Garden (alternatively called the Lion Pond, see the lion fountain on the right) with <i>Osmunda regalis</i>, regal fern, dipping its toes in the pond below.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAxndxvzztabPKDw0CFJRQBcrzDibbUnuiWRV8n49tP-ExX1a6exZ6X1vp2ujqKepE9rMmiZWkugPIZ2MHIdZB_Ikp8_7YIl02jqAdG3pA6ojnOnv4lUu_mInsoOTiBF9vCkKA00yk9PUurstSTIVQ0dx9sFuBYEBmPkwtW3cc70pDavJTp9XNx7j43w/s6000/IMG_8530.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAxndxvzztabPKDw0CFJRQBcrzDibbUnuiWRV8n49tP-ExX1a6exZ6X1vp2ujqKepE9rMmiZWkugPIZ2MHIdZB_Ikp8_7YIl02jqAdG3pA6ojnOnv4lUu_mInsoOTiBF9vCkKA00yk9PUurstSTIVQ0dx9sFuBYEBmPkwtW3cc70pDavJTp9XNx7j43w/w640-h426/IMG_8530.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Yew Walk</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T5mdG56kC-iI47WpK_GyfdjAVxENMvTTMY1xtweXQKxQLVbYVaN1zAkv2FAqTW2o3A2JMPh9E8hgSPwUuZv6xjZK_K0l17jRi0ifyAGH_1wGqbX1nqhyh1bBX_jBRAdYbUgkJQn_gpU0eyx6I5-qGGuV0QAxnk5tD4nQ0d-RWGVw4af_D3Ooqnxm63Y/s6000/IMG_8795.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T5mdG56kC-iI47WpK_GyfdjAVxENMvTTMY1xtweXQKxQLVbYVaN1zAkv2FAqTW2o3A2JMPh9E8hgSPwUuZv6xjZK_K0l17jRi0ifyAGH_1wGqbX1nqhyh1bBX_jBRAdYbUgkJQn_gpU0eyx6I5-qGGuV0QAxnk5tD4nQ0d-RWGVw4af_D3Ooqnxm63Y/w640-h426/IMG_8795.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Begonia sutherlandii </i>behind the South Cottage hinting at the colors to come around the corner.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY8-fh0Aqn4ZVP4HyuN27N4_qo4crHYOC0CG9kZEtLYav_C94gacvvBQZfC3JuNkB82fgQm3TjgBzFUaL3GGKBxZp4GR_1cpovIjtQ58iSFAPvireZrlEM6c56Jg8DE9SzTXKWpSEdRfu1KPuZ7yfd2NJ4dofO4gRGJyo4peB0AgqwyFmVDC2Hk3sW64/s6000/IMG_8798.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY8-fh0Aqn4ZVP4HyuN27N4_qo4crHYOC0CG9kZEtLYav_C94gacvvBQZfC3JuNkB82fgQm3TjgBzFUaL3GGKBxZp4GR_1cpovIjtQ58iSFAPvireZrlEM6c56Jg8DE9SzTXKWpSEdRfu1KPuZ7yfd2NJ4dofO4gRGJyo4peB0AgqwyFmVDC2Hk3sW64/w426-h640/IMG_8798.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The back side of South Cottage, a rather shady spot with mahonia, <i>Garrya elliptica</i> (out of frame) and other shade-tolerant broad leaved evergreen plants.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGaJdldemRzR-FGDY58yzfJtH4ICg_hSllW4IrOoyoQJgnoIH3d7VU7bes-bcFRuAutphdoLn4MEX8DGGec4qB9MG5cNaQ0Al3KmPev7vs_KKPlzyN5RPmgYJA34ydmhcIC6S13hSVPTQECsJFIjHwnshVqjznZpp54P5kYsZ_I01tRp6BBiEYMy2n2Q/s6000/IMG_8817.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGaJdldemRzR-FGDY58yzfJtH4ICg_hSllW4IrOoyoQJgnoIH3d7VU7bes-bcFRuAutphdoLn4MEX8DGGec4qB9MG5cNaQ0Al3KmPev7vs_KKPlzyN5RPmgYJA34ydmhcIC6S13hSVPTQECsJFIjHwnshVqjznZpp54P5kYsZ_I01tRp6BBiEYMy2n2Q/w640-h426/IMG_8817.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Staying to my right the shade gives way to brilliant sunlight and hot-colored flowers of the Cottage Garden. The four Irish yews in the center of the garden casting a mighty silhouette were planted by Harold and Vita to add a vertical element. In time they widened and although Vita preferred the shaggy unclipped look, they eventually had to be reigned in and also shortened. Today, although they seem out of proportion, they add to the charm of the place, adding something unexpected.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0goF-v9ILxfq9sznuQEHxYDibsznAeAnwPFGGSGngU2JkMn7yLwN2YUPMZj6fM483ff6JZsqadLT0q6WPvfGBaqPO-cvdRHc4HTSoZpY442RPXh2eyGwWojpSgan5XXezXSHHbygpqB313x5_mxZAec5jbsoSGic84hVDcaofDEzzYYhSRw1t93W1hP0/s6000/IMG_8883.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0goF-v9ILxfq9sznuQEHxYDibsznAeAnwPFGGSGngU2JkMn7yLwN2YUPMZj6fM483ff6JZsqadLT0q6WPvfGBaqPO-cvdRHc4HTSoZpY442RPXh2eyGwWojpSgan5XXezXSHHbygpqB313x5_mxZAec5jbsoSGic84hVDcaofDEzzYYhSRw1t93W1hP0/w640-h426/IMG_8883.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Arctois and <i>Tagetes</i> 'Cinnibar' (likely) at the front of the cottage basking in the sunshine and warm bricks. The South Cottage, whose garden faces south, is full of warm sunset colors from spring right through autumn where I was pleased to encounter so many vibrant blooms. The term Cottage Garden usually evokes pastel images, however this was a case of Vita's romantic vision, her own interpretation of country cottage living in exciting shades in what was effectively Harold and Vita's private garden, the first and last they would encounter during the course of their day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ_V5zxoqRIlWpheDnZ2l55m6_q9pKDLvo4F8z-4A12rXvayALKuwGid3pIZc3Lj7dL2kAwBofMfDsr-0VH6g3_ExaO9_tFERAdaBoyywdmU4avR80GNy3PQ4znsKOOQj4hCQo7qKnCYhh3YDcBEuNt06dEf3dPzGQ8m3MGMLFMEcvvGWbq9Mlxow9gw/s6000/IMG_8832.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZ_V5zxoqRIlWpheDnZ2l55m6_q9pKDLvo4F8z-4A12rXvayALKuwGid3pIZc3Lj7dL2kAwBofMfDsr-0VH6g3_ExaO9_tFERAdaBoyywdmU4avR80GNy3PQ4znsKOOQj4hCQo7qKnCYhh3YDcBEuNt06dEf3dPzGQ8m3MGMLFMEcvvGWbq9Mlxow9gw/w426-h640/IMG_8832.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grasses, dahlias, cupheas on the edge of a broken stone path.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rdAJmROo8Na3FQ8ZIcDtBHF9kH07Pb1GpiSMAZQ59_WmruD99bUj-fzT5KvXpPA8mwY_3TioIB2mi-Muz7Vb9J5m-gLDiUMBVHEp26bDYs4WWuI-CkEMzOPct55ajfs4sS-1QrrPjFjsoy0UIGtlYUjqCI3uLt5C1aY0jEe2xXOkt3Xy92MjVj8AQVM/s6000/IMG_8868.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rdAJmROo8Na3FQ8ZIcDtBHF9kH07Pb1GpiSMAZQ59_WmruD99bUj-fzT5KvXpPA8mwY_3TioIB2mi-Muz7Vb9J5m-gLDiUMBVHEp26bDYs4WWuI-CkEMzOPct55ajfs4sS-1QrrPjFjsoy0UIGtlYUjqCI3uLt5C1aY0jEe2xXOkt3Xy92MjVj8AQVM/w640-h426/IMG_8868.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A wider shot of the front door of the South Cottage. This is where Harold and Vita each had a bedroom, as well as Harold's office. There was once<i> Rosa</i> 'Mme Alfred Carrière' climbing on the wall, the first thing Vita and Harold planted here having found their offer on the property was accepted in 1930. According to Adam Nicolson, grandson to Vita and Harold, it died recently. The South Cottage was also part of a larger great house built in 1573 by the affluent Baker family to welcome Queen Elizabeth I.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgtdueK3biSKPa13nL1MtxlO-ZN3pvkyrIim8MprqEF_yXICvb2jRJygOkhRMs3Icwg_iyUs9FLVvc-uMWUVF8VfhyphenhyphenC3Cp8PNKKi_XLFzk_f1DAitDiY7NWnii37IgbZOy4m10Fo80hBZAC74CxbvFiv-PzkY1mhO7XCpsfALswPkau1mV_fhWJ6mTMw/s6000/IMG_8857.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgtdueK3biSKPa13nL1MtxlO-ZN3pvkyrIim8MprqEF_yXICvb2jRJygOkhRMs3Icwg_iyUs9FLVvc-uMWUVF8VfhyphenhyphenC3Cp8PNKKi_XLFzk_f1DAitDiY7NWnii37IgbZOy4m10Fo80hBZAC74CxbvFiv-PzkY1mhO7XCpsfALswPkau1mV_fhWJ6mTMw/w640-h426/IMG_8857.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Tagetes</i> 'Cinnibar' were sprinkled throughout and are much taller than the typical marigolds found at garden centers. I should like to add some to my garden after seeing them here and also at Great Dixter, which we will see in future posts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK-hiiQceVLBA9vFaQXhFYez0_gBsEXcMNiCLSwbBFwHu4QE_0WJT7DMbX-Vib4KzAxpwyU9AObJZoh2XchY2G3jNqPrrq_ILc_FDsDOFfzOqyWLuCHhtaw1BVcsQTU-PDi0AcPLwR0GsAC-dtMFxf0oZ6vaePt6B3ZdmVDS_vJVj6ctWgGHg5cO-b7c/s6000/IMG_8864.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK-hiiQceVLBA9vFaQXhFYez0_gBsEXcMNiCLSwbBFwHu4QE_0WJT7DMbX-Vib4KzAxpwyU9AObJZoh2XchY2G3jNqPrrq_ILc_FDsDOFfzOqyWLuCHhtaw1BVcsQTU-PDi0AcPLwR0GsAC-dtMFxf0oZ6vaePt6B3ZdmVDS_vJVj6ctWgGHg5cO-b7c/w426-h640/IMG_8864.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The centerpiece of the Cottage Garden, a copper planter Vita and Harold discovered on the property in one of the outbuildings thought to have dated back to the Victorian work house and its laundry program. Stone sinks were also found, they too were repurposed as planters. This image makes me swoon, the color of the verdigris in combination with the orange begonias is perfection.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurG2ZFn27-zKGp8M0D20mk2WWwOFkiPlr9hVKfZZWlpXqME65vmBq0ixZgperIgp4qaSzfM3eLx4Rz6fPQEdBzNxdmXoHiYMOLqOa8y_ta6Xgqj_cLtIDqAENkRNmazU9taEws6R2kUkDUh6gnUHYSJUftyGbaKijkIRZSBVVrpnir2eDEX5Kp0Vynm8/s6000/IMG_8561.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurG2ZFn27-zKGp8M0D20mk2WWwOFkiPlr9hVKfZZWlpXqME65vmBq0ixZgperIgp4qaSzfM3eLx4Rz6fPQEdBzNxdmXoHiYMOLqOa8y_ta6Xgqj_cLtIDqAENkRNmazU9taEws6R2kUkDUh6gnUHYSJUftyGbaKijkIRZSBVVrpnir2eDEX5Kp0Vynm8/w640-h426/IMG_8561.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="https://sissinghurstcastle.wordpress.com/2013/05/01/the-lime-walk-april-2013/" target="_blank">Lime Walk</a>, a creation that was purely Harold. It was his "life's work" as he said, though this time of the year it seems rather simple. Multitudes of spring flowering plants come up in succession in the soil on either side of the pleached lime trees, <i>Tilia x europaea, </i>commonly known in the US as linden trees. I would love to see this garden in full bloom in person.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsyD5Hz1Qd_Krb37YhTkKhA9qXJuaFAKrE78PMRYJH3EQafH2cbOSYuwru5FDXteNy8Alf6Wb4WWEgpSEXsECwgssHnHR0YfRZ38NfvZVUrp2pYp2brhsUHJPdaRvvJtmiCKrXEHt-5PZl6yFONK-_zN7qm8xi3Se0K6LqdfMWwSsA5prYofI7rVjl3k/s6000/IMG_8557.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsyD5Hz1Qd_Krb37YhTkKhA9qXJuaFAKrE78PMRYJH3EQafH2cbOSYuwru5FDXteNy8Alf6Wb4WWEgpSEXsECwgssHnHR0YfRZ38NfvZVUrp2pYp2brhsUHJPdaRvvJtmiCKrXEHt-5PZl6yFONK-_zN7qm8xi3Se0K6LqdfMWwSsA5prYofI7rVjl3k/w426-h640/IMG_8557.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bacchante sculpture at the end of the Lime Walk.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKtP2hnUMXhxy7jRLCAxPxewTJ7_AH07c_U-N6UekekB8zor1ME5KQ-1_8hCpiqtPUAEQgIpCNihgktLrtsAA65pyEU5ZTvwoCy-mVNpN5L0pJAvCGQ9pz_8b6Wwu7mCZnVvJleQFERfDFuopLMXY1NM8E1j345fFCMrlSR2wZCIh677ath2MVjFwLKM/s6000/IMG_8761.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKtP2hnUMXhxy7jRLCAxPxewTJ7_AH07c_U-N6UekekB8zor1ME5KQ-1_8hCpiqtPUAEQgIpCNihgktLrtsAA65pyEU5ZTvwoCy-mVNpN5L0pJAvCGQ9pz_8b6Wwu7mCZnVvJleQFERfDFuopLMXY1NM8E1j345fFCMrlSR2wZCIh677ath2MVjFwLKM/w640-h426/IMG_8761.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The famous White Garden is not so white in October. But one can appreciate its structure, the foliage and a few white flowers. Vita imagined this garden as an experiment in silver, grey and whites, including foliage. The arbor, seen here, is at the center of the garden, covered by <i>Rosa mulliganii</i>. It was designed by Nigel Nicolson, replacing almond trees that were grown in Vita and Harold's day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8iBhPtB178Pc70iZwcSVwmFoqzNW1W8tza7sy2ooLIcPR-yU40Nn_qfDkOj7JuiafVTseXnxb9lOlYNadZceBMqU4uuEsPGYFtS2gtUVOAPlHzf5MbIaKSG_XZ3QZB0CLMr0z7DbvJ1GwwGF0JVSsZDO6pG9yEBh2iksibKdWvlibZiZcsd8LpS5mQ0/s6000/IMG_8755.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8iBhPtB178Pc70iZwcSVwmFoqzNW1W8tza7sy2ooLIcPR-yU40Nn_qfDkOj7JuiafVTseXnxb9lOlYNadZceBMqU4uuEsPGYFtS2gtUVOAPlHzf5MbIaKSG_XZ3QZB0CLMr0z7DbvJ1GwwGF0JVSsZDO6pG9yEBh2iksibKdWvlibZiZcsd8LpS5mQ0/w640-h426/IMG_8755.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hints of silvers and whites show up well against the dark green of the yew hedge behind, the back side of the Yew Walk.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEi5vPERG2tageLQoKOGKsvCdghOHUY9RJlHTiU9bfCEuO5fpstLBdORS9AI04LiPR4xMBHdhVSXqWXoFhpuk709VfmWa1hznLpUztUOfEu7-Z3q_VxZ_3R052RVNKfzOnqqhz3OQmLV8RU8wC_WP0GUSGxU3OT5q5PT1J-zI9QNixfLxiZsYj3cQLeE/s6000/IMG_8743.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEi5vPERG2tageLQoKOGKsvCdghOHUY9RJlHTiU9bfCEuO5fpstLBdORS9AI04LiPR4xMBHdhVSXqWXoFhpuk709VfmWa1hznLpUztUOfEu7-Z3q_VxZ_3R052RVNKfzOnqqhz3OQmLV8RU8wC_WP0GUSGxU3OT5q5PT1J-zI9QNixfLxiZsYj3cQLeE/w640-h426/IMG_8743.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Clipped box hedges wrap arms around individual beds, containing the rambling romance of it all.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYCkMn39Qn1LfV24Q5ZnLOP0OOUdi5FxJ4glEShAUix2_ZERicxBxb72Cf6CkRiru7e1T7cx9rbbc2M7p1gQC4mwUmzVZJwChuBHB1sJfUsQJkd9BMy0Z05MLW_8zHFKugHh7UAzd_R-lsi2VtebcFYS83p6l24UTZ3vC40wxv-7XRphOzmXbEEaKI2A/s6000/IMG_8750.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYCkMn39Qn1LfV24Q5ZnLOP0OOUdi5FxJ4glEShAUix2_ZERicxBxb72Cf6CkRiru7e1T7cx9rbbc2M7p1gQC4mwUmzVZJwChuBHB1sJfUsQJkd9BMy0Z05MLW_8zHFKugHh7UAzd_R-lsi2VtebcFYS83p6l24UTZ3vC40wxv-7XRphOzmXbEEaKI2A/w426-h640/IMG_8750.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking south with the tower in full view.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmAyCKrJ4TlDQl-nehQqgrcIQ_l50U0CFozNmx-uHa4GvRUptKDhf5GmBQ2NF03qL8OH_qQ49-pHCVmeabwzkVn19ksA1YiXEwEdm0pLRhPXjcBGcaQ-O4OjUInHpmqZMk9FWGrp1bAm2ByLi6zMpOEfQc-q_7qb6eEI7SYOHRS1fKfgShB_PAaKE9so/s6000/IMG_8775.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmAyCKrJ4TlDQl-nehQqgrcIQ_l50U0CFozNmx-uHa4GvRUptKDhf5GmBQ2NF03qL8OH_qQ49-pHCVmeabwzkVn19ksA1YiXEwEdm0pLRhPXjcBGcaQ-O4OjUInHpmqZMk9FWGrp1bAm2ByLi6zMpOEfQc-q_7qb6eEI7SYOHRS1fKfgShB_PAaKE9so/w640-h426/IMG_8775.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Charming clipped box seat.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyYq-w-yt3WQLsU5t4L_CEW-AFFNUHduyRVQZajBBEbuZS695H-DcvP3loViet4mn-nHCW7P9D4ZGTj8yoEqi4Qy5h0diENWxawzMsUUmFfziIuC3DPpKhsDRNkoibRMaUlNhTxRBjCS45opEb3jDRv_vjwADXVF1w0AAQfZxbk4td2Wseo-z1vLW6ik/s6000/IMG_8778.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyYq-w-yt3WQLsU5t4L_CEW-AFFNUHduyRVQZajBBEbuZS695H-DcvP3loViet4mn-nHCW7P9D4ZGTj8yoEqi4Qy5h0diENWxawzMsUUmFfziIuC3DPpKhsDRNkoibRMaUlNhTxRBjCS45opEb3jDRv_vjwADXVF1w0AAQfZxbk4td2Wseo-z1vLW6ik/w426-h640/IMG_8778.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Weeping pear, <i>Pyrus salicifolia</i> 'Pendula' surrounding the little virgin sculpture.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenujPFbWUWhB3Dq1q8x66TBVIo6g8nQOJCXZw36Ek1b4kXuOItyd9rO_2SJv8mrlZjMMXc4ugaIvjGhuCcDDx22pcfvBt7Zg0gpC5uUh61GpMe-QP77GfnaXRlL905p8LCrVY42fuDQbyjmJ3Ws0mRnLHm3ch6CUCeJ9a3gGyLQM7jUtqm8fI918XOLo/s6000/IMG_8777.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenujPFbWUWhB3Dq1q8x66TBVIo6g8nQOJCXZw36Ek1b4kXuOItyd9rO_2SJv8mrlZjMMXc4ugaIvjGhuCcDDx22pcfvBt7Zg0gpC5uUh61GpMe-QP77GfnaXRlL905p8LCrVY42fuDQbyjmJ3Ws0mRnLHm3ch6CUCeJ9a3gGyLQM7jUtqm8fI918XOLo/w640-h426/IMG_8777.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Foliage is as impactful as flowers in the White Garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0stNJX1QemYlDSwBEQu7CU-yD5Ot2_lEuyq7h1qZpj8NRhCpFvfl6_BtvpmclndUG4SqqzZlMEc_gQe845Q-qrlBsQAvNVWclcQkxdhR889bRtLmrB3gvP_PcUZA2ijY7vHeqIf003jYT8jaUtI01q8jUlqYyp74d4y7YAWIYf7UMHch0IbfCFOjFP0/s6000/IMG_8780.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0stNJX1QemYlDSwBEQu7CU-yD5Ot2_lEuyq7h1qZpj8NRhCpFvfl6_BtvpmclndUG4SqqzZlMEc_gQe845Q-qrlBsQAvNVWclcQkxdhR889bRtLmrB3gvP_PcUZA2ijY7vHeqIf003jYT8jaUtI01q8jUlqYyp74d4y7YAWIYf7UMHch0IbfCFOjFP0/w426-h640/IMG_8780.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Detail of the Little Virgin sculpture. I have also seen it listed as the Vestal Virgin sculpture.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXhlArofBEpQkaAMJeHUw85KG_6GYvh1S0buRMfdK9nElpt7C5A4j1uEEV_6i8mg8oSQNGP31hyphenhyphenLLZW4WUIl0L_l1HPcmP1OS0xEKYCcNOJeKFIwuH7YdcS8h2AckEIMozUorXbo2CHeXmk22uvN85O0muzUj-vrAdZb3Crqqf5gyrkMeD5L58OCwUKA/s6000/IMG_8742.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXhlArofBEpQkaAMJeHUw85KG_6GYvh1S0buRMfdK9nElpt7C5A4j1uEEV_6i8mg8oSQNGP31hyphenhyphenLLZW4WUIl0L_l1HPcmP1OS0xEKYCcNOJeKFIwuH7YdcS8h2AckEIMozUorXbo2CHeXmk22uvN85O0muzUj-vrAdZb3Crqqf5gyrkMeD5L58OCwUKA/w640-h426/IMG_8742.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of the last of the white flowers in the White Garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpKS14uBP1X_r_ueRJbXeyZqgXdjpVNOPQrtU5NtEat8fJ3H3SOhk09H58pNn_L0YFfjERCXJbcwxPgmOsrxESVdSdqj8iHqs8iBkatY4HVvm7lQ8Hi3ybw54KqNYovLEmH_qx3mCaMJLTyU6J8Nem6umHczZhw0VW9GWudettTmVqxBJ_TzWGJJ7dB8/s6000/IMG_8765.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpKS14uBP1X_r_ueRJbXeyZqgXdjpVNOPQrtU5NtEat8fJ3H3SOhk09H58pNn_L0YFfjERCXJbcwxPgmOsrxESVdSdqj8iHqs8iBkatY4HVvm7lQ8Hi3ybw54KqNYovLEmH_qx3mCaMJLTyU6J8Nem6umHczZhw0VW9GWudettTmVqxBJ_TzWGJJ7dB8/w426-h640/IMG_8765.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The centerpiece below the dome of the rose arbor.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA80yC1w012Lze54J6xXsE17PAP0pXZDu5oysBB81vloitAySsx0geZAFz-yjhX8_8Qo5TUq6quTzA-XXBkcarnCtUXK6-Q8oEUFa1MxsV7mKczgPJnf2j4ioC1LcEDJj_rKoWXsUD2xhab1m6qiSWrag2UpcIC5b1drrpeJq4KuAIjl-TNqM0tktmzW8/s6000/IMG_8694.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA80yC1w012Lze54J6xXsE17PAP0pXZDu5oysBB81vloitAySsx0geZAFz-yjhX8_8Qo5TUq6quTzA-XXBkcarnCtUXK6-Q8oEUFa1MxsV7mKczgPJnf2j4ioC1LcEDJj_rKoWXsUD2xhab1m6qiSWrag2UpcIC5b1drrpeJq4KuAIjl-TNqM0tktmzW8/w640-h426/IMG_8694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the many stone sinks found when Vita and Harold first moved in, repurposed as planters, especially suited for alpine plants. Gazania is planted in this container.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFtCFMME4A23JbsT6YMrpwDyxk1uENjraivQgAL6s5_HSzjaXTOxF3EEbvuiJYIYiiV4uSkw474-oEIhMR_2YYrLkke_4N8lQTLY30BT9zRSX2TGXZibXYCuY1555rv5jcG-_uDgmmFzo683wSWCZomVT0hfS3GifRFIbayoLQV90yCqsuaz9Rt0nv4w/s6000/IMG_8790.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFtCFMME4A23JbsT6YMrpwDyxk1uENjraivQgAL6s5_HSzjaXTOxF3EEbvuiJYIYiiV4uSkw474-oEIhMR_2YYrLkke_4N8lQTLY30BT9zRSX2TGXZibXYCuY1555rv5jcG-_uDgmmFzo683wSWCZomVT0hfS3GifRFIbayoLQV90yCqsuaz9Rt0nv4w/w426-h640/IMG_8790.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lower steps on the east side of the tower. Climbing <i>Rosa banksiae</i> ‘Lutea’ on the left.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmbwb9RqpBM-T0lcruSF5TnPW9NHcfaPgtCZwC7EvSMfygkJFP-0P0k3KigXzEDFfmKPQgMt4n5EoUZ3ftc7noKvTjmzvNdPKpPVzOMqa7Z_CJgo43VbF7GVCk-2mX7wFxhU1P8x4dQ-ar86_8EK3x72_-ITVxf_l0iCI-kMgTVDkxN8LZd0NL8HctVA/s5322/IMG_8726_rotate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3548" data-original-width="5322" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmbwb9RqpBM-T0lcruSF5TnPW9NHcfaPgtCZwC7EvSMfygkJFP-0P0k3KigXzEDFfmKPQgMt4n5EoUZ3ftc7noKvTjmzvNdPKpPVzOMqa7Z_CJgo43VbF7GVCk-2mX7wFxhU1P8x4dQ-ar86_8EK3x72_-ITVxf_l0iCI-kMgTVDkxN8LZd0NL8HctVA/w640-h426/IMG_8726_rotate.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Towards the end of our time at Sissinghurst I took in the newly re-imagined Delos Garden and the Priest's House where sons Nigel and Benedict slept. Once attempted in Harold and Vita's day from an inspired trip to Greece, it fell into a slumber as a "not so successful" interpretation of what they intended. Better equipped with resources to provide excellent drainage and the microclimate Greek plants appreciate, it has seen a complete makeover in 2018 by landscape designer Dan Pearson.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_s8smh455UnUsla85hFpqLScwZkhyOBb3CI2JsgTkd5QSvX4RIqerZNwIwKR3kc6UtciL7uja9paHEDXbNNPdlJPz5phQnVNv-XudPftFkmyu0e8WzYWE_ZxQSuAc7BQpLSSmiOERBExrW0bSs2Io9J4F1ynEysysPym-fDMzEsNMehbEkPo6cFDYwXU/s6000/IMG_8730.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_s8smh455UnUsla85hFpqLScwZkhyOBb3CI2JsgTkd5QSvX4RIqerZNwIwKR3kc6UtciL7uja9paHEDXbNNPdlJPz5phQnVNv-XudPftFkmyu0e8WzYWE_ZxQSuAc7BQpLSSmiOERBExrW0bSs2Io9J4F1ynEysysPym-fDMzEsNMehbEkPo6cFDYwXU/w426-h640/IMG_8730.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A snag of what I believe was a pomegranate tree adds to the windswept Greek island ambiance. I recognize many plants in this garden, having large areas of dry gardens myself.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OebHgkXATpkw4aDw2exynVsA_uY0CDSIIhSazG6Zb34ZGaQieHZxVnMO4I8IzrhLNzhvD4JGUoC8JEcCXI8oQbDP_qrgR_CDZtlgJ1r3PPdLNsKYr711-Ay9wKl_ABiVuMsiihw1zpqLNYgCJelIlq__-Td6rUlSgxsAtN97qVGGqC96y4TDN5edE2s/s6000/IMG_8727.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OebHgkXATpkw4aDw2exynVsA_uY0CDSIIhSazG6Zb34ZGaQieHZxVnMO4I8IzrhLNzhvD4JGUoC8JEcCXI8oQbDP_qrgR_CDZtlgJ1r3PPdLNsKYr711-Ay9wKl_ABiVuMsiihw1zpqLNYgCJelIlq__-Td6rUlSgxsAtN97qVGGqC96y4TDN5edE2s/w426-h640/IMG_8727.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wider shot of the plantings with a large skeleton of giant fennel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx60qAmgi2f7YFQi_YQe9kx1DXjB0zDWWCG_2jKA7vWrMAeEUr-rUshFGxT4-QI3oPaRx6NflNsM4Csgtl5CU3P_a6Zk_HW5Dwnjq_6Pgxb0tgULVRvVKUcV18sbwCzOaxPa9qlIIR48HA-Lxdh8C7F7id1tvhb2nFht-hZ8jmvvGd78lpeUa8hTsDrgQ/s5818/IMG_8732_straight.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5818" data-original-width="3856" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx60qAmgi2f7YFQi_YQe9kx1DXjB0zDWWCG_2jKA7vWrMAeEUr-rUshFGxT4-QI3oPaRx6NflNsM4Csgtl5CU3P_a6Zk_HW5Dwnjq_6Pgxb0tgULVRvVKUcV18sbwCzOaxPa9qlIIR48HA-Lxdh8C7F7id1tvhb2nFht-hZ8jmvvGd78lpeUa8hTsDrgQ/w424-h640/IMG_8732_straight.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The front of the Priest's House.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAYU-Tof0dM_MMTg8IwZ99afjHK9W2AQzh3uF99JBgX-E2B91JQ7A5acHE7q86yTymxcvtlr5QFOT9hZC8Qkwt5qwpb5WfVSb2VSE7n17A-jHR7hTmPJ-bPcN95ZI58dWeDezdEiOS3S6Zb06wI9Fi39dZ2B76Vlt-0WVsP3Hthvqy3WLpPlcZud5tWQ/s6000/IMG_8914.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAYU-Tof0dM_MMTg8IwZ99afjHK9W2AQzh3uF99JBgX-E2B91JQ7A5acHE7q86yTymxcvtlr5QFOT9hZC8Qkwt5qwpb5WfVSb2VSE7n17A-jHR7hTmPJ-bPcN95ZI58dWeDezdEiOS3S6Zb06wI9Fi39dZ2B76Vlt-0WVsP3Hthvqy3WLpPlcZud5tWQ/w640-h426/IMG_8914.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wider photo of the Priest's House from the other side of the fence.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCYEeqSo_93jRwEtbjazWLQzpYtjjOq1kTaPyAXhsxa9NP6ZBv2mPjBDbksBrcSM2Uh68_wChNzKZyW1L7AaKIHkyHv9JBdzzZEa0s3sCS5zHCl6JpVCN6SUJHihKpSp85Z2WeKYXj_16oBrquE47ld9s_uAXl2BLtyv0yMfFV0BZpBMNSX_LWXJNn5M/s6000/IMG_8429.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCYEeqSo_93jRwEtbjazWLQzpYtjjOq1kTaPyAXhsxa9NP6ZBv2mPjBDbksBrcSM2Uh68_wChNzKZyW1L7AaKIHkyHv9JBdzzZEa0s3sCS5zHCl6JpVCN6SUJHihKpSp85Z2WeKYXj_16oBrquE47ld9s_uAXl2BLtyv0yMfFV0BZpBMNSX_LWXJNn5M/w640-h426/IMG_8429.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On our way out looking back at the arch and the coats of arms above. On the left is that of the Sackville-West family and the right those of the Baker family which was responsible for the buildings during the 16th century. The arms were placed there by Harold in the 1930s. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFUVuJbpVyg9OEgXCwo5TnDMbahR_Wx-VhIVqqOEVG0bU7MaWaNg_b3XwIEP-_uoqmztdp0fmVV_agcJRjgc8OK8HTTDqESgTmdt0btLcUC1aAWc8qeBlHER4JVbYtjr9Gj-8H-cxqHm4N49ZExBKYEUIDuJHFE_-CXn54lc3BVMi6pu7LlrP4BmkWtM/s6000/IMG_8712.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFUVuJbpVyg9OEgXCwo5TnDMbahR_Wx-VhIVqqOEVG0bU7MaWaNg_b3XwIEP-_uoqmztdp0fmVV_agcJRjgc8OK8HTTDqESgTmdt0btLcUC1aAWc8qeBlHER4JVbYtjr9Gj-8H-cxqHm4N49ZExBKYEUIDuJHFE_-CXn54lc3BVMi6pu7LlrP4BmkWtM/w640-h426/IMG_8712.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brickwork of the facade of the Long Library.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gnszK9LUBiSWBYcWZaKcW34YsX_RSUUcT4YzJxH7glHgXe-WskmtX7TkiP-r-6CnC13O-4ywFUK2qKCV_sj0kzFvs1xHfLdj6XjJAHwJ4-s93JWvj5awzO8dO7BVluJkCaoM3ofNwS1LIDxvUzl8mvi2JMvob3a5EhPB4mF81YAN6VLyT6JupNYRiBA/s6000/IMG_8717.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gnszK9LUBiSWBYcWZaKcW34YsX_RSUUcT4YzJxH7glHgXe-WskmtX7TkiP-r-6CnC13O-4ywFUK2qKCV_sj0kzFvs1xHfLdj6XjJAHwJ4-s93JWvj5awzO8dO7BVluJkCaoM3ofNwS1LIDxvUzl8mvi2JMvob3a5EhPB4mF81YAN6VLyT6JupNYRiBA/w426-h640/IMG_8717.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stepping through the arched entrance and forecourt on our way out past pairs of beautifully planted urns surrounded by fluffy, romantic plantings of the sort Vita adored.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4KoqWkPqhM-Cw41r34Q0CqgOFHim61DmaknBzUrLTxHCTcl0DwKXG7ul1MpfbKp40k4sPOOpp7SiUwshuL6tE7C9nW0HgIbgCKMdywpYIWhhKmGI75PbSYUKFEK9OdpbVdeQiArDrwHZz_aw6KA1TdEKtWV5661LChVn8GW1AfTxLOACHZGBWZAsIVg/s6000/IMG_8930.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4KoqWkPqhM-Cw41r34Q0CqgOFHim61DmaknBzUrLTxHCTcl0DwKXG7ul1MpfbKp40k4sPOOpp7SiUwshuL6tE7C9nW0HgIbgCKMdywpYIWhhKmGI75PbSYUKFEK9OdpbVdeQiArDrwHZz_aw6KA1TdEKtWV5661LChVn8GW1AfTxLOACHZGBWZAsIVg/w640-h426/IMG_8930.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Walking away from Sissinghurst past a moody shot of the tops of the oast houses on the estate. These were used for drying hops and were indeed in use until 1966.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0zsZwR7oyWK_evDHyOhT19igWYOD2yddf6i8FEi3_RYdVlfz-PKaJ_r_jyw2SCgWmQuzM71M4o_kKngS__tUnO0cwaMiOCmo26K7F10Nvc68sP031dWP5QqrV_ZL1u4RtuZzmZUOC0vKWRsROivQgfwe-AiFPKyozaUDBeiQr-UjEtlr5YrPOM2CvRU/s6000/IMG_8950.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0zsZwR7oyWK_evDHyOhT19igWYOD2yddf6i8FEi3_RYdVlfz-PKaJ_r_jyw2SCgWmQuzM71M4o_kKngS__tUnO0cwaMiOCmo26K7F10Nvc68sP031dWP5QqrV_ZL1u4RtuZzmZUOC0vKWRsROivQgfwe-AiFPKyozaUDBeiQr-UjEtlr5YrPOM2CvRU/w640-h426/IMG_8950.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking up into the cowl, the top of the oast house. This type of architecture is specific to Kent and Sussex and these at Sissinghurst date from the late 19th century.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJYV-_0kyKYPHDDyPaYScyNVyqlXT-lciG70g0WJQbox0IWUL1Yv_mkf3FNGm2KTLOj_h-Qg2XgPUjcdekFLpu7efNI24GMkPL_9vpPK2FPgoRFTVSePUbGhgM4eNczFQuUyrB9VeO0n-8t9GOjxEH8lnOo7Fmw6VQ9b61nJpPesuVcmHmyycHfjVx58/s6000/IMG_8918.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJYV-_0kyKYPHDDyPaYScyNVyqlXT-lciG70g0WJQbox0IWUL1Yv_mkf3FNGm2KTLOj_h-Qg2XgPUjcdekFLpu7efNI24GMkPL_9vpPK2FPgoRFTVSePUbGhgM4eNczFQuUyrB9VeO0n-8t9GOjxEH8lnOo7Fmw6VQ9b61nJpPesuVcmHmyycHfjVx58/w640-h426/IMG_8918.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pretty metal container outside of the Granary Restaurant, the former granary of the working farm at Sissinghurst.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPVnnQ_B3VdfUlQMscK8a7dhSWMwwYGiDG9dmSgu9fIkMqQIbtdXf7EbdJD4jrP86L8pHzyjRidBoQoFvxsWfURxXb8qmifyAj_71qKKO-cE3tZDVxaXM4hfXvdS6MelPJSl6ztdKL7UdlaANh7xB7gmk8Mspp-YAHEhlIeP2QXJ5wC_EuFAousjKawo/s6000/IMG_8921.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPVnnQ_B3VdfUlQMscK8a7dhSWMwwYGiDG9dmSgu9fIkMqQIbtdXf7EbdJD4jrP86L8pHzyjRidBoQoFvxsWfURxXb8qmifyAj_71qKKO-cE3tZDVxaXM4hfXvdS6MelPJSl6ztdKL7UdlaANh7xB7gmk8Mspp-YAHEhlIeP2QXJ5wC_EuFAousjKawo/w426-h640/IMG_8921.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An inspired moment by someone on the inside.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5K0GLLembIHfir-QHmvBijGA5AuLghNSxq36pIywgRWhNGmYZsSVpcZn1QuYfQ1sXkVb5sGS56ELgaBARIo108rrub6HwJHwA9vjYCfzueZIFBjdEtCQZzbEE1tXioh9wLjgjMPM81oLKWOxAg8w_ak2tH4ewpSqsS48YzrY63scsAyIahJ3ol3Tm10/s6000/IMG_8928.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5K0GLLembIHfir-QHmvBijGA5AuLghNSxq36pIywgRWhNGmYZsSVpcZn1QuYfQ1sXkVb5sGS56ELgaBARIo108rrub6HwJHwA9vjYCfzueZIFBjdEtCQZzbEE1tXioh9wLjgjMPM81oLKWOxAg8w_ak2tH4ewpSqsS48YzrY63scsAyIahJ3ol3Tm10/w640-h426/IMG_8928.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Farmhouse on our walk back to town. This Victorian era farmhouse on the property is now a bed and breakfast. In Vita and Harold's time they leased it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3QntjWLGVSTXZNM2Sw-bbgQwuj5WaiDawVRKFVGVi2O0O5vVkmDV7o3yFAcc74QFZcxeuj4vDRXVHA6IUh6i7kCl8Rd3VdWH00tvIST9wogKqjqrZgYP9moi6psJv1JGquLrejYlQznn8_TXprX4bflhEbO7vpMqlOaIijCF6Me9gblmRl_7WZRZZr0/s6000/IMG_8946.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3QntjWLGVSTXZNM2Sw-bbgQwuj5WaiDawVRKFVGVi2O0O5vVkmDV7o3yFAcc74QFZcxeuj4vDRXVHA6IUh6i7kCl8Rd3VdWH00tvIST9wogKqjqrZgYP9moi6psJv1JGquLrejYlQznn8_TXprX4bflhEbO7vpMqlOaIijCF6Me9gblmRl_7WZRZZr0/w426-h640/IMG_8946.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Harold and Vita in their garden. Photo by Cecil Beaton.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoR9jWcpCVs952ZUxt2P8W6mJ-W5fhPNTJjyJvdtef2-nwId3DwDGpNoQFkM_ocF4CNdZYkNhRCdWREhwx7v-a2bumTas72_hQvpBtSNMYyIYb9Q_O-lkhC4fpwqiYZTuuaiUZ6_RqQ0Yyk-u0SEYnA5sySZTP5KyfBxlGO4Y3gbsrm6nIw2GsaKlJ_4/s6000/IMG_8721.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoR9jWcpCVs952ZUxt2P8W6mJ-W5fhPNTJjyJvdtef2-nwId3DwDGpNoQFkM_ocF4CNdZYkNhRCdWREhwx7v-a2bumTas72_hQvpBtSNMYyIYb9Q_O-lkhC4fpwqiYZTuuaiUZ6_RqQ0Yyk-u0SEYnA5sySZTP5KyfBxlGO4Y3gbsrm6nIw2GsaKlJ_4/w426-h640/IMG_8721.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Parting thoughts...what defines Sissinghurst for you? Tim, I would say for me it is the stubbornness of human desire. The desire of Vita to have lived the opulent life at Knole but was denied her inheritence due to her sex, but who stubbornly hung onto it and made something better. It is the stubbornness of Harold to make sense of the awkward angles and seeming jumble that is the estate. The unique thing here is that together they took action and the results are that two very talented and creative people made a fantasy come to life. We could talk for hours about the romance of the place; the ruins, the Tudor bricks, the moat....but without Harold and Vita Sissinghurst would simply be ruins in the county of Kent.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0FPvyvGC_tZl3Jb2UBYBdm2_0xcajr6eiisUNYg9hgSdTPYg3UAsS4dY64UQ6kIwEmR7dH3dfprqUKdJZKEmOK9OR-dkwrM6FUc7CCL1TvnrU841doVs2NNQe5d7m8n6nwoqx5i8MUxmLiXSx3pNiH5RC1xHeYJiqv4MSIyuUrRjKCCM9nRpXchcs7k/s1586/Sissinghurst_Castle_Gardens_-_Labelled_map.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1586" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0FPvyvGC_tZl3Jb2UBYBdm2_0xcajr6eiisUNYg9hgSdTPYg3UAsS4dY64UQ6kIwEmR7dH3dfprqUKdJZKEmOK9OR-dkwrM6FUc7CCL1TvnrU841doVs2NNQe5d7m8n6nwoqx5i8MUxmLiXSx3pNiH5RC1xHeYJiqv4MSIyuUrRjKCCM9nRpXchcs7k/w400-h303/Sissinghurst_Castle_Gardens_-_Labelled_map.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I totally appreciate maps, here's a basic map of Sissinghurst Castle Garden: A - Priest’s House and White Garden; B - Delos; C - Top Courtyard; D - Entrance; E - Tower and Lower Courtyard; F -Yew Walk; G - Orchard; H - Rose Garden; I - South Cottage and Cottage Garden; J - Moat Walk; K - Nuttery; L - Herb Garden; M - Lime Walk.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">From looking at this map, it feels huge and also a little disjointed. The gardens themselves are about five acres (the entire estate is 460 acres) and in person, are much smaller than what my mind's eye pictured. Although there are odd angles throughout, what you can't tell by looking at this map is that sight lines connect vast areas across the whole garden. For example there might be a cut out in one of the many clipped hedges towards a sculpture on the far side of the property, and as a terrestrial creature it feels geometric when there. It also lures you to explore in unexpected directions and offers unexpected views. Trees are placed strategically to the same effect. You look across, past, through, inward, up and down and each individual garden of the ten or so garden areas, though distinctly different from one another, feel connected. You have pieces of areas that wherever you are, fit together. It's remarkable. And worthy of a visit that I hope you all have the chance to do someday if you haven't already. Also my fellow garden writer and friend Janet of The Paintbox Garden also visited this year (in June when the White Garden is in its full glory), I highly recommend a read of her excellent post <a href="https://www.thepaintboxgarden.com/sissinghhurst-in-vitas-sweet-june/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. As always thank you so much for reading and commenting, we love hearing from you all and your thoughts on Sissinghurst and the great gardens of the world. Happy Gardening!</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-39242075990770366662023-10-26T07:00:00.919-07:002023-12-05T09:43:29.072-08:00Let's Go: Sissinghurst Castle Garden Part I<div style="text-align: center;"> Sissinghurst Castle Garden is largely responsible for my gardening obsession. Years ago my dearest friend gave me a copy of <i>Gardening at Sissinghurst </i>by Tony Lord, and that fueled many hours of daydreaming. Even in photographs the garden exudes that potent element of unabashed romance, done better than any other I know. The Tudor bricks, the historic ruins and romantic walls climbing with roses sparked in me possibilities and opened up a new language. Though I don't garden in this style myself, what it taught me was to dream big.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">At its heart is Vita Sackville-West (1892 - 1962) and her husband Sir Harold Nicolson (1886 - 1968). They sought not to create a garden for the world to enjoy, rather they created it for themselves, a sanctuary overflowing with Vita's roses juxtaposed with Harold's architectural boundaries. Now in the hands of the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/sissinghurst-castle-garden" target="_blank">National Trust</a>, it is one of the organization's most visited sites and one of the most cherished gardens in England with more than 100,000 visitors each year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXu_eOD-uj4o9GSI-Ipb90yufMGXXCVrn0WwrFPytLPu97zOCX18C_dSVDvPHWonG56Z1h5htL-mYct-J81EaXPSkc0W05xNtl271Sx3mGpUveHE4n7vrMJeQ0wr6CdBm1ct84GZqHG-L3aXVPmDwGK74Gj7W8O-76NkaTRKs9UjE4T56Ia9NfMocB0SA/s6000/IMG_8615.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXu_eOD-uj4o9GSI-Ipb90yufMGXXCVrn0WwrFPytLPu97zOCX18C_dSVDvPHWonG56Z1h5htL-mYct-J81EaXPSkc0W05xNtl271Sx3mGpUveHE4n7vrMJeQ0wr6CdBm1ct84GZqHG-L3aXVPmDwGK74Gj7W8O-76NkaTRKs9UjE4T56Ia9NfMocB0SA/w640-h426/IMG_8615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Built in the mid-16th century, Sissinghurst tower is next to Vita's famous White Garden, its most iconic image. It was this "castle" tower that had Vita in love with the property at first sight. She saw its potential and would claim this tower as her own, her refuge, her writing room where she penned some 13 novels, poetry, short stories, diaries and a regular column in <i>The Observer</i>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>The long history of Sissinghurst Castle Garden is complex. Its early history dates from the 10th century, the name derived from Saxon word "hurst" meaning forest. It was originally a Saxon pig farm. From the National Trust website:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>The Tudor buildings were used as a prison for up to 3,000 French sailors who were captured by the British during the Seven Years War, between 1756-63. Held for months at a time in vile, stinking conditions, the prisoners lived in 'cells' with little access to fresh air, clean water or adequate food supplies. </i><i>The sailors referred to Sissinghurst as 'le chateau' hence 'castle' being adopted into its name, although not a direct translation. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Not a true castle, but from the French translation and perhaps a bit of cheek as the famous tower was more of a gate house than fortress. It was also heavily damaged during this period; the former Elizabethan palace is more walls than palace these days. It was also home to a poor house in the 18th century and the women's land army during WWII. </div><div><br /></div><div>Vita purchased <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/sissinghurst-castle-garden" target="_blank">Sissinghurst</a> in 1930 for the princely sum of £12,375 and so began their long love affair with its 460 acres, Tudor buildings, iconic tower and a whole lot of potential. It was in fairly bad shape and unlivable at the time, but with enough money and imagination it was transformed into what it is today. Although Vita and Harold had privilege and came from money, they both found it necessary to work as such a place was and is extremely expensive to maintain. They could not afford to add many features they wished at the time (such as stone paths) due to limited funds. The fact that they had staff (chauffeur, cook) nonetheless translates to privilege to me.</div></div></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZnecyg8l11vuHMw3WB8dSOU11qjeo02hMaXB0yoPNU1Om059s4mI2gSyLc2A4zY8N0Tv43JwcXuJsY6-l6KMboUu-jWwELNS9gTTzuETe6ItFMBl67oKIdD4k1xCRP25L0xhRf71yTJh_YlIZlJoT6VTFJYLfg5FqkZ7kivCUE7prKx5hjAJsJw287Q/s3264/20231003_112041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZnecyg8l11vuHMw3WB8dSOU11qjeo02hMaXB0yoPNU1Om059s4mI2gSyLc2A4zY8N0Tv43JwcXuJsY6-l6KMboUu-jWwELNS9gTTzuETe6ItFMBl67oKIdD4k1xCRP25L0xhRf71yTJh_YlIZlJoT6VTFJYLfg5FqkZ7kivCUE7prKx5hjAJsJw287Q/w640-h294/20231003_112041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">They created a garden in a place that was full of ghosts and literally centuries of garbage. Views of the five-acre formal gardens divided into garden rooms, the working farm plus the hundreds of acres of estate that surround the tower. More on this to come.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHumeh6Yy81OUSjs2GyFbCry_N3KcRSdFSWwvRL3Koqr2-XJub4uFHS-u1PJnoO9ZvvTJyQszew7kLhnGQtQDRk6mBVlkBUzQUSQTeuNwFiqoHfExnZlW2gvGu-cdIiF7YKI6xkbEpXoL3r30nn721tUAS8QNgIauiqtiHssYmoVITS9TInFO4pnYLU4/s6000/IMG_8348.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHumeh6Yy81OUSjs2GyFbCry_N3KcRSdFSWwvRL3Koqr2-XJub4uFHS-u1PJnoO9ZvvTJyQszew7kLhnGQtQDRk6mBVlkBUzQUSQTeuNwFiqoHfExnZlW2gvGu-cdIiF7YKI6xkbEpXoL3r30nn721tUAS8QNgIauiqtiHssYmoVITS9TInFO4pnYLU4/w640-h426/IMG_8348.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Backtracking to the beginning, this is where FM and I began. A long walk from the village of Sissinghurst bus stop up to the gardens past these <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oast_house" target="_blank">oast houses</a> used for drying hops, a reminder that this estate was a working farm in Harold and Vita's day.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSHEgbRVsmZILjGZZLgFSlek_KNxIILRrIuqv_hix1uDTeHFQLT8bNlm-XANwf1R1gM5YyDtXY8z5OXzusiHE7ceyX2fhbracpMXuU4PeG4Rk29QculrdQheGGkfXVkxTkO0e7nwsxGCz5Crsl8zlir9-AUNGGbNKC-giK1K40Vub23jsYXlypP6RlBk/s4032/20231003_104623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSHEgbRVsmZILjGZZLgFSlek_KNxIILRrIuqv_hix1uDTeHFQLT8bNlm-XANwf1R1gM5YyDtXY8z5OXzusiHE7ceyX2fhbracpMXuU4PeG4Rk29QculrdQheGGkfXVkxTkO0e7nwsxGCz5Crsl8zlir9-AUNGGbNKC-giK1K40Vub23jsYXlypP6RlBk/w640-h296/20231003_104623.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The gardens were not open yet so we grabbed a cup of coffee at the restaurant to have a pause. Straight ahead to the right is The Long Library, to the left is the gift shop, formerly a piggery.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GbbDQnuqSXsUqY8xWh75c-_ZQbXQqd29HXI1B_aDL1Rhe5SfWYd9heAlCKDRB4bB0l8GxNvz93u1hptlFQPvYtdyhBOPl4mkOJ90f8E7SG8kfxt0VQmThCVLyBlAD8iAkCdoNFSDWc2H2W5MgA3oXMFw0CKXvYN_kaLDXQg44cB8pocQAxLzJMYGjXs/s6000/IMG_8953.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GbbDQnuqSXsUqY8xWh75c-_ZQbXQqd29HXI1B_aDL1Rhe5SfWYd9heAlCKDRB4bB0l8GxNvz93u1hptlFQPvYtdyhBOPl4mkOJ90f8E7SG8kfxt0VQmThCVLyBlAD8iAkCdoNFSDWc2H2W5MgA3oXMFw0CKXvYN_kaLDXQg44cB8pocQAxLzJMYGjXs/w640-h426/IMG_8953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Elizabethan barn with the restaurant on the left (former granary) and gift shop on right. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOW3gmdbciH6bVz1sy0CiGd24hqDwHR6tS8bwlLkLphf69eEibqj-gGFHjag-AClWGdaJSgHVPDcaG0wPQrwUmMtgYN81jgLrkxiHy-3XVJrojMzWozYnvvcZvMgVXrtSZVwoh9nF9MWc5om1mKeU5Rnbw1-ErRpo2E1cVMKon6-CQBapewBGjAmgnMOc/s6000/IMG_8410.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOW3gmdbciH6bVz1sy0CiGd24hqDwHR6tS8bwlLkLphf69eEibqj-gGFHjag-AClWGdaJSgHVPDcaG0wPQrwUmMtgYN81jgLrkxiHy-3XVJrojMzWozYnvvcZvMgVXrtSZVwoh9nF9MWc5om1mKeU5Rnbw1-ErRpo2E1cVMKon6-CQBapewBGjAmgnMOc/w640-h426/IMG_8410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adequately caffeinated we went exploring, this is the back side of the barn.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0q4xxuBgG-Ip19VsGTbQpVAScs8l4P2pvkTfFD2cdbf8BAO6tyVOfaRq5UV6WhgiekDEs_MESpsZrFJucjn6EnVE3mi5OHTCY-yJlbw92ErJtub3nSXmc9pUQVmGjEtnBfazDZs5b9lpGUdd36YAgCSAPdZZwB9FvhOdKH_N8HDzGu5fUV8lQXE8WWQ/s6000/IMG_8354.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0q4xxuBgG-Ip19VsGTbQpVAScs8l4P2pvkTfFD2cdbf8BAO6tyVOfaRq5UV6WhgiekDEs_MESpsZrFJucjn6EnVE3mi5OHTCY-yJlbw92ErJtub3nSXmc9pUQVmGjEtnBfazDZs5b9lpGUdd36YAgCSAPdZZwB9FvhOdKH_N8HDzGu5fUV8lQXE8WWQ/w426-h640/IMG_8354.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Interior of the barn.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdbZlfK4A0jwRj7NAMsGvfLqpezpppVXD7am6ALoni3R24lFzIa9AeY4ehWEmVP2FqXWv6dKJFZo9TVVitBQLhBndL0mff7EqGgH96WT5Ze8QuIUn5FxH8x6cp8DAoK92VV24EZttb8g6fV-ad0yS5jiVkpiMM_TfZokM5-WxxtP774YmOl-bavp91eA/s6000/IMG_8355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdbZlfK4A0jwRj7NAMsGvfLqpezpppVXD7am6ALoni3R24lFzIa9AeY4ehWEmVP2FqXWv6dKJFZo9TVVitBQLhBndL0mff7EqGgH96WT5Ze8QuIUn5FxH8x6cp8DAoK92VV24EZttb8g6fV-ad0yS5jiVkpiMM_TfZokM5-WxxtP774YmOl-bavp91eA/w640-h426/IMG_8355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Kent countryside opened up before us as we stepped through the arched opening in the barn.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3l3HM_EBZNS7wslmyYsgTaIkOlOXchi3ED8EcYfd9nhnMWqMN5aGTjQ-djUAgw2ZGQOsWkUFq1wJOyAXgXEyOVma3d9A4l6V7Q1wdg1x398HTe34LuNNFaZeljJW2BWLAdi3u_IDs8f8g0MguY-w48RruVdgcT0tceolFivaXju5yDsw3PMcN0UrgdM/s6000/IMG_8358.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3l3HM_EBZNS7wslmyYsgTaIkOlOXchi3ED8EcYfd9nhnMWqMN5aGTjQ-djUAgw2ZGQOsWkUFq1wJOyAXgXEyOVma3d9A4l6V7Q1wdg1x398HTe34LuNNFaZeljJW2BWLAdi3u_IDs8f8g0MguY-w48RruVdgcT0tceolFivaXju5yDsw3PMcN0UrgdM/w640-h426/IMG_8358.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRRv3hz_6-0YEsVdVuj44SCP9Y_w_08XCK85FFmgI1AbQLt8n-aYyVYrpvA0F0AdWzKNT8tUuI-XQ5E-68fzI1FelBUHyIPfWiZLhVW78GQGLPJD-t9buqKPH1_hDKzzvVSMvX6JRBIsWLWEF0BLRNDyK_1ens_v2a_mg31RBWVuRY_ExE_aJ0aSBP4s/s6000/IMG_8374.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRRv3hz_6-0YEsVdVuj44SCP9Y_w_08XCK85FFmgI1AbQLt8n-aYyVYrpvA0F0AdWzKNT8tUuI-XQ5E-68fzI1FelBUHyIPfWiZLhVW78GQGLPJD-t9buqKPH1_hDKzzvVSMvX6JRBIsWLWEF0BLRNDyK_1ens_v2a_mg31RBWVuRY_ExE_aJ0aSBP4s/w640-h426/IMG_8374.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The vegetable garden is fairly new and provides produce to the restaurant. We enjoyed this familiar-feeling garden and were reminded of our own garden and the never-ending chores awaiting our return.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrNkQorhLOf-wXwBfEujrJ2GVm4f6YWQPfyHzWCEHjWV3DrmxKyOOwMRXEUi7YwneZU2HaXCEre6YUMhI3Lnxk0Qcy1Mq_7ZjT2JaoMcNfL3fyHCBxUURFQ8c0NB-bwcdLMkBldNudJ4-3TtV1rzUTYaa70sIFbcReXfuE1uDhDs7GBOFG7Qu2FSbgb8/s6000/IMG_8375.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrNkQorhLOf-wXwBfEujrJ2GVm4f6YWQPfyHzWCEHjWV3DrmxKyOOwMRXEUi7YwneZU2HaXCEre6YUMhI3Lnxk0Qcy1Mq_7ZjT2JaoMcNfL3fyHCBxUURFQ8c0NB-bwcdLMkBldNudJ4-3TtV1rzUTYaa70sIFbcReXfuE1uDhDs7GBOFG7Qu2FSbgb8/w426-h640/IMG_8375.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Doing a bit of good for the soil, indeed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNkJRVFP21Vu4n5O1RpZMnb8KCGM6fHM1YjvVNL9buHVG1mCFUlo-SpOAk8QrCle3nKI-Qh6Nh3fmjyiP4axdbVUxa8MAhQBGGQUgh-WdvF3Rk1j4RCNkoxS2VOyKKIhA9m8pJ_9VELtrY10cIfkmRgHI-6Oj50hnI2Qav7OvhhAQ4DHOsxRHe60JclQ/s6000/IMG_8380.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNkJRVFP21Vu4n5O1RpZMnb8KCGM6fHM1YjvVNL9buHVG1mCFUlo-SpOAk8QrCle3nKI-Qh6Nh3fmjyiP4axdbVUxa8MAhQBGGQUgh-WdvF3Rk1j4RCNkoxS2VOyKKIhA9m8pJ_9VELtrY10cIfkmRgHI-6Oj50hnI2Qav7OvhhAQ4DHOsxRHe60JclQ/w640-h426/IMG_8380.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">FM lost in fields of veg. The oast house and tower can be seen in the distance.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Rx6JUlo8R326ZdDB9KVsuFqHHLpFe96FbKSArEoGfkQBciGamrySnSOjHKVdvzGYLBak488Za6NgxI1irXm10Hha9393vSxxU2o4_lXiZBRE0Htwhfbl-YGgXbsuPn4vyLG8eK3jUjeX3oPrQOfiijxLWxJHMoVXlRrUOT4GjY1hfShR-0qJ-5O1s6I/s3264/20231003_111234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Rx6JUlo8R326ZdDB9KVsuFqHHLpFe96FbKSArEoGfkQBciGamrySnSOjHKVdvzGYLBak488Za6NgxI1irXm10Hha9393vSxxU2o4_lXiZBRE0Htwhfbl-YGgXbsuPn4vyLG8eK3jUjeX3oPrQOfiijxLWxJHMoVXlRrUOT4GjY1hfShR-0qJ-5O1s6I/w640-h294/20231003_111234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now that the grounds were open, we headed for the entrance to the garden through the archway in the Long Library.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvMT-ngDBxedAERzYz3XxF095qJb0r3-8nr8yNwuVjRVqqe1RAhmtLnDbTNe8nb1VXh7DmRzPUh_9vPBh_pwPywBidNgzM89l1y0WBvq5Seg_VIXme8B5v0thw-NgIU2IX-ufXpc6XNJxTlQOnSWeO7SryLGj-4bjAseeBp3b171ZtYtACWeViongoM0/s6000/IMG_8449.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvMT-ngDBxedAERzYz3XxF095qJb0r3-8nr8yNwuVjRVqqe1RAhmtLnDbTNe8nb1VXh7DmRzPUh_9vPBh_pwPywBidNgzM89l1y0WBvq5Seg_VIXme8B5v0thw-NgIU2IX-ufXpc6XNJxTlQOnSWeO7SryLGj-4bjAseeBp3b171ZtYtACWeViongoM0/w426-h640/IMG_8449.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Having stepped through the archway, now looking behind.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNV6qUtICHCNMBqR23KZJDEAWF4geN-gyhXoyrNdN-xlG5I8z2HeI_Gul7k7Dp2spmE8DPSLZkVBBNuTOHaemFRsXOcyPdPXyf240WjHwySjfq0P-vSoXCSj87oJH5VXtcAMHKCX4_BJCbK-QiZTA6leatViUEr8ORBu_ARPNuiphzXfAP-x0kYr10okw/s6000/IMG_8433.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNV6qUtICHCNMBqR23KZJDEAWF4geN-gyhXoyrNdN-xlG5I8z2HeI_Gul7k7Dp2spmE8DPSLZkVBBNuTOHaemFRsXOcyPdPXyf240WjHwySjfq0P-vSoXCSj87oJH5VXtcAMHKCX4_BJCbK-QiZTA6leatViUEr8ORBu_ARPNuiphzXfAP-x0kYr10okw/w426-h640/IMG_8433.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Elizabethan tower with its octagonal turrets and rather large Irish yews Vita preferred as shaggy specimens rather than formally clipped.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiHkAJ7TgyFu_6_FSIf0OfSpQIY-wNpgIoAg2v8mrmtJ6QGifYpr6zoNlgFh4R_Tf3rVJOKcsvXC6cmTvjnK2FXz6wXgXGiieUsvBjTkWoDv5A21t5TWvDBMWy3S72qlHAbsM4AwHev4xTqOtD4NgcKdt2JOfGVQMfo8v8MZXXSr_yCzaARQzmjf3EC4/s6000/IMG_8441.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiHkAJ7TgyFu_6_FSIf0OfSpQIY-wNpgIoAg2v8mrmtJ6QGifYpr6zoNlgFh4R_Tf3rVJOKcsvXC6cmTvjnK2FXz6wXgXGiieUsvBjTkWoDv5A21t5TWvDBMWy3S72qlHAbsM4AwHev4xTqOtD4NgcKdt2JOfGVQMfo8v8MZXXSr_yCzaARQzmjf3EC4/w640-h426/IMG_8441.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking through the ground level to gardens beyond.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiimurg40FL54SQX8tl4df1Zt1VfczfZaYkUPlvKSOr8M_tuTaEgFyKUWTFPiQMmUtZbnCvsJUcYOS9-JOyWg1GErE5-xCcRokwQmaGvIerrlA0viV8LOKmV7yGNzfylM53wX7J1JKl5-76Z2xJ3__1JzuEwnftJbY-OAv1scIW5gN20r7XUVrAht_Qnw/s6000/IMG_8445.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiimurg40FL54SQX8tl4df1Zt1VfczfZaYkUPlvKSOr8M_tuTaEgFyKUWTFPiQMmUtZbnCvsJUcYOS9-JOyWg1GErE5-xCcRokwQmaGvIerrlA0viV8LOKmV7yGNzfylM53wX7J1JKl5-76Z2xJ3__1JzuEwnftJbY-OAv1scIW5gN20r7XUVrAht_Qnw/w640-h426/IMG_8445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of a pair of lovely wooden benches inside the archway to the tower.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosLxsOatpeHBAwQAUyhyKVa0W9dbh20othEMSAeeool7eTQnPvzZJXK2ROf8UeTg3492W8yDldNEs4SUyuvrOuI9Wl5ggWFsGd5mVBPCdO_BzwcK1KmtEa4elNh3WHZ2EEAJh92Mjr0gE07P9dA3-4WuVeYfXVKkueKnnRekXYx3xAlh5XIL1RXNNzEM/s4032/20231003_112032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosLxsOatpeHBAwQAUyhyKVa0W9dbh20othEMSAeeool7eTQnPvzZJXK2ROf8UeTg3492W8yDldNEs4SUyuvrOuI9Wl5ggWFsGd5mVBPCdO_BzwcK1KmtEa4elNh3WHZ2EEAJh92Mjr0gE07P9dA3-4WuVeYfXVKkueKnnRekXYx3xAlh5XIL1RXNNzEM/w640-h296/20231003_112032.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Up its 78 steps to the top of the tower, an overview of the gardens below I found most helpful and amazing. The roundel of clipped hedge is the center of Vita's famous rose garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mGKzOFHD0y_a43kYbwfUrKryS4u5GfKrHp701ficmJuOojxIvcxv8B_Q_3LEP0_jxjytlzgnIzjO-XrcUougO9eWTU8FBc-YYX1vIM2nP9Lr_MMeR_Qtrco4D4-Lg2LNB7NEnkhV1wbhZx_ptkQLR9kNMS-KR5nH-VMyRl2VQvgxfFzIhnw5YwvZh7Q/s6000/IMG_8455.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mGKzOFHD0y_a43kYbwfUrKryS4u5GfKrHp701ficmJuOojxIvcxv8B_Q_3LEP0_jxjytlzgnIzjO-XrcUougO9eWTU8FBc-YYX1vIM2nP9Lr_MMeR_Qtrco4D4-Lg2LNB7NEnkhV1wbhZx_ptkQLR9kNMS-KR5nH-VMyRl2VQvgxfFzIhnw5YwvZh7Q/w640-h426/IMG_8455.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Priest's House, right, is where Vita and Harold's son's had their bedrooms as well as the family kitchen and dining room. The gardens that surround it are known as the Delos gardens, Mediterranean in style.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxUz23n2-31dsJldPHRTAe22vnapd2XBQCyKtrmpRLW84aeWvSwt7ZGbcWiKMDJRtJIJbEY1MXv5uS4OP9sVePukhN2hV1gXNRBISlvG650S9CTKzYcDwJfbwfsq9osehL5Vr40tfHm4KeWULKSRT12jOeUfXw2fpbCIf_cjErgg1p5dVeg3zIiOEe_M/s6000/IMG_8460.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxUz23n2-31dsJldPHRTAe22vnapd2XBQCyKtrmpRLW84aeWvSwt7ZGbcWiKMDJRtJIJbEY1MXv5uS4OP9sVePukhN2hV1gXNRBISlvG650S9CTKzYcDwJfbwfsq9osehL5Vr40tfHm4KeWULKSRT12jOeUfXw2fpbCIf_cjErgg1p5dVeg3zIiOEe_M/w640-h426/IMG_8460.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The rounded Powys wall in the rose garden can be seen here, built in 1935.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JR5XKpgMoKmYSuAY4ktEjRBYe0reBCYZ7lKFEv6mzqSKa0_OnaTWQBl59aW6MyDcvpu5PCoSP9N9oEqX7rHAykdN80TneAX4HpGpoWmFiwh7_-phjX13FMAc3ZlMXzbFqB9jFDWcPQeK2FkVa32sHI-oLxN0hyQGQOCRzLeEOIzB5T5EVrT3pLufPws/s3264/20231003_112047.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JR5XKpgMoKmYSuAY4ktEjRBYe0reBCYZ7lKFEv6mzqSKa0_OnaTWQBl59aW6MyDcvpu5PCoSP9N9oEqX7rHAykdN80TneAX4HpGpoWmFiwh7_-phjX13FMAc3ZlMXzbFqB9jFDWcPQeK2FkVa32sHI-oLxN0hyQGQOCRzLeEOIzB5T5EVrT3pLufPws/w640-h294/20231003_112047.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking out past the yew walk and orchard towards the moat, one of the oldest features of the property.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXbSbAFFuKKsY7UKc52rVDz6vgnahV0fzACZ8-fXNImPDLbpM6-RpZu2otIwU3lK9j8XDtQa-SF3ag-20O7XdX-5NzU_EeoynHtexQw938hmqQRAWirxwrEyA4sKnX3u1jbrBI4IGwuI74RdTb8j-ra5sin5W40dG9hsMPXpxoNK1ZcEoX83jJ_gK25I/s6000/IMG_8477.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXbSbAFFuKKsY7UKc52rVDz6vgnahV0fzACZ8-fXNImPDLbpM6-RpZu2otIwU3lK9j8XDtQa-SF3ag-20O7XdX-5NzU_EeoynHtexQw938hmqQRAWirxwrEyA4sKnX3u1jbrBI4IGwuI74RdTb8j-ra5sin5W40dG9hsMPXpxoNK1ZcEoX83jJ_gK25I/w640-h426/IMG_8477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A recent renovation of Vita's writing room on the third floor of the tower. It was closed off save for an iron gate, but my camera fit through. It is said to be preserved in this way as Vita allowed nearly no one into her sacred and favorite space where she penned all of her written works. Her son Nigel recalls having only been inside five or six times in his life before his mother passed away. Pretty much everything here is original and of special meaning to Vita.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjQLuuv-FTS-8mLIKgi1zM0F_OQ57qumGCnVO3rx_rcepuiepQmBJZyS4NrNnzH_D9DVvQOA_u4kyoUhwdiZxhi6NcdJaLH3U8Tly9NwJxQVU8AE8kGMxzNb95NNvhG0ZAeywgiNgiybnk9lV1DBVELap6xcDugxvjNDxaaR2XZEjX4UQV_t-NEHKG8g/s6000/IMG_8525.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjQLuuv-FTS-8mLIKgi1zM0F_OQ57qumGCnVO3rx_rcepuiepQmBJZyS4NrNnzH_D9DVvQOA_u4kyoUhwdiZxhi6NcdJaLH3U8Tly9NwJxQVU8AE8kGMxzNb95NNvhG0ZAeywgiNgiybnk9lV1DBVELap6xcDugxvjNDxaaR2XZEjX4UQV_t-NEHKG8g/w426-h640/IMG_8525.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Harold created the formal lines, the hedges and layout of the garden; n no easy task. If you look at a map of the estate it is clear there is no grid format at work and many areas connected at odd angles. Harold was able to connect areas and create site lines so when in the garden, it flows.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNAsE0jdka4d8fTyl-deKfswm2nyAowqcttaa-oXuSJWVi2ZYYjFa8_jVDJl9FFQMmyzX2jGcKk5Y9eaakOiviRYdthWDhBArFdK13yaoxpGpujb6XzcLbf1LYNItKK0hkXG5io7EQAcaiuei3nfhsTP9YNZsfVXzR_bdDUt4O5NfhmZqFU2hb6lMAa4/s6000/IMG_8575.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNAsE0jdka4d8fTyl-deKfswm2nyAowqcttaa-oXuSJWVi2ZYYjFa8_jVDJl9FFQMmyzX2jGcKk5Y9eaakOiviRYdthWDhBArFdK13yaoxpGpujb6XzcLbf1LYNItKK0hkXG5io7EQAcaiuei3nfhsTP9YNZsfVXzR_bdDUt4O5NfhmZqFU2hb6lMAa4/w426-h640/IMG_8575.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In <a href="https://sissinghurstcastle.wordpress.com/2014/05/08/the-history-of-the-nuttery/" target="_blank">The Nuttery</a>, a wooded area of hazelnuts and shade lovers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtxBfi0ZOM8BtcaL80fFLtE1f0BZTumbk4xt5l2yJBhY15j0_SVq4mNutsQOsUESOFDikdysbtDsGu3QynsLEFjEWvqicO948P9mjI5Gul4yx3SVobzg-wxRSWsbUA-ilvfJPgLKsk-p-NYOhDOBJcg1QJpyHKksyHPjfhO3i-6lFVrE9-80Mx0-MCvc/s6000/IMG_8620.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtxBfi0ZOM8BtcaL80fFLtE1f0BZTumbk4xt5l2yJBhY15j0_SVq4mNutsQOsUESOFDikdysbtDsGu3QynsLEFjEWvqicO948P9mjI5Gul4yx3SVobzg-wxRSWsbUA-ilvfJPgLKsk-p-NYOhDOBJcg1QJpyHKksyHPjfhO3i-6lFVrE9-80Mx0-MCvc/w640-h426/IMG_8620.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The moat is the oldest remaining part of the original manor house first recorded around 1100 and called the place Saxingherste, meaning woods settled by Saxons. The original moated manor would have been owned by the Saxingherste family. There are two of three arms remaining of the original moat, the third became The Moat Walk. A sculpture of Dionysus in a niche at the edge of one arm of the moat, the original sculpture having been replaced in 1995.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNLkh6le8S25vEDLQffk-aQdKikV6Hz-FiYugGWVtqHBjRe9NRAkBGp9Z1W37IEkbbhXDrKcqhZq4z0ER4fL1Qa4J7u0N4qRbNrqB-VsRkcdZj-qAWyq-I1r0S9g007Q7XKaoHvpwqQfql_8Nk108OtperEK6LVFJ4zBI3ZJvt3UKCDDhqlS3iPBrKRU/s6000/IMG_8592.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNLkh6le8S25vEDLQffk-aQdKikV6Hz-FiYugGWVtqHBjRe9NRAkBGp9Z1W37IEkbbhXDrKcqhZq4z0ER4fL1Qa4J7u0N4qRbNrqB-VsRkcdZj-qAWyq-I1r0S9g007Q7XKaoHvpwqQfql_8Nk108OtperEK6LVFJ4zBI3ZJvt3UKCDDhqlS3iPBrKRU/w426-h640/IMG_8592.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From the Moat Walk looking towards the tower. This brick wall, unearthed shortly after Vita and Harold purchased the estate, is thought to have been a part of the medieval manor house, predating the Tudor buildings.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCmyjuF3k4lCPW4QbPxIRS1FcnzJOZF6r4NIagAJQKfEb9R-9Ip3IIaxLhx0qaUilFa3rSSqKfMTxDEcOXHpKQG7es_kUdn1S5Cq8vYwnxL55CrCL3R9fj3EP1FG7lFD7mxm2VdXASCPwveNrvbSfSpftPxgOrdDJZD8zFWTiMCGkFLjarS7Ej4Gws4Y/s5276/IMG_8628.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5276" data-original-width="3724" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCmyjuF3k4lCPW4QbPxIRS1FcnzJOZF6r4NIagAJQKfEb9R-9Ip3IIaxLhx0qaUilFa3rSSqKfMTxDEcOXHpKQG7es_kUdn1S5Cq8vYwnxL55CrCL3R9fj3EP1FG7lFD7mxm2VdXASCPwveNrvbSfSpftPxgOrdDJZD8zFWTiMCGkFLjarS7Ej4Gws4Y/w452-h640/IMG_8628.JPG" width="452" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nigel Nicolson's summer writing gazebo/office built in 1969 to honor his father.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHjFzaDSWzPdNJTyQniNM-gKIm796wdnVUIuSwtBsgRcT_0jbq0HhiO_JljMm14w2fp9h_2Lc1CIbKsvv6tInx4Y6mLhVzYXHhNxkWYMsQ1UUvtLzSvsVMtd_r0pYcr2ZJh7wlrp6MSIDWrZwO2G7_H-jG6Oq-_CG1pI5y4fGRVyGSUkCFJA0SRov0gg/s6000/IMG_8611.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHjFzaDSWzPdNJTyQniNM-gKIm796wdnVUIuSwtBsgRcT_0jbq0HhiO_JljMm14w2fp9h_2Lc1CIbKsvv6tInx4Y6mLhVzYXHhNxkWYMsQ1UUvtLzSvsVMtd_r0pYcr2ZJh7wlrp6MSIDWrZwO2G7_H-jG6Oq-_CG1pI5y4fGRVyGSUkCFJA0SRov0gg/w426-h640/IMG_8611.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From the edge of the moat looking through the orchard towards the tower on a perfect English day in Kent.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSzr-zM1ouyrG4mgbUaUi3ASQaI5H0iZugEPJj834SvH15Mdh6nt_5kn-03ykvuntLwjaOn-xFqUKyRxNTGCS9R3newivodOVN27dmZ1FnPWIMI_RFcYC2sFdAccB7oHciJiVrd8-bmytlJGYlAgWbelR0ApvTsjMHFG2sZdhDhblPnqUhYl9zgnojD0/s6000/IMG_8666.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSzr-zM1ouyrG4mgbUaUi3ASQaI5H0iZugEPJj834SvH15Mdh6nt_5kn-03ykvuntLwjaOn-xFqUKyRxNTGCS9R3newivodOVN27dmZ1FnPWIMI_RFcYC2sFdAccB7oHciJiVrd8-bmytlJGYlAgWbelR0ApvTsjMHFG2sZdhDhblPnqUhYl9zgnojD0/w640-h426/IMG_8666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Towards the southeast corner of the gardens near the moat is the herb garden, one of my favorites.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bgOWXvbZGc8jCs85KQJMvI2xJCceo33HekQlHGh7tfLuEhkkggrH64M8ymOh12B0UH7rYs_P1aaCRSikWbayOUBUF-uaxvh1n5-3sI6ELGV5MmwxIfqEkCTQ9bKwZrcuZ-F_cytvHfh9bSCfHJWYOyVhJ2oPkuS9IAC1z9TlZiRhJE6oIxDJ0lm3o6g/s6000/IMG_8657.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bgOWXvbZGc8jCs85KQJMvI2xJCceo33HekQlHGh7tfLuEhkkggrH64M8ymOh12B0UH7rYs_P1aaCRSikWbayOUBUF-uaxvh1n5-3sI6ELGV5MmwxIfqEkCTQ9bKwZrcuZ-F_cytvHfh9bSCfHJWYOyVhJ2oPkuS9IAC1z9TlZiRhJE6oIxDJ0lm3o6g/w640-h426/IMG_8657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A chamomile seat in the herb garden called Edward the Confessor's chair made from fragments of masonry around the property by Jack Copper, the chauffeur. Clipped yew hedges behind.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bA0RkJG5gA48_pNzpJ1Sg5yHS6Vnw2tPyNQXzsiUPGU1DE9cqZUq8wauwPqggMsUBXl1U2zyE0HgFUDFG6-54VmygBuCrTdjszsQt9DYjVWHgSUXTBudDUZmtxZTqa-YgP_DvJ59mmYQFzw2r8ptaRlrYo-DyMLpJ2vAHAH2zm8EiGY8Xw0KmdCwI2o/s6000/IMG_8636.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bA0RkJG5gA48_pNzpJ1Sg5yHS6Vnw2tPyNQXzsiUPGU1DE9cqZUq8wauwPqggMsUBXl1U2zyE0HgFUDFG6-54VmygBuCrTdjszsQt9DYjVWHgSUXTBudDUZmtxZTqa-YgP_DvJ59mmYQFzw2r8ptaRlrYo-DyMLpJ2vAHAH2zm8EiGY8Xw0KmdCwI2o/w426-h640/IMG_8636.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Simply a favorite, likely for its simplicity. The three lions sit atop an old millstone, the lion bowl was purchased in 1914 (in Cospoli, Turkey) by Vita and Harold who were living in Istanbul at the time. The bench in the background was based on a 17th century wainscot chair and is made of oak, as all wood benches at Sissinghurst are, as it ages to a lovely silver shade. Its back has a curvilinear line rather than a straight one so it didn't draw attention to the uneven clipped hedge behind. The stone paths of the main axes are made of York stone, an improvement from Vita and Harold's day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJvJYpiMN7D8HkL_nFjl8d1aaNt8sfOUyRLrENdRVHlPEZIj-tDedlFkq5un2F9y2I34EBNo-AiwjSZ_wpqkBVzVWI3DkOJl0y1SQifUad3hQonbyZJkVv19VfdRF_Hin3Y-a4oytbb2EIoR_B7Vpvqkc41fJq7VRvZhrRVYPcIjeqkWQJigXtALrsr8/s6000/IMG_8645.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJvJYpiMN7D8HkL_nFjl8d1aaNt8sfOUyRLrENdRVHlPEZIj-tDedlFkq5un2F9y2I34EBNo-AiwjSZ_wpqkBVzVWI3DkOJl0y1SQifUad3hQonbyZJkVv19VfdRF_Hin3Y-a4oytbb2EIoR_B7Vpvqkc41fJq7VRvZhrRVYPcIjeqkWQJigXtALrsr8/w426-h640/IMG_8645.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A lovely couple calling themselves Vita and Harold were enjoying a good giggle in the herb garden. I decided to honor them and the joy they expressed by including them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR7UjTtGKwNflbrxqfldUV0XiVUAy3LQ4gxMC9Xtd6l2Ll1lnfZMdfmjAMArrlSveM-xrHWs2QFf69mxwuo2YzWMntjfFO0a7I-INIb0nDmCs7lmRTX1m29_hOFFAC6eu2vUZlSzCbRvCoct2Z5RKzm203stdCpeZgKru4elczpcyRsC6o58LNpyOgeU/s6000/IMG_8496.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR7UjTtGKwNflbrxqfldUV0XiVUAy3LQ4gxMC9Xtd6l2Ll1lnfZMdfmjAMArrlSveM-xrHWs2QFf69mxwuo2YzWMntjfFO0a7I-INIb0nDmCs7lmRTX1m29_hOFFAC6eu2vUZlSzCbRvCoct2Z5RKzm203stdCpeZgKru4elczpcyRsC6o58LNpyOgeU/w426-h640/IMG_8496.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A tribute to Vita from Harold in "her" tower.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sissinghurst is a fantasy created by Vita's romantic vision and Harold's love of formality and order. It was her grand masterpiece, a private sanctuary for their family and circle of friends. It was innovative for its time - no straight lines of bedded out plants here - creating borders with color themes, harmonies and texture, exactly what Gertrude Jekyll was teaching at the time, though Vita and Harold did it their own way. Much of what is here can be taken for granted and written off as early-mid 20th century privilege or old-fashioned. It is one of the first to depart from garden norms of the time, it is Vita's vision. Even today it is more than that. In an age when naturalistic and rewilding are the direction gardening is heading, Sissinghurst is evolving as all good gardens do. The decision was made to stop irrigating (save for containers and new plantings), you can read more about that <a href="https://www.gardensillustrated.com/news/troy-scott-smith-watering-sissinghurst" target="_blank">here</a>. And you know what? It still looked fabulous. Granted, England's summers are much wetter than our own, it is still a bold move in the right direction and is keeping Sissinghurst relevant in the twenty first century.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To be able to visit such a personal inspiration was a highlight of our trip to England. As is true with most daydreaming, seeing a place in person vs. imagining it or living it through photographs is often quite different. It was smaller than what I envisioned, even though the formal gardens span some five acres. That did not take away from its romance, rather its more intimate feeling was endearing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This half of my visit to Sissinghurst covered the chronological first half of our visit. <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/11/lets-go-sissinghurst-castle-garden-part.html" target="_blank">Next time</a> we'll catch up with the rest of the gardens including the famous White Garden. And as a final note, a lot can be (and has been) written about Vita and Harold's unconventional and successful marriage and their personal lives. While they were fascinating, loving, interesting and perhaps considered scandalous, I am out of my depths writing about people and whom they love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. As always thank you so much for reading and commenting, we love hearing from you! Happy gardening!</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-25167687458160785152023-10-12T07:00:00.356-07:002023-10-12T07:00:00.145-07:00Let's Go: Oxford Botanic Garden<div style="text-align: center;">We escaped the farm. We left the chickens and cats in the best care possible to embark on a delayed vacation to the U.K. for much needed time away. Apparently, however, being away from the garden for a few days sent me into withdrawals. When FM and I spotted the Oxford Botanic Garden from our bus window - well - you know. Ding went the Stop Request button on the bus and into the oldest garden I've ever visited we went.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJj5t3feor8x0vmD4mcsBubUhMo_MqO4ve30KJYYTW6ulkW3c-jATJ2_3QeJ2qPN40MHlnO_ukA_obHUJqYyV-Yo2EE1-UQxHJTfR5vI82zFMZwe9-Ze3Ca6Ny2j5OrFbxvALDUb5BEf_SDT65GCOuGKVms8nrQSuVZ50V6oabxpWLTd5_PvoOufYaLI4/s6000/IMG_8128.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJj5t3feor8x0vmD4mcsBubUhMo_MqO4ve30KJYYTW6ulkW3c-jATJ2_3QeJ2qPN40MHlnO_ukA_obHUJqYyV-Yo2EE1-UQxHJTfR5vI82zFMZwe9-Ze3Ca6Ny2j5OrFbxvALDUb5BEf_SDT65GCOuGKVms8nrQSuVZ50V6oabxpWLTd5_PvoOufYaLI4/w640-h426/IMG_8128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">FM wandering around on his own near the water lily pond. At over 400 years old, this garden is full of history as well as plants.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">From Wikipedia: <i><a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank">The University of Oxford Botanic Garden</a> is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. The garden was founded in 1621 as a physic garden growing plants for medicinal research. Today it contains over 5,000 different plant species on 4+1⁄2 acres. It is one of the most diverse yet compact collections of plants in the world and includes representatives from over 90% of the higher plant families.</i></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkIHNvHVszCF5YWeIcPjyGJbxg8dNJU5Mrt9XlZViz92JgtxZcW2e3yGyDaeUBDcSDyQ_p9q6tX-IiHRO3jenxb41PgXITBpl-gwIp6gw8abaxxL7QbXf88scSA1pGYgiaLUZNu0Miox4UYBP4zPu_-cZGKcJuBTeuOwzEvo2bQWmEnHIC0mia7T9aMI/s6000/IMG_7866.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkIHNvHVszCF5YWeIcPjyGJbxg8dNJU5Mrt9XlZViz92JgtxZcW2e3yGyDaeUBDcSDyQ_p9q6tX-IiHRO3jenxb41PgXITBpl-gwIp6gw8abaxxL7QbXf88scSA1pGYgiaLUZNu0Miox4UYBP4zPu_-cZGKcJuBTeuOwzEvo2bQWmEnHIC0mia7T9aMI/w640-h426/IMG_7866.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><div>From the Oxford Botanic Garden's website: <i>The Garden’s founder, the first Earl of Danby, Henry Danvers KG wanted a ‘Physic Garden’ for teaching medical students about medicinal plants. He leased the five acre site from Magdalen College and, at 2pm on July 25th 1621, the founding stone was laid by the University of Oxford’s Vice Chancellor.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Over the next 20 years the level of the land, which sits within the flood plain of the River Cherwell was raised with “four thousand cart loads of mucke and dunge” and a wall with four gateways built to enclose the Garden. It was planted in the 1640s following the appointment of the Garden’s first Keeper Jacob Bobart the Elder in 1642. In 1648, Bobart created a catalogue of all the plants which he grew, now preserved as a treasured ancient manuscript at the Garden.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The Physic Garden was renamed the Botanic Garden in the 1830s by Sherardian Professor Charles Daubeny to reflect its growing focus on experimental botany and taxonomy. In 1946 the Garden was expanded with the lease of a further three acres from Christ Church at the southern end adjacent to Christ Church Meadow.</i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Today their mission is to communicate to the widest possible audience the critical importance plants play in our existence and well-being. And what a beautiful setting in which to do so!</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPz7nQkUxi848thSuil0Jy3QpL1Z_Ep0yspRGmgKME56kfifoWS9i5-9SMIWLNnv5MhIzhyvVo4LPvuRIEuJRuMJXmpzVZXLwuxXKeqABRXM-Xed50rJivsrKmEuw6A6rRX3DV7AoYRNnSBpz7Go6AKtp9nlzQMK2jdgNVh2K25Ibtn3QUCN_Bx0hnna4/s6000/IMG_7887fix.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPz7nQkUxi848thSuil0Jy3QpL1Z_Ep0yspRGmgKME56kfifoWS9i5-9SMIWLNnv5MhIzhyvVo4LPvuRIEuJRuMJXmpzVZXLwuxXKeqABRXM-Xed50rJivsrKmEuw6A6rRX3DV7AoYRNnSBpz7Go6AKtp9nlzQMK2jdgNVh2K25Ibtn3QUCN_Bx0hnna4/w640-h426/IMG_7887fix.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In true British form, the gardens are romantic and beautiful. They happen to also be educational, scientifically significant, well-organized and diverse. There are areas of formal walled gardens, herbaceous borders, a small orchard, wetlands, wild meadows and water features. Let us then explore the surface of one of the premiere botanic gardens in the world. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The building pictured here has been challenging for me to identify, as far as I can tell it is the Professor's House, though now used for graduate student accommodation.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQxSYSWPZ6eb1CZauTvTvU4GOuxSkogyQ9fc7pGPu0VCnTGAzpv50hD36hUQrgV_BZ5lzEZgHdhwBqNQ3EfyyVIMzujAByPCvKlkZ_1MHl92QW-nrWqRSdwV-ECrAX2KorWdnM_wTy0e0S_6okFWgqM-6NI-yvvXRGIBZowtdVkx8gwBuKqytFaAJUJQ/s6000/IMG_7865.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQxSYSWPZ6eb1CZauTvTvU4GOuxSkogyQ9fc7pGPu0VCnTGAzpv50hD36hUQrgV_BZ5lzEZgHdhwBqNQ3EfyyVIMzujAByPCvKlkZ_1MHl92QW-nrWqRSdwV-ECrAX2KorWdnM_wTy0e0S_6okFWgqM-6NI-yvvXRGIBZowtdVkx8gwBuKqytFaAJUJQ/w640-h426/IMG_7865.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The garden is comprised of two primary areas, the <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/guide-garden#widget-id-3112896" target="_blank">Walled Garden and the Lower Garden</a>. This is the original seventeenth century stone wall in the former.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiia_TzF2LEhF6xbGUe1ycabW61hVK01J4rOeXHLqNg0z0lr8CFyZn9-jnFubqQsyUAYbLxy5h2NqSMFtbuXpy6enFclLOCm091B6ap1ChDuIf12gxnF86i5kzU1FfhSEjbEroCCHjQYGQUzoELFjP9JLw5U_YGJoRyaZmkXd_byFMt0m5aarujGZZjTNI/s6000/IMG_7900.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiia_TzF2LEhF6xbGUe1ycabW61hVK01J4rOeXHLqNg0z0lr8CFyZn9-jnFubqQsyUAYbLxy5h2NqSMFtbuXpy6enFclLOCm091B6ap1ChDuIf12gxnF86i5kzU1FfhSEjbEroCCHjQYGQUzoELFjP9JLw5U_YGJoRyaZmkXd_byFMt0m5aarujGZZjTNI/w426-h640/IMG_7900.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you see what I mean about feeling romantic?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3ImT2b_A5-7BctuAs95gloOuPstVjSm08zuW3wcPZRmIy_IrNQQ38nCEyHzrA7CbcNhD8vxbc8Pmu9w7phKP3QDTdOBZhOL2IKYYoIvNuQp_LbrrBzhnbnFzGM0F8c7XE-a5-K-Jx7LB9RqDk25vFOqrNyctIHJae4eBg3N2b5pZGHGE78dxBn7hG0c/s6000/IMG_7913.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3ImT2b_A5-7BctuAs95gloOuPstVjSm08zuW3wcPZRmIy_IrNQQ38nCEyHzrA7CbcNhD8vxbc8Pmu9w7phKP3QDTdOBZhOL2IKYYoIvNuQp_LbrrBzhnbnFzGM0F8c7XE-a5-K-Jx7LB9RqDk25vFOqrNyctIHJae4eBg3N2b5pZGHGE78dxBn7hG0c/w640-h426/IMG_7913.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A gate in the walled garden leading out to the greenhouses.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51tefT7xKeXDKwk-Kg50L90M_6OUFsNeuWOlnnFsyZLZrvX2oHUeNTHjCMM4HkNI7qIdfOVQ_FvG6kF_FOxqnCvYvaMCvDtCDoJLT0f5q9d-oYX9YgLjpcBQdB8c2WpH107LYwgfCy7Pkdz5crsjP-zXNCe3_FKOn8E9TWV4zFhVuonB5d9-2o9dNOJc/s6000/IMG_7885.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51tefT7xKeXDKwk-Kg50L90M_6OUFsNeuWOlnnFsyZLZrvX2oHUeNTHjCMM4HkNI7qIdfOVQ_FvG6kF_FOxqnCvYvaMCvDtCDoJLT0f5q9d-oYX9YgLjpcBQdB8c2WpH107LYwgfCy7Pkdz5crsjP-zXNCe3_FKOn8E9TWV4zFhVuonB5d9-2o9dNOJc/w640-h426/IMG_7885.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana</i> and daphne.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsEpYQT3l2SmXnql1yU0ruZewVEyqskNeipmWFoKwhEYxKZ0uzxUYOnxiQldhY0aDM3PsvRJKwsZW1d20HWTUn2zNOu5roB6yFXKkpTKKZqsEHQeixMNeFGtEV7Qo_IqfmL6b2cr8dtD6GkQ2NaHQgZk2V99io-pnREw7pX3nZ8YC8PgHtcTkP0jGQNI/s6000/IMG_7927.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsEpYQT3l2SmXnql1yU0ruZewVEyqskNeipmWFoKwhEYxKZ0uzxUYOnxiQldhY0aDM3PsvRJKwsZW1d20HWTUn2zNOu5roB6yFXKkpTKKZqsEHQeixMNeFGtEV7Qo_IqfmL6b2cr8dtD6GkQ2NaHQgZk2V99io-pnREw7pX3nZ8YC8PgHtcTkP0jGQNI/w640-h426/IMG_7927.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/taxonomic-beds" target="_blank">Taxonomic Beds</a> comprise much of the plant material in the Walled Garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxW2y73HZSBpb_hu4Sg7wLkaxB9yueWomDv6lzCIc0XmWY7Z8Xxez1wdH1DYKNMHvDX6bDgyokXvW13m5XetHIeCyt0AXOJpx67bg1-OwHtpYa3Vb-FzuK9kiRKM4pvdFCijRXgcVXcMkkz1nvZibTdKnUd1oWY42PNqfp6H7lRHAsIHoK6oXwFcqrhKM/s6000/IMG_7935.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxW2y73HZSBpb_hu4Sg7wLkaxB9yueWomDv6lzCIc0XmWY7Z8Xxez1wdH1DYKNMHvDX6bDgyokXvW13m5XetHIeCyt0AXOJpx67bg1-OwHtpYa3Vb-FzuK9kiRKM4pvdFCijRXgcVXcMkkz1nvZibTdKnUd1oWY42PNqfp6H7lRHAsIHoK6oXwFcqrhKM/w640-h426/IMG_7935.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Standing in the Walled Garden looking out towards the Lower Garden and Water Lily Pond in the center.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4sGoerJegSWQbXLhC634cwcRBkUgo3YC569KXtjnnf-2p_8Bbq-04NCLI6PaFVmDJ7obKEZTtPzDdMyqNWylHNwudaN28INRkcaynLn4cG2Sl7YpZUcL2A0fHa8O6JGMT4BxWkNInHaX9uKakh66aWJxmLWTVwtSNVqgAgROkGMncbQDKL8scHbK7GQ/s6000/IMG_7944.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4sGoerJegSWQbXLhC634cwcRBkUgo3YC569KXtjnnf-2p_8Bbq-04NCLI6PaFVmDJ7obKEZTtPzDdMyqNWylHNwudaN28INRkcaynLn4cG2Sl7YpZUcL2A0fHa8O6JGMT4BxWkNInHaX9uKakh66aWJxmLWTVwtSNVqgAgROkGMncbQDKL8scHbK7GQ/w426-h640/IMG_7944.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/literary-garden" target="_blank">Literary Garden</a> where apparently the Cheshire Cat lives as well as <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/arts-blog/botanic-garden-bids-farewell-iconic-black-pine" target="_blank">Tolkien's Tree</a>, a <i>Pinus nigra</i>, once stood (sadly it had to be removed in 2004). Many understory and woodland plants occupy this bed.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-RePlwLyvMpij2JQZ2BgMDCUnVfG0eCktkcQlfBsktC98sYoM9cQn-g-GEFk2YYIddS_ozG7fHB6sShAlvWn0M6gjvY1APDKBtyys7nEQFX2zirhCx0TzlsPZBIcdjl-3WkCc2rF-1mk0eWIx53EEr96b87wqrfeRbT4WNyanPz1oGnXAEgQu8tTtKs/s6000/IMG_7955.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-RePlwLyvMpij2JQZ2BgMDCUnVfG0eCktkcQlfBsktC98sYoM9cQn-g-GEFk2YYIddS_ozG7fHB6sShAlvWn0M6gjvY1APDKBtyys7nEQFX2zirhCx0TzlsPZBIcdjl-3WkCc2rF-1mk0eWIx53EEr96b87wqrfeRbT4WNyanPz1oGnXAEgQu8tTtKs/w640-h426/IMG_7955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">FM enjoying some sitting time in front of <i>Datisca cannabina</i>, false hemp.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKMUSwAU7mhlDkcfWkXYC2nhQBkVImYHa3Xw2A5Jz5bXgPoeEf4_3LcDtnybl9D73LbESLKYQkX6Xnnhm0tBvSto6mMM2Hc-HArBNFdgU5lGMwiEo5i-nBsJzqbo5ICJqazqoscKxOHyq6y6B4PUiC5-1APgLh9ce6okxUcWS1uHQyCe-sYLV-tNX9Bo/s6000/IMG_7972.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKMUSwAU7mhlDkcfWkXYC2nhQBkVImYHa3Xw2A5Jz5bXgPoeEf4_3LcDtnybl9D73LbESLKYQkX6Xnnhm0tBvSto6mMM2Hc-HArBNFdgU5lGMwiEo5i-nBsJzqbo5ICJqazqoscKxOHyq6y6B4PUiC5-1APgLh9ce6okxUcWS1uHQyCe-sYLV-tNX9Bo/w426-h640/IMG_7972.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Magdalen College Tower in the background.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tLo9X7FH3aEzbAdnFhi7wMYyvXtQZVTtUk7aPCDRNFgZYq69n-U19UQgjBPC6pn6BUWJyzjUOd0EF8QFeKBMNVJzF4_YOJ2KrGYf3PRxp94gOMuCQg-FJa0ennBndKl8gKY1NkiVgUj3GmapBLumtlFPpbvY4TSfqWvAiKry6OP6GScFZ9P-8CX5Nxg/s6000/IMG_7975.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tLo9X7FH3aEzbAdnFhi7wMYyvXtQZVTtUk7aPCDRNFgZYq69n-U19UQgjBPC6pn6BUWJyzjUOd0EF8QFeKBMNVJzF4_YOJ2KrGYf3PRxp94gOMuCQg-FJa0ennBndKl8gKY1NkiVgUj3GmapBLumtlFPpbvY4TSfqWvAiKry6OP6GScFZ9P-8CX5Nxg/w640-h426/IMG_7975.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The corner of the Literary Garden within the Walled Garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lVCk4vdDFKDiSLS3THqZv0BqYXyOzzQB4pz1u9BhvL71FP-1VmJpdHYE6t-k_Uu7oTCt0mFyfeJfS_oG4_Xv7D-b2uFAhC1bGyY0uq9rCZLdgkE7JTCB9wkp8Z1h7h4bvFhwi5DDPWcwuQdRGWmAc0egpWMOHSG2IuRQ8E2bjo5EZrwDlkgb8nSYlPg/s6000/IMG_7990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lVCk4vdDFKDiSLS3THqZv0BqYXyOzzQB4pz1u9BhvL71FP-1VmJpdHYE6t-k_Uu7oTCt0mFyfeJfS_oG4_Xv7D-b2uFAhC1bGyY0uq9rCZLdgkE7JTCB9wkp8Z1h7h4bvFhwi5DDPWcwuQdRGWmAc0egpWMOHSG2IuRQ8E2bjo5EZrwDlkgb8nSYlPg/w640-h426/IMG_7990.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A rather large <i>Itea ilicifolia</i>, one of several I saw on this trip, looms large against the garden wall.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoFuYz5dzDrjj7SBkaaRLVAWpZX2p8upgRoKg4QV5cr9SZ7r6N_ootA4SG3eZYWdNgvG4m_ZkWLf2HdwLyaqJTtiQ1MKNG3fQ07qqymPaIZVio_tEt3JmPz7JGsBoJL_Vu93HQUATfX5rthbrL9TyCtAxgokvXnN04sVQSVsgsoUOP4FViMi8gPCINdo/s6000/IMG_7998.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoFuYz5dzDrjj7SBkaaRLVAWpZX2p8upgRoKg4QV5cr9SZ7r6N_ootA4SG3eZYWdNgvG4m_ZkWLf2HdwLyaqJTtiQ1MKNG3fQ07qqymPaIZVio_tEt3JmPz7JGsBoJL_Vu93HQUATfX5rthbrL9TyCtAxgokvXnN04sVQSVsgsoUOP4FViMi8gPCINdo/w640-h426/IMG_7998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the other side of the wall and now entering the Lower Garden with the beginnings of the rather large herbaceous border on the left.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5KdlOyBMd7NK4lWDKy_uVRCrYmRSuEVk3pySz8lvzREFhxmfbGcvaKlX41X1cqyYDL_GWAaWq813MZ3hOzFDOxEzB4O50fOjehyphenhyphenngQEXVTqkEf3V-6y9L9zBv50uTfyOclPuw3-5Om9U8n-Bt1uaP-HVcnc-W65HYpx4xpeTH3d7XLwNIXL2jne6G9Y/s6000/IMG_8002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5KdlOyBMd7NK4lWDKy_uVRCrYmRSuEVk3pySz8lvzREFhxmfbGcvaKlX41X1cqyYDL_GWAaWq813MZ3hOzFDOxEzB4O50fOjehyphenhyphenngQEXVTqkEf3V-6y9L9zBv50uTfyOclPuw3-5Om9U8n-Bt1uaP-HVcnc-W65HYpx4xpeTH3d7XLwNIXL2jne6G9Y/w640-h426/IMG_8002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/herbaceous-border" target="_blank">Herbaceous Border</a> outside of the Walled Garden was a surprise.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lvVvPYFX3Mp5S-juZQ9lPV41F-bVW6-VjF86CTJpCyjVEQWrHay2ftZdfCAQHjzNN1MEwkrgoelK-igXlc41-1nnctfyidpTUQOEX5WEtmTGgGf5Xqg3YQf0EUMjPHdhPzBppUoXl7Rn3w22pJBve7GctSbNmZpiIKjLRLMprE4aOdLAKUorsf8HXcw/s6000/IMG_8030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lvVvPYFX3Mp5S-juZQ9lPV41F-bVW6-VjF86CTJpCyjVEQWrHay2ftZdfCAQHjzNN1MEwkrgoelK-igXlc41-1nnctfyidpTUQOEX5WEtmTGgGf5Xqg3YQf0EUMjPHdhPzBppUoXl7Rn3w22pJBve7GctSbNmZpiIKjLRLMprE4aOdLAKUorsf8HXcw/w640-h426/IMG_8030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Densely planted with herbaceous material, this was still full of flowers even in early October.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUmxKBguPmcaFdk_D1jtTJwfyzs_QPTG_vFKeUeOylB6uLbyFYMXagYtTs5KHkFo6df7awGyvCCSOUz02TwG-L2iKGXSXWTJWAbQchckgADWaUZYxZ2mQa9yEbbZPgmK6BqK9qwqv0ryVX0SCJdvIkAQKEWHJSPFpqnI6znwKmkP3OQZ0u64rngJ4f9Q/s6000/IMG_8046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUmxKBguPmcaFdk_D1jtTJwfyzs_QPTG_vFKeUeOylB6uLbyFYMXagYtTs5KHkFo6df7awGyvCCSOUz02TwG-L2iKGXSXWTJWAbQchckgADWaUZYxZ2mQa9yEbbZPgmK6BqK9qwqv0ryVX0SCJdvIkAQKEWHJSPFpqnI6znwKmkP3OQZ0u64rngJ4f9Q/w640-h426/IMG_8046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It feels like a typical English style border to me, delightful in its color shifts, graduated plant heights and textures.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbV0F7JZCrnH2VXiN2TzxefuTY7dAe1W5A4TzTvGVAAwLNX39VUswcHY46lTL6Q98TqlTLjXrd2649wnLTbWhs6jmghm8pkLZ6YlSFHW3E1UI_Rob4Bdkw9YzyG7e0Qwz08tPdnNFBcXV2WmzawlV5gJC6HAEfjrqWHlsY4GoYNNAYD3Dg7DGEyCgDtI/s6000/IMG_8053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbV0F7JZCrnH2VXiN2TzxefuTY7dAe1W5A4TzTvGVAAwLNX39VUswcHY46lTL6Q98TqlTLjXrd2649wnLTbWhs6jmghm8pkLZ6YlSFHW3E1UI_Rob4Bdkw9YzyG7e0Qwz08tPdnNFBcXV2WmzawlV5gJC6HAEfjrqWHlsY4GoYNNAYD3Dg7DGEyCgDtI/w426-h640/IMG_8053.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Across the lawn from the herbaceous border are the <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/plants-changed-world" target="_blank">Gin Border and Plants that Changed the World Gardens</a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiVNrJRC2Qc5PP1RazZ6HZ7JrGEo7_7LffSr8Bj5rlrjTllLFl5IYuFi_kOjg9ym1_pLb7bzM8JQt1DdAvhG51Q52d-Ob4KSi4KMoVMHy2r8bI44ue9Emb014W7Sp_L5iVOAzUFhyE8LhGaI0iBodpd6oFLRVKLaJqq50UO24-TGhj89loUeQClQm0go/s6000/IMG_8057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiVNrJRC2Qc5PP1RazZ6HZ7JrGEo7_7LffSr8Bj5rlrjTllLFl5IYuFi_kOjg9ym1_pLb7bzM8JQt1DdAvhG51Q52d-Ob4KSi4KMoVMHy2r8bI44ue9Emb014W7Sp_L5iVOAzUFhyE8LhGaI0iBodpd6oFLRVKLaJqq50UO24-TGhj89loUeQClQm0go/w640-h426/IMG_8057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Standing in the Gin Border looking towards that fantastic stone wall and herbaceous border.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2u7EGHlKfY_R6RBaacfIB2-_u_bDnFjZjyiVfjYp4WcQf7dulZmNwOcGHkZtuSf8m7TjaR1T6ZhBHIDH90JDQLnveDCaybzRGuzT4m8tPC2QjcpyeEEL5PMXhyphenhyphenXncvQhTStNYl7f1N7yGRdj7bQ4NmD_CtWtvNPJAM8GT3jCO13Ens19u1vAjA1X5KtQ/s6000/IMG_8069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2u7EGHlKfY_R6RBaacfIB2-_u_bDnFjZjyiVfjYp4WcQf7dulZmNwOcGHkZtuSf8m7TjaR1T6ZhBHIDH90JDQLnveDCaybzRGuzT4m8tPC2QjcpyeEEL5PMXhyphenhyphenXncvQhTStNYl7f1N7yGRdj7bQ4NmD_CtWtvNPJAM8GT3jCO13Ens19u1vAjA1X5KtQ/w640-h426/IMG_8069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Farther down in the Lower Garden, the <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/merton-border" target="_blank">Merton Borders</a> felt familiar. They are fairly wild and full of life. Seed heads from grasses and perennials will continue to provide for the array of wildlife they attract. I relate them to my own meadow garden where herbaceous plants and grasses are encouraged to reseed and fill all spaces and are left for the winter to provide shelter. I was surprised and happy to see this, such a contrast from meticulously groomed formal gardens in the Walled Garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6CG_r1jujmy_JzhOhRG-zB8Jodw3u2n_aArxn-hH0uqvt1LcucQ-RQnSdyjwyArWeF130AXvoCnKM-rXVArjgvm38_1ucSEWmKY91srdTSojwbTRf3hg4GWXoSHEmnasnh8rD9Z0v2XWbGMkfQDOXmX4J5qP7aMTzmVnfn2BeY_Cg_mpomBRNoye74A/s6000/IMG_8073.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6CG_r1jujmy_JzhOhRG-zB8Jodw3u2n_aArxn-hH0uqvt1LcucQ-RQnSdyjwyArWeF130AXvoCnKM-rXVArjgvm38_1ucSEWmKY91srdTSojwbTRf3hg4GWXoSHEmnasnh8rD9Z0v2XWbGMkfQDOXmX4J5qP7aMTzmVnfn2BeY_Cg_mpomBRNoye74A/w640-h426/IMG_8073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Oxford Botanic Garden is hard at work protecting plant species and improving biodiversity throughout the U.K. The<a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank"> website </a>is full of information about this and educational programs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREVAs09gNiTD6Uu2h7gKYxtlEFRAfQNrzsTz7-PAlZ5Szo6_rfTfLjPqlflNF0YTIvjVGXLEDVvjIwsWxRI6cSyD_CjuTOMq5vRFwfD_i5hWfLpYJXS-sW4hJKozsS1CxukytjgJqCwrWYVVeoLzD-wQ7hgw2f1BnONWdqteG23b_w3-sUFnDwwOKbH0/s6000/IMG_8083.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREVAs09gNiTD6Uu2h7gKYxtlEFRAfQNrzsTz7-PAlZ5Szo6_rfTfLjPqlflNF0YTIvjVGXLEDVvjIwsWxRI6cSyD_CjuTOMq5vRFwfD_i5hWfLpYJXS-sW4hJKozsS1CxukytjgJqCwrWYVVeoLzD-wQ7hgw2f1BnONWdqteG23b_w3-sUFnDwwOKbH0/w640-h426/IMG_8083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A European robin, so sweet in her birdsong, sat watching us and talking for several minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5X1NkBUj3_aUPtwnNR4efoQ4AfrmDZPSfzr700lqxaLzQe2wsvti98Twr0H8ySgVjN2812_CrZXvgpo95JPQLTHl10Ztq8uUhF-TuKCFHdQT_X0k8fri-zhvE7YaWpiOC2lx0yAK58TVWgBF9QWBsytOmW-DnuOLIjfI-9LgXdM0m5qCXh2k8v271js/s6000/IMG_8087.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5X1NkBUj3_aUPtwnNR4efoQ4AfrmDZPSfzr700lqxaLzQe2wsvti98Twr0H8ySgVjN2812_CrZXvgpo95JPQLTHl10Ztq8uUhF-TuKCFHdQT_X0k8fri-zhvE7YaWpiOC2lx0yAK58TVWgBF9QWBsytOmW-DnuOLIjfI-9LgXdM0m5qCXh2k8v271js/w640-h426/IMG_8087.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A small but mighty <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/orchard" target="_blank">orchard</a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiTukNmbSF7z1mK-Uwa4sYzn_SiX0OXSp5wiBPdq-DpIU6WGcoPRuMcfLb6ZlisdSh3EcqIsAzsu2MACZh5lnS43FaumL7TVKI46jPNZ5Ta2GtNTwElc0i2jv9UpZQ5EwxOKbNv7q_anLgf8x2pC3H3JDEGw5DfTl6dsag1X6Zh8zj_xybpSn84H5ysM/s6000/IMG_8090.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiTukNmbSF7z1mK-Uwa4sYzn_SiX0OXSp5wiBPdq-DpIU6WGcoPRuMcfLb6ZlisdSh3EcqIsAzsu2MACZh5lnS43FaumL7TVKI46jPNZ5Ta2GtNTwElc0i2jv9UpZQ5EwxOKbNv7q_anLgf8x2pC3H3JDEGw5DfTl6dsag1X6Zh8zj_xybpSn84H5ysM/w640-h426/IMG_8090.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The gardens are bordered on one side by the River Cherwell with a lovely walking path along its bank.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hfqN16xemHldJ4GEiB4tLPyMxLUC89HsbuSu27voF06huOSUzBvrmonsWn_vo2E9CUYOQgBN3-x3cRCxOcoS1oGpCr75IFTv6qryhcXQWevvhjjRUngPybWa1oo2kaiLFqYEh5fQGFKPPTQq1Z-yo4ZFvRchmRD3K98eM0HojZm7LbcEy4AqjIigp-0/s6000/IMG_8091.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hfqN16xemHldJ4GEiB4tLPyMxLUC89HsbuSu27voF06huOSUzBvrmonsWn_vo2E9CUYOQgBN3-x3cRCxOcoS1oGpCr75IFTv6qryhcXQWevvhjjRUngPybWa1oo2kaiLFqYEh5fQGFKPPTQq1Z-yo4ZFvRchmRD3K98eM0HojZm7LbcEy4AqjIigp-0/w640-h426/IMG_8091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The edge of the <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/water-garden" target="_blank">Water Garden</a> with the <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/autumn-border" target="_blank">Autumn Garden</a> in the background.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia54POI7-r_FqgdOJbFTPKJ0HJ0t7Ct_W5rmgy_TbvShqbiTDH8fNF8ztXJfAWURSjW3EKdSvONdevH5UlKmtOjd4e9onnO8vz16lB0ghZo2oJ3hwjX_igP6wCwwVz_V-pRSNBQhzxH7nJlTdPDqReFeeJP56Wa8NAHZE_vz79QiqO83NtANCkrYO3GY/s6000/IMG_8097.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia54POI7-r_FqgdOJbFTPKJ0HJ0t7Ct_W5rmgy_TbvShqbiTDH8fNF8ztXJfAWURSjW3EKdSvONdevH5UlKmtOjd4e9onnO8vz16lB0ghZo2oJ3hwjX_igP6wCwwVz_V-pRSNBQhzxH7nJlTdPDqReFeeJP56Wa8NAHZE_vz79QiqO83NtANCkrYO3GY/w640-h426/IMG_8097.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps <i>Persicaria amplexicaulis</i> along the edge of the Water Garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKBxBT3psBbQ7Q1JZOLFp6VrOue08UpN4X-G6HcCN5nyQbZ9Wc7ogQNbVugfXV7Fr_pMGh6mN9fRwpUZrI3iW8FGnGfQJ65hoMXwCK6m9aUinuUko063mMDKFYKfwd6PY2rTnzf4R1X2_zsDN0a_2hJnZ2g6Fz4Q6wEacVT1E3PYTK4mHmvV1lul3UoA/s6000/IMG_8101.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKBxBT3psBbQ7Q1JZOLFp6VrOue08UpN4X-G6HcCN5nyQbZ9Wc7ogQNbVugfXV7Fr_pMGh6mN9fRwpUZrI3iW8FGnGfQJ65hoMXwCK6m9aUinuUko063mMDKFYKfwd6PY2rTnzf4R1X2_zsDN0a_2hJnZ2g6Fz4Q6wEacVT1E3PYTK4mHmvV1lul3UoA/w426-h640/IMG_8101.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In my own garden this would feel out of character, however it is meant to be in a garden such as this.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUymq-fqRiqPvn6VdGpYgZUb0o2077PGgKwSwNjaD55OiR_5BJ7ksemxXD5VnIernpPyCsHfe17cafoF8eoELbqpUPS0EjmTdLlKakW1aYIPFThDikdDwgnDJ4Sx0I4x5JydaSJzNhNCLIOnoCrXhe1iW5-O_WQmHjeGs1kNfqvhhwhMHm_HWLjYa3v0/s6000/IMG_8105.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUymq-fqRiqPvn6VdGpYgZUb0o2077PGgKwSwNjaD55OiR_5BJ7ksemxXD5VnIernpPyCsHfe17cafoF8eoELbqpUPS0EjmTdLlKakW1aYIPFThDikdDwgnDJ4Sx0I4x5JydaSJzNhNCLIOnoCrXhe1iW5-O_WQmHjeGs1kNfqvhhwhMHm_HWLjYa3v0/w640-h426/IMG_8105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/autumn-border" target="_blank">Autumn Border </a>was, as would be expected, in full swing this time of the year. The color combinations are wonderful - purples, blues, reds, cerise and more.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08yvToWJeg9924N5DlW_BTwR4Y_S7cWLsB3RWTyZj5lRfSK9m3eJahgGTFHiwK9QhMT501LqxksIAQ5UW8ulNly5gJ-2INqI5LUPY7ExjPUA6-cCP0Go9fIdw7hMTt9UmXzx-lUgHUu4pUXnYNVK7sMzJZm24mhyphenhyphentw0kxuWZ7GozkL31U07PSojbzhoE/s6000/IMG_8109.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08yvToWJeg9924N5DlW_BTwR4Y_S7cWLsB3RWTyZj5lRfSK9m3eJahgGTFHiwK9QhMT501LqxksIAQ5UW8ulNly5gJ-2INqI5LUPY7ExjPUA6-cCP0Go9fIdw7hMTt9UmXzx-lUgHUu4pUXnYNVK7sMzJZm24mhyphenhyphentw0kxuWZ7GozkL31U07PSojbzhoE/w426-h640/IMG_8109.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Tetrapanax papyrifer </i>with asters at its feet.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02_DzYtvElSva9DJypQmeFffiCKbUFe-ZtJJdxrgTKC3oAx5v4Kq0mhDecMh5X1gOuOVowGvKwR4WamFjSAgG08NTyJMAhHfm2iuWoXBbHFNJO5FTT6NIJc8NbdkpbIC6xlLoi51k_S7do4HJ-_mRJz6Rq9IPdQEcZYUcj05fjc_pDQZ2Unak7Hn9j20/s6000/IMG_8145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02_DzYtvElSva9DJypQmeFffiCKbUFe-ZtJJdxrgTKC3oAx5v4Kq0mhDecMh5X1gOuOVowGvKwR4WamFjSAgG08NTyJMAhHfm2iuWoXBbHFNJO5FTT6NIJc8NbdkpbIC6xlLoi51k_S7do4HJ-_mRJz6Rq9IPdQEcZYUcj05fjc_pDQZ2Unak7Hn9j20/w640-h426/IMG_8145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Rock Garden features many Mediterranean plants.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAV-2O95QeFQjQHnOPXNlkSJHryC5gI_quxOHgI9cL-3v6tgLdpiBZCOpKD0RUgCXMiC4-QcC3o0gGJA3sFntjGyDbYAby4N2iOP-NYSui0X2JJRMF6P-c3tT09UiO8ffjd5OG8B718drmNKCI-t2Zn3A6OLd1EFY6zIsRZgqoLRvHaEfJYLA7mr8FFo/s6000/IMG_8154.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAV-2O95QeFQjQHnOPXNlkSJHryC5gI_quxOHgI9cL-3v6tgLdpiBZCOpKD0RUgCXMiC4-QcC3o0gGJA3sFntjGyDbYAby4N2iOP-NYSui0X2JJRMF6P-c3tT09UiO8ffjd5OG8B718drmNKCI-t2Zn3A6OLd1EFY6zIsRZgqoLRvHaEfJYLA7mr8FFo/w640-h426/IMG_8154.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A rose climbing up the wall in the Rock Garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnEz7vV0ye8B3jbuuQal30UWIjOxwN-UtE3Fi6T24Uc20Oz3nFZ-5bv0Z0mPGO5OOU_rkHYEpVrRIyhEaBaEBuh8DgC9ea9rRE5UBEtjGY3vlAgXTwJ1bEPqE-COT97HjWPp0-K6iboO_mvw4l_kdzkADuLk0L4uMZZpYnmtH_MtTgH6z4tCRqAs1lqs/s6000/IMG_8158.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnEz7vV0ye8B3jbuuQal30UWIjOxwN-UtE3Fi6T24Uc20Oz3nFZ-5bv0Z0mPGO5OOU_rkHYEpVrRIyhEaBaEBuh8DgC9ea9rRE5UBEtjGY3vlAgXTwJ1bEPqE-COT97HjWPp0-K6iboO_mvw4l_kdzkADuLk0L4uMZZpYnmtH_MtTgH6z4tCRqAs1lqs/w426-h640/IMG_8158.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Water Lilies in the Water Lily Pond, most likely <i>Nymphaea</i> 'Colorado'.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2qP3PCHke6KwADMiMlJkzOAnCTIgYjWNHeSn7nyK9OZO4yRD55IBq33xKgSWREbHSDHLRgjLdA-8lREpNIdD0WkPoWB7K_ApP40spO68JIu7NCWOQObiZlUfRfPMUD509PauHamTD9uJ_NIV5z49WHlznGiRHhedo3ct30bk93WAfJsy26DPhCjIBLk/s6000/IMG_8162.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2qP3PCHke6KwADMiMlJkzOAnCTIgYjWNHeSn7nyK9OZO4yRD55IBq33xKgSWREbHSDHLRgjLdA-8lREpNIdD0WkPoWB7K_ApP40spO68JIu7NCWOQObiZlUfRfPMUD509PauHamTD9uJ_NIV5z49WHlznGiRHhedo3ct30bk93WAfJsy26DPhCjIBLk/w640-h426/IMG_8162.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Water Lily Pond with the Lower Garden beyond.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSx83gZWzUcgZ1X3muJq99wemVOIJm6NeJ8bLo3N1Uh8IojGDZOGgcbAPcGKUXacMX_jwyeYG3-8YWHlFQfxbRxjB-mmMcOXFa6a1ZRTSJpIk6z_FgbKZ8FOZBy4MxIjQeIGcT5qpsOqHUH1mpgvvq37MYr3Ivii0xpdUV3-g0MgKlxshChUcA6H3USs/s6000/IMG_8185.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSx83gZWzUcgZ1X3muJq99wemVOIJm6NeJ8bLo3N1Uh8IojGDZOGgcbAPcGKUXacMX_jwyeYG3-8YWHlFQfxbRxjB-mmMcOXFa6a1ZRTSJpIk6z_FgbKZ8FOZBy4MxIjQeIGcT5qpsOqHUH1mpgvvq37MYr3Ivii0xpdUV3-g0MgKlxshChUcA6H3USs/w640-h426/IMG_8185.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Water Lily Pond is in the heart of the Rock Garden. Foreground, left is <i>Phlomis fruticosa</i>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1yKlLm5vXqYxFUG4Z2W9V18dcGdUgRudjmBMbNRkYqjjRJgO9SQU_0-wAPmqFP4FxRvtdRvngzKq6FjGn1nu92aLNNqSIQ5ny5NzMgkZf_mC4aoiIbux3yzMbW60i92G-ilvfUBEafn5UrTdmCKq6bVpL8FjKvHrW5OFbW3tf5i2KKfIIEAN1Lux6E8/s6000/IMG_8218.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1yKlLm5vXqYxFUG4Z2W9V18dcGdUgRudjmBMbNRkYqjjRJgO9SQU_0-wAPmqFP4FxRvtdRvngzKq6FjGn1nu92aLNNqSIQ5ny5NzMgkZf_mC4aoiIbux3yzMbW60i92G-ilvfUBEafn5UrTdmCKq6bVpL8FjKvHrW5OFbW3tf5i2KKfIIEAN1Lux6E8/w640-h426/IMG_8218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Actaea pachypoda, </i>doll's eyes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnSlXV4uMeGdYQq64Nwo7eq-yfVjZA_veOvO5SAnYPKy9C7hXeNzqbTfPRdX1tZ6rXIQI1erz0_gbFNV4k05wxcYZCrJhdvKcSpoDcep6dD_GdpdrTAN9YOZeE07eo62O9yL05dmGDjYQjx5-PFB6RC2uMxclzKjgf2YTpo1CLKubJeeuvR-3sgL4MjQ/s6000/IMG_8194.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnSlXV4uMeGdYQq64Nwo7eq-yfVjZA_veOvO5SAnYPKy9C7hXeNzqbTfPRdX1tZ6rXIQI1erz0_gbFNV4k05wxcYZCrJhdvKcSpoDcep6dD_GdpdrTAN9YOZeE07eo62O9yL05dmGDjYQjx5-PFB6RC2uMxclzKjgf2YTpo1CLKubJeeuvR-3sgL4MjQ/w640-h426/IMG_8194.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Along the inner Walled Garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JmDePeG70mOmDXmAjWr0HfDyIVg3cugJj4-6c0kYv75vGK8AlH2KI6IRyrcTgZMzJGuHqjLq4bbEljXXdRBisSi4wHHDpngM7P_LnX4Hg9k_tJGhT_IJUrCDlapVUIqq7xefOtyBtHs9LVFZLcNLzE3P4GVpq8oGupFMOl7DeY04eUDb-pPGl9dUFDM/s6000/IMG_8228.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JmDePeG70mOmDXmAjWr0HfDyIVg3cugJj4-6c0kYv75vGK8AlH2KI6IRyrcTgZMzJGuHqjLq4bbEljXXdRBisSi4wHHDpngM7P_LnX4Hg9k_tJGhT_IJUrCDlapVUIqq7xefOtyBtHs9LVFZLcNLzE3P4GVpq8oGupFMOl7DeY04eUDb-pPGl9dUFDM/w640-h426/IMG_8228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Any Inspector Lewis fans out there? Do you remember this episode?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsIGQvbXmdxupN55VkKnfw1K2ZrNos9UX7REWbIXsG6Ss0NAB8dAJ5A_ZCg0Xg1gAT4muulYLdSFG4DXGIR8iYQMrkOHm9tMeYbEGuFQS1o5bKgFgB0mg1Igb3kOAvP7TenfOnJdtdJ_mjPSPybCQz9xqM3lqNQvoQEipuP9R4kflBaF01xHbL9r1Okk/s6000/IMG_8229.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsIGQvbXmdxupN55VkKnfw1K2ZrNos9UX7REWbIXsG6Ss0NAB8dAJ5A_ZCg0Xg1gAT4muulYLdSFG4DXGIR8iYQMrkOHm9tMeYbEGuFQS1o5bKgFgB0mg1Igb3kOAvP7TenfOnJdtdJ_mjPSPybCQz9xqM3lqNQvoQEipuP9R4kflBaF01xHbL9r1Okk/w640-h426/IMG_8229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Perfectly maintained lawns in the Walled Garden with mature trees as a gorgeous backdrop.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvAQIpcZy0kuMNC9nA7X-hF9wSNN6XGr2ZoehuUyUc1lUqvBtVsHyqYLhygWshYd2TgW_Ya7EUq-tZOTk3ZwDpRWwCTyXk_DuTnZQ1bJfDoi11Q0YRIcdolXEw_B1R4Zxbev7k-tLYuwbtq3hLjs5Zo3b-jm4UE-EGxxQQOCBK27uTc2ReCJSDcV0AIs/s6000/IMG_8247.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvAQIpcZy0kuMNC9nA7X-hF9wSNN6XGr2ZoehuUyUc1lUqvBtVsHyqYLhygWshYd2TgW_Ya7EUq-tZOTk3ZwDpRWwCTyXk_DuTnZQ1bJfDoi11Q0YRIcdolXEw_B1R4Zxbev7k-tLYuwbtq3hLjs5Zo3b-jm4UE-EGxxQQOCBK27uTc2ReCJSDcV0AIs/w640-h426/IMG_8247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Olearia solandri</i> or coastal daisy bush in the New Zealand Border.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v63ZgsWF3KiMq-HWh2F7iyph9KFtpjaWCeoja7QFZcHfyCHa0kBR9nJmnUQaJnP6oAopOPUrrbYjQfiU8i9i-p-FcPH1PaSNWzurB4Z5BpRFpkYlx4bUnI_0tCbjDQPOBlV7Y5aXvuiHmhuL2V2ixpXhLrJifpllaibGSIjqCFKaUhwAvo54IpGx7Nw/s6000/IMG_8258.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v63ZgsWF3KiMq-HWh2F7iyph9KFtpjaWCeoja7QFZcHfyCHa0kBR9nJmnUQaJnP6oAopOPUrrbYjQfiU8i9i-p-FcPH1PaSNWzurB4Z5BpRFpkYlx4bUnI_0tCbjDQPOBlV7Y5aXvuiHmhuL2V2ixpXhLrJifpllaibGSIjqCFKaUhwAvo54IpGx7Nw/w640-h426/IMG_8258.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A personal favorite, <i>Atriplex halimus.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQslZPhVLRyxbFKsAODM-ZmjbN2stD3BO8itNJovBZ_KKfM3uo2nCsG8KUqtZARBiiZkMfPzVkUeuA3oLFkYulZJBUwZGD8HsUJLXoRIcZL30T3doL18eIvfmLwoz9IVQIF1_Lvp1TS2ssEkANY1l6Hd2xN85BcTYA_u-R3OJ1GLjtD0XPBiw1eW8veKc/s6000/IMG_8268.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQslZPhVLRyxbFKsAODM-ZmjbN2stD3BO8itNJovBZ_KKfM3uo2nCsG8KUqtZARBiiZkMfPzVkUeuA3oLFkYulZJBUwZGD8HsUJLXoRIcZL30T3doL18eIvfmLwoz9IVQIF1_Lvp1TS2ssEkANY1l6Hd2xN85BcTYA_u-R3OJ1GLjtD0XPBiw1eW8veKc/w640-h426/IMG_8268.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">FM on the bench in the background patiently awaiting for me to finish my photographic journey of the Oxford Botanic Garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_QmomJ079j27hebkeE39jBshtopxt1UVmqQi3FGIyA4K1Nav8mtWP1OAxQT9y1SJUiPfA5zaMRJ5FQ9rTf99fqXmgovWEQTFv2MtkDeB1X4DOIFcTExP74XoG1ymW_ckD8fLlsknh-gzVIj6qNTWbRNf5ryuYxy08-CFkN18fSq3L_SrpLSzM1yFsiA/s6000/IMG_8278.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_QmomJ079j27hebkeE39jBshtopxt1UVmqQi3FGIyA4K1Nav8mtWP1OAxQT9y1SJUiPfA5zaMRJ5FQ9rTf99fqXmgovWEQTFv2MtkDeB1X4DOIFcTExP74XoG1ymW_ckD8fLlsknh-gzVIj6qNTWbRNf5ryuYxy08-CFkN18fSq3L_SrpLSzM1yFsiA/w640-h426/IMG_8278.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Poised and waiting between two Hershey's kisses. FM says he is not necessarily "waiting" but enjoying the garden at a much slower pace. Jetlag does that to a person.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TfEtkRDxYU-5zdKaNxCuzCNErx_KYvUmAo8EFTY6l6xY5NKhMjVU_EJDgQ-ZpWjtPzKmDgiVDSyUxZSpih9rTHO9Y5yLeE8nDoJVx6OOKNZTyPbqqc_SYb6O2-22S3I4ImBH7v2aCpv7u8-enW5i-UboMHq_l-8eqmu2pIyCz_QswGkmRrlDhb4ulH8/s6000/IMG_8294.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TfEtkRDxYU-5zdKaNxCuzCNErx_KYvUmAo8EFTY6l6xY5NKhMjVU_EJDgQ-ZpWjtPzKmDgiVDSyUxZSpih9rTHO9Y5yLeE8nDoJVx6OOKNZTyPbqqc_SYb6O2-22S3I4ImBH7v2aCpv7u8-enW5i-UboMHq_l-8eqmu2pIyCz_QswGkmRrlDhb4ulH8/w426-h640/IMG_8294.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just lovely stonework, vines and a place to sit for a cup of tea.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_W2o4QsBMB0yEguoX3bkl0kuTYO7hsFSlRYgMALXeykpQdV8W0ZEYUgDiqFBY8xA2CYlHnHodCxzXix-_XhqD9k1iIA1G5ojrKXr9i102H2_D5v1_8tJ-ItmabyKWWKF8Y64T_nNQc2hF6qkEuryGelimDqZePaWjRaL3XDmuAMtYPOXLKhvhTMA-9I/s6000/IMG_8295.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_W2o4QsBMB0yEguoX3bkl0kuTYO7hsFSlRYgMALXeykpQdV8W0ZEYUgDiqFBY8xA2CYlHnHodCxzXix-_XhqD9k1iIA1G5ojrKXr9i102H2_D5v1_8tJ-ItmabyKWWKF8Y64T_nNQc2hF6qkEuryGelimDqZePaWjRaL3XDmuAMtYPOXLKhvhTMA-9I/w640-h426/IMG_8295.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Conservatory near the entrance.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDlhoXCbLoZFBhrTEMT29s7yjdkOQdXGuZPjd4brfH6i72l8ZFG7cg4nogrM8-UDh-99B5u8tvC0-Sw0zp7QkO2mVDbQI4WulKydtx-iKMW2bZE26oFxj6AQ1GPEHDytMhvAU68Dx-PRvpDwq523thFDmOijkxFeb7ssTOfwaj8uJzf08DZ3MX-ZV_Oo/s6000/IMG_8289.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDlhoXCbLoZFBhrTEMT29s7yjdkOQdXGuZPjd4brfH6i72l8ZFG7cg4nogrM8-UDh-99B5u8tvC0-Sw0zp7QkO2mVDbQI4WulKydtx-iKMW2bZE26oFxj6AQ1GPEHDytMhvAU68Dx-PRvpDwq523thFDmOijkxFeb7ssTOfwaj8uJzf08DZ3MX-ZV_Oo/w426-h640/IMG_8289.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The gardens are along the River Charwell where punting is alive and well. Although we were up for trying it, we ran out of time and will have to give it a go (or hire some student to do the driving) another day. So. You can visit the garden, grab a cup of coffee and go punting all in one place. How perfect is that?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwDacULe1pz6heeIFL_n3LyOi_No7GIM24v5Lq_sf1s7FpwZN5C43OJnXD23CX_3pgyZjW6PNIaZUrZLlNicyRgMaY7dwnX0fSKjQw7fDPsTi_-4jylwOmFR4KiuXMqCwJiXcnfv477p77H_puAFwXK02Prq1nA45yl6eDgT66nlghhZBWZqylvC0w0M/s4032/20231001_144113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwDacULe1pz6heeIFL_n3LyOi_No7GIM24v5Lq_sf1s7FpwZN5C43OJnXD23CX_3pgyZjW6PNIaZUrZLlNicyRgMaY7dwnX0fSKjQw7fDPsTi_-4jylwOmFR4KiuXMqCwJiXcnfv477p77H_puAFwXK02Prq1nA45yl6eDgT66nlghhZBWZqylvC0w0M/w640-h296/20231001_144113.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>As we left the garden we walked along the river past Christ Church Meadow where some very lucky cows were having lunch. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There is so much more to this garden than this, layers of science, history, points of interest and beauty throughout the year. I would encourage anyone with the chance to definitely stop for a visit. If I lived in Oxford I think it would not only be a place to have membership to, it would be a place I would definitely volunteer in. It is also backdrop to movies and television, for me it was familiar from Inspector Lewis and Morse.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. Stay tuned for more British garden adventures, this isn't the end of it. We spent an afternoon at both Sissinghurst and Great Dixter, two gardens I have been wanting to visit for decades. They did not disappoint. More to come!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheers from us both and thank you for reading and commenting, we do love hearing from you all! Happy gardening to you all!<br /></div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-81044168806358662102023-10-05T07:00:00.354-07:002023-10-05T07:00:00.154-07:00Take Five: Forgiving Perennials for Sun<div style="text-align: center;"> The list of favorite and forgiving perennials is actually quite long, beyond just the five I'm about to list here. But, if I were to distill it down to those that need nothing from me, this would be that list. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The easier the plant, the happier the gardener in my case. With two acres of garden to look after I no longer have the luxury to coddle really anything, much less plants far away from hoses. This group of five plants have never failed me and still look good to this day. The criteria for these is that they are low to no water (once established), disease free, provide something for wildlife and grow no matter the changing weather patterns. My recent "Take Five" posts of shrubs for shade and <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/09/take-five-forgiving-shrubs-for-sun.html" target="_blank">shrubs for sun</a> can be revisited<a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/09/take-five-forgiving-shrubs-for-sun.html" target="_blank"> here</a> and <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/09/take-five-forgiving-shrubs-for-shade.html" target="_blank">here</a> to get the full picture. Okay, are you ready? Here we go! Let's talk perennials for sun and low water.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">ASTERS (some now classified as SYMPHYOTRICHUM)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnwkRmFLeJDOE10kFGqqn6uXX230yHE9jB8ZNL3Ss-lNzsEhdqZuCJ9DxZLWXlG5quiiYg06n8niJsFSxa3eF5Ki5cai4MU9TNvjIvy4Mf0NCgJdrewgKfXTnKsiJHedWB8bV3b8aE0IQFH9wYIi5ltgXm5hpFblqoMQVqZPqccUx-MEHP0dmEdwKnIw/s6000/aster_firstsnow.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnwkRmFLeJDOE10kFGqqn6uXX230yHE9jB8ZNL3Ss-lNzsEhdqZuCJ9DxZLWXlG5quiiYg06n8niJsFSxa3eF5Ki5cai4MU9TNvjIvy4Mf0NCgJdrewgKfXTnKsiJHedWB8bV3b8aE0IQFH9wYIi5ltgXm5hpFblqoMQVqZPqccUx-MEHP0dmEdwKnIw/w640-h426/aster_firstsnow.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Asters, now mostly classified as Symphyotrichum (save for plants from Europe and Asia and a couple other rare North American examples), are a large and showy presence in my garden, especially beginning in September. I can name a few species around Chickadee Gardens; however, I fear that my native Douglas' aster, <i>Symphyotrichum subspicatum</i>, has taken over and made many babies with questionable parentage. Here, though, I can positively identify this beauty as <i>Symphyotrichum ericoides</i> 'Snow Flurry' which begins its bloom cycle around mid-September.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoZ2F6BvJ2ZGPoQaUiGKu6b9WVVk9Ir3mGyfAMTp7KJb3B1OGa0-hFUJesogHM8h1DJgSkAzaLuyJfxtedmmm6DHrvyZ8VQX2sRpvXGIT22mMeV9NDElUsNQ7fGB_8qnMf6hHlLuyVsAACgGQDvRscgJFtSrv3vy6vklYraUq5aTSNHw_l-y3V1yVzIM/s6000/aster_firstsnow%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoZ2F6BvJ2ZGPoQaUiGKu6b9WVVk9Ir3mGyfAMTp7KJb3B1OGa0-hFUJesogHM8h1DJgSkAzaLuyJfxtedmmm6DHrvyZ8VQX2sRpvXGIT22mMeV9NDElUsNQ7fGB_8qnMf6hHlLuyVsAACgGQDvRscgJFtSrv3vy6vklYraUq5aTSNHw_l-y3V1yVzIM/w426-h640/aster_firstsnow%20(2).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Very appropriately named, it is a flurry of tiny white flowers on soft, feathery foliage reminiscent of heath, hence its species name. It is a favorite of bees. In fact, they all are, some more than others.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjKgthw7gnUcPIhbfOOF6TxeV7Ksy8UIAfmPCZesyofcmRaMZLGdlvkYP2Cnuwibtc4xxYdjThznT7mmrWA7fg7ukStOxJQM3gvzyPxbz13_OAKIjRzGqNYe0hDm24dMO3d2t-BVUhojhFLmpcMa3fpvy2KKYBtCLj3tvSwr82sjFAM61TGULSU82z0c/s6000/symphyotrichum%20subspicatum.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjKgthw7gnUcPIhbfOOF6TxeV7Ksy8UIAfmPCZesyofcmRaMZLGdlvkYP2Cnuwibtc4xxYdjThznT7mmrWA7fg7ukStOxJQM3gvzyPxbz13_OAKIjRzGqNYe0hDm24dMO3d2t-BVUhojhFLmpcMa3fpvy2KKYBtCLj3tvSwr82sjFAM61TGULSU82z0c/w640-h426/symphyotrichum%20subspicatum.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Symphyotrichum subspicatum </i>is the most prolific of all of my asters. It sets a million seeds and they go everywhere. I think that if you mowed them they could become a lawn alternative, no kidding. They are by far the earliest blooming and the most visited by pollinators.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp54PHAuD6ByQxGzzYMzfgZ9aPSqYJiHcwu7cIlEbSwKbRAP3EBk4RqJB3iY3Vt0y-NO9z6TfcLsyaQf4SlHY12_sTAhGtbBYSzB9rt5WluVTp5qhmoLmwaCER9JBW3aurSPNOjDhrNPy4gzHWgf_f6pFRXcLKImVurE-N2WPUaY8QWBMOZpqtZoM8HbI/s6000/aster_winstonchurchill%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp54PHAuD6ByQxGzzYMzfgZ9aPSqYJiHcwu7cIlEbSwKbRAP3EBk4RqJB3iY3Vt0y-NO9z6TfcLsyaQf4SlHY12_sTAhGtbBYSzB9rt5WluVTp5qhmoLmwaCER9JBW3aurSPNOjDhrNPy4gzHWgf_f6pFRXcLKImVurE-N2WPUaY8QWBMOZpqtZoM8HbI/w640-h426/aster_winstonchurchill%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Symphyotrichum novi-belgii </i>'Winston Churchill' is a brilliant bright color, standing out from its more purple and blue neighbors.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDWyVeRHthcN6KsrfuW-0LNEqHCndFgZrosBGO28G96BUy7ARV_Gup3VyRocc-nMhbU4GZ1-FtmbFMc_94tT2VBg4s9zCMY8UmFAj5czCLMU47irrkekBm3OGYUsSXuJs5oaB5FQV9v3wZpElHcBZictGWfmJSXgnWCmQtgkiOY6u0cO-Fa0CPVJ6QfY/s6000/aster_jungfrau%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDWyVeRHthcN6KsrfuW-0LNEqHCndFgZrosBGO28G96BUy7ARV_Gup3VyRocc-nMhbU4GZ1-FtmbFMc_94tT2VBg4s9zCMY8UmFAj5czCLMU47irrkekBm3OGYUsSXuJs5oaB5FQV9v3wZpElHcBZictGWfmJSXgnWCmQtgkiOY6u0cO-Fa0CPVJ6QfY/w640-h426/aster_jungfrau%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Aster × frikartii</i> 'Jungfrau', a European aster, is a petite but hardy plant and an early bloomer, sometimes beginning to flower in August.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoV9ws3-KuBSzhZFQPX3hl8YFxMf9Iw20Hrr3acZRQDOnGdq9CGjYTjdCT2sgfh9Q-iKT1pzoGwbgFU_M0dnCajesiLhRq20byZDb2nwQBCPD3hpGLiN5J1CYn-HoNe6TAvbjAFUBhy2gIiQ62_P1hF4hFefpf15aXAsg1C2xbw79nlZd9UmEWUrAS20/s6000/aster_septemberrubin%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoV9ws3-KuBSzhZFQPX3hl8YFxMf9Iw20Hrr3acZRQDOnGdq9CGjYTjdCT2sgfh9Q-iKT1pzoGwbgFU_M0dnCajesiLhRq20byZDb2nwQBCPD3hpGLiN5J1CYn-HoNe6TAvbjAFUBhy2gIiQ62_P1hF4hFefpf15aXAsg1C2xbw79nlZd9UmEWUrAS20/w640-h426/aster_septemberrubin%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a seedling of <i>Symphyotrichum novae-angliae</i> 'Septemberrubin' and is quite tall at about 4 - 6' in height and forming a large clump in time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4zOu6VTuwtCVQ7Wm-XDyleyqRRzgb2aAI4lnTLcQ7PBaPkKDPpLYR3tVzMeHr0RDRGngC6E0S8kIWWpTI18hDRouYaJCVNkawvxJPzIPQo9A6xQGAqckKiTEUMjoksF6C1Wsf0d7gA8OA_OC0f_eOXx1o37bhrshlWY1EgZoYvDjqD0-rvF8TAqPOrs/s6000/aster_ladyinblack%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4zOu6VTuwtCVQ7Wm-XDyleyqRRzgb2aAI4lnTLcQ7PBaPkKDPpLYR3tVzMeHr0RDRGngC6E0S8kIWWpTI18hDRouYaJCVNkawvxJPzIPQo9A6xQGAqckKiTEUMjoksF6C1Wsf0d7gA8OA_OC0f_eOXx1o37bhrshlWY1EgZoYvDjqD0-rvF8TAqPOrs/w640-h426/aster_ladyinblack%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Symphyotrichum lateriflorum </i>'Lady in Black' is a bushy plant with sprays of attractive and rather small pale flowers with dark purple centers. Its foliage is dark, hence the name. It appreciates a touch of shade in the hottest areas and is very happy in my meadow garden. I have yet to see a seedling come off of this East Coast native. Her brother is<i> S. l.</i> 'Prince'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrQxfnJIFs0UXdF3ZxJn41kQAiE3jz5OGsLHK0nUUJwvmgTPAYPP0XBN6nR9zUcgV-_qXsss1f3WQAWXQuZ-Am-rg6tu89PnVyD0wURbwfk-ONnLkeN5V5wMKkiRml7_mmdlZNimVgZAUf1H_b0mUPhLi5U7jxUmJoxyyYXB4qt4vlhIUx54JrDIFjks/s6000/aster.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrQxfnJIFs0UXdF3ZxJn41kQAiE3jz5OGsLHK0nUUJwvmgTPAYPP0XBN6nR9zUcgV-_qXsss1f3WQAWXQuZ-Am-rg6tu89PnVyD0wURbwfk-ONnLkeN5V5wMKkiRml7_mmdlZNimVgZAUf1H_b0mUPhLi5U7jxUmJoxyyYXB4qt4vlhIUx54JrDIFjks/w640-h426/aster.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I really am at a loss for what aster this might be, but its color is a darker, richer one than our native Douglas' aster and its foliage is also darker green. It <i>might</i> be some offspring of<i> Symphyotrichum subspicatum</i>, but I am doubtful.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfxS0uXxW8HsXSb6oiNzlWtrQJHdbtuEj-h0FiCn1F_oW5cKOf6aGyD1MTmiQNXZCNnAaj_wFyZwRGR_A6yIit6WcFdgTNhKUtG7e15WmgfJVnYMqdDbNEHp3hBj-MUI905GJokw6AAbPon5PTdq6qwRkvwA6eINz33NhgGEnPW-m7shuE3m1lkcX5JM/s6000/aster%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfxS0uXxW8HsXSb6oiNzlWtrQJHdbtuEj-h0FiCn1F_oW5cKOf6aGyD1MTmiQNXZCNnAaj_wFyZwRGR_A6yIit6WcFdgTNhKUtG7e15WmgfJVnYMqdDbNEHp3hBj-MUI905GJokw6AAbPon5PTdq6qwRkvwA6eINz33NhgGEnPW-m7shuE3m1lkcX5JM/w640-h426/aster%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The same goes for this lovely all white flower that turns shades of purple as it ages.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn22itu7NJFn_4_AMnfthz024V0C17Ep1ogosnJyCYpXTrQ9W9IOCXuinFRMFJeoejb69Hpi7FrCokDNNJrkJBVE-XHBOafGo975iP6jLIYIWYqybcLzcFltdQu8MfWHUZ_on7qm21-JckGRIo2Oj5g1Gu-Oes9vCSVSxNqLI-bT3xLsFCjvdP-ZEQEcI/s6000/aster_ezomurazaki%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn22itu7NJFn_4_AMnfthz024V0C17Ep1ogosnJyCYpXTrQ9W9IOCXuinFRMFJeoejb69Hpi7FrCokDNNJrkJBVE-XHBOafGo975iP6jLIYIWYqybcLzcFltdQu8MfWHUZ_on7qm21-JckGRIo2Oj5g1Gu-Oes9vCSVSxNqLI-bT3xLsFCjvdP-ZEQEcI/w426-h640/aster_ezomurazaki%20(2).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Aster ageratoides</i> 'Ezo Murasaki' is a Japanese aster, one of the last to bloom in autumn. It is about 2' in height and is said to be a rampant spreader, but I have had it for at least 10 years and it has stayed a relatively small clump. Often it is blooming well into December when the weather is mild.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Asters are all deciduous, though I leave stems standing through winter (I do cut back some of the Douglas' asters to prevent them from taking over the world) as they are visited by birds and are good cover for wildlife. Other asters in my garden are <i>Symphyotrichum novae-angliae</i> 'Purple Dome', a definite favorite though I lack a good photo, <i>Aster dumosus</i> 'Wood's Pink' and <i>Symphyotrichum novi-belgii</i> 'Chatterbox'.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">TEUCRIUM</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOHjShFt07vxPMo3gS1y_H1YvoZjX3DrpWrNVMhcmTK5JXT6NMY11g7sjalsgWA-ktc5PeygPUiLsx07E3SWlRr7B6OIZflpziKcdZR-hpokuiI2nLRsVdi7_b3lbgzVG2Mtr7xFk_nm6mb86SX_jMvqgf5udJs-W6E0EqNQZ4Xy271CaOxJLAo4i5Xo/s6000/teucrium_chamaedrys.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOHjShFt07vxPMo3gS1y_H1YvoZjX3DrpWrNVMhcmTK5JXT6NMY11g7sjalsgWA-ktc5PeygPUiLsx07E3SWlRr7B6OIZflpziKcdZR-hpokuiI2nLRsVdi7_b3lbgzVG2Mtr7xFk_nm6mb86SX_jMvqgf5udJs-W6E0EqNQZ4Xy271CaOxJLAo4i5Xo/w640-h426/teucrium_chamaedrys.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you have been reading my blog over the years you know of my love affair with this plant. <i>Teucrium chamaedrys</i> is really more of a sub-shrub but I list it as a perennial as that's how you will often find it in nurseries. It is an evergreen low grower at about 2' tall and a spread of between 2' and 4', depending on how (or if) you prune it. It sends up small purple-pink flowers in late spring that the bumble bees go mad over and it never needs watering in my garden (once established). It handles some overhead shade and full sun equally well. After working at Cistus Nursery for several months now I see there are a LOT of Teucrium species out there, I want to try them all. This is a favorite, for sure.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedM9iFUJRqQ8HiJc4ytrG0_Oi0HB39LDpAuSmV52j2QBggMfPz-5qU57GKlNODT57ptv6mRWzXrwIu_-xZnfa8NRaC5SkoufcFTZ-uW-wLjYH_YW_ObcfTPgUvqyz-b03F0TmqL1mT3tgkRY_WyI19zDUZ2b7ZR6eokDHzZH_8dB7Y3bRcx1MOE3xsO4/s6000/teucrium_chamaedrys.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedM9iFUJRqQ8HiJc4ytrG0_Oi0HB39LDpAuSmV52j2QBggMfPz-5qU57GKlNODT57ptv6mRWzXrwIu_-xZnfa8NRaC5SkoufcFTZ-uW-wLjYH_YW_ObcfTPgUvqyz-b03F0TmqL1mT3tgkRY_WyI19zDUZ2b7ZR6eokDHzZH_8dB7Y3bRcx1MOE3xsO4/w426-h640/teucrium_chamaedrys.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here it is in late spring after I prune it back in late winter. It's a great boxwood alternative and can be pruned in the same manner.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MxrLVV5QM0dTPE__z63iRmwHQHFWY2QpJ0LejkNL1dG8o08GmXBf5mdoRp9Mxasc9mbxO1fwmxgXPb5Sl2XjqXz1kdx4LSW_PH85YZAseNqpFgvAr4DplLfMHyxIwmuFe_p4ASuO72HzbRLnrV5xU2a1_GZYzWb5-vmd48kNo20Zine6uvW0jdEmA0Q/s5184/teucrium_chamaedrys%20(5).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MxrLVV5QM0dTPE__z63iRmwHQHFWY2QpJ0LejkNL1dG8o08GmXBf5mdoRp9Mxasc9mbxO1fwmxgXPb5Sl2XjqXz1kdx4LSW_PH85YZAseNqpFgvAr4DplLfMHyxIwmuFe_p4ASuO72HzbRLnrV5xU2a1_GZYzWb5-vmd48kNo20Zine6uvW0jdEmA0Q/w640-h480/teucrium_chamaedrys%20(5).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Can you count all the bumble bees on this?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzdXTYKLZe1Az6MIl6b-UFBX23aO7eJ-0mkVj7vpN1snDFHwjqWNjjunOK0lsNdnj7W9c6lcpHch4pIomgi2XNS2eMr9O0lNvvJhj8xUWkz79p3ShXzkQFyAvkbKVbVm3KqG-3esNxZA-0EKbTbHAYUcMXeqzgAGwpxi_wZHU0cfsXOtejlobfchshWk/s6000/teucrium_chamaedrys%20(4).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzdXTYKLZe1Az6MIl6b-UFBX23aO7eJ-0mkVj7vpN1snDFHwjqWNjjunOK0lsNdnj7W9c6lcpHch4pIomgi2XNS2eMr9O0lNvvJhj8xUWkz79p3ShXzkQFyAvkbKVbVm3KqG-3esNxZA-0EKbTbHAYUcMXeqzgAGwpxi_wZHU0cfsXOtejlobfchshWk/w640-h426/teucrium_chamaedrys%20(4).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here it is later in the season after it has opened up a little and spread. You don't have to prune it if you want it to sprawl a little, I just need to keep it in bounds along this gravel path so this lot gets an annual chop.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6EaoVpMrGAA0SRbFFhF2Mn0Ng2EDys1KWIn_MQw5aWd24NV8b7H-hMka8GfwGz-IloTRtceGDrpE6sNB-8ja7rgKGsvVDW9B4I3oZgksLoUjC7Z_z6vHCk7-x4-D8jbuN5ylLZO7DJ5AETTJDLJabR4MAfyBkf4EYi0QtVavytXBT0lL4GQWRMfNhic/s6000/teucrium_fruticans.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6EaoVpMrGAA0SRbFFhF2Mn0Ng2EDys1KWIn_MQw5aWd24NV8b7H-hMka8GfwGz-IloTRtceGDrpE6sNB-8ja7rgKGsvVDW9B4I3oZgksLoUjC7Z_z6vHCk7-x4-D8jbuN5ylLZO7DJ5AETTJDLJabR4MAfyBkf4EYi0QtVavytXBT0lL4GQWRMfNhic/w640-h426/teucrium_fruticans.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A second Teucrium species I have is <i>T. fruticans</i>. It is equally as forgiving but much larger. This is about 5' tall in my garden, has silver foliage and blue-purple flowers. It has been moved, neglected, in a pot for ages and it still forgives me. I can prune this back if needed to refresh but it's not necessary. Excellent plant for low water gardening.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">YUCCA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7m8DP6jUdykSgWudMcw0C9cApSOrEzh_-z5JiNZMjfYybOVoOe3EE3ez-PMFt9R3JkaCeTNIfFdA8puKm4xp4Dizg22DEF0XmHc8etOCibDejbCAjiXYXaQaPb1tYvjAYcugWo5W0vR1io1ip4N5l49zYaCMSXC1kxBHIM351rFJ0L7qfbElAMiHHEc/s6000/yucca_gloriosa_variegata.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7m8DP6jUdykSgWudMcw0C9cApSOrEzh_-z5JiNZMjfYybOVoOe3EE3ez-PMFt9R3JkaCeTNIfFdA8puKm4xp4Dizg22DEF0XmHc8etOCibDejbCAjiXYXaQaPb1tYvjAYcugWo5W0vR1io1ip4N5l49zYaCMSXC1kxBHIM351rFJ0L7qfbElAMiHHEc/w426-h640/yucca_gloriosa_variegata.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I never really considered the hardiness of Yuccas but they are indeed superstars. In fact, I don't think I can kill them. This is <i>Yucca gloriosa</i> 'Variegata', one of five in my garden. This was actually moved from the old garden in Portland years ago and has thrived and gotten quite large. I think I will actually have to chop one of three at the base of our deck completely back as it's now intertangled with a manzanita.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UFRWxyv7Eo1fxo0uFq9WGjiLhjF9JrMoSJoLqi8lbf-lT9dYR1aMIZ8bLbU-zQrD5mk2mNQR012NVp71TM0GwVaOKhyszG2JGSmwLuoW_nUoeZ0NdATz5hWst0rfPwE3JNklcOe8peoS9MVJB3uMgKuE-LPedK253d5aOvOUf2fNMyWiHECwp21tE8I/s6000/yucca_bluesentry.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UFRWxyv7Eo1fxo0uFq9WGjiLhjF9JrMoSJoLqi8lbf-lT9dYR1aMIZ8bLbU-zQrD5mk2mNQR012NVp71TM0GwVaOKhyszG2JGSmwLuoW_nUoeZ0NdATz5hWst0rfPwE3JNklcOe8peoS9MVJB3uMgKuE-LPedK253d5aOvOUf2fNMyWiHECwp21tE8I/w426-h640/yucca_bluesentry.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yucca</i> 'Blue Sentry' pictured last year before I moved it. This is where the "I can't kill it" comes into play. I moved it to an airier and sunnier spot a few feet away and it was doing great in its new location until it wasn't. It died this spring, I thought, but is coming back beautifully from its roots, it turns out. Not only that but I also must have missed a root chunk as it is returning in its original location.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My friend <a href="http://practicalplantgeek.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Evan Bean</a> also gave me a few yucca rhizomes to grow several years ago that I planted in an out of the way place. They are currently growing beautifully near our gate and really are never watered.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2zguIPn9k15uy8olQK_ZGQ-MRjQvu9-QMbotxD1IUNRAOJ1D0vt2Mi7btXYMNCNJfRpjtmwU4hR_pequmAVzCkYunOqyZQLgRCVBhs7WM6cmRuE1ByqW5-FrD483mhsWWux7ibRxheKySULHdbT3SGUDuCOE06y3dPodbtRWHki4Am0Uhp0aDr2-_LY/s6000/yucca_rostrata.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2zguIPn9k15uy8olQK_ZGQ-MRjQvu9-QMbotxD1IUNRAOJ1D0vt2Mi7btXYMNCNJfRpjtmwU4hR_pequmAVzCkYunOqyZQLgRCVBhs7WM6cmRuE1ByqW5-FrD483mhsWWux7ibRxheKySULHdbT3SGUDuCOE06y3dPodbtRWHki4Am0Uhp0aDr2-_LY/w426-h640/yucca_rostrata.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yucca rostrata</i>, beaked yucca, a definite favorite, happily growing along in the gravel garden. This of course forms a large trunk in many years and is quite architectural when mature. I have a way to go but I'm looking forward to its eventual large size.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjc1HHFdYWmxEnYdFuIEWJ8COmqd6p3dUPbXSy7IVXV8KM-Zoo2n8_RUYIorCU4yAJeIPBO5wTihgtGmrRXymUMIxhNw4z4524u3CGhro3-slYqMqP_jTxKlB2VC5ESK_qP7LNkgI8Y2pMfwevLJnPgCNAz6sba7IdgnmhfCLfX4gtjQQMUOIWmf0gBmo/s5184/yucca_nana.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjc1HHFdYWmxEnYdFuIEWJ8COmqd6p3dUPbXSy7IVXV8KM-Zoo2n8_RUYIorCU4yAJeIPBO5wTihgtGmrRXymUMIxhNw4z4524u3CGhro3-slYqMqP_jTxKlB2VC5ESK_qP7LNkgI8Y2pMfwevLJnPgCNAz6sba7IdgnmhfCLfX4gtjQQMUOIWmf0gBmo/w640-h480/yucca_nana.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I purchased this as <i>Yucca nana</i> in 2014, though I see now it is listed as <i><a href="https://xeraplants.com/plants/yucca-nana-hermmaniae/" target="_blank">Yucca hermmaniae.</a></i> It is a small, slow-growing plant that has survived terrible weather and what I thought was death. It too emerged from its roots after a nasty snow and ice storm in 2016. It is native to Utah.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa8edNAcMCng5l_vS8LVxAuL9GNLHcBxNuFFoPhoCPCGdh3K7fvEbMY_ZIyzIWEbDJpr_7bZbulsqgScqw4RHSASb-Jq7BT67-lBhXcvM86OL7-u_cg4GlshFrPNajm_HFglNm8P0ZPBwlXgVzmp6nuHmdvJaoM2QONRSosydu_ZmoCM4ny6sNHSiH0k/s6000/yucca_recurvifolia%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa8edNAcMCng5l_vS8LVxAuL9GNLHcBxNuFFoPhoCPCGdh3K7fvEbMY_ZIyzIWEbDJpr_7bZbulsqgScqw4RHSASb-Jq7BT67-lBhXcvM86OL7-u_cg4GlshFrPNajm_HFglNm8P0ZPBwlXgVzmp6nuHmdvJaoM2QONRSosydu_ZmoCM4ny6sNHSiH0k/w640-h426/yucca_recurvifolia%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yucca recurvifolia,</i> native to the American Southeast is a larger, flexible leaved yucca that will eventually reach heights of 6' - 10'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Many yuccas are completely cold hardy, but too much mushy wet and shade can be their downfall. Air circulation is always a good idea. I love yuccas because they are very sculptural, are evergreen, add punctuation to the garden and are totally drought-adapted. When in flower they provide nectar for pollinators and their fruits are said to be a source of food for browsing wildlife. They can also provide cover for smaller wildlife. Its roots or rhizomes can be made into soap.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">ROSA GLAUCA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8Y8wRRNKn1GpIMUl15FQVWndqD_lwHmheHjmhnC_LUuDKQyqRySNzfTFiaivMbGmYgoypzt5pg4X1AVwVy8t8vpsYPjpbTwdbyCTSbFvujs-hH3zxs6f7ktKpBDmtxnnsFuG_21TmUnRnglacY0wC2ZXuc1C2c_hZcROjos6eGB8wF6qBD6U9mIdt_0/s6000/rosa_glauca%20(4).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8Y8wRRNKn1GpIMUl15FQVWndqD_lwHmheHjmhnC_LUuDKQyqRySNzfTFiaivMbGmYgoypzt5pg4X1AVwVy8t8vpsYPjpbTwdbyCTSbFvujs-hH3zxs6f7ktKpBDmtxnnsFuG_21TmUnRnglacY0wC2ZXuc1C2c_hZcROjos6eGB8wF6qBD6U9mIdt_0/w426-h640/rosa_glauca%20(4).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are plenty of great roses out there, I just don't grow many. I have a few species roses, and my favorite among them is <i>Rosa glauca</i>. Why? It is so easy, shows no signs of any kind of disease in my garden, has incredible blue-ish foliage (hence the species name), pretty flowers and rose hips that last forever. It never needs water (once established) and has never died on me. It doesn't require pruning though it would handle it with no issues.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1702CXndyH9fDJoWc2dU8GdFctHgD6d1mJAOGw4oHjy5imxTgOQrs1x6u0IozJTmZ8oBMc_MsmEDZgeiiluwtZknj1paunriSstkDTFpbq8jT9XP7YarUf0D32R5aY2rdVJBgTTdBdwSrxE_jTU99teBgHZSg0KBceTsjl73zjrzgK9HBzA0xd6vm8rY/s6000/rosa_glauca%20(5).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1702CXndyH9fDJoWc2dU8GdFctHgD6d1mJAOGw4oHjy5imxTgOQrs1x6u0IozJTmZ8oBMc_MsmEDZgeiiluwtZknj1paunriSstkDTFpbq8jT9XP7YarUf0D32R5aY2rdVJBgTTdBdwSrxE_jTU99teBgHZSg0KBceTsjl73zjrzgK9HBzA0xd6vm8rY/w640-h426/rosa_glauca%20(5).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I mean look at these! They persist for such a long time and they are also a food source for birds.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjf6jx7pUZewFK3ftYBHaxAFr8uIVToVab1AhbrzBCEkfzls7HQAYfr2HGgE_M2xa1nOpCbpITTAFZe0tO36kpJVHa4265GP0aEMQqF_kQGQVNd8ldqREwCbJquvHhtXtUgXNw9g4tYHMMOEPDWpnBL0XGCaJeNd8nodXQPow9iKZusxQfOYiJ4A2HWM/s6000/rosa_glauca%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjf6jx7pUZewFK3ftYBHaxAFr8uIVToVab1AhbrzBCEkfzls7HQAYfr2HGgE_M2xa1nOpCbpITTAFZe0tO36kpJVHa4265GP0aEMQqF_kQGQVNd8ldqREwCbJquvHhtXtUgXNw9g4tYHMMOEPDWpnBL0XGCaJeNd8nodXQPow9iKZusxQfOYiJ4A2HWM/w640-h426/rosa_glauca%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another image of its rose hips with <i>Solidago </i>'Fireworks' in the background, a very autumnal scene.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6OMUVk3qyTQBL4b474BYyiN3Uix43_DrqcXZ7b8esHeTrg1bE1voDMo3ix_F5OHy0QHAlfZsvbRXN0P7M8QfjdedDHsWe-864NYm0z-ZUZ2HRteO-QubfSAmHjnY7TXQue_lB-lKqNtozRaXZi3XzOOgIUm94kKX-DywGaPfzrLUroy-5PDTa9apiNg/s6000/rosa_glauca.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6OMUVk3qyTQBL4b474BYyiN3Uix43_DrqcXZ7b8esHeTrg1bE1voDMo3ix_F5OHy0QHAlfZsvbRXN0P7M8QfjdedDHsWe-864NYm0z-ZUZ2HRteO-QubfSAmHjnY7TXQue_lB-lKqNtozRaXZi3XzOOgIUm94kKX-DywGaPfzrLUroy-5PDTa9apiNg/w640-h426/rosa_glauca.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pretty even in winter. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's just such an easy rose. I never thought I would list a rose as a forgiving plant but there it is, a total winner in my dry garden. It adds height, color for much of the year, cool foliage and is a favorite of foraging birds in the colder months.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">SEDUM</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdgmM_w-REiyk1JUy60aR7czlrbJz0U_Gf8wq1V3yA05zJ06fZE_4K2LUPVkRbPh87ITSed84JxphUrJPxRIerW-hnhME0cyhr6qULq2wEcaIV85AnfIITrxesl63B8UjHwvprdM_jnnJzGZxMsjmzV1rFnXxoXg6d3-9JNd7Unjj_FRCMAmLjHKM510/s5184/hylotelephium_matrona%20(14).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdgmM_w-REiyk1JUy60aR7czlrbJz0U_Gf8wq1V3yA05zJ06fZE_4K2LUPVkRbPh87ITSed84JxphUrJPxRIerW-hnhME0cyhr6qULq2wEcaIV85AnfIITrxesl63B8UjHwvprdM_jnnJzGZxMsjmzV1rFnXxoXg6d3-9JNd7Unjj_FRCMAmLjHKM510/w640-h480/hylotelephium_matrona%20(14).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are many species of sedum in my garden that are all great for some reason or another, but here I list two species that are particularly outstanding. The first of these is <i>Hylotelephium telephium</i> 'Matrona' (syn. <i>Sedum telephium</i> 'Matrona'). It is an upright sedum with smoky foliage, dark stems and clusters of pink flowers. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OG-xbtyAHRA8iPjUTsMdDqjj2ColMEzMNbJy8Hnqb-aNe3RSHY_6TPxch4Xe28alehiqKCC4x7hLuRfM8lDL9PLARjf5MR1gkwfppuyf2fnhkLOce_pA9ecHcMYHvvqf8ppC3cD012bU-3sFlr1XRV6ngOvBCNx6ck_ptLbiH_AUowiWjNxVUDV1U_Y/s6000/hylotelephium_matrona.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OG-xbtyAHRA8iPjUTsMdDqjj2ColMEzMNbJy8Hnqb-aNe3RSHY_6TPxch4Xe28alehiqKCC4x7hLuRfM8lDL9PLARjf5MR1gkwfppuyf2fnhkLOce_pA9ecHcMYHvvqf8ppC3cD012bU-3sFlr1XRV6ngOvBCNx6ck_ptLbiH_AUowiWjNxVUDV1U_Y/w640-h426/hylotelephium_matrona.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's really quite romantic with its soft flower color and contrasting dark stems. I rarely if ever give them summer water and they remain upright, sturdy and forgiving. The bees go nuts for the flowers, bumble bees especially. This particular color combination plays well in my dry garden with silvers and even greens.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U9tvlGInvuKAIToADB3SCInBYu5P1qYnTPNewq7JYawL5FGQJMCqbd8j3pwm-MzMLGAtmzw4699k4rTnw1g06jhOtxFo5eHb8460V3c2bhkxsPefrtKHXy5dAth13jNwdXPLTVFnItntprN5BY9IEqzvGbnTQweOm826uBKxYGnAxq75oOCSA05YikE/s6000/hylotelephium_matrona%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U9tvlGInvuKAIToADB3SCInBYu5P1qYnTPNewq7JYawL5FGQJMCqbd8j3pwm-MzMLGAtmzw4699k4rTnw1g06jhOtxFo5eHb8460V3c2bhkxsPefrtKHXy5dAth13jNwdXPLTVFnItntprN5BY9IEqzvGbnTQweOm826uBKxYGnAxq75oOCSA05YikE/w426-h640/hylotelephium_matrona%20(2).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Those stars get me every time. Now not all sedums are necessarily drought-adapted; some look better with some summer irrigation. These, however, appear to do just fine in a rather dry part of the labyrinth garden. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsbkdVYaDjyPKoH9tkhxz8kNctbhc2RYdXoyWeh3jw0rQwDOAJLrMSy6shpG0Z5hkByxTfkU15yAkOFXLG14OwO747avzjY9H4O1IhlpSaDtyqYKK4xlLNvcBfDdNM2eklixtM7OOVtWaom32V2NhgugW_LvgPjr4w85pMghRa6l4ecrX0ieojdFZ9vg/s5184/hylotelephium_matrona%20(7).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsbkdVYaDjyPKoH9tkhxz8kNctbhc2RYdXoyWeh3jw0rQwDOAJLrMSy6shpG0Z5hkByxTfkU15yAkOFXLG14OwO747avzjY9H4O1IhlpSaDtyqYKK4xlLNvcBfDdNM2eklixtM7OOVtWaom32V2NhgugW_LvgPjr4w85pMghRa6l4ecrX0ieojdFZ9vg/w640-h480/hylotelephium_matrona%20(7).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even through autumn and into winter, the stems remain upright and strong adding interest to the year-round garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXfBCIN99_Btan898sBjO1iBJo84yemIIVBLJ3Ew9Fv5o9M1FqdjA3LEs_7wRyaRmMJVUVf8M3Z6SMvu5Pxhik3xYi57f1nBIYeLdP-o6fwnGn5WhqQ-8O2KFyuCNJROfi09r6U33QYRLf0oCDbYl77z2xwmxKYBmo0GHSmN0MrX88bWFNXtSfeKAhAs/s6000/sedum_oreganum.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXfBCIN99_Btan898sBjO1iBJo84yemIIVBLJ3Ew9Fv5o9M1FqdjA3LEs_7wRyaRmMJVUVf8M3Z6SMvu5Pxhik3xYi57f1nBIYeLdP-o6fwnGn5WhqQ-8O2KFyuCNJROfi09r6U33QYRLf0oCDbYl77z2xwmxKYBmo0GHSmN0MrX88bWFNXtSfeKAhAs/w640-h426/sedum_oreganum.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sedum oreganum</i> is an Oregon native stonecrop with low-growing apple green foliage and yellow flower spikes in late spring. It is most adaptable to many different regions in my garden from full hot sun to partial shade, wet soil to dry soil. Not too much water, though, and not too much shade - they will get leggy and pale. It does burn a little in total all day sun on the hottest of days but it still looks pretty good. It often turns bronze tints in full sun. It is evergreen and spreads politely and is an attractive ground cover, though on a small scale. For year-round interest, it's an easy and adaptable low-growing sedum. A great rock garden plant, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Honorable mentions include <i>Epilobium canum </i>(syn. <i>Zauschneria californica</i>), <i>Phlomis russelliana, Baptisia australis, Mirabilis multiflora,</i> Solidago,<i> </i>some Allium species and many grasses. These are all very worthy but again, I am trying to keep it down to the top five and I have featured them several times before. In fact, <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2020/11/grasses-at-chickadee-gardens.html" target="_blank">here</a> is a post all about grasses at Chickadee Gardens. Epilobium is a great native groundcover/low growing perennial that is completely winter deciduous, it has great bright orange tubular flowers and is well-visited by hummingbirds. <i>Phlomis russelliana</i> (and other species of Phlomis) have an evergreen presence and particularly handsome brown pom pom seed stalks that persist all through winter and into spring. It is extremely drought-adapted. <i>Solidago</i> 'Fireworks' pictured in the photo with <i>Rosa glauca</i> as well as other species of goldenrod should be on this list for the insects they attract in late summer into autumn, plus their seed is a source of food for foraging finches and other small birds. Alliums, there are some great ones, but many are prolific re-seeders so am careful to recommend them as a group. Baptisia and Mirabilis multiflora are tap rooted plants so can really reach down to that water table. All are drought-adapted and require nothing special from the gardener save well-drained soil and sunshine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. What are your favorite perennials for sun and why? Let's keep the conversation rolling! As always, thank you so much for reading and commenting, we do love hearing from you!</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-3756100578182007352023-09-28T07:00:00.037-07:002023-09-28T07:00:00.153-07:00Finding Land: Eight Years Later<div style="text-align: center;"> It has been a while. Eight years have come and gone since we viewed this property, put in an offer and then had the offer accepted. Every year for the first five or so years I wrote a post with images from our initial viewing in 2015 and the same photo every year thereafter. I have been remiss. I have skipped the last three years writing "Finding Land" posts. Well, let's fix that. It is time to check back in on what the garden looks like eight years in, warts and all. Many of these early photos were taken in the month of October, but this year it's September primarily as that's when I had time to put this post together. Off we go into a jumbo version of "Before and After" - garden style.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjLclrnDAcAA3NGRBR5x1wAMJPDxzTS36zsgi53jtMFUHi35APRVFKPWaeOgqq9BqnyaOnyhVd7gjPkY04C1C8N349ALcO35IjgxjWmVCKnBXwcbPmwgDjUfbjDEGr0sdWSskJfVgy5mqLDqVkxjSMIexZKVRECRE1oHx7TpgNxuU1Kf1BNkcmosRNbA/s6000/IMG_7304.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjLclrnDAcAA3NGRBR5x1wAMJPDxzTS36zsgi53jtMFUHi35APRVFKPWaeOgqq9BqnyaOnyhVd7gjPkY04C1C8N349ALcO35IjgxjWmVCKnBXwcbPmwgDjUfbjDEGr0sdWSskJfVgy5mqLDqVkxjSMIexZKVRECRE1oHx7TpgNxuU1Kf1BNkcmosRNbA/w640-h426/IMG_7304.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An opening photo of the edge of the gravel garden and fire pit taken this week. Though I do not have a "before" photo of this, it felt settled and comfortable so I wanted to start out on a positive note.</div><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let us now go back in time to see what it once was:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIH3B-6PMu2poV-VWTvSk73OeUck18fv7ef0FqPtr6vn3-JHK8UAaxgCuqNedC_weKIxUAMGupfkwydt96sPakDyqF2DZfgA8TX23e8lrKNpWXbRX5UIGYS189ymCcygQStV6C9mUNVNuU/s1600/IMG_2691.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIH3B-6PMu2poV-VWTvSk73OeUck18fv7ef0FqPtr6vn3-JHK8UAaxgCuqNedC_weKIxUAMGupfkwydt96sPakDyqF2DZfgA8TX23e8lrKNpWXbRX5UIGYS189ymCcygQStV6C9mUNVNuU/s640/IMG_2691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The first photo from that hot, September day in 2015; the first day we set eyes on the property. The excitement of it all I can still vividly recall, wanting to transform this blank slate into the garden of our dreams. I also recall wanting to remove the deer fence surrounding the raised beds even then. And, please, paint that porch. Ideas percolated like crazy and still are, frankly.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUZ38_K5tOAnKlkMUcsXN-p7CaK3EQ91JDjS9Inezwb6nHgdKwHeOpTzvd1xshO7ythPxDzqYJVWS0F_1jStWAFfnnwob_Qj3Ma_QmScQiBEBfDr_MXiTv5U3duliXwYvG2KmD4rk0cKA/s1600/IMG_1771.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUZ38_K5tOAnKlkMUcsXN-p7CaK3EQ91JDjS9Inezwb6nHgdKwHeOpTzvd1xshO7ythPxDzqYJVWS0F_1jStWAFfnnwob_Qj3Ma_QmScQiBEBfDr_MXiTv5U3duliXwYvG2KmD4rk0cKA/s640/IMG_1771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Here it is in 2016, many of my wishes fulfilled. No more pink deck and no more deer fence around the veggie patch. The plants in the foreground had been added early fall 2016 so would take a while to settle in. This is where many asters and grasses had been planted or moved from other parts of the garden. The idea is that it will be a transitional meadow-kind of garden, while the more formal plantings are closer to the house.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraDCnVJJTR_RQPs3kz44abG4yl81A5h-MFkkmd90ydzb-f1Y5AquR0cWhWEiVRsAjK9HSPv33zrbVTJN4UWDktzGTcwzm2IDyYmk4ZkAyNSTioeAyW_Boyxeqru4p0ydCIEgedHzrfW6w/s1600/IMG_5641.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraDCnVJJTR_RQPs3kz44abG4yl81A5h-MFkkmd90ydzb-f1Y5AquR0cWhWEiVRsAjK9HSPv33zrbVTJN4UWDktzGTcwzm2IDyYmk4ZkAyNSTioeAyW_Boyxeqru4p0ydCIEgedHzrfW6w/s640/IMG_5641.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Much less dirt, many more plants. On the lower left you can see a corner of the "Himalayas," a couple of berms created when the gravel trench path was dug out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLPAx2mbqdSkdopc9U6GtoALTJqZ65QbUD6ccbdyLqg3A7CSfoj9Oa1vruzBXh6A2Gh3-WQCgjBSE1As55g1uTkIbCtT8ypS79CFs22UgxwrUfDA3b7lU8yzJ_dDH3-oImtySNe_neD8/s1600/IMG_9826.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLPAx2mbqdSkdopc9U6GtoALTJqZ65QbUD6ccbdyLqg3A7CSfoj9Oa1vruzBXh6A2Gh3-WQCgjBSE1As55g1uTkIbCtT8ypS79CFs22UgxwrUfDA3b7lU8yzJ_dDH3-oImtySNe_neD8/s640/IMG_9826.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2018 from the same vantage point. The <i>Melianthus major</i> takes over and blocks the view, though in 2023 the same plant does not look as bold. The spot on which I am standing is atop the Himalayan mounds added in spring of 2017.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj5zGn1cyOH8n6C4Zuw8BiJTqwJqpgmatKrdN_dh_nt9LAObFfylJ7WcaJTcPEHqe2QGTQ8IdEiwntEwccFkaVTZ6GQ8oqtBbS4RHK0ONjhmx5545H47qFz5l6yH3409gPYPyGKwGkbE/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj5zGn1cyOH8n6C4Zuw8BiJTqwJqpgmatKrdN_dh_nt9LAObFfylJ7WcaJTcPEHqe2QGTQ8IdEiwntEwccFkaVTZ6GQ8oqtBbS4RHK0ONjhmx5545H47qFz5l6yH3409gPYPyGKwGkbE/s640/IMG_2283.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">October 2019. Almost the exact same spot this year. I lost a cardoon that would have been on the left where the bare soil is. The path on the left side is new as are the tripods in the meadow-y area.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxILmozlEZzmorN2e56icUmbixCttol0N8AWiGwXHT7uW8SdLjrEK_PE5Sr-9ryPcHQpX4wp_mrBNuNZKlCIzkGRp34oNZPbg-Q6o5vPVUicNX6ShcfiPJ5CYBZ0CCR66FhMazUlJKwE90gYFnQo_jt6F-9MC_H4mBtc6i3wS991vdjIyolmiVSnoNBOw/s6000/IMG_7048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxILmozlEZzmorN2e56icUmbixCttol0N8AWiGwXHT7uW8SdLjrEK_PE5Sr-9ryPcHQpX4wp_mrBNuNZKlCIzkGRp34oNZPbg-Q6o5vPVUicNX6ShcfiPJ5CYBZ0CCR66FhMazUlJKwE90gYFnQo_jt6F-9MC_H4mBtc6i3wS991vdjIyolmiVSnoNBOw/w640-h426/IMG_7048.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Four years after the 2019 photo above. Eight years into living here. The <i>Melianthus major</i> is much smaller having suffered a few nasty spring freezes and complete dieback. The <i>Romneya coulteri</i> has formed a lovely patch and the house is rather obscured by <i>Ceanothus </i>'Italian Skies' at the base of the deck (now totally obscured).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gfMWF8P2OchyphenhyphenBygBMMB5mcYXddhnRWH0ojye1vcz7wWon4Qh0b0PCNu0yij-MneU5I7TZ1zWDxqQGIaRsDxyVYTfhVaYFsJTyw3j9uVbW728MH8tKIRjPGxZmid0HkHmq1f_PaVohCjR/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gfMWF8P2OchyphenhyphenBygBMMB5mcYXddhnRWH0ojye1vcz7wWon4Qh0b0PCNu0yij-MneU5I7TZ1zWDxqQGIaRsDxyVYTfhVaYFsJTyw3j9uVbW728MH8tKIRjPGxZmid0HkHmq1f_PaVohCjR/s640/IMG_2723.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In 2015, a sunny day with a dried-up bank of a few crocosmias, asters, azaleas and <i>Alchemilla mollis</i>, now nearly completely gone however the odd seedling still shows up. The rock-hard soil was a challenge to dig into at first.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFP7TW9vcJOuJwIz07T0AK78ya0mZXOxCjvfcqh3GVJi1oWe2u26ZTFQWnekumuIeJkoQzTWtblvTSx30FDKExSU1d9TvchPS8GV7-F4qmzzTIaQpmUhsNvk9BZP4B91JgCG8XQr6r-Xg-/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFP7TW9vcJOuJwIz07T0AK78ya0mZXOxCjvfcqh3GVJi1oWe2u26ZTFQWnekumuIeJkoQzTWtblvTSx30FDKExSU1d9TvchPS8GV7-F4qmzzTIaQpmUhsNvk9BZP4B91JgCG8XQr6r-Xg-/s640/IMG_1815.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here it is in 2016 on a drizzly afternoon. The soil is much richer having a lot of compost and gravel added. The bed has been completely redesigned and 95% of the plants have been moved or removed. Many more added.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMsycUi045YyfDoiCqQM6N-EvcaApJNgulWobB8o9W0URBtxafUZ5mUstXg0h9jjCu7zzdGtN1vsdkgJZu19Qo8EH3uORB8jxkpOUJ2E5NsmATltPH7YZBZGgPtJ6htS6Hxsgg5Vt9VAS/s1600/IMG_6001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMsycUi045YyfDoiCqQM6N-EvcaApJNgulWobB8o9W0URBtxafUZ5mUstXg0h9jjCu7zzdGtN1vsdkgJZu19Qo8EH3uORB8jxkpOUJ2E5NsmATltPH7YZBZGgPtJ6htS6Hxsgg5Vt9VAS/s640/IMG_6001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>This is October 2017. Plants have filled out a little, not a lot. Same crummy weedy "lawn," though. I have another crazy idea. I'd like to make a gravel path along the edge of this garden to eliminate the weedy "lawn" a little more - that or remove "sod" and add arborist's wood chips and expand beds here and there. Goals.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKKo8TiX2kvm95VVGXF3e1o6l7CLBhSlQYxg1i8O2BQNYzohaYYsjbpo-k5yWN26VsNYPytso7CbnDJPr8DMT-qyH0lXliijXIGmYRK74B7Uy0Nn1aLOnA_RtInjI0oVhjTHHmkyx7Vc/s1600/IMG_9816.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKKo8TiX2kvm95VVGXF3e1o6l7CLBhSlQYxg1i8O2BQNYzohaYYsjbpo-k5yWN26VsNYPytso7CbnDJPr8DMT-qyH0lXliijXIGmYRK74B7Uy0Nn1aLOnA_RtInjI0oVhjTHHmkyx7Vc/s640/IMG_9816.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2018 and at this point, much of the crocosmia is gone having taken bunches out in 2017. It was only meant as a filler, and now in 2023 it is all gone though a random leaf still shows up from time to time. Some of the shrubs such as the two <i>Ceanothus</i> 'Blue Jeans' and in between them <i>Itea </i>'Henry's Garnet' have filled in. <i>Salvia</i> 'Phyllis Fancy', the purple flowered plant on the left has grown significantly from its tiny start in 2017.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtB86CzgxEvIC_7ZLCEF2Q6s5owURV-xO9_obLX4Rtu9qMu13csnTjObjP_reDQDx5-e3v62lnKE9vSTgUiF0mgbElXLfypBRkvae83K-ABpdeUXXeUzDDpcwGEStKRiF9k3zJG5uawg/s1600/IMG_2403.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtB86CzgxEvIC_7ZLCEF2Q6s5owURV-xO9_obLX4Rtu9qMu13csnTjObjP_reDQDx5-e3v62lnKE9vSTgUiF0mgbElXLfypBRkvae83K-ABpdeUXXeUzDDpcwGEStKRiF9k3zJG5uawg/s640/IMG_2403.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2019. Here the edge of the bed, having been cleaned up looks much neater. The <i>Ceanothus</i> 'Blue Jeans' in the foreground has grown considerably this year.<i> Salvia</i> 'Phyllis Fancy' that showed up beautifully in the last pic did not, sadly, come back in 2019, but one survived in another location.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGMUulLkYLjaTy_HUZb_oQ83nQs6M02RUEBaze93ktFqZRkLlRPkEvaneHT6iaSFsaL_v7ob-Sm8zbqRQaW8BH9Zzg3sPiM0WZ7VBjQ5eySmmO70KZpMlwY2t1aS0MjG4lyHRHTIFas_G1fXLPAcVfiOWVLqxPqL2W39-Znv8nQTObeMadn-_d6mLguE/s6000/IMG_7034.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGMUulLkYLjaTy_HUZb_oQ83nQs6M02RUEBaze93ktFqZRkLlRPkEvaneHT6iaSFsaL_v7ob-Sm8zbqRQaW8BH9Zzg3sPiM0WZ7VBjQ5eySmmO70KZpMlwY2t1aS0MjG4lyHRHTIFas_G1fXLPAcVfiOWVLqxPqL2W39-Znv8nQTObeMadn-_d6mLguE/w640-h426/IMG_7034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">September 2023 and the <i>Ceanothus</i> 'Blue Jeans' is much larger. I pruned it back hard last year after April's snow storm as it was flattened on the ground. It has rebounded nicely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fpbLMljZAytk2d-zyxx4LhbBj3-whmhVBLYrBSROrAV5iLcBifQVOFv111mte8TqnUFOhrF50TebibKpDvb94yTCo-ptDma4GfFPw_vldUQEPoRcK1BOr8c504BCHrJLP-oP_W9h7UTJ/s1600/IMG_2715.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fpbLMljZAytk2d-zyxx4LhbBj3-whmhVBLYrBSROrAV5iLcBifQVOFv111mte8TqnUFOhrF50TebibKpDvb94yTCo-ptDma4GfFPw_vldUQEPoRcK1BOr8c504BCHrJLP-oP_W9h7UTJ/s640/IMG_2715.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The "forest" on the northern edge of the property, 2015.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhtp5IiJx_I8WE6_IbwX77VzozMgD58ki0eqSLa4ugsG8xIathOBJEuBC1iMXFjFqPhE1xq-E0H7NcTqMe9ViLibuQLTaSPXIHBBIZiHmlwr5s78DcBKgtL0HZS9vat_2ctDpyy-843rW/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhtp5IiJx_I8WE6_IbwX77VzozMgD58ki0eqSLa4ugsG8xIathOBJEuBC1iMXFjFqPhE1xq-E0H7NcTqMe9ViLibuQLTaSPXIHBBIZiHmlwr5s78DcBKgtL0HZS9vat_2ctDpyy-843rW/s640/IMG_1819.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here it is fall 2016. What's new here is the fence on the left and therefore the removal of many of these trees, especially farther east. There is Facilities Manager's log pile in the middle of the trees and you can just make out the green chicken cube/coop on the right.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ttajDhTKhdbaogpS5bdJrG0nBIOTbHPMJhLdqwI0SVnP-5TqvphJok46JJROkXZlf18xmo1390G3Lv1kh5zKzW-b5XnFsglS6VRAYArxR6N_0n2HAuk-fqtVo3JthnE_vLRIYsUmbLC1/s1600/IMG_6017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ttajDhTKhdbaogpS5bdJrG0nBIOTbHPMJhLdqwI0SVnP-5TqvphJok46JJROkXZlf18xmo1390G3Lv1kh5zKzW-b5XnFsglS6VRAYArxR6N_0n2HAuk-fqtVo3JthnE_vLRIYsUmbLC1/s640/IMG_6017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here it is in 2017. I admit, I took a photo of the wrong two trees, but it's close enough. We've been adding plants along the northern edge here and there, mostly shrubs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_XeANpl2Q0ejJhSSrMoharnbJgZMIhPNk3vGjLHYjcUFdBQe1xouaPAAhyphenhyphen72eCnRR-nEOaSOmrJm6hLEhdRoThxx4b0qBBMnIcvLwseJ7yNFx_NcmhdY5pwFhd-cO0rLr6uJ2lWtAOQ/s1600/IMG_9697.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_XeANpl2Q0ejJhSSrMoharnbJgZMIhPNk3vGjLHYjcUFdBQe1xouaPAAhyphenhyphen72eCnRR-nEOaSOmrJm6hLEhdRoThxx4b0qBBMnIcvLwseJ7yNFx_NcmhdY5pwFhd-cO0rLr6uJ2lWtAOQ/s640/IMG_9697.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2018 with more plants filling in. I added many plants in 2018, mostly evergreen shrubs for shade, ground-covers and ferns.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvobc6xQrDDciqzN8FXpeVHFdPQL3t8wc-mEFsES7smqzFhkVyyJRZ2XkNeo-ilQGfywH4vYoXPVDFA7d55MoH5XjyfYaTARmp0Irx9sgbK1vB8bbPxKRsrVt66Xe9r952DbX9bjpg_8/s1600/IMG_2448.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvobc6xQrDDciqzN8FXpeVHFdPQL3t8wc-mEFsES7smqzFhkVyyJRZ2XkNeo-ilQGfywH4vYoXPVDFA7d55MoH5XjyfYaTARmp0Irx9sgbK1vB8bbPxKRsrVt66Xe9r952DbX9bjpg_8/s640/IMG_2448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2019. I had trouble with the alignment of this photo because FM had cut down the tree on the left. You can just see the stump in the corner. It was spindly and dying at the top having been planted too close to the other fir trees. This opens it up a little and lets in more air and dappled sun. Also, these beds are in the first phase of edging. The bench has lived in a few different spots, right now it is on our front porch.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-pn4vbe18C7uA4c9efpQkYwblgr_Mq-6PcUebpVhjBRaqcH1BAyUxVlmQ1sZei2FdrjFiwKyToHS5br8nlViCahKVuyISv_njp_Fq9a6nzdFjAudRRVGcoSUgsmjuOqgeQm38oho1EByXCk7F4xeodOtuYB0SiY9CP-4Y1OrofHQHba81BBp6svA0SM/s6000/IMG_7178.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-pn4vbe18C7uA4c9efpQkYwblgr_Mq-6PcUebpVhjBRaqcH1BAyUxVlmQ1sZei2FdrjFiwKyToHS5br8nlViCahKVuyISv_njp_Fq9a6nzdFjAudRRVGcoSUgsmjuOqgeQm38oho1EByXCk7F4xeodOtuYB0SiY9CP-4Y1OrofHQHba81BBp6svA0SM/w640-h426/IMG_7178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">September 2023, many groundcovers have filled in nicely. An <i>Osmanthus</i> 'San Jose' that was at the base of the fir tree is gone having been out-competed by the fir tree. It was planted too close and didn't like it. The lawn is typical late-summer brown with a surprising amount of green, actually. The shadier parts of the lawn are almost always the greenest this time of the year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhDnGcLC3hBU2czKA6H2T5ctQwinS31FAwtaMAuXMyqQt1eUzbOiRSXa0XT9zveIaj3uJfGWIlmMf-n-kUthBpD4bIImJVggZOOCzHJ_Np0KUU28XJDqCoRJV3i5xvyRYDBJrcGPrmUEq/s1600/IMG_4378.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhDnGcLC3hBU2czKA6H2T5ctQwinS31FAwtaMAuXMyqQt1eUzbOiRSXa0XT9zveIaj3uJfGWIlmMf-n-kUthBpD4bIImJVggZOOCzHJ_Np0KUU28XJDqCoRJV3i5xvyRYDBJrcGPrmUEq/s640/IMG_4378.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The driveway as it was in November 2015 Note the hot-pink garden shed in the background.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9A-gRewCfpzGlrpUngVWm40oNIDijLcjxMA0pbcI8qmmk5jzh_Hxt8tiq5CN4RMr-NRx__D-gpGWAu-oGj34bEdjFKPp9M5ZRN8IzW3BAIh8HoQScFQ4Ii_svmtyPOmlvdeonRgNfFY7/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9A-gRewCfpzGlrpUngVWm40oNIDijLcjxMA0pbcI8qmmk5jzh_Hxt8tiq5CN4RMr-NRx__D-gpGWAu-oGj34bEdjFKPp9M5ZRN8IzW3BAIh8HoQScFQ4Ii_svmtyPOmlvdeonRgNfFY7/s640/IMG_1774.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">October 2016 - what's different is the hazelnut on the left is gone (except for the stump), there is a massive debris pile on the right and also although out of frame, just to the right, a large maple tree has been removed. The shed, barely visible in the distance, is now Casa Azul blue.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5RFgG0dd6egFpUJ0nxiEIbjDNJwPfxffnhG11EH75TAnZGqpT0uk_6codI0zKc8ASC9rRtqKshp_PeTnCp0D9UHoPdi-ECWhpoN-CO68dFYRVtfLaWl1mT5WRjh2BrjH8-4jpel680CM/s1600/IMG_6086.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5RFgG0dd6egFpUJ0nxiEIbjDNJwPfxffnhG11EH75TAnZGqpT0uk_6codI0zKc8ASC9rRtqKshp_PeTnCp0D9UHoPdi-ECWhpoN-CO68dFYRVtfLaWl1mT5WRjh2BrjH8-4jpel680CM/s640/IMG_6086.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>October 2017 and not a lot had changed, but the pile on the right is gone. It looks like this time last year the maples had lost a lot of their leaves. The weedy area on the left would eventually be mulched with arborist's wood chips. You can barely make out two <i>Hydrangea quercifolia</i> 'Ruby Slippers' in there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYnBTbLgtNWb6sPdUuGz_fjf8qh0G4Fj7DuCFBV40CMYA-RtbwwZEQCDgT70s2OHvJSxkFoeEzIoAAEG6OZ154cXgyJMA6QifRgsZlAx3gpEcP2facrqddW9LDK-rswbrkwVSCB7dW_A/s1600/IMG_9722.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYnBTbLgtNWb6sPdUuGz_fjf8qh0G4Fj7DuCFBV40CMYA-RtbwwZEQCDgT70s2OHvJSxkFoeEzIoAAEG6OZ154cXgyJMA6QifRgsZlAx3gpEcP2facrqddW9LDK-rswbrkwVSCB7dW_A/s640/IMG_9722.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>October 2018. Wood chips from one of two large loads delivered by <a href="https://getchipdrop.com/" target="_blank">Chip Drop</a> are helping to keep weeds down in areas where shrubs are slowly filling in.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31n4_VCeP3JnXZuniDIGrvylIUg12MIEJjoqT-Sa2WvVP3K08S4wxSXu5ywdpcao2gVxlUlgBLKU_bCXOi5rpmid7ofYCkwGDEVJ-vX0CeTOT5fHNTMu-otWMTc3BRDJZ5CPzKF1OU-w/s1600/IMG_2478.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31n4_VCeP3JnXZuniDIGrvylIUg12MIEJjoqT-Sa2WvVP3K08S4wxSXu5ywdpcao2gVxlUlgBLKU_bCXOi5rpmid7ofYCkwGDEVJ-vX0CeTOT5fHNTMu-otWMTc3BRDJZ5CPzKF1OU-w/s640/IMG_2478.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>Another wood chip application autumn 2019 means less weeds in spring and better soil health by using organic material that will decompose and add nutrients. The large maples are just starting to turn yellow and the small <i>Spiraea betulifolia</i> along the driveway are getting larger.<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxAmy87Mi1N7N899XzSrsCsPrxRg783BdGZGDJK8XVwQrOsUKE2VY0TLFmziC7UQSXnr5n0a6LEvyQMWCwMunNHeB5YPq11_IUZCARfYUeOKecWqRkQId-IVofLX0fBpnA_UwH14gO6Uwyk_MG0sPYmIDDFSFyhC3g_0lL3JvFvHeaa82V08ycakG5KM/s6000/IMG_7052.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxAmy87Mi1N7N899XzSrsCsPrxRg783BdGZGDJK8XVwQrOsUKE2VY0TLFmziC7UQSXnr5n0a6LEvyQMWCwMunNHeB5YPq11_IUZCARfYUeOKecWqRkQId-IVofLX0fBpnA_UwH14gO6Uwyk_MG0sPYmIDDFSFyhC3g_0lL3JvFvHeaa82V08ycakG5KM/w426-h640/IMG_7052.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">September 2023, the wood chips on the left are completely obscured by the now mature <i>Hydrangea quercifolia </i>'Ruby Slippers' among many other shrubs. The <i>Spiraea betulifolia</i> (center, along the edge of the driveway) have grown considerably. There is a <i>Baccharis pilularis</i> coming in from the right as well as some native asters.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8qGaNJdU7I7ZxbPHPZ5Qt3B7voMuFUs6rX3_WrqwqzMARgYSVGpn1P47nc8hg6YhCNUjLfOFDsMUmguTYu84QLVxmqz8wmgJAQA8oA1ltq4XbIisGCjBSskYU6kIXS0KecdX5LOndOGr/s1600/IMG_4334.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8qGaNJdU7I7ZxbPHPZ5Qt3B7voMuFUs6rX3_WrqwqzMARgYSVGpn1P47nc8hg6YhCNUjLfOFDsMUmguTYu84QLVxmqz8wmgJAQA8oA1ltq4XbIisGCjBSskYU6kIXS0KecdX5LOndOGr/s640/IMG_4334.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is actually a lovely scene from November 2015. The grass was starting to green up from all of the fall rains. This is looking west. Note rock-and-sand labyrinth on the left.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwugRhZLH-rhYRZ5oUpxg_B7ic2TiIr85-027mux1EtcULAynLmaiwWPPvj7aWP8rik4y9Crx7bNGABvRPRWDgXYteqH5cpMKg8U-bXdSZXwqbdv4PQ43nprPlZEPyo4T_Zcy6934BfqDM/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwugRhZLH-rhYRZ5oUpxg_B7ic2TiIr85-027mux1EtcULAynLmaiwWPPvj7aWP8rik4y9Crx7bNGABvRPRWDgXYteqH5cpMKg8U-bXdSZXwqbdv4PQ43nprPlZEPyo4T_Zcy6934BfqDM/s640/IMG_1813.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Early October 2016 - wow, so much is different. The bed on the right was created by sheet-mulching (which I did in January, you can revisit that post <a href="http://chickadeegardens.blogspot.com/2016/01/making-new-garden-history-and-soil.html" target="_blank">here</a>) and now holds a field of <i>Carex comans</i> 'Frosty Curls' and four large <i>Miscanthus sinensis</i> 'Cabaret' grasses. The gravel path is of course new and was expanded. This is also the top edge of the fire pit area below in the center of the white plastic chairs. The labyrinth garden can just be seen to the left where the labyrinth once was. The whole thing is connected so it doesn't feel like three separate areas any longer.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE2jQdhr4ptz1xQMhX-SXE7pEtSt4bmFCeBkRTtgfrByEBL-qaZ6_dWry-L8yYq_hQwnwvEIL3K567CoxHNFgFhmh9-83Kq1WSqn3KHxIovi1PefUzNJ-kAkZ9wwRzKFKSgF7_nChWAAg/s1600/IMG_6076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE2jQdhr4ptz1xQMhX-SXE7pEtSt4bmFCeBkRTtgfrByEBL-qaZ6_dWry-L8yYq_hQwnwvEIL3K567CoxHNFgFhmh9-83Kq1WSqn3KHxIovi1PefUzNJ-kAkZ9wwRzKFKSgF7_nChWAAg/s640/IMG_6076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here it is October 2017 with paths completed and the carex triangle also extended and complete. Also interesting to see the Japanese maple in the center has put on a significant amount of growth.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplRL_Kzv75SOlvOlz0aQjPvk7HkgKUoEtRbyi_FSSKkgjlYbvrLOcJzJFd_rPkxv7nRe8PkPVwGZQ_8B9LgT9G0rnvCdoZvunwAdUpRDrreM9MV_SUsmiZZ7Kn-c-vy5e-flZeGqRigg/s1600/IMG_9798.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplRL_Kzv75SOlvOlz0aQjPvk7HkgKUoEtRbyi_FSSKkgjlYbvrLOcJzJFd_rPkxv7nRe8PkPVwGZQ_8B9LgT9G0rnvCdoZvunwAdUpRDrreM9MV_SUsmiZZ7Kn-c-vy5e-flZeGqRigg/s640/IMG_9798.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2018 and the carex has filled in nicely on the right. The <i>Miscanthus s</i>. 'Cabaret', the large grasses on the right, have also filled out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouUMf7OkzgefQ3476IARuDduMUnJ_3gLh4ezxUtnTH9hRIdVmpbYGTxlu3NsWqAiZlUgFcej9v-c6ljDw90FTIuvj0njYDlGMlOggS8wl4acE0DvtE_BSPoKpTZHN8EnPIjFM-oSwDxc/s1600/IMG_2330.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouUMf7OkzgefQ3476IARuDduMUnJ_3gLh4ezxUtnTH9hRIdVmpbYGTxlu3NsWqAiZlUgFcej9v-c6ljDw90FTIuvj0njYDlGMlOggS8wl4acE0DvtE_BSPoKpTZHN8EnPIjFM-oSwDxc/s640/IMG_2330.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div>October 2019. Slightly farther back from the last shot but close. The grasses have filled in as has the Japanese maple in the center.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zBcS6AeS6SSOtI8_l7WFXnA-KRCpGX2wmVdIJb7ijMs0e7aD3pPjI-LkzTBY6fi0fCIa-8MmeLDA0qc3TM7nkWMZq5v3mD7tDjF6cNMnR2MbkjWm8OZ5joXxHPUCsMmIvEgmsQjwkhdaXhpblplJGG2YAUBW3S0vN5nfgfDc_BjSAGz-NsJocFylh34/s6000/IMG_7029.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zBcS6AeS6SSOtI8_l7WFXnA-KRCpGX2wmVdIJb7ijMs0e7aD3pPjI-LkzTBY6fi0fCIa-8MmeLDA0qc3TM7nkWMZq5v3mD7tDjF6cNMnR2MbkjWm8OZ5joXxHPUCsMmIvEgmsQjwkhdaXhpblplJGG2YAUBW3S0vN5nfgfDc_BjSAGz-NsJocFylh34/w640-h426/IMG_7029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">September 2023. Japanese maple in the center has a nice form from a bit of selective pruning, everything else has just grown, especially the <i>Azara microphylla </i>to the left of the maple. <i>Muhlenbergia rigens</i> and <i>Festuca rubra</i> 'Patrick's Point' in the center bed have filled in over the years. The background is also fuller, creating a more enclosed garden space.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnT_eGViNTDmWjSQSZ6uegB6-y_e2zHwPccKxxqaQ5ou5sg3qkmsHdiFOwP2Tp324146FEWp4PNxXL_leg1sojkZIRxcNFshPAfbaroXEulEI1-8N3j5Va3ygdCmB8JpCnqd9UfaLcQiGT/s1600/IMG_4282.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnT_eGViNTDmWjSQSZ6uegB6-y_e2zHwPccKxxqaQ5ou5sg3qkmsHdiFOwP2Tp324146FEWp4PNxXL_leg1sojkZIRxcNFshPAfbaroXEulEI1-8N3j5Va3ygdCmB8JpCnqd9UfaLcQiGT/s640/IMG_4282.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> One of two mature Oregon white oaks, <i>Quercus garryana, </i>on the property, this one in the wild east fields.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fnGMWHAFa33W1E7siT0hhLrf1RiXkTYJrAZY_AycCL6wVX03w1Rt4UAifyRdwQDdA1Oj-4KsxxmSmlOoGt7TxYxjmRd_umy9jXRlK7z8VuM2Hboc1npq5dw6-0nVtNeKm3YoZdEf1FEU/s1600/IMG_1795.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fnGMWHAFa33W1E7siT0hhLrf1RiXkTYJrAZY_AycCL6wVX03w1Rt4UAifyRdwQDdA1Oj-4KsxxmSmlOoGt7TxYxjmRd_umy9jXRlK7z8VuM2Hboc1npq5dw6-0nVtNeKm3YoZdEf1FEU/s640/IMG_1795.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here it is from October 2016. Not much has changed except its neighbor to the right, the large dead <i>Acer macrophyllum</i> has been chopped down by Facilities Manager. There are also many debris piles awaiting their fate, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xlmtTcAlPr051QJEOJXgiZVYkvT4AoKiqqsHIFv_P2X899aXjyIRZ_P_veHCESFhR96eJTg2Pv2QjnxfvaquyXoHe8AQsV1n9kM3WeAZbTsUCIZ2MhdkLeybmEY8hQ-CxeYzLIQ-xf83/s1600/IMG_5976.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xlmtTcAlPr051QJEOJXgiZVYkvT4AoKiqqsHIFv_P2X899aXjyIRZ_P_veHCESFhR96eJTg2Pv2QjnxfvaquyXoHe8AQsV1n9kM3WeAZbTsUCIZ2MhdkLeybmEY8hQ-CxeYzLIQ-xf83/s640/IMG_5976.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>October 2017. By this stage the land to the right had been cleared of blackberry, hazel and other plant material to make room for our orchard and vegetable garden. It has room to spread out a little more. Behind it we left a hedgerow for wildlife. In this photo, Facilities Manager is moving a few chunks out of the slash pile and relocating them in the hedgerow to decompose over time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2kVzPl3dtrmswUEFRiiPIrmMi3SNOJ-ahl84Jc0E1DBF6pL1f8INcayBu7lv2IE5TfY4BCa78hWaOR4rUUefu_F-cQq3QtBgC62PFqEL_kLOdA-ZR9Zrt8ocxFICs3SzHPJQz7l0RGs/s1600/IMG_9793.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2kVzPl3dtrmswUEFRiiPIrmMi3SNOJ-ahl84Jc0E1DBF6pL1f8INcayBu7lv2IE5TfY4BCa78hWaOR4rUUefu_F-cQq3QtBgC62PFqEL_kLOdA-ZR9Zrt8ocxFICs3SzHPJQz7l0RGs/s640/IMG_9793.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> October 2018, complete with bee hive in the background. It might be my imagination but it feels as if its filled in a little now that it has room to grow. Note the small <i>Parrotia persica</i> lower right.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizq0mLXJiiECxLPXhONHVIHqHySEsMMWn7n_TxI1QVuLFBIEh7n36Qb-AQ3w5o85Cb-ce5iuQTMC8zTd7yECceo4tHdV95DM11K4oOL27L2Vlohase7DGFq_7MRdT-kaPrf05_4IVss8w/s1600/IMG_2327.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizq0mLXJiiECxLPXhONHVIHqHySEsMMWn7n_TxI1QVuLFBIEh7n36Qb-AQ3w5o85Cb-ce5iuQTMC8zTd7yECceo4tHdV95DM11K4oOL27L2Vlohase7DGFq_7MRdT-kaPrf05_4IVss8w/s640/IMG_2327.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>October 2019. FM cleaned up some of those dead branches up top. Otherwise, not a lot of change, which is fine for an old oak tree. The beehive is barely visible behind the tree. The orchard trees to the right had grown a lot by this point.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAJb_0KHiemXHjOkf-21ej6YIArpR4mQ2aFyPns2iCFZVXlML0DBRsRCGYU6xNCsVTLwYu1zwIBpvWNhrb9SULVguH5m5D92eGhL2y3qi8iVZcLHljOXfZr9mIkAHBRXZnu2yFRY0_o-TXOKf5zY_EuluZw_0dJ4W0V7agc3k9mWbqv5GOuYNo7XrMBE/s6000/IMG_7146.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAJb_0KHiemXHjOkf-21ej6YIArpR4mQ2aFyPns2iCFZVXlML0DBRsRCGYU6xNCsVTLwYu1zwIBpvWNhrb9SULVguH5m5D92eGhL2y3qi8iVZcLHljOXfZr9mIkAHBRXZnu2yFRY0_o-TXOKf5zY_EuluZw_0dJ4W0V7agc3k9mWbqv5GOuYNo7XrMBE/w426-h640/IMG_7146.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">September 2023. There is a <i>Parrotia persica</i> that has grown significantly, our beehive has been moved to a sunnier location, an <i>Eriobotrya japonica </i>is photobombing on the lower right and an owl nesting box is visible in the oak tree.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQugGE8WufX_LlHnlauj84cqKDsjOvdmM4go1j75HxIeaea7SWhKYh1SdEn3boQynWerk4ZEY1bNqks63TlmRwiXTK0dyhr5KOuYcIWkGm9og-69sImPSkE2F2Clk_T551GDw9pHADwdM4/s1600/IMG_4338.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQugGE8WufX_LlHnlauj84cqKDsjOvdmM4go1j75HxIeaea7SWhKYh1SdEn3boQynWerk4ZEY1bNqks63TlmRwiXTK0dyhr5KOuYcIWkGm9og-69sImPSkE2F2Clk_T551GDw9pHADwdM4/s640/IMG_4338.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">2015: The old labyrinth. It was fun, but with a 50' diameter, took up too much gardening space. The debris rock pile can just barely be seen on the right side.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH1iZDj3AbSzSviuoEjtBP5H_lCnl7bIi-w6EKHH0y7NurRF2QDMPzT1P4U1jcN9bPtVi-PSqwnaz3vm_wu19s84CqUBlIIEF8sAmEe6zqYhbCrAfu4QP-V8jdJQJfp-lh73Ditf4FVcv/s1600/IMG_1777.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH1iZDj3AbSzSviuoEjtBP5H_lCnl7bIi-w6EKHH0y7NurRF2QDMPzT1P4U1jcN9bPtVi-PSqwnaz3vm_wu19s84CqUBlIIEF8sAmEe6zqYhbCrAfu4QP-V8jdJQJfp-lh73Ditf4FVcv/s640/IMG_1777.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">2016: These were all newly planted at this point. There are evergreen shrubs, small trees both deciduous and evergreen and perennials. The rock pile is gone. Thanks, FM! At this stage I had planted drought adapted plants thinking that would be enough (besides improving the soil). I had not planned for irrigation as it was designed to be a dry garden. I did not anticipate the level of dry this would become in subsequent years. While the majority are still going strong, I have lost a few.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoNxpc57nt8_Nm_E5DVy7zTqwO_mKzrkgKm2C3GGw36jKIHq_8bQzhYBftre6FTzOltMWwHRYPHItp27VG2PXWcf9E8RL7hx1FFgzVLU854X13mFoYhhA-r0zDJfODmDIAgTKp8MhaI70/s1600/IMG_5987.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoNxpc57nt8_Nm_E5DVy7zTqwO_mKzrkgKm2C3GGw36jKIHq_8bQzhYBftre6FTzOltMWwHRYPHItp27VG2PXWcf9E8RL7hx1FFgzVLU854X13mFoYhhA-r0zDJfODmDIAgTKp8MhaI70/s640/IMG_5987.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Here it is October 2017, the path complete. Plants are really filling in and the area on the right was extended. To the left, although out of shot, we planted several <i>Ceanothus gloriosus </i>under the other <i>Quercus garryana.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4k7brOQgvlDsS8_AODxcy-UWQLj-S9kqmu7Hz6r-WW8nbMD5pNNJqawwKBQxvCHTr3TCt1MRDiZYOWB3Hi7o5RMUdQvSb4RTVhURIemEsfK20TJmUnoAHdAOStIbIn_o7Ca7NDoEzM4/s1600/IMG_9707.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4k7brOQgvlDsS8_AODxcy-UWQLj-S9kqmu7Hz6r-WW8nbMD5pNNJqawwKBQxvCHTr3TCt1MRDiZYOWB3Hi7o5RMUdQvSb4RTVhURIemEsfK20TJmUnoAHdAOStIbIn_o7Ca7NDoEzM4/s640/IMG_9707.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2018 with bright sunlight, a bit difficult to make out with shadows. <i>Festuca rubra</i> 'Patrick's Point' on the far right has filled in and on the neighbor's property beyond, the plastic "greenhouse" structure is gone. It makes for a better view.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35dy0L_9GcxhpEvxtPwx8YEU7AH-6lFekIOpgKv5bp0xf8CWS1EKV87zurmyn8HljY2yrn_WrHt3DxZBvNAXFQwaZen0mdZKhag1dHuvscKjXAUlzEKzVWNsk5xc36YSfw3Kd7_1V7cM/s1600/IMG_2342.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35dy0L_9GcxhpEvxtPwx8YEU7AH-6lFekIOpgKv5bp0xf8CWS1EKV87zurmyn8HljY2yrn_WrHt3DxZBvNAXFQwaZen0mdZKhag1dHuvscKjXAUlzEKzVWNsk5xc36YSfw3Kd7_1V7cM/s640/IMG_2342.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div>October 2019. Most notably the grass on the left has been edged helping to define garden beds. Also the <i>Ceanothus g. </i>'Point Reyes' under the oak on the left had filled in nicely, though it has seen rough days more recently.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh3wnv-mxkcMLgpHD94L2kPyg81cbWzd7OHXRhjq6UNfxYENSCuWSE7DrJBJgaqCrSpY1NHhkB_SMMN7OvWoVr-mQHQBeoczXrb4s0MTIy_pVXpMs09W7oNTugIvAdDf_htenAI87ErDnenihHroCEGD2oYtkTsMYXun44d4TWwMgk6I1kbMsmZ-8G-M/s6000/IMG_7122.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh3wnv-mxkcMLgpHD94L2kPyg81cbWzd7OHXRhjq6UNfxYENSCuWSE7DrJBJgaqCrSpY1NHhkB_SMMN7OvWoVr-mQHQBeoczXrb4s0MTIy_pVXpMs09W7oNTugIvAdDf_htenAI87ErDnenihHroCEGD2oYtkTsMYXun44d4TWwMgk6I1kbMsmZ-8G-M/w640-h426/IMG_7122.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">September 2023. The whole scene feels much more mature to me, a snapshot of what my mind's eye pictured early on. The<i> Ceanothus gloriosus</i> on the left has a large chunk missing, having died off this year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsVW5TaEHHVRITXYYCC5o7xuECdz_uKltnkyHfpc-A0b7VyDRN9DfRbUrs32KjPuwbRyrZC17nPWGkbKBkirN0iCXdp5WEcxsjPmkAgdZAZONr06jZEjJPrzlYLSbb0OqoC1ZBxgAtC2I/s1600/IMG_4345.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsVW5TaEHHVRITXYYCC5o7xuECdz_uKltnkyHfpc-A0b7VyDRN9DfRbUrs32KjPuwbRyrZC17nPWGkbKBkirN0iCXdp5WEcxsjPmkAgdZAZONr06jZEjJPrzlYLSbb0OqoC1ZBxgAtC2I/s640/IMG_4345.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The plant prison probably January of 2016. Pink deck and all.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9m5O2eC57OyGfU3Xdk7JIT8iF01rICamAWyiOheQNSfBL6mLpQW7o0GFIWB93YbJ4KUv0nJBtNFXIkW_uAYESrxgXIXxyoAhAN-SHyHpSVT8tafw3jsMfoEGUjdaIQBWver7zq610p7e/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9m5O2eC57OyGfU3Xdk7JIT8iF01rICamAWyiOheQNSfBL6mLpQW7o0GFIWB93YbJ4KUv0nJBtNFXIkW_uAYESrxgXIXxyoAhAN-SHyHpSVT8tafw3jsMfoEGUjdaIQBWver7zq610p7e/s640/IMG_1781.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">October 2016, this is a nice rock garden scene, little did I know how much it would change over the years.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNiOzs1SH8kMP4HjDR49tbQWP__KAKJh6g0D1wE8KeCLtr6lE9Cne_PoosyAhfO2eaIw7ZOKNKRoeoVj8qvEqdMBdOdpv9cQN3YMr2CCgA9LV5tIw4-9EZzWBhepa6AO3GB2cOvgZ11xW/s1600/IMG_5988.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNiOzs1SH8kMP4HjDR49tbQWP__KAKJh6g0D1wE8KeCLtr6lE9Cne_PoosyAhfO2eaIw7ZOKNKRoeoVj8qvEqdMBdOdpv9cQN3YMr2CCgA9LV5tIw4-9EZzWBhepa6AO3GB2cOvgZ11xW/s640/IMG_5988.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>2017: Not a lot of change here other than the yuccas are larger, the<i> Ceanothus </i>'Italian Skies' at the base of the deck had rebounded from the winter's freezing damage. The <i>Olearia lineata</i> 'Dartonii' just behind the stump table had grown significantly. FM also added wire cable to the deck as a safety measure.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0DRIiluiNcVJg7g1QVU6K7Dyj86cDC0f9EP1MuFQQsXFlnC6QaMdR-PRYNfR4rfo8m9aZl87VP0kRWiB8MKCoZRWTvlqEWmCbmKYREkwSNaHXo4BBdtyxR8-tTnKrj-qdlwVWRifwY8/s1600/IMG_9791.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0DRIiluiNcVJg7g1QVU6K7Dyj86cDC0f9EP1MuFQQsXFlnC6QaMdR-PRYNfR4rfo8m9aZl87VP0kRWiB8MKCoZRWTvlqEWmCbmKYREkwSNaHXo4BBdtyxR8-tTnKrj-qdlwVWRifwY8/s640/IMG_9791.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">October 2018. Everything is just a little bit bigger. Note the end of the deck, the <i>Arctostaphylos </i>'Saint Helena' has reached nearly the top. To the right of that, the <i>Ceanothus</i> 'Italian Skies' that was a replacement for one that died is finally putting on decent growth and catching up with its neighbors to the right at the base of the deck.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbt3t92Ilom0wo0v-VHlopk05CEUk4aAl7gPiMONy9aH8_vmQf7qkRAicw_U_PmcwvEol_q1u4WgfQnT2aZQ3uPXzOix_EgrUymkMf2R3J0g1eDDf1M30nkWx_7VrOZVWUXdaxHUwTkA/s1600/IMG_2274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbt3t92Ilom0wo0v-VHlopk05CEUk4aAl7gPiMONy9aH8_vmQf7qkRAicw_U_PmcwvEol_q1u4WgfQnT2aZQ3uPXzOix_EgrUymkMf2R3J0g1eDDf1M30nkWx_7VrOZVWUXdaxHUwTkA/s640/IMG_2274.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2019. Not much change from last year, other than the<i> Ceanothus</i> 'Italian Skies' at the base of the deck have filled in. The <i>Olearia lineata</i> 'Dartonii' was thinned out a little this year to let more sun come through to the plants behind it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7aLIkI3cDN37XpjyR996jcuS6JteSaNp2La6DDTg_rTxzHDWXSRGqFL3FzmcftQVuAr2VHqCjyaLlDWVuesWwyLp-dEbe7rz_LbCIp1VUhG-Fn2hFQBKDJPLDdv31eVDn026e2-Qr1lFGL30i731c5OJc5SzoAgW0KnwQ7Y0TEhO3gzfyF14Z3JXVP4/s6000/IMG_7076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7aLIkI3cDN37XpjyR996jcuS6JteSaNp2La6DDTg_rTxzHDWXSRGqFL3FzmcftQVuAr2VHqCjyaLlDWVuesWwyLp-dEbe7rz_LbCIp1VUhG-Fn2hFQBKDJPLDdv31eVDn026e2-Qr1lFGL30i731c5OJc5SzoAgW0KnwQ7Y0TEhO3gzfyF14Z3JXVP4/w640-h426/IMG_7076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The<i> Olearia</i> 'Dartonii' fell over in April 2022 snow so it was moved to the garden along our road and is doing just fine there. Hebes have grown huge in the background, <i>Yucca gloriosa</i> 'Variegata' have also grown so much that I think I'll have to remove one behind all this foliage in the back as it's totally overgrown by <i>Arctostaphylos</i> 'Saint Helena' who has also grown significantly. So much has filled in, it's not exactly how I pictured it primarily due to the size of the ceanothus.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlpuN6zo-h9qCKydSQdI_IZwZCFZMnLkpmUJrfxWYGyo5UVTLbSUsASNzJh2iZxjrhtMWzJzApAKGV3PnJzvQWoNQ5iPb0_FJgmEKJGJxb4JgoRd1heI5RTDLapUtGL5QbCHxGU_zS-kl/s1600/IMG_4374.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlpuN6zo-h9qCKydSQdI_IZwZCFZMnLkpmUJrfxWYGyo5UVTLbSUsASNzJh2iZxjrhtMWzJzApAKGV3PnJzvQWoNQ5iPb0_FJgmEKJGJxb4JgoRd1heI5RTDLapUtGL5QbCHxGU_zS-kl/s640/IMG_4374.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Facing west 2015. This was in November with many pretty leaves all around.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwn4tcemxCp9shFWZKYCKzeXr9njftcQy4Rm8za5Fs6XM2qWmUa8PBn97xt1HSVmvkG8UdjEC97kozY-t_aqfkNGCDu63FE9TRh6qaOPFHhyphenhyphena3c2-xYLhFcrhBBLIxBTfu1iLYNoILrdm/s1600/IMG_1788.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwn4tcemxCp9shFWZKYCKzeXr9njftcQy4Rm8za5Fs6XM2qWmUa8PBn97xt1HSVmvkG8UdjEC97kozY-t_aqfkNGCDu63FE9TRh6qaOPFHhyphenhyphena3c2-xYLhFcrhBBLIxBTfu1iLYNoILrdm/s640/IMG_1788.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">October 2016: Here you can see our new fence and gate, a row of <i>Spiraea betulifolia </i>along the edge of the driveway, a giant debris pile to the left and the removal of the other dead <i>Acer macrophyllum</i>. Also in the woodsy area on the other side of the driveway are many shrubs. They won't be visible from this distance for a year or two.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5H4wJwGqpmPL9W8r4PCilJxIHKnIkfxalBAiP2UapOlIUKPq8_8j-b7awL36_Ft0vNKc71hmH0YZYO63RWH1QjsNFiSBZCBGF49OYV8QmggXeFxUk3VKib1ewZ3twfQC0Y5Aknh-igtN/s1600/IMG_6095.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5H4wJwGqpmPL9W8r4PCilJxIHKnIkfxalBAiP2UapOlIUKPq8_8j-b7awL36_Ft0vNKc71hmH0YZYO63RWH1QjsNFiSBZCBGF49OYV8QmggXeFxUk3VKib1ewZ3twfQC0Y5Aknh-igtN/s640/IMG_6095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">October 2017: The <i>Spiraea betulifolia</i> have grown a little, the debris pile on the left is gone, but otherwise, the same. The shrubs on the other side of the driveway are just beginning to show up from this distance. Hooray! Also note in the same area the ground is green. That's from weeds which at this point I was simply mowing to keep them from reseeding. Eventually it would be covered in arborist's wood chips.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznyojO3Qf5boHvhRLSxpfjSiEXBA65x726_aKuwyZ9npBmviSHtWndtD4pqcjjWBrxQpbABIw15RPp3AoJEtrgM7jGF0IeXpjZZ3ogxo8jLgQnqgLqaXphG-hJpD1Z4O4o_w0NUgT9lY/s1600/IMG_9833.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznyojO3Qf5boHvhRLSxpfjSiEXBA65x726_aKuwyZ9npBmviSHtWndtD4pqcjjWBrxQpbABIw15RPp3AoJEtrgM7jGF0IeXpjZZ3ogxo8jLgQnqgLqaXphG-hJpD1Z4O4o_w0NUgT9lY/s640/IMG_9833.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2018 with glare shadows. Apologies. The shrubs are filling in and in the distance on the other side of the driveway, the <i>Viburnum opulus var. americanum,</i> our native viburnum, is turning red.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbBcCK6MZDKUkODPy_8ADswm-k0r1BUgUMfiqthaglTUxViNzarkNsSWmSFQ9yjUkZkf43ln7FtXI9Or26DnyLrs_qPJOXGMP9vHmV1TOfAl2PJk0_udn3n3n10dqzH0H6WpV4BACBwM/s1600/IMG_2291.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbBcCK6MZDKUkODPy_8ADswm-k0r1BUgUMfiqthaglTUxViNzarkNsSWmSFQ9yjUkZkf43ln7FtXI9Or26DnyLrs_qPJOXGMP9vHmV1TOfAl2PJk0_udn3n3n10dqzH0H6WpV4BACBwM/s640/IMG_2291.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2019. The<i> Spiraea betulifolia</i> have filled in, the wooded area beyond received a layer of wood chips and other shrubs in the background continue to grow.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzdii0-Uew9FrlgLnT5jFs9EsFniiJQyWBA5Af-mO23W9sKAc9SO9AXjHy3qbJS1p4TjXRP3IAcKNIJ4EHQ8AUhq_omgKm1f7J_LEdGx5MNYxpwEHWc3nM9B-lmwolzW2kTfcdolOzcQfXCCjsmCR-Lv_vUUVbV2hqtau9LkKgWaxtAUs005gtEdKXEk/s6000/IMG_7059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzdii0-Uew9FrlgLnT5jFs9EsFniiJQyWBA5Af-mO23W9sKAc9SO9AXjHy3qbJS1p4TjXRP3IAcKNIJ4EHQ8AUhq_omgKm1f7J_LEdGx5MNYxpwEHWc3nM9B-lmwolzW2kTfcdolOzcQfXCCjsmCR-Lv_vUUVbV2hqtau9LkKgWaxtAUs005gtEdKXEk/w640-h426/IMG_7059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">September 2023, spiraeas are pretty large, <i>Cupressus arizonica </i>var. <i>glabra</i> 'Blue Ice' on the far left is much larger as is the <i>Fremontodendron californicum </i>to the right of it<i>. </i>The woodland area on the other side of the driveway has filled in significantly, though is obscured in this view.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTLmPco077H8-n3Wz3FtUt0KILidT2OcZ-B7pbqcnpj3hYR5KdXmJizDMcCz76NJrjZEuZzznhZCWVX8sDRhFDim3SYUQ7jNCfFaAHmdy0WReO_B-GxOt8KjXySFexsxvfKV1q6ZnNEJ1/s1600/IMG_4332.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTLmPco077H8-n3Wz3FtUt0KILidT2OcZ-B7pbqcnpj3hYR5KdXmJizDMcCz76NJrjZEuZzznhZCWVX8sDRhFDim3SYUQ7jNCfFaAHmdy0WReO_B-GxOt8KjXySFexsxvfKV1q6ZnNEJ1/s640/IMG_4332.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">2015: The berm garden with four or five azaleas along the edge and many other very unhappy plants.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiffPKRWUykf-tDKHth3m-Qkt5eYGV7Xn8GZwK0IJUf1LFjpBGTatYWSwHhcpKF6jtYcZcgv6YB-yBTK4VGTa5Rg_zu17kX0nHUL8x3HEkArhn9dZpCCoyXDz44wE5KLuuiGyXrbg9diGH/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiffPKRWUykf-tDKHth3m-Qkt5eYGV7Xn8GZwK0IJUf1LFjpBGTatYWSwHhcpKF6jtYcZcgv6YB-yBTK4VGTa5Rg_zu17kX0nHUL8x3HEkArhn9dZpCCoyXDz44wE5KLuuiGyXrbg9diGH/s640/IMG_1845.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">October 2016: The azaleas have been liberated and the soil improved. Many happy plants.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnfIgryO0GKiRRARGPCtgbfuQtEAz_A43qQXpCIeFhK0cA866rJcQaD6A3hYxWMpXyl5xTb2PomtBXukcamiG60358w6hd1qBlcmubdVS8p7eb-OdYDNa-9RF8_g7KteW5SjdgeN_n1nA/s1600/IMG_6043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnfIgryO0GKiRRARGPCtgbfuQtEAz_A43qQXpCIeFhK0cA866rJcQaD6A3hYxWMpXyl5xTb2PomtBXukcamiG60358w6hd1qBlcmubdVS8p7eb-OdYDNa-9RF8_g7KteW5SjdgeN_n1nA/s640/IMG_6043.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div>October 2017: Slowly filling in. It looks like the <i>Chamaecyparis laswoniana</i> 'Wissel's Saguaro' tree has gained about a half an inch. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1oAy0AV8qJK4mFuEb0Jfn8_qcX8LHAMA4gQ59ADtM_kwwNbuwd8GM_OnpJpQuvDYU9RJcfhvMKCWDe0DFXUMiZEXCiv0D6CeWq93BSQNjZGRjF77-6ZDtx3Xp5QpmYl3Cfrc9AQ9hZI/s1600/IMG_9758.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1oAy0AV8qJK4mFuEb0Jfn8_qcX8LHAMA4gQ59ADtM_kwwNbuwd8GM_OnpJpQuvDYU9RJcfhvMKCWDe0DFXUMiZEXCiv0D6CeWq93BSQNjZGRjF77-6ZDtx3Xp5QpmYl3Cfrc9AQ9hZI/s640/IMG_9758.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> 2018: The <i>Chamaecyparis laswoniana</i> 'Wissel's Saguaro' has grown an inch or two! Success. Just more filling in, some editing and the red buds in the distance are a beautiful yellow this year.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-ixaj-wHmdyoy7uw5d_qPpHVIhBae4koDey5fE4mHr8bOp2X51zKpl8IK_v73WRD-MmyeJxVDnW4ZEMqbM0jj1GdixldJS9qt8FrFIPF4iCFIBzcSyfMDDZxSjq1jbpSx-6AS1HAJhg/s1600/IMG_2366.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-ixaj-wHmdyoy7uw5d_qPpHVIhBae4koDey5fE4mHr8bOp2X51zKpl8IK_v73WRD-MmyeJxVDnW4ZEMqbM0jj1GdixldJS9qt8FrFIPF4iCFIBzcSyfMDDZxSjq1jbpSx-6AS1HAJhg/s640/IMG_2366.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>October 2019. Look at that! The <i>Chamaecyparis laswoniana</i> 'Wissel's Saguaro' has put on a few more inches. I love the solid dark silhouette against the blowsy guara and asters. In the distance fall color is in full swing.<br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-nR7p8W7hVYqFjkxKE6VBHt_26VfMki6WGJoAQmCu2S1PqH4RV3pRYlnahb1uqtXwET3vQyvokalh-ipmgS9EV_t3zFJiy91Khz4SI9sI5GnwhK2RwBq484rC5JHNBM_xHnMJkRGhInWNfWm5Nr72VplJpYvilc3zgDMed2rIN8-7LbG3NLmNlpRHEM/s6000/IMG_7160.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-nR7p8W7hVYqFjkxKE6VBHt_26VfMki6WGJoAQmCu2S1PqH4RV3pRYlnahb1uqtXwET3vQyvokalh-ipmgS9EV_t3zFJiy91Khz4SI9sI5GnwhK2RwBq484rC5JHNBM_xHnMJkRGhInWNfWm5Nr72VplJpYvilc3zgDMed2rIN8-7LbG3NLmNlpRHEM/w426-h640/IMG_7160.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's more like it. September 2023 and the cool silhouette of <i>Chamaecyparis laswoniana</i> 'Wissel's Saguaro' can really be appreciated. Worth the wait. The <i>Hebe</i> 'Western Hills' foreground right has really filled in. Perennials continue to come and go as shrubs fill in.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnpsfj1bY_X5EtwptVCcCzmxa2UKdW4P6HhvkETTOv2wWWyE1Decz4uR8A3yPIRoFPGFW1UhPQF-AAVHGURageGU7HU5z9Q-MpUsbQqVJbPLWEslRbTmvthc5Gzz5nvBQLBlCvhVmdD0d/s1600/IMG_2716.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnpsfj1bY_X5EtwptVCcCzmxa2UKdW4P6HhvkETTOv2wWWyE1Decz4uR8A3yPIRoFPGFW1UhPQF-AAVHGURageGU7HU5z9Q-MpUsbQqVJbPLWEslRbTmvthc5Gzz5nvBQLBlCvhVmdD0d/s640/IMG_2716.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">October 2015: Poor soil, rock hard, with struggling plants that will begin finding more appropriate locations throughout the garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPr4ba3wWZF5AFKXVMNm5-Oak7rJs8qhza2I8GhbjR2oQrg__8pS6yyZNxAtbYhyphenhyphentz4Bdxh6ULijJpwmZ61S3_PABntoIsUf8bWZTVQJoWWstouwSK359k5u6z_iGMitgBzrSnx_AEeep/s1600/IMG_1864.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPr4ba3wWZF5AFKXVMNm5-Oak7rJs8qhza2I8GhbjR2oQrg__8pS6yyZNxAtbYhyphenhyphentz4Bdxh6ULijJpwmZ61S3_PABntoIsUf8bWZTVQJoWWstouwSK359k5u6z_iGMitgBzrSnx_AEeep/s640/IMG_1864.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">October 2016: Compost, gravel, plants, plants and more plants.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0On3ULiUl5g4jc7zNepe_mQoKS8Q5vFxE2qO4DSP-QqAnE-11t5sXmD_UKFbVSYLIfgPIEMsh3CJW0YLsORXRWZkVZalSvKq7zl7Tsmfepn1yJeVIEUlxIwbCo6-jr217HIF88sM7rtfk/s1600/IMG_6034.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0On3ULiUl5g4jc7zNepe_mQoKS8Q5vFxE2qO4DSP-QqAnE-11t5sXmD_UKFbVSYLIfgPIEMsh3CJW0YLsORXRWZkVZalSvKq7zl7Tsmfepn1yJeVIEUlxIwbCo6-jr217HIF88sM7rtfk/s640/IMG_6034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2017: OK, ignore the grassy weeds in front, but beyond that, it's getting there. These honestly aren't the best shots to show the real growth of the garden, but it's what we have to work with so I'm going with it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWBwPetbjpKEuYkqJhUm1r4TpLee_9BRuGubl5-mNSbF3Me3s7XxVJYJzOG6RzAKu5DHEksbLWmnda6wEReR0zinv00SNXyqrXqKkAhGQ00TKtPth9nC6VkkvNyarAHqD2LF81KBQOHo/s1600/IMG_9761.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWBwPetbjpKEuYkqJhUm1r4TpLee_9BRuGubl5-mNSbF3Me3s7XxVJYJzOG6RzAKu5DHEksbLWmnda6wEReR0zinv00SNXyqrXqKkAhGQ00TKtPth9nC6VkkvNyarAHqD2LF81KBQOHo/s640/IMG_9761.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> October 2018. Much of the crocosmia from the 2017 photo is gone and the area is slowly turning into what I want. I constantly edit this area by remove unruly seedlings and weeds while relocating some seedlings to other parts of the garden. This is still a challenging site with a steep slope, so water drains quickly, then a retaining wall at the bottom where it's flat, which retains too much water. The trick has been to get water to seep in from the top by sort of terracing plants so the water goes down instead of over the surface of the soil and not absorbing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9edqbjvzZ9tiMk7GS53wMknU1MaQPcRK56mmSdpOlsAFG3r8IvVwlJDc1p7Z9COcF-C7XVWqX3_KLertmCQwjjjnBBUeWF8VTGHRpQ07VSTam_Z_5IZ7ycslPUWj0-9eO8z8rjj2NSG0/s1600/IMG_2369.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9edqbjvzZ9tiMk7GS53wMknU1MaQPcRK56mmSdpOlsAFG3r8IvVwlJDc1p7Z9COcF-C7XVWqX3_KLertmCQwjjjnBBUeWF8VTGHRpQ07VSTam_Z_5IZ7ycslPUWj0-9eO8z8rjj2NSG0/s640/IMG_2369.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">October 2019. This bed, the berm bed as it's known, looks much better to me since it's been edged. That has been a major focus for me in 2019 - edging beds. I don't really know the proper way to do it, so I just do what comes naturally and it seems to work although it's a hell of a lot of hard work.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlD9jqyiQ0oBEDTJGNn5S4fhXZr6jiaohh2MqThGQKpVqPIYenbrwvQ9uS-cBd0MmyQIudL5yXUmfiMfmA6O0YfF0Q1oLUw_GxF4CQuMbRDLPmBBFDTqpFIOKv6e4goTD_DBjR3d6my8tKDmF92QmpxtyqJmNi0niKS04rCIEPuswhl64m8hHpyWrIpE/s6000/IMG_7161.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlD9jqyiQ0oBEDTJGNn5S4fhXZr6jiaohh2MqThGQKpVqPIYenbrwvQ9uS-cBd0MmyQIudL5yXUmfiMfmA6O0YfF0Q1oLUw_GxF4CQuMbRDLPmBBFDTqpFIOKv6e4goTD_DBjR3d6my8tKDmF92QmpxtyqJmNi0niKS04rCIEPuswhl64m8hHpyWrIpE/w640-h426/IMG_7161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">September 2023, it has all matured nicely. Shrubs are getting large and have a presence which makes me happy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyFaRGYaEuhXLrj2HXvvdqduPLDZqiCsskZPcYkhsUKGFjEMJ7h2jcnwSqvxVFKgXTEzI7rvbWCoO5TTwef5R31Vpc5DSuxffYAMM9FEqIySbPOo2d3j4_sseuSxGdHzvuxJ3sXoofqy3/s1600/IMG_4372.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyFaRGYaEuhXLrj2HXvvdqduPLDZqiCsskZPcYkhsUKGFjEMJ7h2jcnwSqvxVFKgXTEzI7rvbWCoO5TTwef5R31Vpc5DSuxffYAMM9FEqIySbPOo2d3j4_sseuSxGdHzvuxJ3sXoofqy3/s640/IMG_4372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">October 2015: Parting shot, much like the initial photo for this post.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxZtH_J9WUEaLtcf3v7F8v711RyFRi5wPTTLDhg2TmaX_SAxoXassYDvEBCByYM-Pyqy_ZAzNKzAhkOfh_dAXlIDCUsNz6kcspgJWtR7xFW6x_dVHy9M_ny8FGYxQ9kBd6RZrS5T-TcID/s1600/IMG_1749.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxZtH_J9WUEaLtcf3v7F8v711RyFRi5wPTTLDhg2TmaX_SAxoXassYDvEBCByYM-Pyqy_ZAzNKzAhkOfh_dAXlIDCUsNz6kcspgJWtR7xFW6x_dVHy9M_ny8FGYxQ9kBd6RZrS5T-TcID/s640/IMG_1749.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here it is October 2016 complete with volunteer pumpkin vine on the left.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BddXFz_u_Qol7-3bHLgu9GrAY_PL2WxMeCNlL9wVGkTUL3dPIbaMm1zcEEhjIOTjwocEkx3MIPN_81NptvnvXL4DReX7fz5FUrz89tNzML5Wn8NX0s-ckTe_9qN-qLM_Q04M5nXJY17o/s1600/IMG_6057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BddXFz_u_Qol7-3bHLgu9GrAY_PL2WxMeCNlL9wVGkTUL3dPIbaMm1zcEEhjIOTjwocEkx3MIPN_81NptvnvXL4DReX7fz5FUrz89tNzML5Wn8NX0s-ckTe_9qN-qLM_Q04M5nXJY17o/s640/IMG_6057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2017. That Japanese maple has also really filled out. Funny thing, I have never watered either of them, they must just benefit from general care of the soil.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LdG8s_mmr49rvDlFQrHcBRNrDdYxOw3YheB8SLmVpRypLNc30k1oij0mhl9CaKela69U2mMSGGf4SX3qY9vz7DPFHdIFApiXixtCcwDgNyGdym4AUfZkA3rdFScbKIXCwh3jPJQCawo/s1600/IMG_9719.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LdG8s_mmr49rvDlFQrHcBRNrDdYxOw3YheB8SLmVpRypLNc30k1oij0mhl9CaKela69U2mMSGGf4SX3qY9vz7DPFHdIFApiXixtCcwDgNyGdym4AUfZkA3rdFScbKIXCwh3jPJQCawo/s640/IMG_9719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2018. Funny thing again, the Japanese maple, I did not prune but it looks as if some branches have been cut back.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1380NWD9k-TDA0LbF7W8iu0NbEF0G73Kj5MdUsaGY4dJbx_IXUjG2Hz2FltPMMwxjKfLpXuRCSrS-bvv1zbbSr9HiI6FIIJtPvEsaMLSAOxlmT2gYgfaslAxigWWl52YMV5BTkgg5FX4/s1600/IMG_2298.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1380NWD9k-TDA0LbF7W8iu0NbEF0G73Kj5MdUsaGY4dJbx_IXUjG2Hz2FltPMMwxjKfLpXuRCSrS-bvv1zbbSr9HiI6FIIJtPvEsaMLSAOxlmT2gYgfaslAxigWWl52YMV5BTkgg5FX4/s640/IMG_2298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>October 2019. The maples are really filling out. Edging, paths and a bit of rearranging make this reflect my vision much more. Little by little, year by year, it all pays off in the end.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6-W_EjfmQKq7IgKeypRijPQq6LMdbNXgGYMo9Yu65-si_HtZVQKjWWbNcdHovlNdKnCGotO_8IlpzRNJNSEdBahXYtH1fWu1gLjptEJYQ7zNcKL6hk2q2A61-theKbKAtMxikJt5UDUJEY5J2RlpNiIoxd34yiWom71ya2NY9B3uiTM0_H514NDyC54/s6000/IMG_7112.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6-W_EjfmQKq7IgKeypRijPQq6LMdbNXgGYMo9Yu65-si_HtZVQKjWWbNcdHovlNdKnCGotO_8IlpzRNJNSEdBahXYtH1fWu1gLjptEJYQ7zNcKL6hk2q2A61-theKbKAtMxikJt5UDUJEY5J2RlpNiIoxd34yiWom71ya2NY9B3uiTM0_H514NDyC54/w640-h426/IMG_7112.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />September 2023. While the grass isn't as lush as the above shot and the autumn foliage color hasn't happened yet, I am pleased. A few changes - a <i>Panicum</i> 'Northwind' has been removed as it flopped terribly. The new gravel area on the left below the <i>Miscanthus</i> 'Malepartus' can be seen, a couple nearby <i>Cistus</i> 'Elma' died and were removed, the "meadow" has filled in and you can barely see the <i>Quercus hypoleucoides </i>creeping in on the left. It has gotten large.<br /><br />There you have it, six sets of before and after photos from 2015 to 2023. As I am going with the initial photos I took in 2015 some of the angles and areas of gardens are not all that interesting, but I want to remain consistent. We still really love this place. The beauty of it, the serenity, the wildlife all fill our hearts with such joy. We get to watch things grow, critters come and go, the cycles of it all. It is a privilege to live here. We are two grateful, humble souls looking forward to the next 30 years on this land, whatever changes may come.<br /><br />That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. As always, thank you for reading and until next time, happy gardening, and as FM and I are on the road this week, access to responding to comments is limited, I will get to them as soon as I can. Thank you!</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-2979593670892901582023-09-21T07:00:00.660-07:002023-09-21T07:00:00.144-07:00Take Five: Forgiving Shrubs for Shade<div style="text-align: center;">Let's continue our conversation about the top plants, the best of the best in terms of not only survivors, but thrivers in our gardens. Last week I shared my <a href="https://www.chickadeegardens.com/2023/09/take-five-forgiving-shrubs-for-sun.html" target="_blank">top five shrubs for sun</a>, this week in the same spirit I present shrubs for shade.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We all want plant successes in our gardens. The selection of plants we <i>can</i> grow, while still quite large, is toughening up these past several years. Faced with a multitude of weather (and other) challenges, these shrubs for shade have sailed through it all in my garden. Drought, late freezes, non-existent springs, wildfire smoke, saturated soil, diseases, insect damage as well as mole/vole problems have been no match for these winners. Here then are (arguably) the top five shrubs for shade in my zone 7b garden these past eight years.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">MAHONIA</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ylnTfh7-UZokNjpo3EU9mxXk47Ut0UwLiVuYfNBLQTLJNJ7prxmsjSWZB6ivhAYzCURCeKeprERkrigG7H-vIEI4YgqKUdzj3es4uz7j4Lo-Nv-MzmsFUZn7Yth3cXK4ShPxEHuLcNDiFM4bJDAywoT9y0CNMxOF3wOvG5g6IgoksmYJZ0jX_hcesDc/s6000/mahonia_nervosa%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ylnTfh7-UZokNjpo3EU9mxXk47Ut0UwLiVuYfNBLQTLJNJ7prxmsjSWZB6ivhAYzCURCeKeprERkrigG7H-vIEI4YgqKUdzj3es4uz7j4Lo-Nv-MzmsFUZn7Yth3cXK4ShPxEHuLcNDiFM4bJDAywoT9y0CNMxOF3wOvG5g6IgoksmYJZ0jX_hcesDc/w640-h426/mahonia_nervosa%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As many of you predicted, Mahonias are on my list for best shrubs for shade. There are a few species of our native Oregon grape, they are: <i>M. aquifolium, M. nervosa</i> and <i>M. repens</i>. <i>Mahonia aquifolium </i>is the tallest at about 6' tall and spreading, <i>M. nervosa</i> (pictured) is medium height at about 2' tall and spreading, <i>M. repens </i>is a groundcover at about 1' tall and spreading. They all spread by suckering and while I list them as shrubs for shade, can also tolerate sun, though they would fry in the sun in my garden with very little irrigation.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVTzeABzGjkhn2kQg1nGQKtPu5lWuCtSNZ7xdoXN8GCwFVDRFgFypHTCVArnq1nmrUqq_jmurPdvQGf8pMTE_R79abxl7K9WXQJZzAgFM00SPMT-YpEMdRzrZBFo0L-7J8gj5vp0-4E-Y_5ExTL-ALAPEbVlQv6oMylEE0NsIAxhNGksPp0BDYvGraUQ/s5184/mahonia_nervosa.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVTzeABzGjkhn2kQg1nGQKtPu5lWuCtSNZ7xdoXN8GCwFVDRFgFypHTCVArnq1nmrUqq_jmurPdvQGf8pMTE_R79abxl7K9WXQJZzAgFM00SPMT-YpEMdRzrZBFo0L-7J8gj5vp0-4E-Y_5ExTL-ALAPEbVlQv6oMylEE0NsIAxhNGksPp0BDYvGraUQ/w640-h480/mahonia_nervosa.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mahonia nervosa</i> in autumn as the maple leaves fall. This evergreen shrub does indeed have prickly leaf margins and leathery leaves. Some find its prickly nature off-putting, however, it is an incredibly valuable plant for not only Pacific Northwest gardens and our forest ecology, but is useful in many parts of the world. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTs-uMcNs6BFXvjWuGumsbX-4M4QSfUQnzBa7DumsguGbRVyjjQ3Km1lbAVbXszLD4lnl1AmFvxRXhYi5qJjPQKvhEzyk8GfDKJmC3Dkpz3RiC5r0kjYC4n6bsQD5ejnQJBwpiszglY86z5yFZnqqsNa8Zdtx374zfOPFSKRK2GD-Wl0bDf1v5UQiD7A/s6000/mahonia_nervosa.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTs-uMcNs6BFXvjWuGumsbX-4M4QSfUQnzBa7DumsguGbRVyjjQ3Km1lbAVbXszLD4lnl1AmFvxRXhYi5qJjPQKvhEzyk8GfDKJmC3Dkpz3RiC5r0kjYC4n6bsQD5ejnQJBwpiszglY86z5yFZnqqsNa8Zdtx374zfOPFSKRK2GD-Wl0bDf1v5UQiD7A/w640-h426/mahonia_nervosa.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mahonia nervosa</i> flower buds, just beginning to open. Mahonia is often listed as belonging to the genus Berberis, but most of us around the Pacific Northwest consider it part of the Mahonia genus.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq2iVr0v5khDF1Mtx4ga1AgIjGg4NgD_dtOG8FHs5dAS7-oEvFK0y0xLosDnoqU4YCp7-Yn4mUWxKvMfudG2xaeBz7G3PCmGSbxCDIEPl3p8Ph-eY6Kavl4-djuHeNYCR04h-Vurel0gV05VWuFnk8FXprXrSB8J6gst-tZv7i21vn4VKRCKLwkjnLGA/s6000/mahonia_nervosa.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq2iVr0v5khDF1Mtx4ga1AgIjGg4NgD_dtOG8FHs5dAS7-oEvFK0y0xLosDnoqU4YCp7-Yn4mUWxKvMfudG2xaeBz7G3PCmGSbxCDIEPl3p8Ph-eY6Kavl4-djuHeNYCR04h-Vurel0gV05VWuFnk8FXprXrSB8J6gst-tZv7i21vn4VKRCKLwkjnLGA/w426-h640/mahonia_nervosa.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mahonia nervosa</i> fruit, which looks the same on all three species. These berries are enjoyed by wildlife and can indeed be consumed by humans, though have a slightly bitter taste. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFg6JB_0bHNqPYR9Y8tL1Q3sOwtQ-28jQqqk9hjvdOPTTc2WaKtU1jz9uUC2aj-CAAlOS9YyYm1TId4cLW7QfJ2N0DLznT1d_7mwpd5IMwcl6B0Tjmk_I5f24V38_SLUho2ykx4xgSrZQke9IBgH8izzOOo1dRLjxsbNSK0SuJY3tgSzX-3q02Bm_g6s/s6000/mahonia_softcaress.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFg6JB_0bHNqPYR9Y8tL1Q3sOwtQ-28jQqqk9hjvdOPTTc2WaKtU1jz9uUC2aj-CAAlOS9YyYm1TId4cLW7QfJ2N0DLznT1d_7mwpd5IMwcl6B0Tjmk_I5f24V38_SLUho2ykx4xgSrZQke9IBgH8izzOOo1dRLjxsbNSK0SuJY3tgSzX-3q02Bm_g6s/w426-h640/mahonia_softcaress.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are many other species of Mahonia that are incredibly garden-worthy for me. Pictured is <i>Mahonia eurybracteata</i> 'Soft Caress' which, as its name indicates, is nearly free of prickly parts. The leaves are much narrower, but otherwise it has the same look and habit of others in its genus. I have had this one in a container on my front porch for several years and it still looks great, despite being neglected from time to time. I also have one in the ground in the shade garden and it too looks great. They become multi-stemmed suckering shrubs in time, some such as <i>Mahonia x media</i> 'Charity' reaching heights of 15' or more. While I don't currently have 'Charity' in my garden I think it's time to add it and similar species.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqKxYD0S-J9IhKKU48dK6ol61j6dzVtSsc9zbUektfksHdDKvKXX7NsN6sYysQn3hn7Lvkpk_yI-qKF-N8_zp_stjXMWHzupKclnMcFS9SGVo2a1q2t6Or44Tv6nG1ua0xKHDiNwf_KTlejv8-MgYn0b3Ueti0wuUv_5QnU3wO_ctTEz7T3Dl8GMqu9o/s6000/IMG_6821.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqKxYD0S-J9IhKKU48dK6ol61j6dzVtSsc9zbUektfksHdDKvKXX7NsN6sYysQn3hn7Lvkpk_yI-qKF-N8_zp_stjXMWHzupKclnMcFS9SGVo2a1q2t6Or44Tv6nG1ua0xKHDiNwf_KTlejv8-MgYn0b3Ueti0wuUv_5QnU3wO_ctTEz7T3Dl8GMqu9o/w640-h426/IMG_6821.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I featured this beauty on a post recently - <i>Mahonia x savilleana</i>, a hybrid between <i>M. eurybracteata</i> and <i>M. gracilipes. </i>Evergreen, gorgeous, very little maintenance. This makes me want ALL the Mahonias.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDC8NDImKLYKwmmVuTW-zi5koooPW2d9G88-KIVoQOzr3EAvUwRQUmttgLIJ-OToaPfNx-iTAd04hCW5264e4Qh0XnG81ekLKV7dx67jleeVdz1J_8meu5dgETURhckNcYA35P9OgapOtXCBaQ2RZDTPtdmzJpLicvxU7W6GlYC--aJ2feG5Tex9B1Nb8/s6000/mahonia_danhinkley%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDC8NDImKLYKwmmVuTW-zi5koooPW2d9G88-KIVoQOzr3EAvUwRQUmttgLIJ-OToaPfNx-iTAd04hCW5264e4Qh0XnG81ekLKV7dx67jleeVdz1J_8meu5dgETURhckNcYA35P9OgapOtXCBaQ2RZDTPtdmzJpLicvxU7W6GlYC--aJ2feG5Tex9B1Nb8/w426-h640/mahonia_danhinkley%20(2).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mahonia fortunei</i> ‘Dan Hinkley’, introduced to the trade by Xera Plants. From their website:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>While visiting Dan several years ago he lamented that Monrovia had not picked up his collection of this showy evergreen shrub. He then gave it to us and we named it after him. Handsome evergreen shrub with finely serrated divided leaves that emerge ruby red when new. Forms a multiple stemmed patch to 5′ wide and 4′ tall. If it gets leggy do not hesitate to chop it back it will return more dense and less floppy. And it will recover fast. In September 2″ long streamers of light yellow flowers are followed by blue fruit. Part shade to full sun in a protected location with light summer water. Locate out of subfreezing wind. Great in a woodland. High deer resistance. Xera Plants introduction. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Since this photo was taken (a few years ago) it has grown considerably, and brings up a good point - these are slow plants to get going. They all of course require regular irrigation in their first year but beyond that they are incredibly forgiving.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpx1uCIQ9Lx8jSkg0P0EvcLKRKELye-w04XSCNKf6I3bCFLb3JkUejyGeLz4-koa8H4Vf9YwU4h_-UhgpCus5ReALtfgL_Dgc6Hk3aZjGNVm-euCJesNu6C1kg2wufI2eQpOg5Z2WJqYdRDA8joe8gyDE_WjERmjDyvu6cJ0wO61haK5pFgwnoH1Ao3vA/s6000/mahonia_danhinkley.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpx1uCIQ9Lx8jSkg0P0EvcLKRKELye-w04XSCNKf6I3bCFLb3JkUejyGeLz4-koa8H4Vf9YwU4h_-UhgpCus5ReALtfgL_Dgc6Hk3aZjGNVm-euCJesNu6C1kg2wufI2eQpOg5Z2WJqYdRDA8joe8gyDE_WjERmjDyvu6cJ0wO61haK5pFgwnoH1Ao3vA/w640-h426/mahonia_danhinkley.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">New bronze tinted growth on <i>M.</i> 'Dan Hinkley'.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Danger Garden did a wonderful post all about her Mahonia collection, you can visit that post <a href="http://www.thedangergarden.com/2022/05/so-many-mahonia-look-at-my-collection.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>MORELLA (syn. MYRICA)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiuIr7K7pLqd3PwIHHl4O2UsU_Wpn_KTwj1-vOac6ImajEa5UQQqZ36LidEoC0WbnrzgW0CKqj454cv4RH9vxGAu8nukGUCwvsbQIdetk303E066KM2ihl4UT2Pdx15yhUO0E3gnv6WpVH-7zmna3e2JKrYTDNdQJ1h4w2u4BtbvLDazGSqGR5-PQZEs/s6000/IMG_9768.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiuIr7K7pLqd3PwIHHl4O2UsU_Wpn_KTwj1-vOac6ImajEa5UQQqZ36LidEoC0WbnrzgW0CKqj454cv4RH9vxGAu8nukGUCwvsbQIdetk303E066KM2ihl4UT2Pdx15yhUO0E3gnv6WpVH-7zmna3e2JKrYTDNdQJ1h4w2u4BtbvLDazGSqGR5-PQZEs/w426-h640/IMG_9768.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Morella californica</i> (syn. <i>Myrica californica</i>) known by the common name Pacific wax myrtle, is a much larger evergreen shrub than Mahonia. This particular specimen is in the <a href="https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=81" target="_blank">Darlingtonia State Natural Site </a>on the Oregon coast. Its leaves are soft and glossy bright green, it reaches heights between 10' - 25' and is excellent as a screening plant. It can be pruned to shape and to make a denser shrub, but is not necessary.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw5sgeAa3LdiS0KjYcf6bx_M5DFrRDO6e8jOlvxHrJVPNU-1jIekt5i7qmxVa7nVWA60gsJ8VPdBty_0As1ZAJXZBsgBM8lnnCZXXYHvqKSWZV7ERg0kF_hOC51X_5jufoD-CIfKuh1DoL0cfIB6ap1SCnUQdZAIOnPxiCzSjns03VyDVdIZDWCB85bg/s6000/myrica_californica.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw5sgeAa3LdiS0KjYcf6bx_M5DFrRDO6e8jOlvxHrJVPNU-1jIekt5i7qmxVa7nVWA60gsJ8VPdBty_0As1ZAJXZBsgBM8lnnCZXXYHvqKSWZV7ERg0kF_hOC51X_5jufoD-CIfKuh1DoL0cfIB6ap1SCnUQdZAIOnPxiCzSjns03VyDVdIZDWCB85bg/w426-h640/myrica_californica.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This specimen is in my garden, photographed in winter. Its leaves reflect the light beautifully and birds regularly hang out in its canopy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPQ-txMeVbwtsl5KB9y6RMXEV0A7VNo09Vetw7FfNm59jM14AkmrH-5A8GpE15-4_eHZuG21YnPHDF2Vhbx1Aulb4ROCRvCNghvHpWWr2o1JrVIVv-SuvqfG0T--QL0Vd5R_oJrdaQPKefLz7-5FUARta15qJMq1WcHxy-SZiyut7uygFVNIbdw9eMxM/s6000/myrica_californica.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPQ-txMeVbwtsl5KB9y6RMXEV0A7VNo09Vetw7FfNm59jM14AkmrH-5A8GpE15-4_eHZuG21YnPHDF2Vhbx1Aulb4ROCRvCNghvHpWWr2o1JrVIVv-SuvqfG0T--QL0Vd5R_oJrdaQPKefLz7-5FUARta15qJMq1WcHxy-SZiyut7uygFVNIbdw9eMxM/w640-h426/myrica_californica.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Detail of leaves of <i>Morella californica. </i>Native to the Pacific coast from Washington to southern California, it is one of our most valuable native, evergreen shrubs for shade (and sun in the right place). </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_VK3mdNFNTOKwTp6XCOJDoLvOrKzd1-QBvy4IJpo1dTcCqk74917cLIHtT06PHb_8R-qQOJV5SbvcVqq11M-sel9Dpb4Zng5mWl1qc8xRKpGKCnr1oKUdqLKkF-eZiq0FlRYH10BMvnrpRILaBjgFh-jgzqBzvlozhnSO4N0E64TU-vrs5welk9wRAw/s6000/IMG_9743.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_VK3mdNFNTOKwTp6XCOJDoLvOrKzd1-QBvy4IJpo1dTcCqk74917cLIHtT06PHb_8R-qQOJV5SbvcVqq11M-sel9Dpb4Zng5mWl1qc8xRKpGKCnr1oKUdqLKkF-eZiq0FlRYH10BMvnrpRILaBjgFh-jgzqBzvlozhnSO4N0E64TU-vrs5welk9wRAw/w426-h640/IMG_9743.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In coastal areas it is said to be excellent in full sun, but mine in much shade is very happy. It would likely be fine this far north in full sun but evergreen shrubs for shade are valuable so I keep it in this category.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJOZw2InbMCQv5inyZLKuMMHM3Y69SlAEdZef7J37MzXZ0kpFyDqYqsLdGpMTV5ngM04pT3znL2cs3BU_JyCzEc7j-D32Z0diXy85RHqzdj0o8JovTAwtsz7ieJ6HNkVKX6tfBPBc6uViOFHXRUpxb_683YX2ypT73Leap8QfKq_9sbXABDCiCg-awe4/s6000/myrica_californica%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJOZw2InbMCQv5inyZLKuMMHM3Y69SlAEdZef7J37MzXZ0kpFyDqYqsLdGpMTV5ngM04pT3znL2cs3BU_JyCzEc7j-D32Z0diXy85RHqzdj0o8JovTAwtsz7ieJ6HNkVKX6tfBPBc6uViOFHXRUpxb_683YX2ypT73Leap8QfKq_9sbXABDCiCg-awe4/w426-h640/myrica_californica%20(2).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">While they do well in moist areas, when established they are adapted to drier conditions. It is on my top five list as it is handsome year round, has value for wildlife, fixes nitrogen in the soil to benefit its surroundings, can be sheared to shape and make denser or, in my case, left natural. It grows to be rather large so is great for screening and for inhabiting that mid-upper layer canopy, and birds love it. I've never seen diseased leaves or die off, and when heavy wet snow split the trunk in two (which I taped up), it recovered without skipping a beat. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>AUCUBA<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvDsmo0-lK2CV90UIT596XMZ5m6Ka5W42zlHKQXd9EXlvFbXBsm8pMi3KemuNUiymqSToux6fuSYBYtrm79lpv9YcQmoEsCNZv5liXNGk2OtUAFVOXwrKeJHGhaZxouR9scpMAadbLpX-ySdVwNc8TSBC9mep1Xttym4FGgGyQHyncqPmVM1ZnYNX1BY/s6000/aucuba_goldvariegatedsport.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvDsmo0-lK2CV90UIT596XMZ5m6Ka5W42zlHKQXd9EXlvFbXBsm8pMi3KemuNUiymqSToux6fuSYBYtrm79lpv9YcQmoEsCNZv5liXNGk2OtUAFVOXwrKeJHGhaZxouR9scpMAadbLpX-ySdVwNc8TSBC9mep1Xttym4FGgGyQHyncqPmVM1ZnYNX1BY/w640-h426/aucuba_goldvariegatedsport.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Aucuba japonica</i> 'Gold Variegated Sport' (from Joy Creek Nursery). Aucubas are on my top five list for shrubs for shade because they are large (though slow-growing) and tolerate dry shade. In fact, they survive in my garden with virtually no summer water (once established). They even grow in deep shade, so there's an incredible reason to grow it. They tolerate poor soil and even pollution - so perhaps pedestrian as far as flashiness goes - but oh, so very useful.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVaFEvwqJXpP_Pgzr2y7do_MLsQFc7UFHx_Uv96Kbv68e7OWxgwZyyzWHagRSIMdFTS0_lPN5fIjNADBmXVNQXPzfPSxq7vXCyI_Zja03FVcZSliO_QA8kvUUYiwrjQ58Xbojx8-0hUkA5adAYeyeM1jpptwv_ExSyA0zlvxkLsUxoWEkcSweyfwuXyw/s6000/aucuba_japonica_variegata.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVaFEvwqJXpP_Pgzr2y7do_MLsQFc7UFHx_Uv96Kbv68e7OWxgwZyyzWHagRSIMdFTS0_lPN5fIjNADBmXVNQXPzfPSxq7vXCyI_Zja03FVcZSliO_QA8kvUUYiwrjQ58Xbojx8-0hUkA5adAYeyeM1jpptwv_ExSyA0zlvxkLsUxoWEkcSweyfwuXyw/w426-h640/aucuba_japonica_variegata.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A second <i>Aucuba japonica</i> with variegation, though if this is a specific cultivar, I do not know what it is. In fact, I have had a few seedlings in the garden and half of them have some degree of variegation. In too much sun these plants' leaves turn black and drop - so really for me they are a shade shrub. Aucuba are native to woodlands in Japan and China. They can reach 10' in height, so are a good screening shrub if you can wait for this slow grower. If I regularly irrigated mine I imagine they would grow much quicker for me, but the point of having them for me is that they are drought-adapted once established.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhFf_nyXqACN3RNc2MTQPVSZK4PhHh4nMy_qzocN1QZThXH-3tyX1RIocQadYAl0u27FVpvmTZSCIIcqFJbtaA0vwRtcU2P8nNTF6In68_Agnnt0pCiPTJPEyiCnvOnXLrYuMKFav53JJ9aZHeXrPxoszx_EDUQ1VdTrqDci68JnzEhpL2YAjSfn-O9g/s6000/Aucuba%20japonica%20'Rozannie'.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhFf_nyXqACN3RNc2MTQPVSZK4PhHh4nMy_qzocN1QZThXH-3tyX1RIocQadYAl0u27FVpvmTZSCIIcqFJbtaA0vwRtcU2P8nNTF6In68_Agnnt0pCiPTJPEyiCnvOnXLrYuMKFav53JJ9aZHeXrPxoszx_EDUQ1VdTrqDci68JnzEhpL2YAjSfn-O9g/w640-h426/Aucuba%20japonica%20'Rozannie'.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i>Aucuba japonica </i>'Rozannie' is a much more compact plant at about 4' tall at maturity. It has bright red berries that persist until spring and due to its smaller size is easy to tuck into a smaller garden.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicR2Lxm9uUp5fwsknSRBXkxbxb7aMXjDEsWiXU-VAqB9x0G_hcY_2kXujm3bT4-wsgAkRDMdfRFuOXp_pLqC5y6QIt2INXNTzPR3jCEzquw8Dz3Kx93enoJVnhuhVmKTdpAD1LlRxQtoqw9ELulmO7d-H4k6AHRWDFw7V-Y8NeD2dYKYwIb2N8yurItXA/s6000/aucuba_goldvariegatedsport.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicR2Lxm9uUp5fwsknSRBXkxbxb7aMXjDEsWiXU-VAqB9x0G_hcY_2kXujm3bT4-wsgAkRDMdfRFuOXp_pLqC5y6QIt2INXNTzPR3jCEzquw8Dz3Kx93enoJVnhuhVmKTdpAD1LlRxQtoqw9ELulmO7d-H4k6AHRWDFw7V-Y8NeD2dYKYwIb2N8yurItXA/w426-h640/aucuba_goldvariegatedsport.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Flowers of <i>Aucuba japonica</i> are odd and interesting. If you need an evergreen shrub for dry, deep shade - give <i>Aucuba japonica</i> a try.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">SARCOCOCCA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40T-jTQsX1Su7fFt5E74I4Te2W78ZzYSa82ac-mYvrIgN435uEA5wx-eCNzg1V9rxCSR6aqKAtXFSNCckd-142CxhtHKKy7_SvkR3lfh_2mURtyLnhsFXwmFkcIL_d6PQF1fignIVQujSc4XFhFGRtfPiSxIaVyDfHml6-N2de1nMdIGiydQZMJxzkgw/s2048/sarcococca_purplestem.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40T-jTQsX1Su7fFt5E74I4Te2W78ZzYSa82ac-mYvrIgN435uEA5wx-eCNzg1V9rxCSR6aqKAtXFSNCckd-142CxhtHKKy7_SvkR3lfh_2mURtyLnhsFXwmFkcIL_d6PQF1fignIVQujSc4XFhFGRtfPiSxIaVyDfHml6-N2de1nMdIGiydQZMJxzkgw/w426-h640/sarcococca_purplestem.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.greatplantpicks.org/search/results" target="_blank">Sarcococca</a>s are an evergreen shrub or groundcover with a tolerance for dry shade. They also tolerate deep shade. Pictured is <a href="https://www.greatplantpicks.org/plantlists/view/1975" target="_blank"><i>Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna</i> ‘Purple Stem’ </a>which grows to about 3' tall and wide and has dark reddish stems. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32hssUV6k854FuddcFJx_KOMRXoiF6tiQgm1RUI1DOMoGsX5JRtUQYi_Qz8L2ELy99jxUIOfdxrhFyatM4kNrQX4OwRTNp7slcqy7N8zNbygZPFwqGwquSRrLxSUNZgoBliu_aIB7Bu6xFox730NfFP1OS5owMm6cTL9xGeoXzRquSkZh1nKAqwRAhUk/s2048/sarcococca_ruscifolia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32hssUV6k854FuddcFJx_KOMRXoiF6tiQgm1RUI1DOMoGsX5JRtUQYi_Qz8L2ELy99jxUIOfdxrhFyatM4kNrQX4OwRTNp7slcqy7N8zNbygZPFwqGwquSRrLxSUNZgoBliu_aIB7Bu6xFox730NfFP1OS5owMm6cTL9xGeoXzRquSkZh1nKAqwRAhUk/w640-h426/sarcococca_ruscifolia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sarcococca ruscifolia</i> reaches about 4' in height and width. Here is pictured with both ripe berries and new flowers, which are incredibly fragrant.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYX2p4tDqZKH3QPRRfoeP31hkMyIV9ZnNcKgchVgd4qR3KK8IsLw2uIq-GqNf8r3hfcgGHJ188a3sl-CfwzmI2p9-PvLYdVKjsnFai8MUD8K2CsUoRMHVZvhi-h25bwa11b-Q3OIU_RBPSzQ1Ug1-RlLD3Q5aUsnseUbvvJvuPe0keChyxUnAmbMiRxjg/s1440/sarcococca_ruscifolia_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYX2p4tDqZKH3QPRRfoeP31hkMyIV9ZnNcKgchVgd4qR3KK8IsLw2uIq-GqNf8r3hfcgGHJ188a3sl-CfwzmI2p9-PvLYdVKjsnFai8MUD8K2CsUoRMHVZvhi-h25bwa11b-Q3OIU_RBPSzQ1Ug1-RlLD3Q5aUsnseUbvvJvuPe0keChyxUnAmbMiRxjg/w640-h426/sarcococca_ruscifolia_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Berries earlier in the season are reddish.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhC3295wY2ifu6zxHePq8X7vAI6qts-JtyIuTRb9zoekVyC2vTU6q1g5rxZ78YFEqoIEu5dpywh0lQm69MhU5q12glp_ozn3_AXIBhq7XMwKIwtQhdlVRTpE9k2YO4rWHJ54dCmVWbIo73BWk-z2fSUJluZLjEO7B0_jMSV0BV9sWdplMCKGkfEGB4Pk/s2048/sarcococca_ruscifolia_flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhC3295wY2ifu6zxHePq8X7vAI6qts-JtyIuTRb9zoekVyC2vTU6q1g5rxZ78YFEqoIEu5dpywh0lQm69MhU5q12glp_ozn3_AXIBhq7XMwKIwtQhdlVRTpE9k2YO4rWHJ54dCmVWbIo73BWk-z2fSUJluZLjEO7B0_jMSV0BV9sWdplMCKGkfEGB4Pk/w640-h426/sarcococca_ruscifolia_flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sarcococca ruscifolia</i> in full bloom on a late winter day in the gardens of Joy Creek Nursery several years ago. Yes, it blooms for us in the Pacific Northwest in late winter to early spring and is a very sweet, welcome fragrance in winter.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMotSB7Mkrcf2ythomAO4tJ1xJU3Wp88xjbgChDOi1E0EEkXIEqbXmaGB5l0Uxzpsab2drKFy_uGx7xqgiFgNAqaA5UNDsKXlQnrB3SWu83ojFeik9x-18vjB8fqTNZZcIH8OujBzjRHQi_9b2_rVGC7EZVZf6d6x1-7X2Z11X5D0VjLoL9H35Gfo0Jgc/s1265/sarcococca_saligna.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="843" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMotSB7Mkrcf2ythomAO4tJ1xJU3Wp88xjbgChDOi1E0EEkXIEqbXmaGB5l0Uxzpsab2drKFy_uGx7xqgiFgNAqaA5UNDsKXlQnrB3SWu83ojFeik9x-18vjB8fqTNZZcIH8OujBzjRHQi_9b2_rVGC7EZVZf6d6x1-7X2Z11X5D0VjLoL9H35Gfo0Jgc/w426-h640/sarcococca_saligna.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is <i>Sarcococca saligna</i> in the gardens of Joy Creek Nursery as all of these photos are. The photos I have of <i>Sarcococca ruscifola, S. saligna</i> and <i>S. confusa</i> in my own garden show immature plants and are not the best photos, rather I thought it better to illustrate mature specimens. Sarcococcas are slightly slow to get growing for me, though they might be more moderate growers with more irrigation and richer soil. Mine are all a decent size now even with tough conditions. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why do I list it here as a tough, forgiving plant in my garden? It is tolerant of shade, deep shade, and dry deep shade. That should be reason enough. But wait, there's more. It is evergreen, it is fragrant and blooms at a time of the year when I need it the most. It has not been disturbed by voles or moles and really doesn't need rich soil or regular irrigation (after the first year), but it would gladly take those conditions. I've seen it pruned but it certainly doesn't need it. <a href="https://www.greatplantpicks.org/search/results" target="_blank">Five species</a> are also listed as <a href="https://www.greatplantpicks.org/" target="_blank">Great Plant Picks</a> for the Pacific Northwest. It will take part sun but don't let it burn in hotter areas. It is easy, pretty and fragrant.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>SYMPHORICARPOS<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_6lUW1yc9e6Vi9Nlr50LbXNkMMJueh8yOZ1MDi3sTjEV59a_OKXmq385EpT5nKV5g-9cnZlPk9c2Jgfjo6QvOBLOQ6C-xHgtTsHRZUXCQGNBfvW2aCh0Fobobu-eLYCmXQlxCzS405vXAOkwMsiKuvGDdMSuGrFqtlRv-QUF6W20PWBlJSjmoJhp9F0/s6000/symphoricarpos%20albus.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_6lUW1yc9e6Vi9Nlr50LbXNkMMJueh8yOZ1MDi3sTjEV59a_OKXmq385EpT5nKV5g-9cnZlPk9c2Jgfjo6QvOBLOQ6C-xHgtTsHRZUXCQGNBfvW2aCh0Fobobu-eLYCmXQlxCzS405vXAOkwMsiKuvGDdMSuGrFqtlRv-QUF6W20PWBlJSjmoJhp9F0/w640-h426/symphoricarpos%20albus.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Symphoricarpos alba</i>, common snowberry, is a native woodland spreader that has many merits. Its white berries are very sweet and persist through winter. It spreads to form thickets and is about 4' tall (though <i>Symphoricarpos mollis</i> is a little smaller at under 3'), is deciduous and handles a wide range of soil types. It will survive drought though it might look a little crunchy but, man, is it a survivor.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlAUZ11l8dK_lgKJTPvz8ra0DeHQDbkKjsPGVhhcrQBRv5YsTLeqs--fHDPJ6Yk07kLS6nzLr2FzmmGnUPlyBWpD6eP5X49P1Z9zV1n1LNdJmWRrZ9m5O5t0uoNBvvWlCDEjtPpasEZ4uSezRT6iodQ5F7yjMJQuJ7HhMrU-zv7Cc7tdYS2h3RfpR3Nc/s6000/symphoricarpos%20albus%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlAUZ11l8dK_lgKJTPvz8ra0DeHQDbkKjsPGVhhcrQBRv5YsTLeqs--fHDPJ6Yk07kLS6nzLr2FzmmGnUPlyBWpD6eP5X49P1Z9zV1n1LNdJmWRrZ9m5O5t0uoNBvvWlCDEjtPpasEZ4uSezRT6iodQ5F7yjMJQuJ7HhMrU-zv7Cc7tdYS2h3RfpR3Nc/w426-h640/symphoricarpos%20albus%20(3).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is ubiquitous throughout forests in the Pacific Northwest. Its berries also make for fun floral arrangements in winter.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj232tRQSvsBJ8AT3w7j5nzbNyFt0GCZBn4mIZQuu1OO9kehsdtwro6-_ghyfBsVAKcEV3YQhOtbITHTpoXJE4FdFFbv3MaZas3Um88MC8sfxpbveZcX6Oe5P08C20PwaArF95ewM1ceAKa9nmI5oOD4jzwXS7nyGayuzyp2bRrWn6MD3pxJB-CzUky7Wc/s6000/Symphoricarpos%20albus%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj232tRQSvsBJ8AT3w7j5nzbNyFt0GCZBn4mIZQuu1OO9kehsdtwro6-_ghyfBsVAKcEV3YQhOtbITHTpoXJE4FdFFbv3MaZas3Um88MC8sfxpbveZcX6Oe5P08C20PwaArF95ewM1ceAKa9nmI5oOD4jzwXS7nyGayuzyp2bRrWn6MD3pxJB-CzUky7Wc/w640-h426/Symphoricarpos%20albus%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I regularly observe hummingbirds flocking to its tiny flowers, an unexpected flower choice but they do. It is all over in my western woodland garden and while it has a lot of great qualities, it does indeed spread like crazy so it is not for a small garden where plants could be swallowed up by this beast.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPVG6S7040Zu95RJHU6Yh7xkudlqZV3w524FdfFcJ-XPDgKbDFpLfZHcJKLcCVMOTuFE5E_dnOeBuys-Qy1q2FkD_jxPI2LE3dsmpQF1m5acf8SeHbeG0d1DeKUYTg3MUewfXb5DjUfCiDRLuM2hgdhbfbcc3JtWnaCCQXNAc9mHynvm-DDFp2TO-CxA/s5184/Symphoricarpos%20albus.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPVG6S7040Zu95RJHU6Yh7xkudlqZV3w524FdfFcJ-XPDgKbDFpLfZHcJKLcCVMOTuFE5E_dnOeBuys-Qy1q2FkD_jxPI2LE3dsmpQF1m5acf8SeHbeG0d1DeKUYTg3MUewfXb5DjUfCiDRLuM2hgdhbfbcc3JtWnaCCQXNAc9mHynvm-DDFp2TO-CxA/w640-h480/Symphoricarpos%20albus.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A rather large patch of it grows very hardily under a big leaf maple tree. This is mid-winter, its berries are a most welcome site adding interest and forage for birds, though it is often the last berry they will eat when they are desperate. It also serves as cover for many birds, most notably towhees where I suspect they nest.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2zNSmmYNxCviaH4jecoLZLBrm2uWs7zeNGYMyBF9Tr1yZzap3HZeDpu2EIwERyvqmTfyQgBDQzLSArOQlLS-DAjgcef-hwdZGh1hNOATOYxoyqpJxfiXgsi18bu8I7t4jxOnjRBGPyIce6l7R7Qs2r3-UgpHR_FvPNR53DwIwni6-R6C8obNDadKUeg/s6000/symphoricarpos%20albus%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2zNSmmYNxCviaH4jecoLZLBrm2uWs7zeNGYMyBF9Tr1yZzap3HZeDpu2EIwERyvqmTfyQgBDQzLSArOQlLS-DAjgcef-hwdZGh1hNOATOYxoyqpJxfiXgsi18bu8I7t4jxOnjRBGPyIce6l7R7Qs2r3-UgpHR_FvPNR53DwIwni6-R6C8obNDadKUeg/w426-h640/symphoricarpos%20albus%20(2).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There is sometimes a little yellow coloration in autumn, though not every year. This particular patch is in full sun and does fine. One more thing to add about this deciduous, spreading, suckering shrub is that I have observed some plants around it aren't as robust as they should be. It is suggested that they could indeed have allelopathic properties - meaning growth of surrounding plants is inhibited by chemicals in an allelopathic plant. Perhaps this trait could be used to an advantage - plant these to potentially thwart invasive blackberry, for example. Just a thought.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>GAULTHERIA<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxn0eSF4b7_ivDgqpNtvDX2tN4MYded3NBHpMUTO40SlgSFgGXpL0EbKpzCnbHxefS5KEf_k6xggDzK-3Y2WHX6Yyc58PnRAOv57lC5tHXQWXIAJD8pVk2jr1M5I6UYogWUllKWzmWDR9eqzInBblGUsOjOWHU84Daqlc2iEt8_UZLjGKOc_eVmCsI1CA/s6000/gaultheria_shallon.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxn0eSF4b7_ivDgqpNtvDX2tN4MYded3NBHpMUTO40SlgSFgGXpL0EbKpzCnbHxefS5KEf_k6xggDzK-3Y2WHX6Yyc58PnRAOv57lC5tHXQWXIAJD8pVk2jr1M5I6UYogWUllKWzmWDR9eqzInBblGUsOjOWHU84Daqlc2iEt8_UZLjGKOc_eVmCsI1CA/w640-h426/gaultheria_shallon.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Bonus plant! How could I possibly leave out <i>Gaultheria shallon</i>? It is evergreen, soft-leaved, has fabulous (edible!) berries, spreads to fill in gaps and never needs irrigation. Our native salal as it's commonly known, is so pretty and so welcome in my garden. It asks nothing of me and like so many on this list looks great year-round. I honestly wouldn't have a shade garden without it. It is found on the Pacific coast from Alaska to California. In shade it can get quite tall at about 6' or so but in sun stays much shorter. It grows especially well on the coast (especially in California where inland it would fry), but in my garden it grows in both sun and shade, preferring (and looking prettier) in shade.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Again, Osmanthus and <i>Lonicera nitida</i> should be on this list and they are for me. They are both adapted to sun as well, being versatile and useful plants. Osmanthus are not totally hardy for many people but they have been sturdy shrubs in my 7b-(ish) garden. Lonicera is fabulous and can be pruned to any number of shapes including hedges. I for one think both are incredibly useful and pretty shrubs for a variety of situations. <i>Vaccinium ovatum</i>, our evergreen huckleberry, is also excellent, evergreen, provides food for critters and is pretty. It is just so slow to grow for me. I have read criticism that if it doesn't grow at a good rate then I'm doing something wrong or it's not happy. I'm here to tell you I have it planted in many different areas of my garden and all of it is slow growing. I've given it lots of water, little water, rich soil, poor soil, under trees, away from trees, with groundcover underneath, without groundcover and it's just slow. For me. Period. And that's ok, I still love it and wouldn't do without.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This list is likely to change in the future, but my selections are solid now, having withstood a myriad of challenges over many years. I pointed this out in the last post - that while these are my selections for my garden - your list will likely differ. You may not be able to grow some or any of these, but I think it's worthwhile to get the conversation rolling and to share information. As far as deer and rabbit resistance, I do not have any experience with this as our property is surrounded with a deer fence. If you have experience one way or another, feel free to share your information. Also, as a reader asked last time, fire resistance is something to consider. I am not familiar enough with what is and is not fire resistant, but it is something to learn about.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With that spirit, thank you for reading and commenting. We do love hearing from you and hearing what has done exceptionally well for you in your shade gardens. Happy Gardening from all of us at Chickadee Gardens!</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-18952896965724050952023-09-14T07:00:00.615-07:002023-09-14T20:09:31.362-07:00Take Five: Forgiving Shrubs for Sun<div style="text-align: center;"> A friend of mine recently used the phrase "moving target" to describe the boundaries of what thrives in our gardens. Another used the phrase "climate change laboratories" to describe what our gardens have become. As I am still steadfastly stubborn as hell and refuse to give up my gardening goals, I am in search of what hits the target. Plants that, thus far, have provided beauty, habitat, health and vigor to the garden throughout the past eight years (and beyond). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While at one time I may have been more willing to go to great lengths to care for a plant, those efforts are often thwarted by climate extremes. For example, I sincerely believe that some of the long-term effects of record high 116 degrees in 2021 are only now beginning to manifest. Issues are arising. My willingness to care for plants is still there, but it's spread thin as my energies are required elsewhere in the form of clean-up, fixing, re-doing parts of the garden that have seen the worst of it. No time to baby every plant. But, not all is grim. There are still options. While this may change in the future, from what I observe today, these are some serious winners in my little plant world.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here then is a short list of five of the most resilient shrubs for sun in my garden today. I will also write posts about shrubs for shade and of perennials to round out a quick and dirty "take five" series for 2023. We all love plants and we all want successes. These are mine. And while you may live in a different region and/or these may or may not do well for you, I think it's important to get the conversation going and share information. We're all in this climate-change laboratory together.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">ARCTOSTAPHYLOS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6ogVSOAwwiH7w0xFuPkgqNwZTuWkSDkPKUhwfu7k5_o15rT6blJJz24635GF3vUbw-8yXxlpcZ3BV1VNsSnRESOxXRDrWQBfX9FOYze1852ta0P7kD58ITKqLKIzGpASxCG2IdPdCLeK1i-reVf5IbxRr74Uq-4VpszAy3sdh96XpaV5s1992QnzGlI/s6000/arctostaphylos_pumila.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6ogVSOAwwiH7w0xFuPkgqNwZTuWkSDkPKUhwfu7k5_o15rT6blJJz24635GF3vUbw-8yXxlpcZ3BV1VNsSnRESOxXRDrWQBfX9FOYze1852ta0P7kD58ITKqLKIzGpASxCG2IdPdCLeK1i-reVf5IbxRr74Uq-4VpszAy3sdh96XpaV5s1992QnzGlI/w640-h426/arctostaphylos_pumila.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The arctos! The arctos! Arctostaphylos are, for certain, the best of the best. Now I know not everyone across the US and beyond can successfully grow these, but if you can, you should. Evergreen shrubs, small trees and in the case of a few small ones, groundcovers, if grown well are incredibly rewarding. What I mean by "grown well" is that they want great drainage, unamended soil, air circulation and water at the appropriate time. Like any plant they need water to get established, just don't do it in the heat of the day. Hot plus wet soil = disaster. Let them dry out between waterings if in a container. Water them in the cool of the morning, on an overcast day or in the cool of the evening if they indeed do require it. An established plant does fine with what falls from the sky, so no summer irrigation required. That is an excellent point. I use gravel or rocks for a mulch for it helps keep the leaves clean by preventing splash on soils that might have pathogens. It has worked well in my garden. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pictured is <i>Arctostaphylos pumila</i>, one of my favorites. It is a shrub form at about 5' tall and wide, one of the first to bloom in late winter. I don't think these are particularly suited to the "limbing up" to expose branches, rather they look smart as a rounded shrub.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTlZc5pMS1n2gavj3N09plP4WUBcEKJ2YJEm80VuQ3M_bdz14puhqQ3fvwiNJ7W_6wtNLZrOxp4q3SzbrzfwuiyUi99u7Vu7ewqmgcCbJUT691LbDvzwGqGTmgg8a7u2v8kkgmOShw1uPdC9F3vH_B_mYvVWChSzehBNm67rZy_ay-UASwkYYM2sX3HE/s6000/arctostaphylos_pacificmist.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTlZc5pMS1n2gavj3N09plP4WUBcEKJ2YJEm80VuQ3M_bdz14puhqQ3fvwiNJ7W_6wtNLZrOxp4q3SzbrzfwuiyUi99u7Vu7ewqmgcCbJUT691LbDvzwGqGTmgg8a7u2v8kkgmOShw1uPdC9F3vH_B_mYvVWChSzehBNm67rZy_ay-UASwkYYM2sX3HE/w640-h426/arctostaphylos_pacificmist.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The lower growing form is <i>Arctostaphylos</i> 'Pacific Mist', a great low spreading plant with rather blue-ish foliage. It tolerates some shade. Above it is a more green-leaved <i>Arctostaphylos</i> 'Harmony', more upright, although my specimen tends to lean southward.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rauHMrDqr3SHwwBcfsw3ybFy8WB1ObP2Y-TWBWv_ebGDlvjUm6_OuzazFeHKAXbqgDC-j8NbbFnapS9V0YxXJExyFM6hdd0KKsE3PHnTq77BX9zSvWSy5QJ6mRVfTaOwYDPMCY3dkfaEx77USovKChjIH-NIQcnfIXssAeRZnF-4Z8MbbLix1j-3Yb8/s6000/arctostaphylos_sainthelena%20(6).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rauHMrDqr3SHwwBcfsw3ybFy8WB1ObP2Y-TWBWv_ebGDlvjUm6_OuzazFeHKAXbqgDC-j8NbbFnapS9V0YxXJExyFM6hdd0KKsE3PHnTq77BX9zSvWSy5QJ6mRVfTaOwYDPMCY3dkfaEx77USovKChjIH-NIQcnfIXssAeRZnF-4Z8MbbLix1j-3Yb8/w640-h426/arctostaphylos_sainthelena%20(6).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another reason to love this West Coast native plant is its exfoliating bark. It also provides an important early source of sustenance for our native bees in its very early flowers. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyq0eXFJ7qBXQ-le8Jo7wPK_3nws-q7nsPfuOaLOm32nKw-OJfNT3NDi5qszoA66I3xwyF9iA3oPMNzhHAAeq9CoF28zbMC5H4cS5H14CmButl5TG1yy9b_siuibOZQwy5QCRYGX9lvl4Adx-k0mevPkhYAcye-xQLGc6wdk2FfFUYRQu349tQCyHi1M8/s6000/arctostaphylos_sentinel.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyq0eXFJ7qBXQ-le8Jo7wPK_3nws-q7nsPfuOaLOm32nKw-OJfNT3NDi5qszoA66I3xwyF9iA3oPMNzhHAAeq9CoF28zbMC5H4cS5H14CmButl5TG1yy9b_siuibOZQwy5QCRYGX9lvl4Adx-k0mevPkhYAcye-xQLGc6wdk2FfFUYRQu349tQCyHi1M8/w640-h426/arctostaphylos_sentinel.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the left is <i>Arctostaphylos</i> 'Sentinel' and on the right is <i>Arctostaphylos manzanita </i>'Saint Helena'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also in my garden but not pictured here are:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A x</i> . 'Austin Griffiths'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A. bakeri </i>'Louis Edmunds'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A. x densiflora</i> 'Howard McMinn'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A. uva-ursi</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Arctostaphylos silvicola</i> 'Ghostly'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Arctostaphylos x densiflora</i> 'John Dourley'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Arctostaphylos auriculata.</i> 'Knobcone Point'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A. glauca</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few great sources for plants are <a href="https://cistus.com/" target="_blank">Cistus Nursery</a>, <a href="https://xeraplants.com/" target="_blank">Xera Plants</a>, <a href="https://dancingoaks.com/" target="_blank">Dancing Oaks Nursery</a>, <a href="https://www.laspilitas.com/" target="_blank">Las Pilitas Nursery,</a> <a href="https://onegreenworld.com/" target="_blank">One Green World</a>, among many others. Feel free to chime in on the comments section if you know of others.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BACCHARIS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOo_CvW15JhkM-tjiKJSTwEi2hUuUYt9s9uJzzlw8P2DcHzEMTDfgSfyDJnqpoMZBtjSfMdbm91AtSRg6CXdKCXRWaOBwQudu43BGMnUqUFUOmhaOksHGezHZJ1cxEgty5ZdqTHnEOTPMDH2V_1oB1tuy3rN8Bm7mBUvR1cgRhGW1dQjKrRgRDv3teFU/s6000/baccharis%20pilularis.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOo_CvW15JhkM-tjiKJSTwEi2hUuUYt9s9uJzzlw8P2DcHzEMTDfgSfyDJnqpoMZBtjSfMdbm91AtSRg6CXdKCXRWaOBwQudu43BGMnUqUFUOmhaOksHGezHZJ1cxEgty5ZdqTHnEOTPMDH2V_1oB1tuy3rN8Bm7mBUvR1cgRhGW1dQjKrRgRDv3teFU/w640-h426/baccharis%20pilularis.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This sad looking specimen is <i>Baccharis pilularis, </i>coyote bush, one of many species in this genus. This one, another evergreen shrub for sun, is so forgiving that when many branches broke off in a late season ice storm a couple of years ago, it got pruned to what you see here. Ouch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHurXKzkj32YkgaSf5xtlFg0Jl4RRRsxvAcAlZYk4WV-y6-CUecVmxMir2OFFeiIEkNrTTNk0hXtODGh9ZMDnPQHohnsiuaSmijybuP9Uka2tefIg1gP2lE_P0yjPh-Q201A6WlfHKe07lHEwMXLS8p8WWTp_bmbMFCgTgw8_QMdm5H3bgjw3OvYYX33I/s6000/baccharis%20pilularis.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHurXKzkj32YkgaSf5xtlFg0Jl4RRRsxvAcAlZYk4WV-y6-CUecVmxMir2OFFeiIEkNrTTNk0hXtODGh9ZMDnPQHohnsiuaSmijybuP9Uka2tefIg1gP2lE_P0yjPh-Q201A6WlfHKe07lHEwMXLS8p8WWTp_bmbMFCgTgw8_QMdm5H3bgjw3OvYYX33I/w640-h426/baccharis%20pilularis.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fast forward a mere two or three months later to this, the same plant indeed. It wins the award for most forgiving and quickest to recover a hard prune. Not bad for an evergreen shrub that receives zero supplemental water. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpOPzsMjqd6bvG5qz0JOaN1eteuslam_BKZBpVbpbohSum7fSAamJ9ZaWOJZSxKb28MjmCcjwBiUax5H-bt-Er3tWZY3wULmNdyiz5vUcdRsgXT28-CuUIb6qXR2lP0XP1thnA7mqbTPNWteU1a9wXWXYc_TYy_JDIc2mBFHZtVOIT4OghSOi2D_Khk8/s6000/Baccharis%20pilularis%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpOPzsMjqd6bvG5qz0JOaN1eteuslam_BKZBpVbpbohSum7fSAamJ9ZaWOJZSxKb28MjmCcjwBiUax5H-bt-Er3tWZY3wULmNdyiz5vUcdRsgXT28-CuUIb6qXR2lP0XP1thnA7mqbTPNWteU1a9wXWXYc_TYy_JDIc2mBFHZtVOIT4OghSOi2D_Khk8/w426-h640/Baccharis%20pilularis%20(3).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Its odd little flowers are a treat for pollinators. In addition to <i>B. pilularis</i>, I have a few other smaller species waiting to go into the ground this autumn when the rains arrive. So, besides the massive pruning this plant received after bad winter damage, I have done nothing to it and it generally looks good, makes up a part of a screening hedge at the edge of our property, so is excellent for hedgerows and sunny, difficult sites. It may not be glamorous enough as a specimen plant, it has its place in my garden.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know of two sources for this shrub - <a href="https://cistus.com/" target="_blank">Cistus Nursery</a> and <a href="https://www.boskydellnatives.com/" target="_blank">Bosky Dell Natives</a>, although there are certainly others out there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">JUNIPERUS</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytRsq2bdEKZc8Tq3paCJdlp2Q9ZBUe1SXBMENquezE7LSd-ZSA_IyostgbwtwjQ1y8HXgDGQYtjnGT9dN251AqdQnyLBijQq6JDNpr1MqHYzCXx6C6MoNmGm84N3d01dzj752-aPT7YJArF0_qhe4WzvwJuJ_2gbNnTLpAlD856QNWJc8DjEPK7ZS_bU/s6000/Juniperus%20conferta%20'Blue%20Pacific'%20(4).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytRsq2bdEKZc8Tq3paCJdlp2Q9ZBUe1SXBMENquezE7LSd-ZSA_IyostgbwtwjQ1y8HXgDGQYtjnGT9dN251AqdQnyLBijQq6JDNpr1MqHYzCXx6C6MoNmGm84N3d01dzj752-aPT7YJArF0_qhe4WzvwJuJ_2gbNnTLpAlD856QNWJc8DjEPK7ZS_bU/w640-h426/Juniperus%20conferta%20'Blue%20Pacific'%20(4).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Junipers are kind of a sleeper plant. They aren't very exciting when small but once settled in and mature they look great and are such tough survivors. I never water them and they keep on looking great with no issues of winter damage nor summer burn. This is <i>Juiperus conferta</i> 'Blue Pacific', a low, spreading form that winds its way around other plants without smothering them. I also have <i>Juniperus communis</i> 'Hoodview' from Xera Plants and it is very similar in both appearance and toughness.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqlir-3XRAEhjCwBX560g4QJ5oWaZ8dz23yE2z7y62Gnl9zykU1PocUupjwNnWBSMoA1IK4H4Eyt-RAooHlFQMZejFhZBuThQLe7pIPwQA4PHZZV8-ardexnxgv5xY6aEOp2cDvPWnu5aplp3XJjqJlJIWun8GS8JoAhj2D8guewzXYxLqm1D-x5FS7A/s6000/juniperus_communis_compressa%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqlir-3XRAEhjCwBX560g4QJ5oWaZ8dz23yE2z7y62Gnl9zykU1PocUupjwNnWBSMoA1IK4H4Eyt-RAooHlFQMZejFhZBuThQLe7pIPwQA4PHZZV8-ardexnxgv5xY6aEOp2cDvPWnu5aplp3XJjqJlJIWun8GS8JoAhj2D8guewzXYxLqm1D-x5FS7A/w426-h640/juniperus_communis_compressa%20(2).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An upright version, <i>Juniperus communis</i> 'Compressa' gets a little larger and a lot better every year. I have not featured either of these on the blog much, but that's not for lack of beauty and ease of care, just not that exciting to most eyes. I finally decided these, after many years of neglect and drought but with consistently great looks, are worthy of featuring. Fairly easy to find, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">LEPTOSPERMUM</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH4Bx88Eb0SAuOwZEL1wYW4y50ITVMb3XQbZa1HlgbQCn1zXP4WbqOk2LP8ACADhScdIkipdV4ERmbESj_hKr-9RhHEYhfO5_DWqTIN9NuIDDSPMdr_lTgR9D4fSsQtpSnl-JrP4tAVB0nClirCn7VxKY3Cf7BIPCFTrDwzrf0V6MczVUPkL2Q4P1U8U/s6000/Leptospermum%20namadgiensis%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH4Bx88Eb0SAuOwZEL1wYW4y50ITVMb3XQbZa1HlgbQCn1zXP4WbqOk2LP8ACADhScdIkipdV4ERmbESj_hKr-9RhHEYhfO5_DWqTIN9NuIDDSPMdr_lTgR9D4fSsQtpSnl-JrP4tAVB0nClirCn7VxKY3Cf7BIPCFTrDwzrf0V6MczVUPkL2Q4P1U8U/w640-h426/Leptospermum%20namadgiensis%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tea trees or leptospermum are evergreen shrubs and small trees native to Australia, New Zealand and parts of Southeast Asia. There are some 90 species of this plant, many of which are well-suited to the West Coast garden palette. The honey that comes from visiting bees is known as Manuka honey.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pictured is <i>Leptospermum namadgiensis</i> in a rather dry part of the garden pictured last autumn. I have seen it listed as growing to 6 - 8' tall, however my specimen is only about 4' tall and that's just perfect for me. Never receiving summer water (occasionally from surrounding plants but never directly), it has proven to be very drought adapted (once established). </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLxAaa-zK6C_zYTNdKnQOyoAbgGMEGhC8YxEIOlceQuxLUAWacXgpU0w1gByC8ExRBDMnS9-21ZIGWSo21V161M7tLH9SwlFea39l6nQT9VPf6ughzmnF777g2PhCeKFfipI6v0Sp3ShTE2QHfGGSPQRrpb7m9SpzdQ8PphjDQej8yxAAyI2ghQAnezY/s6000/Leptospermum%20namadgiensis%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLxAaa-zK6C_zYTNdKnQOyoAbgGMEGhC8YxEIOlceQuxLUAWacXgpU0w1gByC8ExRBDMnS9-21ZIGWSo21V161M7tLH9SwlFea39l6nQT9VPf6ughzmnF777g2PhCeKFfipI6v0Sp3ShTE2QHfGGSPQRrpb7m9SpzdQ8PphjDQej8yxAAyI2ghQAnezY/w640-h426/Leptospermum%20namadgiensis%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Detail of its rather lovely foliage and flowers. I have propagated a few to add more to other parts of the garden, it's so good.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilomYnZDOoGElOMo4HJ6djVFmFsUcTdrnk9kYbUG-H1j1-flRG3wCZl3KKn4U535IpJuZ1xzu3rcbyI48nyFpPxUbglswN9iM7vAdcUJjS-lmATBDXP36PM5gt0LtK75gCQ7b6eU-2nbJfepWzf2x4C16UXBo9nOdpa6fkirVFIVa3C_frdaMfdbQA1Y/s5023/leptospermum_grandiflorum%20(4).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5023" data-original-width="3817" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilomYnZDOoGElOMo4HJ6djVFmFsUcTdrnk9kYbUG-H1j1-flRG3wCZl3KKn4U535IpJuZ1xzu3rcbyI48nyFpPxUbglswN9iM7vAdcUJjS-lmATBDXP36PM5gt0LtK75gCQ7b6eU-2nbJfepWzf2x4C16UXBo9nOdpa6fkirVFIVa3C_frdaMfdbQA1Y/w486-h640/leptospermum_grandiflorum%20(4).JPG" width="486" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Leptospermum grandiflorum</i> is another drought-adapted species for me - it is much larger than the former, however. It is great as part of a mixed hedge/hedgerow in a sunny site.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOiIfbl1IG9Z4PeNbC0TqlH_RWuquLEqOww1EKuxVacom-amBOupjUsS-qnAMaVN7y-ugnq-B-Ps_LZ_P2LG6JLw5bnPiEXIDS2O2LE-4H9BUfemx5Kg-wPf4F0d08pCd7k4zDtl7fb20-k9vLazeF0Sevo0h8cVwIWCCht2xWfyrULVMzfb12Je6d-k/s6000/Leptospermum%20humifusum%20prostrate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOiIfbl1IG9Z4PeNbC0TqlH_RWuquLEqOww1EKuxVacom-amBOupjUsS-qnAMaVN7y-ugnq-B-Ps_LZ_P2LG6JLw5bnPiEXIDS2O2LE-4H9BUfemx5Kg-wPf4F0d08pCd7k4zDtl7fb20-k9vLazeF0Sevo0h8cVwIWCCht2xWfyrULVMzfb12Je6d-k/w640-h426/Leptospermum%20humifusum%20prostrate.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A rather unusual species, <i>Leptospermum humifusum</i> (prostrate form) from <a href="https://www.desertnorthwest.com/index.html" target="_blank">Desert Northwest Nursery</a>. It is still relatively small and was planted here several years ago to eventually drape down the retaining wall. While it hasn't reached that goal it is certainly charming and has withstood all manner of plant hardships, including being planted next to a concrete wall that doesn't drain.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few other leptospermum in the garden but not pictured are <i>Leptospermum lanigerum</i> 'Silver Form', <i>Leptospermum scoparium</i> 'Red Ensign' (new this year) and I plan on adding <i>Leptospermum sericeum</i> and <i>Leptospermum scoparium</i> 'Washington Park' this autumn.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few sources for leptos are <a href="https://xeraplants.com/" target="_blank">Xera Plants</a>, <a href="https://cistus.com/" target="_blank">Cistus Nurser</a> and <a href="https://www.farreachesfarm.com/default.asp" target="_blank">Far Reaches Farm</a> among others.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">SPIRAEA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVojSxcMvHOFDE9fUdfr3p2jctpBzj-BiTOqVJXr_Xpiw9BS-Mdy0Q8c9o3rlwtWx-B83J8Z6DPUmMrLxgiwU85imxa9DdzzrB1V-AwBpklk5l5j9AUjTyyHJnqAMwIalaiqaUI6VrW38AB3k46d8JjDZZjOel1zTxH_up9TdG3NGiCyRokbe1yU7wN3g/s6000/spiraea_ogon%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVojSxcMvHOFDE9fUdfr3p2jctpBzj-BiTOqVJXr_Xpiw9BS-Mdy0Q8c9o3rlwtWx-B83J8Z6DPUmMrLxgiwU85imxa9DdzzrB1V-AwBpklk5l5j9AUjTyyHJnqAMwIalaiqaUI6VrW38AB3k46d8JjDZZjOel1zTxH_up9TdG3NGiCyRokbe1yU7wN3g/w640-h426/spiraea_ogon%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, the ever-boring, readily available spiraea. Not boring to me, however. I do love them so! Why? They are some of the last to lose their foliage in autumn (or winter) and among the first to burst forth with activity in late winter. They never ask for water in even the driest of summers, although they seem delicate. Their flowers can be bright gaudy pink or subtle white shades and the variety in this genus is excellent. Many have outstanding autumn coloration of their leaves. They don't seem to outgrow their spaces and can be pruned pretty hard if they do get a little leggy. They don't seem to have any special soil requirements and survive whatever winter breakage their stems might suffer (though, breakage has been rare for me). Pictured is <i>Spiraea thunbergii</i> 'Ogon' in a warm greenish yellow tone. It shows up so well against other foliage colors, I should have this everywhere.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8aK5uTKSgOZY9swOFJ0iST0dTWIO2goX0lYMxvUKKQI-g5oyHa4IxfuJ0fWwnAVy13D-1q2s6UaFB0GBGS7V_R_bkMwmO0LiRNqkilVf_BJ_trreJOJ2mgjGAslDVZDf3RrjkDcOkxjVoS3XJnI3exE_GxRfhj7jpbfGw2_9HQgKar47Q83Jhk2gssE/s6000/spiraea_ogon%20(4).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8aK5uTKSgOZY9swOFJ0iST0dTWIO2goX0lYMxvUKKQI-g5oyHa4IxfuJ0fWwnAVy13D-1q2s6UaFB0GBGS7V_R_bkMwmO0LiRNqkilVf_BJ_trreJOJ2mgjGAslDVZDf3RrjkDcOkxjVoS3XJnI3exE_GxRfhj7jpbfGw2_9HQgKar47Q83Jhk2gssE/w640-h426/spiraea_ogon%20(4).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The same shrub pictured in late winter with both flowers and new foliage emerging simultaneously. This is only completely bare in mid-winter for a couple of weeks, the rest of the year foliage and/or flowers are present.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOEVeFoOTCCjTo2pqGbtUdMSpKzdIj-Jr4FLCeOzGbtYynminIxibWX2laQ22FOQEl4df3VJ96YaO4u_7HUP-Sjnf2ak1gCC_7M9AGVfSbz0cWZUk8vlt286WhzGdavPGe7Mcw2M62bp3vxhKlxmpnaiEBQ5D7VYgvI4MP9lDmAehAYvuBsQQEu1oL2Q/s6000/spiraea_douglasii.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOEVeFoOTCCjTo2pqGbtUdMSpKzdIj-Jr4FLCeOzGbtYynminIxibWX2laQ22FOQEl4df3VJ96YaO4u_7HUP-Sjnf2ak1gCC_7M9AGVfSbz0cWZUk8vlt286WhzGdavPGe7Mcw2M62bp3vxhKlxmpnaiEBQ5D7VYgvI4MP9lDmAehAYvuBsQQEu1oL2Q/w640-h426/spiraea_douglasii.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Spiraea douglasii</i>, our native "hardhack" shrub with cheerful terminal clusters of pink flowers. This is a large one at about 6' tall, really pretty at the back of the border, but it can spread and overpower other plants so plant accordingly. It grows wild along waterways in our region and is an excellent choice for a rain garden. I have several of these in a wild area that I allow to grow as large and as wide as is possible. I forget about them, actually, so they never receive summer water and are adapted beautifully even though I see them in wet areas in the wild as mentioned. A fantastic no-fuss hedgerow or wild garden plant, it asks nothing of me and gives a lot, especially to pollinators when in bloom.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FfCjcSFZGjJU-6ddW2YsJ9LPZR5IsWogLF2VOKWQYxhQ53NCKDDovSC12h6MbMcsB0gPxhjs1c6Mn8WoRpn4ZQw98op5CC5HiwVswDThFQNbH83920BKIXVVX_Q-qwhFa2gxlVU-jkd7KUihE27uTcEgdiPa42m3A6qxVs6aVttjV7GPpxBZWc5ckHs/s6000/spiraea_betulifolia%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FfCjcSFZGjJU-6ddW2YsJ9LPZR5IsWogLF2VOKWQYxhQ53NCKDDovSC12h6MbMcsB0gPxhjs1c6Mn8WoRpn4ZQw98op5CC5HiwVswDThFQNbH83920BKIXVVX_Q-qwhFa2gxlVU-jkd7KUihE27uTcEgdiPa42m3A6qxVs6aVttjV7GPpxBZWc5ckHs/w640-h426/spiraea_betulifolia%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you all tired of me harping on about <i>Spiraea betulifolia var. lucida</i> yet? This is another native spiraea but much smaller at about 2 - 3' tall and wide with white umbelliferous flowers. Its water requirements are low once established, however it takes and appreciates water.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEn0T1-pPl_0XGCIqepH-ZW-E-KboDnZkIr1a96M_lfAsqZ06kzkJKXFskIaZj5xPRsK9nGUUj8hAS3PYSUweR4EyGwzFznfhvyoAlUy8lRIZrODxKAwbVoTmO2WxPApSfxjafG0iGOaE93oDJ8y2eONXDeYjfoof7d732GR7KVzVzegUe_7dT5VW-YMo/s6000/spiraea_betulifolia%20(6).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEn0T1-pPl_0XGCIqepH-ZW-E-KboDnZkIr1a96M_lfAsqZ06kzkJKXFskIaZj5xPRsK9nGUUj8hAS3PYSUweR4EyGwzFznfhvyoAlUy8lRIZrODxKAwbVoTmO2WxPApSfxjafG0iGOaE93oDJ8y2eONXDeYjfoof7d732GR7KVzVzegUe_7dT5VW-YMo/w640-h426/spiraea_betulifolia%20(6).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It also has fantastic autumn coloring so is a three-season plant. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUZL0rJ9RS5h0lV7pZLCGLl5XaUkDmQWGVv66xBR-zjOEO5MXhxqt8hogGVPy_ggotfDXcKEGQq5tMTI8G9vbRFxX-Nk5pzHuMajjFIJPupLhoa0WBeE63gXyLder6bIT4UMAvsk4dM6EK7giat8UhD-eknwY_csnQc9InjEel7bKsMHknU9nrnZe51A/s6000/spiraea_betulifolia%20(7).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUZL0rJ9RS5h0lV7pZLCGLl5XaUkDmQWGVv66xBR-zjOEO5MXhxqt8hogGVPy_ggotfDXcKEGQq5tMTI8G9vbRFxX-Nk5pzHuMajjFIJPupLhoa0WBeE63gXyLder6bIT4UMAvsk4dM6EK7giat8UhD-eknwY_csnQc9InjEel7bKsMHknU9nrnZe51A/w426-h640/spiraea_betulifolia%20(7).JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So pretty! This, like other spiraeas can also take some shade but I think the best coloration is when they are sited in more sun. Because of its relatively small size it is easy to tuck into even the smallest garden. I purchased mine from <a href="http://www.echovalleynatives.com/" target="_blank">Echo Valley Natives</a> years ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQUxmFf06WMkJX-axndTf_qI_mUfULJTr1sjp_YCrljABIGl6kKt2zIfmD4C5-I_nChYSoKRXPj5RMy3SGguhbULOSeCIhyJMicKQ_N00vCkMA1MA9vg8E1RAZM81A4y7EQoUkYdM7Ja8ZNhZjSPojPf72lUC6q_076OfwN0L5tI5rHrGWqNIWDU7T_8/s6000/spiraea.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQUxmFf06WMkJX-axndTf_qI_mUfULJTr1sjp_YCrljABIGl6kKt2zIfmD4C5-I_nChYSoKRXPj5RMy3SGguhbULOSeCIhyJMicKQ_N00vCkMA1MA9vg8E1RAZM81A4y7EQoUkYdM7Ja8ZNhZjSPojPf72lUC6q_076OfwN0L5tI5rHrGWqNIWDU7T_8/w640-h426/spiraea.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Spiraeas also do well in some shade. This is <i>Spiraea japonica</i> 'Dart's Red' in quite a bit of shade and it still has some nice foliage coloration pictured here towards the end of autumn.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While there are many more shrubs for sun that are fantastic and resilient, these five genera have had really no issues, no weird dieback, no diseases I can detect, are low maintenance (if any) and don't require pruning. I mean cotinus or smokebushes for example are nearly on this list (and for sure a favorite with very low water requirements, great autumn coloration), however a couple have had some possible verticillium wilt die back on random branches. While the shrub recovered and looks great, I am mindful to watch for this disease again so there's a little extra maintenance to consider for my own garden.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few others that are good in some sun to partial shade that deserve mention are <i>Lonicera nitida</i> and its cultivars. I have <i>Lonicera nitida </i>'Red Tips', 'Lemon Beauty', 'Twiggy', 'Baggesen's Gold', 'Silver Beauty' and 'Briloni'. They are evergreen, easily clipped into whatever shape you wish, tolerate shade too, require no special soil nor amendments, require no supplemental water in my garden.<i> Abelia</i> 'Francis Mason' is also evergreen, easily pruned if needed, no extra summer water, no special requirements and always looks great. Osmanthus should flat out be on this list but I've reached the limit of five. I also understand some folks find they are not entirely hardy, however in my 7b (I err on the side of caution with my USDA zones) they have been entirely hardy, evergreen, so pretty year-round, very forgiving of any number of soil types and water requirements. Plus their flowers are often very fragrant. I have the following species/cultivars in my garden: <i>Osmanthus delavayi</i>, <i>Osmanthus fragrans aurantiacus </i>'Beni Kin Mokusei', <i>Osmanthus heterophyllus</i> 'Purpurea',<i> Osmanthus heterophyllus</i> 'Rotundifolia', <i>Osmanthus heterophyllus </i>'Sasaba', <i>Osmanthus heterophyllus</i> 'Goshiki' and <i>Osmanthus x fortunei </i>'San Jose'.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a good solid group of shrubs for sun for me here at Chickadee Gardens. Moving target - these have all proven to hit the mark every time. Alright, next time we'll look at some shade options that are extremely low maintenance with great looks and resiliency. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week! Thank you so much for reading and commenting, we do love hearing from you and what has done well in your garden. What are your "take five" shrubs for sun? Do share in the comments! We'd love to keep the conversation going.</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-32505319511826680782023-08-31T07:00:00.575-07:002023-09-01T09:49:06.138-07:00Challenges and A Bit of Hope<div style="text-align: center;"> Late August is usually not the best look for a garden. At least, not on the West Coast where we are painfully aware of our summer dry climate. While I prefer it to February, for example, the lack of water is a challenge not only for the garden but for animals, too. In search of worms, moles are especially active where we irrigate. In search of nourishment, voles follow suit looking for plant material while utilizing the moles' vast tunnel system. Both wreak havoc, which frankly makes me want to throw in the towel. But we garden on, in search of solutions and balance. Here then is a look at some of our challenges as well as some end-of-summer bright moments that give me hope.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxhLBGafDJke7_vGkoVofVNRuo7nihXinBpmdhUdLsjEzlGlaIIAbwfSdlvz6jfhnde3pbSkXget9l5tmaEGZXUCY59bMWg4gV4Ho-TlNDa6zmE1nS3wYlh4f_gZP4A2gSsV-ISe_mH_1KAYOuZX_UvPI37A-eYrSkCd5e58N54NOisC0cnVVFiDuSz8/s6000/IMG_6916.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxhLBGafDJke7_vGkoVofVNRuo7nihXinBpmdhUdLsjEzlGlaIIAbwfSdlvz6jfhnde3pbSkXget9l5tmaEGZXUCY59bMWg4gV4Ho-TlNDa6zmE1nS3wYlh4f_gZP4A2gSsV-ISe_mH_1KAYOuZX_UvPI37A-eYrSkCd5e58N54NOisC0cnVVFiDuSz8/w640-h426/IMG_6916.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I begin this post with a vantage point I don't think I've ever shown before. I am facing east with FM's newest garden bed on the right and the edge of the labyrinth/Himalayan mounds on the left with the veggie garden straight ahead through the grape vine growing over a gate. The dormant grass is typical for this time of the year all over the region and frankly, even if we did irrigate it (which we never have), it would still go dormant unless we did so practically every day. I would say that this bit of gardening is a success, as the irrigation is minimal and it is still rich with foliage and textures.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlET5J9D0rNiCOxZ-xkePTE6itI7xlScXW-RS407PWZRaUdui6kJIO-waSKXX73C9Trfriw4IZAq42zBDvUsZKTXRMIOGX89JqWDUMz6J-zS6X8z8NtBp8-6nkYhWWQrOQbdZnIVAc9isYQLuqmOXhf0z_Lhp8BupiGuIMexbCYTGCye9MzVArBofWLds/s6000/IMG_6835.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlET5J9D0rNiCOxZ-xkePTE6itI7xlScXW-RS407PWZRaUdui6kJIO-waSKXX73C9Trfriw4IZAq42zBDvUsZKTXRMIOGX89JqWDUMz6J-zS6X8z8NtBp8-6nkYhWWQrOQbdZnIVAc9isYQLuqmOXhf0z_Lhp8BupiGuIMexbCYTGCye9MzVArBofWLds/w640-h426/IMG_6835.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now for a few of our challenges. This is in the shade garden where the dead areas are riddled with vole tunnels. I walk though the area daily squishing down the raised areas that dry out (as if I need more drying) and large areas of plants die off. This was a lush area of <i>Galium odoratum (</i>sweet woodruff), but has been reduced to what you see because of moles and voles. In the center is an epimedium trying to grow but it has struggled. I realize that many of the "dead" areas (in the shade garden especially) are probably due to vast tunnel networks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj6j_vW1uBUH-X_9PD5gNdlb3LGGoylrrIzhPLPkCgEHLsGZFbcElyOkMsUZPvp_6zG2tlItG_8PGL_ZL0BMWWmECec6o3viJNsaw7zgWrw7dyJWhhtz1TOf58_uG8fZIGWNo5VBLXsyMhWgZyj2ydI7CpBpdoOLGkjspddAv2WPXTLdHjLgavTviiXI/s6000/IMG_6830.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj6j_vW1uBUH-X_9PD5gNdlb3LGGoylrrIzhPLPkCgEHLsGZFbcElyOkMsUZPvp_6zG2tlItG_8PGL_ZL0BMWWmECec6o3viJNsaw7zgWrw7dyJWhhtz1TOf58_uG8fZIGWNo5VBLXsyMhWgZyj2ydI7CpBpdoOLGkjspddAv2WPXTLdHjLgavTviiXI/w426-h640/IMG_6830.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was a mossy side path off of the main one. Currently a disaster with dozens of mole holes and the entire area riddled with vole tunnels. So much soil is disturbed that the moss won't grow. Again, every day I need to walk through it to tamp down the vole tunnels or roots would die off and make it worse.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9vyRmEG_htK0q09tldqH5DqIQdWZCVc8qBoF27rTK76RWvnXYc4L8EMgaI6ghayKcIpYl89yFlTOE5gT8dt_XjP5dyQicSWsOXv6QMAcSwu3-7Ku0G39RdrMT42yiFDUfQdb8im4U_Arm-o__W62Noj6QweDlIQrzSD9BU3PFefODNuUQFlxY05sJCg/s6000/IMG_6837.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9vyRmEG_htK0q09tldqH5DqIQdWZCVc8qBoF27rTK76RWvnXYc4L8EMgaI6ghayKcIpYl89yFlTOE5gT8dt_XjP5dyQicSWsOXv6QMAcSwu3-7Ku0G39RdrMT42yiFDUfQdb8im4U_Arm-o__W62Noj6QweDlIQrzSD9BU3PFefODNuUQFlxY05sJCg/w640-h426/IMG_6837.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the center is a <i>Hydrangea serrata</i> 'Shiro Gaku', one of many in the garden. It is beginning to sulk from lack of water. I experimented by cutting them all back fairly hard earlier in the year to see if less plant material would mean less watering and I report that they need just as much water. They are all coming out this autumn and being replaced with less thirsty shrubs. This whole area is not maturing at a normal rate because of the lack of water and the fact that the neighbor's thirsty Leyland cypress trees suck up every drop. I simply cannot irrigate this area enough and even when I do water, the moles and voles are right behind.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a5xdzf82X-kiCqbJRSZW6VnqkdHbPyrlGLG-cNp_LCSeY4H6Kkp-cgw4d2DuALLXwB8Ho7Jvr0H8pj4KTZ_f19hupTDCNKRKgFs5Ux4mCH9hdGdmBGxQdr7UDmHtAGNg5qlGaAQNIcNd2qRUoifKb-lkTQJQRevO7TjUOOGJ4IlXcb2Op-OFMB1_Hts/s6000/IMG_6839.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a5xdzf82X-kiCqbJRSZW6VnqkdHbPyrlGLG-cNp_LCSeY4H6Kkp-cgw4d2DuALLXwB8Ho7Jvr0H8pj4KTZ_f19hupTDCNKRKgFs5Ux4mCH9hdGdmBGxQdr7UDmHtAGNg5qlGaAQNIcNd2qRUoifKb-lkTQJQRevO7TjUOOGJ4IlXcb2Op-OFMB1_Hts/w640-h426/IMG_6839.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My pretty mossy path has been littered with these lately. So. As it is so late in the season anyway, I think I will stop watering the shade garden for a while. I know plants will suffer and some may die, but what's the point? Being bombarded by underground mammals when they are watered is almost worse. I hope the rains return in time to replenish the entire ecosystem.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zc_xrrLWUCEOQswGjSsxXd7wEw1jbQEOkXCCw1flSF4S4Y6scWOMhuwczMoFB7huqr9siD8nK5srb-GhMsBG27DZ24089iJNAZHxtfsB4ybQJwTCI6LIYSM6t7V_ph0pKrTyWo8buv1_8g4qyR32GHJAUxctoTpUDfGtEeR6wAPMvJTm3_LlNuXPdGw/s6000/IMG_6853.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zc_xrrLWUCEOQswGjSsxXd7wEw1jbQEOkXCCw1flSF4S4Y6scWOMhuwczMoFB7huqr9siD8nK5srb-GhMsBG27DZ24089iJNAZHxtfsB4ybQJwTCI6LIYSM6t7V_ph0pKrTyWo8buv1_8g4qyR32GHJAUxctoTpUDfGtEeR6wAPMvJTm3_LlNuXPdGw/w426-h640/IMG_6853.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Chamaecyparis</i> 'Heatherbun' did not survive. I went to prune out a dead branch or two and quickly realized the whole thing was dead and chunks came off in my hand with the lightest touch. After digging it out I am still not sure what killed it, but I suspect a mole hole caused it to dry out (water went down the hole, not to the soil), then I overwatered it when it was very hot out. You win some you lose some.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-nEv1ce3nLwfL9IrIfLSPNmQtv18oH9FJFfHnaRovaDuozK4ofloh-tn6MRCc5-UtdnzxLc4y9V1D_7lO6OfjGBGuLUV6HpeWiHEUejL5DrztVpvSkQRYpN84CpaY8z0wlNuFtRY9Gc7uDQ7qweY081pU_H83VlTfUt_SyD6McoLWZiBnHVISpQLZcw/s6000/IMG_6857.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-nEv1ce3nLwfL9IrIfLSPNmQtv18oH9FJFfHnaRovaDuozK4ofloh-tn6MRCc5-UtdnzxLc4y9V1D_7lO6OfjGBGuLUV6HpeWiHEUejL5DrztVpvSkQRYpN84CpaY8z0wlNuFtRY9Gc7uDQ7qweY081pU_H83VlTfUt_SyD6McoLWZiBnHVISpQLZcw/w640-h426/IMG_6857.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hebe</i> 'Red Edge' suffered branch breakage in the April 2022 snowstorm. This branch was apparently also damaged and only this week told me so.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYCOA1Z3K1Uu3AIZejGPpaZrYzwgXhViqWA2Hke3IpkN89vZUgv-egMNV5JhRVRNsRYV1L5BKNyPBIkb9N6rpaB3jvpitEs8ahBR4Ja6jMyG5A9fLjkikbNCUf7if3N9GAnD_OIoYtoQdIJ2eYxCKTgkg8nSws_k9ZwqVuFLxI01jpn6-Cp4oYJDMk2s/s6000/IMG_6972.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYCOA1Z3K1Uu3AIZejGPpaZrYzwgXhViqWA2Hke3IpkN89vZUgv-egMNV5JhRVRNsRYV1L5BKNyPBIkb9N6rpaB3jvpitEs8ahBR4Ja6jMyG5A9fLjkikbNCUf7if3N9GAnD_OIoYtoQdIJ2eYxCKTgkg8nSws_k9ZwqVuFLxI01jpn6-Cp4oYJDMk2s/w640-h426/IMG_6972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After pruning it out, a large hole is left. While many would rip the whole thing out, I know it's healthy otherwise so will leave it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaZKbZYP_F44_zisTqgcdXn0Hr82mhHxvUic1IQVJmF9-E9THb0ivvoQeisVS5qffzccC73QZKRpUYX8yJa3jAH88FUig3-SI-50msfsD-1kCsJeEAq0bw690cjXDRpPZF8frVdZ5yTu05GLxqJ5wuPzcjdbcxEVI7rcfbDXAy8sPOSp2Z1t0PRhbGVo/s6000/IMG_6887.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaZKbZYP_F44_zisTqgcdXn0Hr82mhHxvUic1IQVJmF9-E9THb0ivvoQeisVS5qffzccC73QZKRpUYX8yJa3jAH88FUig3-SI-50msfsD-1kCsJeEAq0bw690cjXDRpPZF8frVdZ5yTu05GLxqJ5wuPzcjdbcxEVI7rcfbDXAy8sPOSp2Z1t0PRhbGVo/w640-h426/IMG_6887.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our poor, mature, withered<i> Cornus nuttallii</i>, (native dogwood) likely has anthracnose. It has been declining the past few years, certainly weather stresses have not helped matters. We will wait one more season to see if it rebounds then we are pruning off all branches and leaving it as a snag.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18Gu1UiA7BzM5JbiY5NfSitBqbbrNwZm-OeGVGeb6KKG633Bvje8lQwF37uCIRf87Oey_3xxH2k-YP1oxHivo26-pC9fFtiBjOKsDTzFiWL3J7qxwi0I_TslpNesN6cjYC7JzVH3osUVFQi7hOseZ4rmTVNwxfHrz2x-D1QQQxr00-HoLqBO4UprD1_s/s6000/IMG_6815.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18Gu1UiA7BzM5JbiY5NfSitBqbbrNwZm-OeGVGeb6KKG633Bvje8lQwF37uCIRf87Oey_3xxH2k-YP1oxHivo26-pC9fFtiBjOKsDTzFiWL3J7qxwi0I_TslpNesN6cjYC7JzVH3osUVFQi7hOseZ4rmTVNwxfHrz2x-D1QQQxr00-HoLqBO4UprD1_s/w640-h426/IMG_6815.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Chamaecyparis lawsoniana</i> 'Barry's Silver' had some snow damage last year and has had a rough recovery. I recently combed out the dead interior to expose the branches to a little more light and it seems to be rebounding, though it's a slightly sad sight right now. Some issues I can see past with little effort.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMte-Z06Fg2lyd0qxdiBUREqy2ZGtVbmhYZYDWiL5wdUsPwWaMRsP5nAqE31h_90glYbBaaBcbWZxjjkaGSuazS889ZanK9K2vW7kg1YjTKf1CDl-C26NdMDxA2wlOqK2526qq2H3Imz5KwPhC5hQO2f1GPyhGg1zYWgKJZroqlfUk0ItG0HrcRAYcxaQ/s6000/IMG_7004.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMte-Z06Fg2lyd0qxdiBUREqy2ZGtVbmhYZYDWiL5wdUsPwWaMRsP5nAqE31h_90glYbBaaBcbWZxjjkaGSuazS889ZanK9K2vW7kg1YjTKf1CDl-C26NdMDxA2wlOqK2526qq2H3Imz5KwPhC5hQO2f1GPyhGg1zYWgKJZroqlfUk0ItG0HrcRAYcxaQ/w640-h426/IMG_7004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now for a few bits of hope. While the grass is dormant and weed-filled, we really don't care. The new areas on either side are drought-adapted and doing well. I love the new areas and are so happy we went to the effort to make this what it is.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqDHqGSK0I9FZZCiHv9cEPsOskcXb_Qbwga3yy4aiGAFk3xEbPnHjU3TtZWnMyn-yREGVHenFJsMzEwsqQcFyi3Ld6KLeYfTVOmhwo33fqlcHGlHG4BOVds0IHOYX0D-2u5G9xjYc0LMMu9BVU61KYYntOMfjIIu2jCKOESYdB3lQ9BZkDeIWr8YtbOA/s6000/IMG_6802.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqDHqGSK0I9FZZCiHv9cEPsOskcXb_Qbwga3yy4aiGAFk3xEbPnHjU3TtZWnMyn-yREGVHenFJsMzEwsqQcFyi3Ld6KLeYfTVOmhwo33fqlcHGlHG4BOVds0IHOYX0D-2u5G9xjYc0LMMu9BVU61KYYntOMfjIIu2jCKOESYdB3lQ9BZkDeIWr8YtbOA/w640-h426/IMG_6802.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Near the top of the driveway this area has given me a lot of heartache the past two years. I lost four mature cistus, an <i>Atriplex halimus</i> and had a lot of mole mounds. Now with a cleaner look and additional areas given over to more gravel, the <i>Dorycnium hirsutum </i>is seeding around and a few more appropriate plants are settling in, such as <i>Mirabilis multiflora</i> and a couple yuccas (not in view). It took two years for me to be happy with it once again.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYGuZVniMxPa886dkidDIY3c7UY78wEqUDQJ9eiSUW2rQobGfwVdLCffGZ6bIdgKDAcUiuraCf8OmkWwyru3Sq60Lb4wR9VyzE_1UGr778NPPIMEt2KzMJI5Z9bDoL7uFXK5DiB_5L1WtoJu6Z66fv11C3RSYpq8jXrVQuz-7M5vCkIYgScxBmQAqZzA/s6000/IMG_6970.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYGuZVniMxPa886dkidDIY3c7UY78wEqUDQJ9eiSUW2rQobGfwVdLCffGZ6bIdgKDAcUiuraCf8OmkWwyru3Sq60Lb4wR9VyzE_1UGr778NPPIMEt2KzMJI5Z9bDoL7uFXK5DiB_5L1WtoJu6Z66fv11C3RSYpq8jXrVQuz-7M5vCkIYgScxBmQAqZzA/w640-h426/IMG_6970.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A garden bed in process - the triangular area to the left of the <i>Yucca recurvifolia</i>. The little green bumps are <i>Teucrium chamaedrys</i>, behind them are more <i>Dorycnium hirsutum</i> and behind that are several clumps of <i>Eriophyllum lanatum</i>. <i>Madia elegans</i> has seeded in here also. I think by next year the effect will be much greater as plants start to weave together. Much better than the bare, dormant grass that was/is here.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOYSNgiCwCP6J4hxag46uGEQEadAbPBtAAbVdVtw6k_eANTbvWULB3YM08T0Uu4UzpoGl6a_Bjecz7HfuuXziGNzbGWfoNHKazPR72VegGPRp2fvETAwnXXDEHWa_ms66kstJNpjtbXJkVnHA_Q2ON3kSMsmUg0qIiIsDokQOdrCJtf3MBIkfgd9sLC0/s6000/IMG_6997.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOYSNgiCwCP6J4hxag46uGEQEadAbPBtAAbVdVtw6k_eANTbvWULB3YM08T0Uu4UzpoGl6a_Bjecz7HfuuXziGNzbGWfoNHKazPR72VegGPRp2fvETAwnXXDEHWa_ms66kstJNpjtbXJkVnHA_Q2ON3kSMsmUg0qIiIsDokQOdrCJtf3MBIkfgd9sLC0/w640-h426/IMG_6997.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This year the<i> Digitalis ferruginea</i> made a statement in the meadow garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Pj9LKlFNyedcS-lZSygjjd928EEEJoC1ni2da41WCQUoNBzUKtzmxtzdClORRfBnZ8i7WAArtzyr1cPAdLh3D3AeLm59CC-ar3QQlA2OVWBQL7Gryow0Y5-ihqQWK4Jv6JFRIlWuwZgS1OWIQseM_XmSnUIGIeJY5258NvbVuP_Z8phZfG8T9WY7Wjc/s6000/IMG_6987.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Pj9LKlFNyedcS-lZSygjjd928EEEJoC1ni2da41WCQUoNBzUKtzmxtzdClORRfBnZ8i7WAArtzyr1cPAdLh3D3AeLm59CC-ar3QQlA2OVWBQL7Gryow0Y5-ihqQWK4Jv6JFRIlWuwZgS1OWIQseM_XmSnUIGIeJY5258NvbVuP_Z8phZfG8T9WY7Wjc/w640-h426/IMG_6987.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I enjoy the dark stalk and also their dark silhouette through winter.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISy6oWx_1HkvmL7Og7iTBViunGVIjlSAopOrWjLzVob3_XTTY4xfDdFZ7nji5KDPi3mm2Bymva7TpUCCZqNBBQj1gZQJ4RJgnQT7hkrfYLxyF19_nYNmpIq65iokTWBw238UB-DE04-GQZg-2f2O7SFxJK2LqcIott1iSzWRpvuJ-bkDIyOuhL4hKQgQ/s6000/IMG_6937.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISy6oWx_1HkvmL7Og7iTBViunGVIjlSAopOrWjLzVob3_XTTY4xfDdFZ7nji5KDPi3mm2Bymva7TpUCCZqNBBQj1gZQJ4RJgnQT7hkrfYLxyF19_nYNmpIq65iokTWBw238UB-DE04-GQZg-2f2O7SFxJK2LqcIott1iSzWRpvuJ-bkDIyOuhL4hKQgQ/w426-h640/IMG_6937.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Miscanthus sinensis</i> 'Malepartus' is a fantastic upright grass that does not flop. Its colors are stunning in autumn, turning all shades of orange and brown.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreELrRUxRsoWaa6ZtWpPI_f9WcS6IPoeQLA-Om4CzTVN7ffElL2KqMUxh-Rb8lY-vUXz3MDle2nYCemkTKl59T7cmu9hm4Ouwg_yUJoJv_rrNNs2sbrttkN6eLpdrPuuF9NEAlrmSaFn-jEszG7_qjrSqzzYFE8-bIaB-XcM7q8a0Qmpz4MFMwrFZ-QM/s6000/IMG_6898.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreELrRUxRsoWaa6ZtWpPI_f9WcS6IPoeQLA-Om4CzTVN7ffElL2KqMUxh-Rb8lY-vUXz3MDle2nYCemkTKl59T7cmu9hm4Ouwg_yUJoJv_rrNNs2sbrttkN6eLpdrPuuF9NEAlrmSaFn-jEszG7_qjrSqzzYFE8-bIaB-XcM7q8a0Qmpz4MFMwrFZ-QM/w640-h426/IMG_6898.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Where the Himalayan mounds and labyrinth gardens meet. Again the dormant grass is irrelevant to me when there is enough green material to fill my eyes. All drought-adapted - they have to be in this part of the garden that is rarely irrigated.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx-Sg5SJHxODNsTnsVLO6RmcS6IhDEa7LaRxy8FbRCWAnXbDjE_OW8VrWVM9aOH8VV5IURCH7iMeO3bVOOexQj3-4duqFrAQYCS8v4BlQtHF1wxijkmzjP8o86abil373GVUNJIDv2hZ3doUJPjeeLlU40CXZVygxWiueCFuduEKoqoVPvceSs_mrOSU/s6000/IMG_6908.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx-Sg5SJHxODNsTnsVLO6RmcS6IhDEa7LaRxy8FbRCWAnXbDjE_OW8VrWVM9aOH8VV5IURCH7iMeO3bVOOexQj3-4duqFrAQYCS8v4BlQtHF1wxijkmzjP8o86abil373GVUNJIDv2hZ3doUJPjeeLlU40CXZVygxWiueCFuduEKoqoVPvceSs_mrOSU/w640-h426/IMG_6908.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking up the driveway from our gate, many deciduous shrubs give a woodland feel. These areas have been heavily mulched with arborist's wood chips and have been incredibly effective at keeping in moisture during the dry months.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNxD9h1HEwCV-uURPrZ1CkclEWfEYrY5uderRnQO0ZNqQG0ryeh7MFaPu1GrMa0TneFbCGLoxazN7VJGGH63iFiKCwh1mtnrTXDJvx6F4mHXMUbyAJMZQD1IJ_R3WpCV86nzVzx78fLEPmCrKtJoAgaYVjDYwCR_zsItfeWzmSqh0CHzyQapzlZWYGn8/s6000/IMG_6932.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNxD9h1HEwCV-uURPrZ1CkclEWfEYrY5uderRnQO0ZNqQG0ryeh7MFaPu1GrMa0TneFbCGLoxazN7VJGGH63iFiKCwh1mtnrTXDJvx6F4mHXMUbyAJMZQD1IJ_R3WpCV86nzVzx78fLEPmCrKtJoAgaYVjDYwCR_zsItfeWzmSqh0CHzyQapzlZWYGn8/w640-h426/IMG_6932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Case in point: <i>Hakonechloa macra </i>'Aureola' used to live in the shade garden under very thirsty Douglas fir trees. They never looked good despite being irrigated sometimes every other day (ridiculous, I know). Having been relocated to this area with much heavier soil mulched with wood chips last autumn, I have maybe watered these three times this summer and they all look great. This gives me hope that I can have nice things with enough mulch.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxbWS-N_LGpb8rEwPiyRNKhs33-eHsSBAe-fFyQfVMZgmkSxVgcotc5Fy8Rj1_d9tfpR6CYA6oU92o8nL-iMZiCpSXjPlFafOR2SsLYgwP1IdPpoSv87IJEf0y75GXGbQkjtMzjm30GzH1MxF_BOp4ET66fTOuJPfz1tNreKII3xncU2r8xAxnJMCyfQ/s6000/IMG_6871.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxbWS-N_LGpb8rEwPiyRNKhs33-eHsSBAe-fFyQfVMZgmkSxVgcotc5Fy8Rj1_d9tfpR6CYA6oU92o8nL-iMZiCpSXjPlFafOR2SsLYgwP1IdPpoSv87IJEf0y75GXGbQkjtMzjm30GzH1MxF_BOp4ET66fTOuJPfz1tNreKII3xncU2r8xAxnJMCyfQ/w640-h426/IMG_6871.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A pulled-back view with a newly defined path area. The little green dots are mostly <i>Aster</i> 'Purple Dome' which will grow to about 2' high x 3' wide and cover much of the ground. In autumn when they bloom they are spectacular and add a punch of color here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZDCh9Q68KIWkIo6a-xH3SOkw7fi8WMDgpx-osYCh3q9RhbQd8lJC7Ey9rqnl23l2adB5NwMUwLDfTOJy7eXdOI_WAdWmbi78V0FF8jMTkC372Rl_oc09SCdP0RXNRlBxFHcEKjZDst5f4g6WpDQNM8j4zNLKUuCkGttjpjVMzmRGbb_xH2ayI8vTA34/s6000/IMG_6878.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZDCh9Q68KIWkIo6a-xH3SOkw7fi8WMDgpx-osYCh3q9RhbQd8lJC7Ey9rqnl23l2adB5NwMUwLDfTOJy7eXdOI_WAdWmbi78V0FF8jMTkC372Rl_oc09SCdP0RXNRlBxFHcEKjZDst5f4g6WpDQNM8j4zNLKUuCkGttjpjVMzmRGbb_xH2ayI8vTA34/w640-h426/IMG_6878.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the same area, <i>Hydrangea villosa</i> is one hydrangea I am definitely keeping. It stays relatively happy here, but on super hot days it does ask for a drink.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoXQYZocpos-3fHfdD8Hhp9HH9njl3oD_BimTyTyhkmUJGoFGGwwkN-j1WoY074KcHImfFWHo-kla_4ppN5M681_IZu9BjsQReXL8_cKCRJITyy7I6LslqqbJXz8LnT9eai3NIEXunZ1Yir310kfXvmqFO3aZzR0ak-T2LcMzgFzrRSNNFR3VGVv4-Wc/s6000/IMG_6821.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoXQYZocpos-3fHfdD8Hhp9HH9njl3oD_BimTyTyhkmUJGoFGGwwkN-j1WoY074KcHImfFWHo-kla_4ppN5M681_IZu9BjsQReXL8_cKCRJITyy7I6LslqqbJXz8LnT9eai3NIEXunZ1Yir310kfXvmqFO3aZzR0ak-T2LcMzgFzrRSNNFR3VGVv4-Wc/w640-h426/IMG_6821.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Mahonia x savilleana</i>, a hybrid between <i>M. eurybracteata</i> and <i>M. gracilipes, </i>originally from the <a href="https://millergarden.org/" target="_blank">Miller Botanical Gardens</a>. This was a gift from <a href="http://practicalplantgeek.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Evan Bean</a> when they moved from their former garden last year. I love it, Evan; thank you. Mahonias in general give me a bit of hope because they are drought-adapted and look wonderful despite the tough root competition in my shade garden. More of these, please.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7JSe5oldpOC9zdzCfOxi9bVZi8T2Ir73YYbMN3VJRzeik7s4oohtcudz--EQZpGhk3cpYtU2UIOWVvjXvOSSU7LIAcnx5i7Diu3sfCbsHxcnAPkzyhVuv-e5jO1fkN_sgwCGymhWyCWinZRCB8zw77pAqeIUS5P4SvR64mDnJss_EAksyjE8EtLv2Ao/s6000/IMG_6818.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7JSe5oldpOC9zdzCfOxi9bVZi8T2Ir73YYbMN3VJRzeik7s4oohtcudz--EQZpGhk3cpYtU2UIOWVvjXvOSSU7LIAcnx5i7Diu3sfCbsHxcnAPkzyhVuv-e5jO1fkN_sgwCGymhWyCWinZRCB8zw77pAqeIUS5P4SvR64mDnJss_EAksyjE8EtLv2Ao/w640-h426/IMG_6818.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://hardyferns.org/ferns/polystichum-setiferum-bevis-group/" target="_blank"><i>Polystichum setiferum</i> 'Bevis'</a> is a lovely and finally rather large fern in the shade garden. Not needing excessive water it is a superstar for me.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTAhwHBumvWCb5zVEQbmH45VBBpqJOdSdhNk2yuoPM-ZHTMZiyNDEULx1KHTF_AVDuc6X-_kc33nlN_3SlChYFBsxuZETd8YtABxsM41jofBo0_eJxVe4bgB96CoU1uHCOKyRKKpBFHMWX8Li2o-PNz6en1tSWprDmXZIJgmH3sBGsSvHTRYNpBN2YhE/s6000/IMG_6769.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTAhwHBumvWCb5zVEQbmH45VBBpqJOdSdhNk2yuoPM-ZHTMZiyNDEULx1KHTF_AVDuc6X-_kc33nlN_3SlChYFBsxuZETd8YtABxsM41jofBo0_eJxVe4bgB96CoU1uHCOKyRKKpBFHMWX8Li2o-PNz6en1tSWprDmXZIJgmH3sBGsSvHTRYNpBN2YhE/w640-h426/IMG_6769.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Northern edge of the labyrinth garden with many sedum, <i>Cotinus</i> 'Pink Champagne', <i>Hebe diosmifolia</i> and <i>Miscanthus sinensis</i> 'Cabaret'. Though I lost an <i>Ozothamnus</i> 'Silver Jubilee' in there (was next to the cotinus, was too dry as I never thought to water it), other plants have filled in around it and it may yet regrow from its roots.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6AGqxnIl4ov5u7Vtt6332yeyaikeZxSFOjZG3btw8ESIXNtK2EzowSr68lxOsLp1ozjoV-5JDXzRf0PcHaFqyfRnDFGfq-E31rsMBtrIUkXGMDDlMLm1jfRp8cjl_yN6uLcNNjXBUIyjRJovJzxJpq8Z_ITuxOccIF8HdeJQ-nLbb8eLbmzSrVk25LM/s6000/IMG_6798.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6AGqxnIl4ov5u7Vtt6332yeyaikeZxSFOjZG3btw8ESIXNtK2EzowSr68lxOsLp1ozjoV-5JDXzRf0PcHaFqyfRnDFGfq-E31rsMBtrIUkXGMDDlMLm1jfRp8cjl_yN6uLcNNjXBUIyjRJovJzxJpq8Z_ITuxOccIF8HdeJQ-nLbb8eLbmzSrVk25LM/w640-h426/IMG_6798.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Eryngium giganteum</i>, Miss Wilmott's Ghost is a prolific re-seeder in gravel. I love this time of the year when the color shifts from silvers, to whites, to greens and browns, it has a rainbow effect.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_gaL3uMJMNQYwXLoaWhfFbEEeG3-XaP-1G52Qf0DdXU4oI7jJppgvBzocuDe5L6k0XegkXxWdP4B-cF90L4e2Nr7J9W0SB0af0JtYggQKP7vodK_CAF5_n3ZG2CN0ttB_TTxuxfWFcH1QbdM9pKJDqCNUweHc4BUAMUvhu2BJI9bjiYexir1YKznM9A/s6000/IMG_6809.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_gaL3uMJMNQYwXLoaWhfFbEEeG3-XaP-1G52Qf0DdXU4oI7jJppgvBzocuDe5L6k0XegkXxWdP4B-cF90L4e2Nr7J9W0SB0af0JtYggQKP7vodK_CAF5_n3ZG2CN0ttB_TTxuxfWFcH1QbdM9pKJDqCNUweHc4BUAMUvhu2BJI9bjiYexir1YKznM9A/w426-h640/IMG_6809.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Parthenocissus henryana</i>, silver vein creeper, has finally reached a respectable size. I let it climb up a support of our overhang near the garage where it has made itself lush and full while not being a clinging thug. Its bright sunset colors in autumn is reason alone to grow it, but surprisingly it is a huge hit with bees even with its inconspicuous flowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKUoNV1Ve_F85dlt49FYoQSNyK3Nri83jFpbrjmqf9esE239eaP_FTqd_XME6EhxaupbPJTMkjmo6J66xV2c5DQyYIRZK77k9lpE1jPzsSqKTnIDeJitDDoUtElAcMsZ58KfIhHfs-ju4b-po-LbQD3lVQbMdrSnmGnuOI_4OZuMuD9psH1bpUGKiT_E/s6000/IMG_7006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKUoNV1Ve_F85dlt49FYoQSNyK3Nri83jFpbrjmqf9esE239eaP_FTqd_XME6EhxaupbPJTMkjmo6J66xV2c5DQyYIRZK77k9lpE1jPzsSqKTnIDeJitDDoUtElAcMsZ58KfIhHfs-ju4b-po-LbQD3lVQbMdrSnmGnuOI_4OZuMuD9psH1bpUGKiT_E/w640-h426/IMG_7006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">At the edge of the Himalayan mounds, more drought-adapted plants are thriving. <i>Salvia</i> 'Celestial Blue', although it has not bloomed for me yet, is promising in its form, color and health. <i>Sedum spurium</i> is everywhere and looks good much of the year while <i>Achillea millefolium</i>, <i>Agave parryi supsp. truncata</i> and <i>Arctostaphylos pumila</i> are quite happy with the hot, dry location.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVB4Cira_UoKQxIIq8IuS64IHkD03aaH1T1GezALj4px_f9dgUibHolEkndzwVIb2gPLPV3p7s6gvnuUEvKqvOO9gqYJOar75cgzAQMEBa34Ua7ILEIVp4CaVLz9-Sst1nAudVcOwgGmlPJ8AoDF0NylWsEsgcB992MpFjRikqo4j8_sg5O2XGIfS75ME/s6000/IMG_6951.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVB4Cira_UoKQxIIq8IuS64IHkD03aaH1T1GezALj4px_f9dgUibHolEkndzwVIb2gPLPV3p7s6gvnuUEvKqvOO9gqYJOar75cgzAQMEBa34Ua7ILEIVp4CaVLz9-Sst1nAudVcOwgGmlPJ8AoDF0NylWsEsgcB992MpFjRikqo4j8_sg5O2XGIfS75ME/w426-h640/IMG_6951.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Penstemon</i> 'Firebird' is a steady bloomer and has survived many moves by me and still keeps going. I appreciate its dark stems.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSfuDG7PEMx9QoJ1WDE3lyibDRHkV8IZMwUd4-YJbq2W8mYEhfxP9_32tiRaS7Zh20WHixViM4XnZXa4o9OalXS0PbzSIgat5cvUwTIPlDHD7YJhi1wPQnMiPYdTixdTJirwmtI-JFdaXCi4--4GGb2KBnH0V2T-DgEtv3meqUIT5l3uVpwigOsqCBTQ/s6000/IMG_6958.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSfuDG7PEMx9QoJ1WDE3lyibDRHkV8IZMwUd4-YJbq2W8mYEhfxP9_32tiRaS7Zh20WHixViM4XnZXa4o9OalXS0PbzSIgat5cvUwTIPlDHD7YJhi1wPQnMiPYdTixdTJirwmtI-JFdaXCi4--4GGb2KBnH0V2T-DgEtv3meqUIT5l3uVpwigOsqCBTQ/w640-h426/IMG_6958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Helianthus</i> 'Lemon Queen' is a tall, eye-catching beauty but it does sulk in my dry garden after a week or so of dry weather. While I may move it this autumn, it is a cheerful thing that I look forward to every year despite having to give it extra water.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOGoMPlyrepJHJuheshzXbYkTsYVj78u0jn75CB7U9SDOvzx3QiiPXOXLfUx0glQ2PnPtk9E07MqwXnnzNAhWSJPkYatRX2C69F_lp_RExNfApZfUo9uT7l31gdWSWKBim8KADQG2ENLOhSq2NXYP7ErlESzTlJ8ZZGdwJvNXx5lBZBBHfwvSOOGp6Zw/s6000/IMG_6954.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOGoMPlyrepJHJuheshzXbYkTsYVj78u0jn75CB7U9SDOvzx3QiiPXOXLfUx0glQ2PnPtk9E07MqwXnnzNAhWSJPkYatRX2C69F_lp_RExNfApZfUo9uT7l31gdWSWKBim8KADQG2ENLOhSq2NXYP7ErlESzTlJ8ZZGdwJvNXx5lBZBBHfwvSOOGp6Zw/w426-h640/IMG_6954.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sedum 'Matrona', (<i>Hylotelephium telephium</i> 'Matrona') is a reliable plant in the labyrinth garden where it receives very little water. More dark stems.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg431z7qR_MXFeVKxyIcxbhqVM7Yw2Wp-uLXyxqpiLwohEP33fPJ1x7kBWmXxxMpLGYq9QEpMwkvBI_xi_QjO2UFalz5dhgHL0XwywYzjspP3nfD_kpKsLvmaLY0ZYTJG3UKsJuAEsu6HJ6448l_XudI4JCqTjutCSG76Jm-EJnANVe4o25wCnvD7v3CIE/s6000/IMG_6959.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg431z7qR_MXFeVKxyIcxbhqVM7Yw2Wp-uLXyxqpiLwohEP33fPJ1x7kBWmXxxMpLGYq9QEpMwkvBI_xi_QjO2UFalz5dhgHL0XwywYzjspP3nfD_kpKsLvmaLY0ZYTJG3UKsJuAEsu6HJ6448l_XudI4JCqTjutCSG76Jm-EJnANVe4o25wCnvD7v3CIE/w640-h426/IMG_6959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rosa glauca</i> is surprisingly drought-adapted, looking great with its long arched branches and dangling hips. I am impressed with its resilience and disease resistance. It's a total winner.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MBQmWUTV2UQEOGq8Th8PnL5NV97Jq-GLj5Ye8cOp8RmngcwB5B75HEfJZtivPsLhvYjBwByQnhY-6f2oGt_IxdAjNz3ZHOUsLb3U-g35n8D8001t7d-Ebpyff3N7wV-_EE-ER6LehAqquFP0aD_IRU1NG561CDrWHx0WhI6hA_62C48P5lG-NU9ux84/s6000/IMG_6942.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MBQmWUTV2UQEOGq8Th8PnL5NV97Jq-GLj5Ye8cOp8RmngcwB5B75HEfJZtivPsLhvYjBwByQnhY-6f2oGt_IxdAjNz3ZHOUsLb3U-g35n8D8001t7d-Ebpyff3N7wV-_EE-ER6LehAqquFP0aD_IRU1NG561CDrWHx0WhI6hA_62C48P5lG-NU9ux84/w426-h640/IMG_6942.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet <i>Salvia</i> 'UC Pink' was swallowed up in a bed of <i>Ceanothus gloriosus</i> earlier this year. I freed it and planted it in an area with better air circulation and it has rebounded and doubled in size just this summer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LqnJbOo_P3oel0cTz7NsUcrFiE-84HbkovP6G0r72lWZvX8Sj6Mgvt9dH4STLwNV0dvOufglameSzZPvrmEyWkJkRZu8GaniMJRjsiy1Fhjya36ThmfPmLYOFBJrgZg1FeGyDwRcNFHaXbQOP9z45l9z5Pqgieq_4zf2ptE1Q8h7VyKxD0d_p_xsydM/s6000/IMG_6949.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LqnJbOo_P3oel0cTz7NsUcrFiE-84HbkovP6G0r72lWZvX8Sj6Mgvt9dH4STLwNV0dvOufglameSzZPvrmEyWkJkRZu8GaniMJRjsiy1Fhjya36ThmfPmLYOFBJrgZg1FeGyDwRcNFHaXbQOP9z45l9z5Pqgieq_4zf2ptE1Q8h7VyKxD0d_p_xsydM/w640-h426/IMG_6949.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Diplacus aurantiacus</i> 'Jeff's Tangerine', which I took cuttings of last year, is now in many places in the labyrinth garden and has been a non-stop bloomer despite its small size. I'm hoping these all overwinter successfully, a challenge with new plants not fully established.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLAyYuGEF5RPBDt-30l1wURg26cUlPgB_HWByXvSIIRfiQHr7Mzq6rDxR-PLXJTENKnaonbD1G1KddGvONS6ujnKdtLZSIKXZhYryw84LFA-jgaorM00Ny20BmXreOlG0vc3ex4okLdL5w_qfKgb0RsZkYIaF5G4gAb4KMX4sYf6NrbRy_akZDnL41qg/s6000/IMG_7023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLAyYuGEF5RPBDt-30l1wURg26cUlPgB_HWByXvSIIRfiQHr7Mzq6rDxR-PLXJTENKnaonbD1G1KddGvONS6ujnKdtLZSIKXZhYryw84LFA-jgaorM00Ny20BmXreOlG0vc3ex4okLdL5w_qfKgb0RsZkYIaF5G4gAb4KMX4sYf6NrbRy_akZDnL41qg/w640-h426/IMG_7023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the edge of the labyrinth garden looking towards the house and deck. Despite the dry weather, many areas of the garden look lush to my eyes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0saVuqkgWry-ELwAYIvWqqDbzHQfeksrx7z7hMhbKkTf_PsjlwsrzEsls5FR0jzgDCUwQK78DGGk2S3NjVE4HjfaOABrMP2rplgqs9F4DbYHd0T5GDm7XEVlBOPSy8DkFxKc-IcRFPEccuTwFIxtXY5yg-nwWNAZCvEV7bNpMladbI8dZ4eYSWlK-M2Q/s1924/Fall%20plant%20sale%20-%20poster%202%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="1924" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0saVuqkgWry-ELwAYIvWqqDbzHQfeksrx7z7hMhbKkTf_PsjlwsrzEsls5FR0jzgDCUwQK78DGGk2S3NjVE4HjfaOABrMP2rplgqs9F4DbYHd0T5GDm7XEVlBOPSy8DkFxKc-IcRFPEccuTwFIxtXY5yg-nwWNAZCvEV7bNpMladbI8dZ4eYSWlK-M2Q/w640-h494/Fall%20plant%20sale%20-%20poster%202%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last but not least, we're having another pop-up plant sale! There's something to be hopeful about! Portland area friends come on by, there will be several of us selling hardy perennials, shrubs, grasses, succulents, houseplants, spiky things, garden books and more. We'll be there from 11 - 3-ish. I hope to see some of you there! It's always such fun talking plants with one another.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gardening is an act of hope and courage. It also requires a certain amount of stubbornness. The rules are changing rapidly and I'm trying to keep up. I must remind myself that when I do lose something, it's just a plant. There are other, perhaps better, choices. Still, it stings for at least a while but having garden friends whose shoulders I can cry on helps. We're all in this together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, we do love hearing from you! Happy gardening and I really do hope to see some of you Sunday! Cheers!</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-23406050155663973252023-08-17T07:00:00.588-07:002023-08-17T12:26:27.410-07:00Observations<div style="text-align: center;">Two steps forward, one step back. That is the pace in the garden these past few years. The rhythm is dying plants, dead plants, moles, heatwaves and freezing springs followed by replanting, pruning, removing and fixing. While it's all a part of the workings of nature, it also occurs to me that the garden is at a kind of plateau right now. Years 3 - 5, for example, were stunning. Growth was fresh, weather was pretty cooperative, there was room to grow and it was all strutting its stuff. Then mistakes I had made manifested, we lost some plants while others grew to unexpectedly enormous proportions. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, in Year 8, the extremes of weather create cracks in the soil in our hot weather as it dries out in a week's time after five solid months of 40-degree rain. This all despite my best efforts to create healthy soil. It's not a pretty, English-style garden out there, rather it is a West Coast gardening experiment. Am I giving up? Hell no! Just fixing the mistakes and learning, planting ever leaner, meaner plant material and replicating what has been successful. After all, two steps forward and one back still yields one step in the right direction.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp38ivS8M2ne3J9MSBBnFotvsVxU-PahiSBKKxHHO_36d6EPftC2MTo_51QHQW8UoAQeCxLTfW9eMVJmIpWyhuidcQwFzJMB9u62shJILyymBH3sCSxc8KWrkS0SSwPFRsEwA5uvyCPJUrmbaGbOBT8IQkOVCYgOWP0kZa3iW9OAcKZiYX8smqDt_6TI/s6000/IMG_6718.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp38ivS8M2ne3J9MSBBnFotvsVxU-PahiSBKKxHHO_36d6EPftC2MTo_51QHQW8UoAQeCxLTfW9eMVJmIpWyhuidcQwFzJMB9u62shJILyymBH3sCSxc8KWrkS0SSwPFRsEwA5uvyCPJUrmbaGbOBT8IQkOVCYgOWP0kZa3iW9OAcKZiYX8smqDt_6TI/w640-h426/IMG_6718.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An early evening view on a 103-degree day. Speaking of heat, while we've been mercifully spared this year, we are in the midst of a heatwave. This year I took two solid days before its arrival to soak large sections of the garden, then we backed off during the heat. So far so good, even with some daytime wilting that seems to disappear once the sun goes down. Most of the plants in this photo are drought adapted, though they did receive a good soak late last week.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU87pHdQTzEPCgmbqWyKk5tULXeJStHjPf7Pe0MQJqYuF2HhBUEO3_rdX7129y7cPJ8fut_qCIPxzCg095qLaCqts55-itsx16TBfUApD_HKHaVtGqOAKQ7vGZ53B9MFTMrHqpFK3PvYggwWfqeyTmcSZ5evIHzoeEjc0DNY7thZg_QU5ozDc6qC55NM/s6000/IMG_7348.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU87pHdQTzEPCgmbqWyKk5tULXeJStHjPf7Pe0MQJqYuF2HhBUEO3_rdX7129y7cPJ8fut_qCIPxzCg095qLaCqts55-itsx16TBfUApD_HKHaVtGqOAKQ7vGZ53B9MFTMrHqpFK3PvYggwWfqeyTmcSZ5evIHzoeEjc0DNY7thZg_QU5ozDc6qC55NM/w640-h426/IMG_7348.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The inspiration for this post was primarily the changes made to the edge of the labyrinth garden last autumn and this spring. A series of unfortunate events (as well as extreme heat and dry conditions) created a few holes and prompted a rethink and a redo. This is the outer edge of the labyrinth last August. Note the <i>Ceanothus </i>'Italian Skies' on the far right behind the blooming <i>Helenium</i> 'Mardi Gras'. It looked okay in this photo but it was rapidly dying, mostly seen on the side not seen in this shot.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gKjjbXN0QzEch2kS9xZWG8jnh1hutfSOqZsSBo4wnBvIpNLOTOAdtWMWg_DrPcEjW5MlNd2ywF9gqFxDy7mXkyfpjyo_-0CvZYhuSsyDXrV1pCHJ_nF2zPrz__bRjbByMtnHeskFfTeyRk8UKPhQ1XU_0-bxUUFias8-EQ3JKl0oVYgn9ewwK5U1UWA/s6000/IMG_6686.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gKjjbXN0QzEch2kS9xZWG8jnh1hutfSOqZsSBo4wnBvIpNLOTOAdtWMWg_DrPcEjW5MlNd2ywF9gqFxDy7mXkyfpjyo_-0CvZYhuSsyDXrV1pCHJ_nF2zPrz__bRjbByMtnHeskFfTeyRk8UKPhQ1XU_0-bxUUFias8-EQ3JKl0oVYgn9ewwK5U1UWA/w640-h426/IMG_6686.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The same area photographed this week. While difficult to see, the ceanothus is gone as is the helenium. The ceanothus died; however, the helenium was divided and moved. Also, note the lower left area where the sod had been dug out and gravel applied to accommodate <i>Salvia</i> 'Celestial Blue'. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75SKJYbUTQWopPbEg54c8BOqDLoXc8QHMgW1zYlSo6s7iwCf8CzEr4_q5tYz6LXUfkJcrv3e1Td5EymANc0YfA39H2Hn-1stbf10QGY0F9tCTlq7n53mbsVRRihm1kh5rrbVzb69l5Ti6-KqlenMWUmI7TqofkLdnZHQIGKrjdRVhS1x9ExmKMSGdji4/s6000/IMG_3293.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75SKJYbUTQWopPbEg54c8BOqDLoXc8QHMgW1zYlSo6s7iwCf8CzEr4_q5tYz6LXUfkJcrv3e1Td5EymANc0YfA39H2Hn-1stbf10QGY0F9tCTlq7n53mbsVRRihm1kh5rrbVzb69l5Ti6-KqlenMWUmI7TqofkLdnZHQIGKrjdRVhS1x9ExmKMSGdji4/w640-h426/IMG_3293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Same area, scootched over to the right a few feet. This was early this summer and shows the hole left by the missing ceanothus. The <i>Tetrapanax papyrifer</i> in the background also suffered having lost its largest trunk. No worries, as many more are growing quickly around it. It happens with these.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8AGQtxyD1edMqy8D6O3TosElZzhsjHsgcUM37yWSvxICSwbcrSjOVVXWLJFmC8EgCwVNAT6XHlGgWQjR8u4bRKQFzpgyc6XsdxZ7H5GrWglLeYGyMi7w_rOpnJtg6Y_2W48wum-liTJXjRNs79j81X661d-7OiA-FMANOJUmHNeWYe4UiyHKv5nEybI/s6000/IMG_7349.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8AGQtxyD1edMqy8D6O3TosElZzhsjHsgcUM37yWSvxICSwbcrSjOVVXWLJFmC8EgCwVNAT6XHlGgWQjR8u4bRKQFzpgyc6XsdxZ7H5GrWglLeYGyMi7w_rOpnJtg6Y_2W48wum-liTJXjRNs79j81X661d-7OiA-FMANOJUmHNeWYe4UiyHKv5nEybI/w640-h426/IMG_7349.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The southern side of one of the Himalayan mounds last summer with a doomed <i>Ceanothus gloriosus</i> which did, in fact, have massive die-off, though it doesn't show in this photo.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQ66NsvD9XBb_pllersJfemtYeKEfJCARSn9soMvoTcv66t2C-DsSz7abnk_LUI7aQ5lW3SifiqmyBYSrI63ReJ90gwXFSEBdIF7Urc9H2WfLNgJ3xNdgeJpDpQei22k5GrVduraERPOtqiB0fR93Bv59H_jY_RIXIV6GB4Px8F_1WuxXEEv_vDUajRg/s6000/IMG_6688.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQ66NsvD9XBb_pllersJfemtYeKEfJCARSn9soMvoTcv66t2C-DsSz7abnk_LUI7aQ5lW3SifiqmyBYSrI63ReJ90gwXFSEBdIF7Urc9H2WfLNgJ3xNdgeJpDpQei22k5GrVduraERPOtqiB0fR93Bv59H_jY_RIXIV6GB4Px8F_1WuxXEEv_vDUajRg/w640-h426/IMG_6688.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Same area with the ceanothus removed as seen today. That little nob of grass will be cut out this autumn when we embark on more projects (ooh....a teaser).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsl53lYjryKL1C3dZzL3y2pemCMeRBnr65uDVGDQjmkUIeqS-I_MIqd8M2cY72wifQ8GCxwmJtT26ztvaW33qhJDvPh7hG_EGg4pGWjfdMsPi0RwhaVuJ0BeNrQQD3ah6jtZ7Kt0m_H0cqnA5BpZ5lYB7Qqpqu8TMR5sy_gvgcK2LEFEVDGnaXrgNMwbs/s6000/IMG_5534.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsl53lYjryKL1C3dZzL3y2pemCMeRBnr65uDVGDQjmkUIeqS-I_MIqd8M2cY72wifQ8GCxwmJtT26ztvaW33qhJDvPh7hG_EGg4pGWjfdMsPi0RwhaVuJ0BeNrQQD3ah6jtZ7Kt0m_H0cqnA5BpZ5lYB7Qqpqu8TMR5sy_gvgcK2LEFEVDGnaXrgNMwbs/w640-h426/IMG_5534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The area with the <i>Ceanothus</i> 'Italian Skies' which can be seen center left and is showing a little die-off from late last spring. The <i>Helianthus</i> 'Lemon Queen' on the bottom right had taken over, much of it was removed and placed in the chicken garden.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTORwJsvoDi0EHvWr8M6QgKR9CvnGAfL5_ofb1jwAuxiS3APEtO-i_kth3TRQbrFz2K7OE20Cmc7fzM2y6nvCPxtXjVxiE_6wadIcZUL4rjlz7hHhFXO8xtd2JVod8h4zua2OhHTtVFe5S6KkV5BSDnPsQn_iTHy_KHEzBV0jUX1fOKVD1HwSxs14MLD0/s6000/IMG_6702.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTORwJsvoDi0EHvWr8M6QgKR9CvnGAfL5_ofb1jwAuxiS3APEtO-i_kth3TRQbrFz2K7OE20Cmc7fzM2y6nvCPxtXjVxiE_6wadIcZUL4rjlz7hHhFXO8xtd2JVod8h4zua2OhHTtVFe5S6KkV5BSDnPsQn_iTHy_KHEzBV0jUX1fOKVD1HwSxs14MLD0/w640-h426/IMG_6702.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Same area today. While the gap is definitely noticeable, it will fill in with a hidden-from-view <i>Arctostaphylos </i>'Louis Edmunds'. Arctostaphylos have been incredibly resilient for me where some ceanothus have not. <i>Ceanothus cuneatus</i> has been an amazing exception and I plan on adding more to the garden.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbM7ds9zH2TZOi5Hn0tu_6nX7-pPV1viBatLHQu6YV4ROKNduS_vTTV9A2vuBLoOG79Nd6vzdpQas2Ty0U6NToqAIbul_d1muxVmHwCfqTRUmfgVLL-uPCEKhJ99rTH7RQSdo_Pe8ssVKWCCQIk22JWdMpTNwn8sNhua4zCNODdjtQJrZNvh_qCqXk30/s6000/IMG_3290.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbM7ds9zH2TZOi5Hn0tu_6nX7-pPV1viBatLHQu6YV4ROKNduS_vTTV9A2vuBLoOG79Nd6vzdpQas2Ty0U6NToqAIbul_d1muxVmHwCfqTRUmfgVLL-uPCEKhJ99rTH7RQSdo_Pe8ssVKWCCQIk22JWdMpTNwn8sNhua4zCNODdjtQJrZNvh_qCqXk30/w640-h426/IMG_3290.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As seen from the right (earlier this summer), looking towards the <i>Phlomis russelliana</i> to the left as a reference. The <i>Helianthus</i> 'Lemon Queen' in the very center is much reduced.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3dizqtQY7ND3ip6JJ4G8FfnrFvQiaBD6OZlBUDnDttg9keHerAcL8IA1mehcecrXffdRJZIuGA4vjq5wl0DnyptsZGPLqbfENRII2JE_mavzrpx6jXyfMgMkriVDXJPZFLW9-iELIpE6X8yFPjvxPXGSOOsC1JDPK_VoX2Ga-M__BM_8SxCr4yBAcDU/s3264/ceanothus_gloriosus%20(9).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="3264" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3dizqtQY7ND3ip6JJ4G8FfnrFvQiaBD6OZlBUDnDttg9keHerAcL8IA1mehcecrXffdRJZIuGA4vjq5wl0DnyptsZGPLqbfENRII2JE_mavzrpx6jXyfMgMkriVDXJPZFLW9-iELIpE6X8yFPjvxPXGSOOsC1JDPK_VoX2Ga-M__BM_8SxCr4yBAcDU/w640-h294/ceanothus_gloriosus%20(9).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Back to that <i>Ceanothus gloriosus</i> removal. Here it is again, this time photographed in spring. It really was dying and had been this way for a couple of years.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kStmWy6CdrtUg68OGsxLHIsnrHUwkN5Z2tFozIjh1GMjEJ1mRnqhhdPd20YdMEzYxEtjw1S27Oq1haEMnyqLrYdIstKkJdV1WNijMMQiqorpIn1602dKKj4GaBF0J9QIMNoUYTkSPP2-zWDaPkNtiVM2x9mXddTgIwupxCx5tgC-avwl-hjC1MiORwQ/s4032/20230807_195914.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kStmWy6CdrtUg68OGsxLHIsnrHUwkN5Z2tFozIjh1GMjEJ1mRnqhhdPd20YdMEzYxEtjw1S27Oq1haEMnyqLrYdIstKkJdV1WNijMMQiqorpIn1602dKKj4GaBF0J9QIMNoUYTkSPP2-zWDaPkNtiVM2x9mXddTgIwupxCx5tgC-avwl-hjC1MiORwQ/w640-h296/20230807_195914.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After only three months, this is what it looks like now. Oscar the <i>Agave parryi </i>var.<i> truncata</i> was moved here from a less-sloped position, the <i>Verbena bonariensis</i> and sunflowers are volunteers, the <i>Agastache</i> 'Kudos Red' was moved from a less desirable position and the <i>Cosmos</i> 'Rubenza' was started from seed in the greenhouse this spring. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wkmL9nu16iZYMHc9vFVG2MH751PH2ZiRIAp6oxY5W1rAXdr6unyfcspWE2mntKk1WTo6Ktoy1_ALY1tAvtzk8SG6BGAh-c3Zs196ODEQOmxzAxZQtsV8AaxVNaXzWSTpdO2WqIw5z6oaPOEIljnHSFo0Wtk80UJdpNdIY6oMgbw_2a_2FjcdsJB8bNo/s6000/IMG_6302.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wkmL9nu16iZYMHc9vFVG2MH751PH2ZiRIAp6oxY5W1rAXdr6unyfcspWE2mntKk1WTo6Ktoy1_ALY1tAvtzk8SG6BGAh-c3Zs196ODEQOmxzAxZQtsV8AaxVNaXzWSTpdO2WqIw5z6oaPOEIljnHSFo0Wtk80UJdpNdIY6oMgbw_2a_2FjcdsJB8bNo/w640-h426/IMG_6302.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's an example of one step backwards. This is my poor <i>Lobelia tupa</i> this year. The stump stack is to fill in the gap left by its die off.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdI1pPQbi8TQV4w4notK5ACm0Z0bXooruH5bvzZ39uRW93AF3zXf9iofGt73kg4pGdsaAMR0fmsQ4ro5TrfJtINmpUyGLreYCKP6je_fdmLRw0keUk2Hsx4iXNoBIOMxuAIEkM6uSRKarsrKsHeXG6ucsAj7SqfeKyqtX3oOBVmm6-SXCrQm5fvLzJy0/s6000/lobelia_tupa%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdI1pPQbi8TQV4w4notK5ACm0Z0bXooruH5bvzZ39uRW93AF3zXf9iofGt73kg4pGdsaAMR0fmsQ4ro5TrfJtINmpUyGLreYCKP6je_fdmLRw0keUk2Hsx4iXNoBIOMxuAIEkM6uSRKarsrKsHeXG6ucsAj7SqfeKyqtX3oOBVmm6-SXCrQm5fvLzJy0/w640-h426/lobelia_tupa%20(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's what it looked like last year. It filled in such a massive area that its disappearance is rather shocking.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUi5CHon3fB_R-Z3OquHAkSjVQD2yOsVFF4V0aOxIH_PVzPKFWbm_uXZMAX_0ndrmolxs4xtv6e5cwTmLLrbfq1AzJ3sT4S8LLEiCiYsfYS8O99b9MdKObte3R7yRoi-q5nouBSPDLWLpRYJRLGK4XV2ZZQEmo_uDnnrCsgBI1vj5gOreHOUkJs_kIek/s6000/IMG_5323.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUi5CHon3fB_R-Z3OquHAkSjVQD2yOsVFF4V0aOxIH_PVzPKFWbm_uXZMAX_0ndrmolxs4xtv6e5cwTmLLrbfq1AzJ3sT4S8LLEiCiYsfYS8O99b9MdKObte3R7yRoi-q5nouBSPDLWLpRYJRLGK4XV2ZZQEmo_uDnnrCsgBI1vj5gOreHOUkJs_kIek/w640-h426/IMG_5323.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is an area where a once huge <i>Atriplex halimus</i> filled in. It died (its stump can be seen behind the panicum) a slow, ugly death from a multitude of causes last year. Another massive hole left by a once gigantic foundation plant.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsH-EeUtYXyIDhDImWHrSpBZy9x_IWDfLL7txGWRE3Z3yB3wrGzXoqAsSVcMDjYBJThCtzLRIhpSPpHQHOidOxknl55BiI5D0qspVb_Mkoaaaep0PCSfpR4qT02kPFqz8uR4C0bnO3NMciTOvdN8HXi-Uui_FzzemWRytlsd0RwRvbkR2wnEUe3rpDxE/s6000/IMG_6646.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsH-EeUtYXyIDhDImWHrSpBZy9x_IWDfLL7txGWRE3Z3yB3wrGzXoqAsSVcMDjYBJThCtzLRIhpSPpHQHOidOxknl55BiI5D0qspVb_Mkoaaaep0PCSfpR4qT02kPFqz8uR4C0bnO3NMciTOvdN8HXi-Uui_FzzemWRytlsd0RwRvbkR2wnEUe3rpDxE/w640-h426/IMG_6646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Same area today. There is a replacement atriplex in there right in the center, slightly moved from its original position and it is very healthy. The flowering spreader is the wonderful <i>Mirabilis multiflora</i>. It is a low-water, giant tap-rooted perennial that I am really excited about. Thank you again, <a href="https://gardensofthewildwildwest.com/" target="_blank">Mary Ann</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAm1ywXUdrLdjmTSb3O1UUWpQ16ejI-PzZh1iTkmnqOrhQqbWXALg4yICflvJBbnKykmuAANg7Q-UC_vtJYr7bDUy2vodZxWi5CylMroY0wc2qgTQImEuwisYPAzSu8scjyOvQ1qmp_Wezt4bqmDg4eEJgnUeTZV3mtOSv_iEzttmPScOwGIbNhlKqGc/s6000/IMG_6730.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAm1ywXUdrLdjmTSb3O1UUWpQ16ejI-PzZh1iTkmnqOrhQqbWXALg4yICflvJBbnKykmuAANg7Q-UC_vtJYr7bDUy2vodZxWi5CylMroY0wc2qgTQImEuwisYPAzSu8scjyOvQ1qmp_Wezt4bqmDg4eEJgnUeTZV3mtOSv_iEzttmPScOwGIbNhlKqGc/w640-h426/IMG_6730.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a head-scratcher. These two<i> Chamaecyparis</i> 'Heatherbun' shrubs were moved from where the cistern now sits. They both looked (save for their size difference) exactly the same. After a couple of months in this location, one is decidedly more bronze, looking more like the stressed plants in root-bound pots I observed at nurseries. They both receive the same sun and soil, both received plenty of water to get them re-established. We'll see what happens.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOV5oyhN64CPZIHs4S5uMQ8j2dA3G-tP9pMpqfc3UpeQ7edaPzsGF0v09KTqBvqk07Ws9hZY85zNQZI8zwNKzZaHdjSlcIrSjZlyu2kJYbQh0eSVenZf34PNJo3d3bKbGxeY7C6gUl-llrVmgZOeAlNRzuRkxs6h3tEFste9AYAkilvl2mdWFm4fJp9I/s6000/IMG_6714.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOV5oyhN64CPZIHs4S5uMQ8j2dA3G-tP9pMpqfc3UpeQ7edaPzsGF0v09KTqBvqk07Ws9hZY85zNQZI8zwNKzZaHdjSlcIrSjZlyu2kJYbQh0eSVenZf34PNJo3d3bKbGxeY7C6gUl-llrVmgZOeAlNRzuRkxs6h3tEFste9AYAkilvl2mdWFm4fJp9I/w640-h426/IMG_6714.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More mystery <i>Ceanothus gloriosus</i> die-off. This area beneath a <i>Quercus garryana</i> has been lushly full with several ceanothus plants up until last year. This area died off then regenerated last winter. It is once again dying off and if you look closely on the right the light buff colored bits are crispy leaves. I mean, does it need more water? I'm at a loss. The other areas are beautiful and healthy. I do suspect mole damage. In the meantime, I'm planning on planting a bunch of <i>Sedum spurium</i> to fill in until I decide what is to be done.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4cPAuKzVXBb7uXhehJ6LReFwcYp4dg4PGIr4TYelpvc98VfPo-XeqtkNhX6U4CD-ITWDN381lN5lWMBeUh0ZdQMuqKpvkAs5JbwGnotjOHoKKneg8CKUkE8eMmWzqIkx7gczJF3B9kaqPxaxk3IS1BSzu8SAckp0t8dV4B7AsUGSt7vyliydsVACAgE/s6000/IMG_6683.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4cPAuKzVXBb7uXhehJ6LReFwcYp4dg4PGIr4TYelpvc98VfPo-XeqtkNhX6U4CD-ITWDN381lN5lWMBeUh0ZdQMuqKpvkAs5JbwGnotjOHoKKneg8CKUkE8eMmWzqIkx7gczJF3B9kaqPxaxk3IS1BSzu8SAckp0t8dV4B7AsUGSt7vyliydsVACAgE/w640-h426/IMG_6683.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mystery plans! Mystery no more. We're adding more plants, removing more lawn. Of course, not until autumn when the soil will hopefully be wetter. We're extending FM's latest garden bed with more of the same, bringing it down towards the gate, connecting several satellite plants. I have a stash of plants ready to go including more baccharis or coyote shrub, some <i>Ericameria nauseosa</i>, rabbit brush, a grevillea and arctostaphylos or two and some <i>Olearia</i> 'Dartonii'. All drought-adapted, many natives. We are so excited! Plus, it will create an evergreen screen helping to drown out noise from the road below.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Eqr48zQgY2QSxvyw9Tp60TPDRFxMfRQYL16wc6MW1yj95ZkYXbHvoG66sBKHh9xfEuhldm4DtWZpeed_pJUk_IauNWw4P8NonCPkBF9-M3YzKu_YSEQmRTOxSwQjM8704SPZdIJ132JT0q10ug1dc5RYabJ4BsqGW38S7TWYrwOYXTX3ksp40vPEVws/s6000/IMG_6642.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Eqr48zQgY2QSxvyw9Tp60TPDRFxMfRQYL16wc6MW1yj95ZkYXbHvoG66sBKHh9xfEuhldm4DtWZpeed_pJUk_IauNWw4P8NonCPkBF9-M3YzKu_YSEQmRTOxSwQjM8704SPZdIJ132JT0q10ug1dc5RYabJ4BsqGW38S7TWYrwOYXTX3ksp40vPEVws/w640-h426/IMG_6642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One more small sod-removal project is taking out the grass from this triangle area along the driveway. We will add wood chips as well as a few plants. The area will incorporate a dwarf white pine and a <i>Stewartia pseudocamellia</i> (in the triangle), looking rather like islands right now. There are one or two other areas where we plan on removing more sod and adding drought and winter wet adapted plants. While the work up front is definitely a project, it is an eventual time saver as no mowing, little to no weeding if the wood chip mulch is deep enough - and you get to look at plants instead of brown weeds. It also helps to knit the whole big picture together, a goal we've been working towards the past two years.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPXl0nkAsM2E6Q03Qyf18Un74zsLLBNtSuHm44rGYl5hNTpW4zBb7_onfca6HfZL7Enkv8Crq0Nw3dS4e55qnkHSLvlsXqVtzvOrR2sNPcu6MVjU2h1GPqRwjihqc2JSBxFylW2dHFNol6PcPORakeo0Ebz7XGLqTiB_xyTdlyY4zo9FZeGuso2310NI/s6000/IMG_6636.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPXl0nkAsM2E6Q03Qyf18Un74zsLLBNtSuHm44rGYl5hNTpW4zBb7_onfca6HfZL7Enkv8Crq0Nw3dS4e55qnkHSLvlsXqVtzvOrR2sNPcu6MVjU2h1GPqRwjihqc2JSBxFylW2dHFNol6PcPORakeo0Ebz7XGLqTiB_xyTdlyY4zo9FZeGuso2310NI/w640-h426/IMG_6636.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cistern update: We are steadily using water from our 2,500-gallon cistern on certain (close) areas of the garden, namely the hydrangeas that are water hogs. Thus far we have had it "on" for 25 hours. What I mean by on is that it is hooked up to a hose and sprinkler, though there is currently no pump, only gravity that sends water downhill. The cistern is now about 1/2 full. Bonus shot of <i>Eryngium giganteum</i> in front of it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As FM reported last week, the spray of water -- in other words, the pressure of the water -- is quite low so it does not water a large area. More like individual plants. Which is fine, but we are considering a pump for the future as well as adding a bladder type cistern under our deck to help water the eastern half of the garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f9jGs1MhD9Pn1cRaKm6N_mZIiK60nx6mekm5nfQPlhBk7YfJFUQ6y6D5UvWojFvwn1aohhsZ0u4eR_-KmCHUjEOXxJS0llwqzy6sGvchri8Nd5HE9lX4q_o_2FjeaQhpG0nQIXuFRkR9zuUtz0ShUv5nszIe7xweClV9PQ5qD50tnr5xkk7hwbkyDtg/s6000/IMG_6453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f9jGs1MhD9Pn1cRaKm6N_mZIiK60nx6mekm5nfQPlhBk7YfJFUQ6y6D5UvWojFvwn1aohhsZ0u4eR_-KmCHUjEOXxJS0llwqzy6sGvchri8Nd5HE9lX4q_o_2FjeaQhpG0nQIXuFRkR9zuUtz0ShUv5nszIe7xweClV9PQ5qD50tnr5xkk7hwbkyDtg/w640-h426/IMG_6453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now for a few plant photos to round out this post. <i>Strobilanthes atropurpurea</i> with its fine hairs backlit by the morning sun.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCJax26YMUo1BH5fJd6Z1dJlwnTRoOnacNw8KXG19i42o-2G2rZSsrFt5GhiOKSMh0cT2NbZKJO2CD2133V6gpDLm1vYbZ7uORZyZzEgBTqQu02gXkJHgNYZWpKHxYar2tXNoSFnC5swT1p7vnKUnxLsUi2EY8gQNVU-gka8PjEtNhcNLt4f2VsYsEX8/s6000/IMG_6600.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCJax26YMUo1BH5fJd6Z1dJlwnTRoOnacNw8KXG19i42o-2G2rZSsrFt5GhiOKSMh0cT2NbZKJO2CD2133V6gpDLm1vYbZ7uORZyZzEgBTqQu02gXkJHgNYZWpKHxYar2tXNoSFnC5swT1p7vnKUnxLsUi2EY8gQNVU-gka8PjEtNhcNLt4f2VsYsEX8/w426-h640/IMG_6600.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hosta</i> 'Guacamole' is my favorite for its chonkiness, its drought tolerance (yes, for a hosta!), its amazingly fragrant white flowers and its ability to thwart slugs. It still looks good in the heat of August. Plus it makes me crave Mexican food.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVM6OWld9tseW8NQNbIwPE5N67Tq5R_HWNqYkoRoHviQPgSNco5qV_8twofGAS3pI7txzKdfN9A6i8x_Tj24vUp5Pkee7_4t6ypimIAWsdlmqgVaVFDCKjjtut2wzPDbCqWkb9FIbnXgjFP43aSuuGUdxS-p0sxd0gF3niOyiTG1M4dS53JUl_YS_WMNc/s6000/IMG_6518.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVM6OWld9tseW8NQNbIwPE5N67Tq5R_HWNqYkoRoHviQPgSNco5qV_8twofGAS3pI7txzKdfN9A6i8x_Tj24vUp5Pkee7_4t6ypimIAWsdlmqgVaVFDCKjjtut2wzPDbCqWkb9FIbnXgjFP43aSuuGUdxS-p0sxd0gF3niOyiTG1M4dS53JUl_YS_WMNc/w640-h426/IMG_6518.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Foliage colors and textures in the dry gravel garden.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUASNy1jCgKDdLFVaXYDOpgBJQzZ-iP5arah9tdkkX7HJt2OHUmdyaPn_zuCv8x5l2Zds3gihk2JMiimZYJvqHcmg8bqCgGBncLtVUHLhtAakDo504Z6zbz0CpLUa8PRi24vaVQ3H-cKGy8ltVkFpKYqtOQgfx_MCn_SKwGz64BMXUrsqomGZkNvMc5LQ/s6000/IMG_6651.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUASNy1jCgKDdLFVaXYDOpgBJQzZ-iP5arah9tdkkX7HJt2OHUmdyaPn_zuCv8x5l2Zds3gihk2JMiimZYJvqHcmg8bqCgGBncLtVUHLhtAakDo504Z6zbz0CpLUa8PRi24vaVQ3H-cKGy8ltVkFpKYqtOQgfx_MCn_SKwGz64BMXUrsqomGZkNvMc5LQ/w640-h426/IMG_6651.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A book I have been meaning to read for years but haven't until now is Christopher Lloyd's <i>Well Tempered Garden</i>. One tasty bit of writing quotes Graham Thomas as saying that the color of roses with chinensis genes (such as <i>Rosa chinensis</i> 'Mutabilis' shown here) changes to a dark pink once pollinated. In fact, many factors impact flower color such as temperature, rainfall, etc. I observe many flowers in my own garden have shifted colors depending primarily on temperature. Plants are so cool.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivI6WrXKhaeVyC1bN4tmEENtYfJZIF4Egm8gmn0sziga7V1dOAyzgqe57pckOuRYdWvYF5oKyZeWuu19xAzJSzdOJqrrMNOaIc7_-a4n7zQDBZfwDfPMRqUiBGBRVvngGp4tFBIHH_FF9osG4OumKKcK8k4wpzB_r_Im3m-baOBTAf90UknHGu7W8adzA/s6000/IMG_6725.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivI6WrXKhaeVyC1bN4tmEENtYfJZIF4Egm8gmn0sziga7V1dOAyzgqe57pckOuRYdWvYF5oKyZeWuu19xAzJSzdOJqrrMNOaIc7_-a4n7zQDBZfwDfPMRqUiBGBRVvngGp4tFBIHH_FF9osG4OumKKcK8k4wpzB_r_Im3m-baOBTAf90UknHGu7W8adzA/w426-h640/IMG_6725.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Evening sun across the fire pit.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEi53iEWS0RD43Xp6RQ2riQT2CjtV6QbS8gP0zr5pE1aaGWeNpSKtmlLHDUUfiNYpuFOnsu6EmPTQnCnrWCQXm8a4h8rkdnXDbGc6Jne4mqJ_c7q5AiL5xbPmlYaADUzYzrtx-8VUtpcv2s9Eg0HEkoUcFoRt2OebFXmIx7Yryk7450G0WYq4rNgc6JI/s6000/IMG_6754.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEi53iEWS0RD43Xp6RQ2riQT2CjtV6QbS8gP0zr5pE1aaGWeNpSKtmlLHDUUfiNYpuFOnsu6EmPTQnCnrWCQXm8a4h8rkdnXDbGc6Jne4mqJ_c7q5AiL5xbPmlYaADUzYzrtx-8VUtpcv2s9Eg0HEkoUcFoRt2OebFXmIx7Yryk7450G0WYq4rNgc6JI/w640-h426/IMG_6754.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <i>Agapanthus inapertus</i> ‘Nigrescens’ is beginning to bloom in the berm garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTT-ywY0K3iTogLa0mC6EGgtDw9evBGsKNnVSrSyj880geQ9PX4YsE6LOCPVUpp4DC0pVYlD4Pw5P04ZfLPGOqYZZFkAekRp9giTnIBe8X9teCcCkdK-Tlq4GnOgdrYQkRIcrBaolf_VruQYwCxs0-NMHhHrZPnmCPSius9gKidjqvEvirpN7WdlJru4/s6000/IMG_6273.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTT-ywY0K3iTogLa0mC6EGgtDw9evBGsKNnVSrSyj880geQ9PX4YsE6LOCPVUpp4DC0pVYlD4Pw5P04ZfLPGOqYZZFkAekRp9giTnIBe8X9teCcCkdK-Tlq4GnOgdrYQkRIcrBaolf_VruQYwCxs0-NMHhHrZPnmCPSius9gKidjqvEvirpN7WdlJru4/w426-h640/IMG_6273.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This sweet little sedum was a gift from very generous friends who recently visited, bringing a whole tub of amazing plants, plus fruit from their gardens, wine and so much more. What a lovely day we had eating, talking plants and nature. I am so lucky to have such generous and wonderful people in my life. You know who you are! Plus, I love the macrame which she made as well as the idea of a sedum as a hanging basket. So ingenious! They gave me the most amazing variety of everything from arctos to acacia. I also received a lovely <i>Agave bracteosa</i> from <a href="http://www.thedangergarden.com/" target="_blank">Danger Garden</a> last week. We were thrilled to have her visit as she is not only a garden friend but someone whom I deeply respect and admire. She was the inspiration and encouragement I needed when I started my Chickadee Gardens blog. Thank you again everyone from the bottom of my heart!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqd47b-pvPX_Wcpqgmm2mYF8Bw4-IN5b9ibjbANaf-EWgg_SULAEcNYUKfj8a9KLhAd9vLKHWxhmrVBY3r71wV2XjxFvf35bnORtvMZx8LmOe1CLICyOmwbhEObfEVDkHimE9-5-viU7CvStY6IaC3uS-Y-yOLVL0_XTw5sOivdoXLSvsxua4Z6yn2QfM/s6000/IMG_6735.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqd47b-pvPX_Wcpqgmm2mYF8Bw4-IN5b9ibjbANaf-EWgg_SULAEcNYUKfj8a9KLhAd9vLKHWxhmrVBY3r71wV2XjxFvf35bnORtvMZx8LmOe1CLICyOmwbhEObfEVDkHimE9-5-viU7CvStY6IaC3uS-Y-yOLVL0_XTw5sOivdoXLSvsxua4Z6yn2QfM/w640-h426/IMG_6735.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A parting shot of one of the broody sisters, Clover the hen. She and her sister Pixie are being broody which basically means they sit on the nest all day. They do this in hopes of hatching chicks as the drive to be a mom is strong sometimes. But the thing is, there are no chicks (no roosters here) and no eggs for them on which to sit. They simply hang out here in the 102 degree weather hot as hell. We have to open the nest box hatch for them to have air and we also regularly pick them up and place them among their non-broody sisters so they may eat and drink, for they won't do this while being broody. Sigh....it happens but not forever, they will eventually lose the impulse and go back to being laying hens. And, no, they don't lay eggs when broody so there's that. I just thought this photo captured the lurking dinosaur in them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, observing the state of the garden right now, I can't let my pessimistic self win. If my optimistic self were to speak, I would say we're one step ahead. That's better than no steps ahead. I hope that in a year or two that these little adaptations and plantings will make a difference in the garden, i.e. a little less work and more beauty with drought-adapted plants. More and more I am choosing to bypass amazing plants that are thirsty. I just can't do it any more. I am dead serious in saying I have a shoulder injury (along with physical therapy) from watering last summer right through October. I'm on the mend but I have to be careful, a blinding realization that I must take care of what I have. So. No more thirsty plants, even shade lovers. Saying bye bye to withering fuchsias, for example, is heart-breaking but necessary. I'm not removing them, rather letting them fade away in time. I put a lot of energy and water into these plants and what's the point if they are on life support? I am observing the letting go of former garden visions and creating something new. Gardening has changed for me and that's okay. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. As always thank you so much for reading and commenting, we love hearing from you and hearing what you are up to in your own gardens! Happy gardening, stay cool out there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-18450225240216022732023-08-03T07:00:00.216-07:002023-08-03T07:00:00.140-07:00Facilities Manager's Summer Report<div style="text-align: center;"> Happy August! Whoa, Summer is here with a capital S. Nice and warm, but not as hot as the last two summers. In fact, we hesitate to tell friends and family in other parts of the world. We don't wish to sound all "braggy" and such. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, but we have been busy. The cats and I are busy napping in the afternoons. Mornings, though? On the move. Watering stuff. Projects. Mowing. The usual. What follows is a report on what is going on our property. Am happy to say: All is well and green and just chickee. (Tamara here: What the corn does chickee mean? And while yes, you're busy in the early morning, I happily take the afternoon shift...it takes a village, after all.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONRzKBouqKFCebQUCwem95NFEvXUfcgkV9BQuqmN34SRiF4gO-hZlbNwo_ja5SM6jPVe6dTXhwjxRBmYqIP7XV40Kmab6-C0bFvmRmZCp4Lgz_0uCR07KUkRlGpLTutwNnYLVIcabqZ-fLB8s-WRUyCrT6WluS8DhOyRGmqFdHRH5NlMcozM3BPzkdmY/s4608/IMG_3964.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONRzKBouqKFCebQUCwem95NFEvXUfcgkV9BQuqmN34SRiF4gO-hZlbNwo_ja5SM6jPVe6dTXhwjxRBmYqIP7XV40Kmab6-C0bFvmRmZCp4Lgz_0uCR07KUkRlGpLTutwNnYLVIcabqZ-fLB8s-WRUyCrT6WluS8DhOyRGmqFdHRH5NlMcozM3BPzkdmY/w640-h480/IMG_3964.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our black beans are the pride of the veggie garden. While the broccoli, cabbages and onions are fine and healthy, we are excited about our three rows of black beans. The beans are forming now, and we will let them dry and then collect them in the coming weeks. Home-grown black beans? Superb. We got them from <a href="https://store.experimentalfarmnetwork.org/" target="_blank">Experimental Farm Network</a> although we don't see them listed on their website any longer. (Tamara here - I think I'll do a post on the veggie garden soon. It's been much better this year and we've timed things a little differently...more to come.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITw4-xNyS_BdC9P-D2vFqs-5rmCoUd88V_N-l2R19JLBREaU6YFCJfSip-WKN4yHlMy7obYDeHqk7FrONsgvfRvg_yBh751Cky3YAcgGTEazQWFEwr8dYmTNIvvRYUGhfdpmHUucUd-gp5hTvk1iID08krgwbUY3UHvzpD28bAfGrLEX5onl9v1CqiqM/s3996/IMG_20230729_1845171.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3996" data-original-width="2664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITw4-xNyS_BdC9P-D2vFqs-5rmCoUd88V_N-l2R19JLBREaU6YFCJfSip-WKN4yHlMy7obYDeHqk7FrONsgvfRvg_yBh751Cky3YAcgGTEazQWFEwr8dYmTNIvvRYUGhfdpmHUucUd-gp5hTvk1iID08krgwbUY3UHvzpD28bAfGrLEX5onl9v1CqiqM/w426-h640/IMG_20230729_1845171.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunflowers abound in our gardens. I love this one. So beautiful. </div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubJPC_qmZy7yMdxIojoYoiO380bWUVUOj1R6-Z5Vb_9S-tkAXh5dc2s7ghrTvDMPfzf87prMpCR2XuyFnBVsnre_Qz_n0z7kYk7QQYmvdacCrCnof-pLp6ce7-B51ECJ451_5KAQoajrHCZzLVY6LPsyijDmz-qMDzR4lYZj__mwHGRUM4n-AQh_UBjg/s4608/IMG_3971.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubJPC_qmZy7yMdxIojoYoiO380bWUVUOj1R6-Z5Vb_9S-tkAXh5dc2s7ghrTvDMPfzf87prMpCR2XuyFnBVsnre_Qz_n0z7kYk7QQYmvdacCrCnof-pLp6ce7-B51ECJ451_5KAQoajrHCZzLVY6LPsyijDmz-qMDzR4lYZj__mwHGRUM4n-AQh_UBjg/w640-h480/IMG_3971.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The new potato box looks kind of scraggly, but I will fix that next summer. Despite its rumpled appearances the little gold and purple potatoes are perfect. No peeling these little guys. Also, please note in the background our single beehive. The honeybees are super busy right now. Landing with overweight loads of pollen on their legs. The FAA and TSA would scream and stomp if they knew.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51NhuOl-i5ybtdYifr8-Y2PJSYHrCd_slB0-hWcCCQx8KpDz4u5JZtAWaN4_zF7fwhlt9vD3Yr95NNVNp8nyDMc-K6Ty_12ZNOPjbu9vhuuZk8sBjN6vAA3e8QFJg2_zTfBKaLFeRh_mmnr6C32k9gJz6yzX-tDgGRlmwnG95hmewn8kc4JmncDbr08c/s3996/IMG_20230708_1836265.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3996" data-original-width="2664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51NhuOl-i5ybtdYifr8-Y2PJSYHrCd_slB0-hWcCCQx8KpDz4u5JZtAWaN4_zF7fwhlt9vD3Yr95NNVNp8nyDMc-K6Ty_12ZNOPjbu9vhuuZk8sBjN6vAA3e8QFJg2_zTfBKaLFeRh_mmnr6C32k9gJz6yzX-tDgGRlmwnG95hmewn8kc4JmncDbr08c/w426-h640/IMG_20230708_1836265.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am surrounded by beauty at every turn.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDFIrgf26Xj7OmIMqTCAGxy1YK9gslard-OvJr33CnKKVCjR2GwGkSrfUgiCL90e9y8Lcw4JBZcApQ9932imFhusVwTw3AsvFCTLgl5AjWb3D68rYg81c4BcLcF9JzDsWj9XGCAFppLvNCwuotK1HwhhrnovOguaC4uM6uOkQ5EvmzitSSc3a4vjZnyE/s4608/IMG_3961.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDFIrgf26Xj7OmIMqTCAGxy1YK9gslard-OvJr33CnKKVCjR2GwGkSrfUgiCL90e9y8Lcw4JBZcApQ9932imFhusVwTw3AsvFCTLgl5AjWb3D68rYg81c4BcLcF9JzDsWj9XGCAFppLvNCwuotK1HwhhrnovOguaC4uM6uOkQ5EvmzitSSc3a4vjZnyE/w640-h480/IMG_3961.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The apples -- these are Honey Crisps -- are abundant. And we have some nice-looking pears. My mouth waters with the thought of soon some morning enjoying a cool new Honey Crisp for breakfast. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3nyVTYdEeFeysu8fmoTe6FqUCyV65MtNFIWBmCbacebPmjrQorpuTaII9wmpzqmAQqrajCHTBTfmvRcBbSzUDhozeOB9QTzkXC3QGmdBiLN_uy0S_9wTOhC63R1ZcELXyrAMiV819a_UF-gaYWzyUy3m07Ih2_TULLDuIyDq-iHKeC9RIU2pLjcN0cs/s1728/image000000011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3nyVTYdEeFeysu8fmoTe6FqUCyV65MtNFIWBmCbacebPmjrQorpuTaII9wmpzqmAQqrajCHTBTfmvRcBbSzUDhozeOB9QTzkXC3QGmdBiLN_uy0S_9wTOhC63R1ZcELXyrAMiV819a_UF-gaYWzyUy3m07Ih2_TULLDuIyDq-iHKeC9RIU2pLjcN0cs/w426-h640/image000000011.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The new raspberry plants are joining the fun. While the quantity is small, the flavors are wonderful. I pick these berries along with the nearby blueberries and we are golden for two or three days. Shhh, don't tell the birds. We thank our friends Ray & Kat as well as Jackie for the two different kinds of raspberries to fill our new raised beds with very yummy berries.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXQnRKpX5tjlyKJcDAqMi6LJ2mlNyWdrxAm2W3n__0oXrrLJlcRpQwPnW9oghaiIMsOmkS3GLZrLhD6JTODccaDGtq2ItCKxT5wIODpjsGnRc5WHiVkV0v1QvLpYrgd-feYDlZ00mRDGswxtmEOalk4FfxPRZBbWMW_Au29ZSJUaDeLDbtFnBAWjt9yw/s3996/IMG_20230702_0846017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3996" data-original-width="2664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXQnRKpX5tjlyKJcDAqMi6LJ2mlNyWdrxAm2W3n__0oXrrLJlcRpQwPnW9oghaiIMsOmkS3GLZrLhD6JTODccaDGtq2ItCKxT5wIODpjsGnRc5WHiVkV0v1QvLpYrgd-feYDlZ00mRDGswxtmEOalk4FfxPRZBbWMW_Au29ZSJUaDeLDbtFnBAWjt9yw/w426-h640/IMG_20230702_0846017.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Again, lovely stuff. (<i>Rosa</i> 'Golden Wings')</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkBWqq6BnH_H7g2n81k-xDTB1gsymvuB2HJX1Kz6XTMM79RceH5hvn4EqS0EoAWFvWztgxFPozQC32TPgSce-_iDkQDkBe5ZJZnYA9XNA-OyDFhxW-Wdjr5wgq1LLUbOFPtOcwNX16gtAiT6u7P_vShNEVwrAekdj9EFzVYiszUZUAX6uFe2ZaSCdDAU/s4608/IMG_3973.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkBWqq6BnH_H7g2n81k-xDTB1gsymvuB2HJX1Kz6XTMM79RceH5hvn4EqS0EoAWFvWztgxFPozQC32TPgSce-_iDkQDkBe5ZJZnYA9XNA-OyDFhxW-Wdjr5wgq1LLUbOFPtOcwNX16gtAiT6u7P_vShNEVwrAekdj9EFzVYiszUZUAX6uFe2ZaSCdDAU/w640-h480/IMG_3973.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We've had a great many visitors this season. Many ask about Oscar the agave. He is recovered and thriving on his new mound-side home. Careful, don't fall atop our good friend Oscar. </div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnT6JUe2NYsGWA-tVlc7jIajjN8Z9xor-MTLc11o9XuGctKyE_aHAJNSP101ATeL2apgGKSolVJ6BhjjhCY10TNu2ko2o-BoUUN-05fuf8HvvoMx5L2nIZWnCweW_Hl8EcgyX4Qq7eqmg6DcrsfNf6DYB3vx-MmUVeT4dMA6GyDhMLeLKcXv6g7OFXvs/s3996/IMG_20230730_0952308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3996" data-original-width="2664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnT6JUe2NYsGWA-tVlc7jIajjN8Z9xor-MTLc11o9XuGctKyE_aHAJNSP101ATeL2apgGKSolVJ6BhjjhCY10TNu2ko2o-BoUUN-05fuf8HvvoMx5L2nIZWnCweW_Hl8EcgyX4Qq7eqmg6DcrsfNf6DYB3vx-MmUVeT4dMA6GyDhMLeLKcXv6g7OFXvs/w426-h640/IMG_20230730_0952308.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hydrangeas demand water and more water but look at the result.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLURY-5MyfGxfqFFgM39DaaazJIqK4hvvWP7NtHP8O2fagNuPMiuslPrO2l3_L530-n4lEKDFbRWy4f8yhspUdDQv0_elXZYC37oxtksxxBjJsV7i-Uh9uSJrIXC6PZym8RxaSd8qiVrrrMiNi-hAQu1XMCrCPoQu71Lh5J5VJYbVSUJcqSaIwCuq-xk/s4608/IMG_3983.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLURY-5MyfGxfqFFgM39DaaazJIqK4hvvWP7NtHP8O2fagNuPMiuslPrO2l3_L530-n4lEKDFbRWy4f8yhspUdDQv0_elXZYC37oxtksxxBjJsV7i-Uh9uSJrIXC6PZym8RxaSd8qiVrrrMiNi-hAQu1XMCrCPoQu71Lh5J5VJYbVSUJcqSaIwCuq-xk/w640-h480/IMG_3983.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tamara works hard on her moss-covered pathways in the Shade Garden. A mighty fine green carpet if you ask me. </div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABkqx2jW76eP3BEbMnjp-B3ekazumkW2DQSROb3FddcfdZpJeyjxFPqikZQpPhrII-6jJNVdKXGEGOWKqAzUE53yyvkVx7Sa6dN9ZmKchMt6UryqwBfAkgqUfNBI1f2Yky39QTtJjBxs3cfEjgTni-NRTatmEwBDPtSKJIFO-NJkASxyDH_1dxd6MvP8/s3996/IMG_20230721_1022464.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3996" data-original-width="2664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABkqx2jW76eP3BEbMnjp-B3ekazumkW2DQSROb3FddcfdZpJeyjxFPqikZQpPhrII-6jJNVdKXGEGOWKqAzUE53yyvkVx7Sa6dN9ZmKchMt6UryqwBfAkgqUfNBI1f2Yky39QTtJjBxs3cfEjgTni-NRTatmEwBDPtSKJIFO-NJkASxyDH_1dxd6MvP8/w426-h640/IMG_20230721_1022464.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Meet "Gina" our long-leafed rhododendron. Our good friend <a href="https://fernhaven.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Gina,</a> who lives in the Columbia River Gorge, presented this to us, and it has responded wholesale. Gonna be something some day. (<i>Rhododendron sinogrande</i>)</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcaU0KeraSdEaUA7V-2QVIjctMecAXIq1M55Bdp7JAJZQBbyDTDp6-Z1PZ4nJ-p60ZzysN_cinSJw5lhBxI1xinddWUOCFW_g3V1--tIsOziePWSi5Pr6Sp14yOgUk8L-RoWewiU9Wy180OU0S7XKzzpIa5OQpuZWMnePVTNr_a_-3IKpFtgPEvAx8Jk/s4608/IMG_3977.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcaU0KeraSdEaUA7V-2QVIjctMecAXIq1M55Bdp7JAJZQBbyDTDp6-Z1PZ4nJ-p60ZzysN_cinSJw5lhBxI1xinddWUOCFW_g3V1--tIsOziePWSi5Pr6Sp14yOgUk8L-RoWewiU9Wy180OU0S7XKzzpIa5OQpuZWMnePVTNr_a_-3IKpFtgPEvAx8Jk/w640-h480/IMG_3977.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our stump cairn. We had an empty spot. We had logs. We got creative. We had a HUGE <i>Lobelia tupa</i> in this spot, and while it's still there it is reduced by about 80%. We found evidence of moles in the crown, so we're blaming them. It's still alive and will hopefully rebound.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz7x6AmwCl6CfZneeX2GJUe3ADNGJUdWkYpXB704ihgvsHNxZG6wB7qyUWJahOus6ZieNmcdKNEJINn_AAw8jjzFkCc9Ic-pPHQDwVshgu5I49u2UIR1k3dB5nfHsfGKQeCcoFS3eL6x2xVy0xqTYlbvNaltawPZCL2wzVI7FQwaeChAxCkJowLOM1-Q/s3996/IMG_20230704_1018379.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3996" data-original-width="2664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz7x6AmwCl6CfZneeX2GJUe3ADNGJUdWkYpXB704ihgvsHNxZG6wB7qyUWJahOus6ZieNmcdKNEJINn_AAw8jjzFkCc9Ic-pPHQDwVshgu5I49u2UIR1k3dB5nfHsfGKQeCcoFS3eL6x2xVy0xqTYlbvNaltawPZCL2wzVI7FQwaeChAxCkJowLOM1-Q/w426-h640/IMG_20230704_1018379.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, we have a 2,500-gallon water cistern. Um, the sprinkler laughs at its little bitty output. But we have learned to just settle the sprinkler head at the base of plants and set a timer. Seems to work well. I think we'll need that 25,000-gallon tank for more pressure!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWugQojEryCV3BgdXJWuUM3nfCEau6SsClx0pI_2u10JGWi9gfdjLbzvK-Pi4xk5NHiSQClAX5Z9edou0U9XoxKs7Rui8IkJDIMPhYt8fDJvQpitxrl7iABz2oiFLjjqUj1QweMvqbNYE8aXsO1g5tsiR0ZR3pO7XyoG_V2ib210gwdag0HwFMD2Pv_M/s4608/IMG_3953.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWugQojEryCV3BgdXJWuUM3nfCEau6SsClx0pI_2u10JGWi9gfdjLbzvK-Pi4xk5NHiSQClAX5Z9edou0U9XoxKs7Rui8IkJDIMPhYt8fDJvQpitxrl7iABz2oiFLjjqUj1QweMvqbNYE8aXsO1g5tsiR0ZR3pO7XyoG_V2ib210gwdag0HwFMD2Pv_M/w640-h480/IMG_3953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I added a porch to the east end of the chicken house. The hens walked too much last fall and winter on soggy, dirty straw so I wanted to provide at least a cleaner place to walk along. I will probably move their feeder -- lower right -- to the porch in November or so. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirJli2MMT0_gbxqDQ7k-R54zwxJB6n4i_0zdpEekeBPXvVRKmkWwbQwYeW943TO25hRYZxrC0UQuYaY2vjBFGIa3tel6GUQJx0RYFAxHxBFE0x2W__JBtxpH10pN71xHQQL4C1XQmscosSu5L6ZFLFciJr2RiVaWb1RRGJ8ZGAkUbNE0tybRiDjJ-UL8/s3996/IMG_20230701_0830450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3996" data-original-width="2664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirJli2MMT0_gbxqDQ7k-R54zwxJB6n4i_0zdpEekeBPXvVRKmkWwbQwYeW943TO25hRYZxrC0UQuYaY2vjBFGIa3tel6GUQJx0RYFAxHxBFE0x2W__JBtxpH10pN71xHQQL4C1XQmscosSu5L6ZFLFciJr2RiVaWb1RRGJ8ZGAkUbNE0tybRiDjJ-UL8/w426-h640/IMG_20230701_0830450.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A lizard found in the Berm Garden. We do love the lizards and salamanders.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8vcKFnTMvhSrfwsb08c6kVShgfvwB7aT0safJh3RrRpSJ-SXq8xtrA9baw5ykfvcbT9H3aFEDU5FPCbrZ_eT-ANgUoFBRhL9sjyrdTUmDQ17kcgjta7huXZ3r5xI6PNEJR9SatJxt5P8cee_lRxtix7amWAgciZVBKij0zY-5qoGF99RnDpn4G9-rR0/s3996/IMG_20230728_1239414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3996" data-original-width="2664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8vcKFnTMvhSrfwsb08c6kVShgfvwB7aT0safJh3RrRpSJ-SXq8xtrA9baw5ykfvcbT9H3aFEDU5FPCbrZ_eT-ANgUoFBRhL9sjyrdTUmDQ17kcgjta7huXZ3r5xI6PNEJR9SatJxt5P8cee_lRxtix7amWAgciZVBKij0zY-5qoGF99RnDpn4G9-rR0/w426-h640/IMG_20230728_1239414.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the butterflies are abundant. I saw a couple of grasshoppers, too.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfJCjss3hstI99kzVZBmT6cNDSigEt1DAfnYES0XtxSg_1ea6tyeTrarB-_10-kUeYsaWZ4FUGmJk05HSR3DZwm_D2VegDV75MNq_kS2ONNW9pNhEXz2lcczv7PHhtKNG3ospcpSwW2N5vtVwcBFK8mDdc83ql6O6YZ2TRrCdeja52iXwByE8pv4oI3U/s3996/IMG_20230724_0913196.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3996" data-original-width="2664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfJCjss3hstI99kzVZBmT6cNDSigEt1DAfnYES0XtxSg_1ea6tyeTrarB-_10-kUeYsaWZ4FUGmJk05HSR3DZwm_D2VegDV75MNq_kS2ONNW9pNhEXz2lcczv7PHhtKNG3ospcpSwW2N5vtVwcBFK8mDdc83ql6O6YZ2TRrCdeja52iXwByE8pv4oI3U/w426-h640/IMG_20230724_0913196.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And little green frogs. They like to live under our deck cushions, so we have to look first before we sit down.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYaTwxEz0scvoGrqbeeXHnbtXKIKlrK3xoafvViV0U8xmL0X7DC2sZLBuGWwC0Wmg9ddhO1CLvoW-JZMK9kmLBwZY8zfzj-yLNrBO9RKD5Vw1FFva9bTd2QL8u1shj4zS-msCDTK28smUCLKTAxylfuk50iKk4irHZe7NMQ0U3C15MGO553D370Gk7y4/s3996/IMG_20230716_1519070.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3996" data-original-width="2664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYaTwxEz0scvoGrqbeeXHnbtXKIKlrK3xoafvViV0U8xmL0X7DC2sZLBuGWwC0Wmg9ddhO1CLvoW-JZMK9kmLBwZY8zfzj-yLNrBO9RKD5Vw1FFva9bTd2QL8u1shj4zS-msCDTK28smUCLKTAxylfuk50iKk4irHZe7NMQ0U3C15MGO553D370Gk7y4/w426-h640/IMG_20230716_1519070.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Annie naps in the sunshine. One can lose one's fingers in the middle of all that goodness.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQWCIsENsMQ_c0omJsJ14fsVVrRUKb-a4lh0HdXKu2c3gsZHqdserdsOmbNVbh52iZPVWAzxM8FskqUREzknz0pbtMwg4Z1MMXCzzOMJtNHObox1QiDM6x5uC7Q0QdxDpCTtgRuQWP-T9-BnxGb-xnZfMC5q962I5gnFqkVQhBSamW_p-FLPsaj1n4D8/s4160/IMG_20230706_154105_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQWCIsENsMQ_c0omJsJ14fsVVrRUKb-a4lh0HdXKu2c3gsZHqdserdsOmbNVbh52iZPVWAzxM8FskqUREzknz0pbtMwg4Z1MMXCzzOMJtNHObox1QiDM6x5uC7Q0QdxDpCTtgRuQWP-T9-BnxGb-xnZfMC5q962I5gnFqkVQhBSamW_p-FLPsaj1n4D8/w480-h640/IMG_20230706_154105_01.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hobbes turned 18 recently. He is our king and love-bug. </div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJwik2c2Ls1DtkXNGc8wEwx051s61pcq_vy2eU10JpKV8qQZ7Gs92Zou3gNNzT9CEt7b8uu9UtXRt4_IFoM7vjxpfNZcvJFhDB4xZnL46PQEYDh0XaZAiiMOKMxHJw1uITYDbLOtZBioZe4TChwZDEYH_lDWTBsOp7OyGsZPGx6WgjAKpJwPHTaY9iBk/s4608/IMG_3956.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJwik2c2Ls1DtkXNGc8wEwx051s61pcq_vy2eU10JpKV8qQZ7Gs92Zou3gNNzT9CEt7b8uu9UtXRt4_IFoM7vjxpfNZcvJFhDB4xZnL46PQEYDh0XaZAiiMOKMxHJw1uITYDbLOtZBioZe4TChwZDEYH_lDWTBsOp7OyGsZPGx6WgjAKpJwPHTaY9iBk/w640-h480/IMG_3956.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We lost our dear friend Frida a year ago. This is the monument to her in our chicken yard. I am glad to say that the Speckled Sussex hens that we brought in to honor dear Frida are just as silly, always in the way, and fun to have around as was she. We miss her, but we find solace in our new "Fridas."</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HJVQGKEQB1eZA54bEJWRH7APS8qSjlH119XbpnwVQ3GNNNU2Ug9XlF1BNO2Ft-5QtsI4FOIo6fGKmXoGsfkhiMBRWA-x2_OG--oZoTS44Y3fcTTcPi5A7JhUSwoz2fsqTmsU2LpClOxoiEyFOVOY6QQYGORJN-SYWs3w0dt4QYykV_UhoWyPzH67Nhs/s3996/IMG_20230730_0650509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3996" data-original-width="2664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HJVQGKEQB1eZA54bEJWRH7APS8qSjlH119XbpnwVQ3GNNNU2Ug9XlF1BNO2Ft-5QtsI4FOIo6fGKmXoGsfkhiMBRWA-x2_OG--oZoTS44Y3fcTTcPi5A7JhUSwoz2fsqTmsU2LpClOxoiEyFOVOY6QQYGORJN-SYWs3w0dt4QYykV_UhoWyPzH67Nhs/w426-h640/IMG_20230730_0650509.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Meet three of the five new hens. Brought in some Golden Lace Wyandottes. They are very friendly and like to sleep in a mound we call the "Unihen."</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdC-4q3GxnUaZt5QgWwGCPu1VKobYra4Ew4ckjwjt56MWdZHOOLt1HP6r6ZkxzIv100G8FDUVGXP8PbJetwDlMWJdsugvzBsSXOA2WINgbBhX7rXDI83ecoDf3pdTKzhB3B8H7tk-ISYD65o-3p20TTWzlt7hdQsUCTwLEZk6hQuLbsyVQ6IkgDcAEZQ/s4032/20230729_183957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="4032" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdC-4q3GxnUaZt5QgWwGCPu1VKobYra4Ew4ckjwjt56MWdZHOOLt1HP6r6ZkxzIv100G8FDUVGXP8PbJetwDlMWJdsugvzBsSXOA2WINgbBhX7rXDI83ecoDf3pdTKzhB3B8H7tk-ISYD65o-3p20TTWzlt7hdQsUCTwLEZk6hQuLbsyVQ6IkgDcAEZQ/w640-h296/20230729_183957.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The WhyNots love themselves some meal worms. They will be a great addition to our flock. We are thrilled to have the young ones with us.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, that's it for FM today. Thanks for reading. If you want to find me I am likely napping with Annie or Hobbes or out chasing chickens or the new hens. (Tamara here - while your summer projects are fewer this year, I can vouch for you that you definitely put in a lot of time around here, even with the Perry Mason reruns and your mid-day stories...hee hee!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. As always thank you so much for reading and commenting, we love hearing from you! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And thank you, FM, from your wife for taking over blogging duties for the week. I appreciate the vacation! And thank you for all you do around here. Clearly, a lot.</div></div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-16565628904046617232023-07-27T07:00:00.335-07:002023-07-28T14:30:50.630-07:00High Summer<div style="text-align: center;"> High summer and the flowers are going strong. The grasses are starting to strut their stuff, birds are plentiful. This time of year is still full force for us, however, for the garden does need watering here and there, though not nearly as much as in the past few summers. Weeding to be done, check. Pruning, too, check. Chores are building. In addition, the veggie garden needs my attention and autumn plans are brewing in my never-quiet mind. I am hoping to do a bit more sod-removal this autumn and connect more island areas into larger, more cohesive beds. Yes, more expansion, more work, but it's fun to dream of expanding when it seems the rest of the garden is in pretty good shape.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We have also had a lot of visitors to the garden this season and I find myself explaining over and over again that we have had so many losses from bad weather the past couple of seasons. I feel like I'm apologizing. But why? Why do we do this to ourselves? It is what it is and I am happy with what has thrived, no looking back. Just forward. With that spirit of embracing, here are a few highlights from the garden in late July.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmetWtDUgEty5ZMfPZdKDjCXmLdIwk3ISu6DMVNyDZDg1PO3gMqZpIEcRIIyRpVvPKDA1iFEJvt3QCtnGXluVGynjL5tqCwfouaiuAIsE5bytH-yMDz9LK6aohi2v1b1rOzseN2rI7SQqvI8PI-HTbOjmn2n68QWMBjxRLQZSAerhC2vdYLBeGpBSawSs/s6000/IMG_5914.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmetWtDUgEty5ZMfPZdKDjCXmLdIwk3ISu6DMVNyDZDg1PO3gMqZpIEcRIIyRpVvPKDA1iFEJvt3QCtnGXluVGynjL5tqCwfouaiuAIsE5bytH-yMDz9LK6aohi2v1b1rOzseN2rI7SQqvI8PI-HTbOjmn2n68QWMBjxRLQZSAerhC2vdYLBeGpBSawSs/w640-h426/IMG_5914.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Romneya coulteri, </i><span style="text-align: left;">Coulter's Matilija poppy, is a notoriously difficult plant to establish. I tried and failed twice, third time it took. Once it does settle in it is said it will take over. This is my patch after about six years. Well-behaved and beautiful on top of a small berm with average soil and mostly full sun.</span></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5HsDdIMM6LeidpgFkghtsTOcdtaC3qUDiUXSM3ZHZtRSN6a58KZHHu5az_x977tL22H7AcK-dahTWuyiv5zHff_nFCiHaxkab30ZoraCA-lLXESC8pBdJFfCLbR_y1SlG4gKfYVT1oNpamBPbjRU80MfMGhYODj9wECCCAyCxK0F7z0c9uJpjyVTNHA/s6000/IMG_4954.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5HsDdIMM6LeidpgFkghtsTOcdtaC3qUDiUXSM3ZHZtRSN6a58KZHHu5az_x977tL22H7AcK-dahTWuyiv5zHff_nFCiHaxkab30ZoraCA-lLXESC8pBdJFfCLbR_y1SlG4gKfYVT1oNpamBPbjRU80MfMGhYODj9wECCCAyCxK0F7z0c9uJpjyVTNHA/w640-h426/IMG_4954.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just lovely.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYyiqHjz5sZBVPpHytFF2qkaeknemUwFrkQB2CKC9gBPyzx3pa46nN9GQ2ABjmC7f0_JVqslie0ovq2uRPgn_6m_hMQc7Ed5Xon0SfCNF2d91D7QmT3YjYYHG9v36qH_5hJw2KN49iw4JtN9AFxwXtET6I2UGSLQ2NfPbTJ2G33vW5OujdBKfxbIwxaw/s6000/IMG_5963.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYyiqHjz5sZBVPpHytFF2qkaeknemUwFrkQB2CKC9gBPyzx3pa46nN9GQ2ABjmC7f0_JVqslie0ovq2uRPgn_6m_hMQc7Ed5Xon0SfCNF2d91D7QmT3YjYYHG9v36qH_5hJw2KN49iw4JtN9AFxwXtET6I2UGSLQ2NfPbTJ2G33vW5OujdBKfxbIwxaw/w426-h640/IMG_5963.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The edge of the meadow garden in full, frothy goodness.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oTuGcy4VuW7dIjQmTWZEVq6SlRwahvzmCr508_3YmzUcyBIR1mPIYVuKrC6UDRgm52R1pQEWdahP2BG6s6i6l0gj4_zrY3Ov4DBrKY88j5jHsO5gdiuFGR7EpBPIgxWLJ87jkw8X-__5JYsrgXs9UTmHpsBnHuF5CEkSXInaZQwLnIaaiKf00V3hfDQ/s6000/IMG_5884.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oTuGcy4VuW7dIjQmTWZEVq6SlRwahvzmCr508_3YmzUcyBIR1mPIYVuKrC6UDRgm52R1pQEWdahP2BG6s6i6l0gj4_zrY3Ov4DBrKY88j5jHsO5gdiuFGR7EpBPIgxWLJ87jkw8X-__5JYsrgXs9UTmHpsBnHuF5CEkSXInaZQwLnIaaiKf00V3hfDQ/w640-h426/IMG_5884.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sedum spurium</i> blooms behind<i> <a href="https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/744--salvia-celestial-blue" target="_blank">Salvia</a></i><a href="https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/744--salvia-celestial-blue" target="_blank"> 'Celestial Blue'</a> which hasn't bloomed yet. It was a gift from a friend and I'm thrilled to have it in the garden. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqFa1FQOSZ-fB3sT8iZIbJ5EJEJ2LySsvx0t1N7lxVXgr48qWEmLnvtXsiJt0BAlgcdZTkUAw65foCQNPgq8IMAAhme3Wy1LiCckyFQTgm65PkAjSohbZhXOWadklRLDKNLlag_f7DJfxWY3fedZYRz0QvM_Urzlon5zgvHxlPwj1Kf21GK6lGJ-Z1kE/s6000/IMG_5920.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqFa1FQOSZ-fB3sT8iZIbJ5EJEJ2LySsvx0t1N7lxVXgr48qWEmLnvtXsiJt0BAlgcdZTkUAw65foCQNPgq8IMAAhme3Wy1LiCckyFQTgm65PkAjSohbZhXOWadklRLDKNLlag_f7DJfxWY3fedZYRz0QvM_Urzlon5zgvHxlPwj1Kf21GK6lGJ-Z1kE/w426-h640/IMG_5920.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://xeraplants.com/plants/berkheya-purpurea/" target="_blank">Berkheya purpurea</a>, </i>a South African perennial, is a rather fantastic color of light lavender with dark centers. It does appreciate some summer water to look its best. It reaches about 3 - 4' in height and has rather thorny stems.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcl7TidHffiql6ZdWKu-UK2lzs9VqTxt10vvEZe_nvwQrNQEL1SId3DOiTSN6lxy10PkwrNuwivGraaEAMQCjhsxOR2pZ9oBbQXx4KItIEiTbENDhV3kL3mXpqRfDVifGBtZrUvQSEfS72uEtAnsWdSz-ReUSuv5a231qamsnQbnfshLoYWOeq5lIxHc/s6000/IMG_6002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcl7TidHffiql6ZdWKu-UK2lzs9VqTxt10vvEZe_nvwQrNQEL1SId3DOiTSN6lxy10PkwrNuwivGraaEAMQCjhsxOR2pZ9oBbQXx4KItIEiTbENDhV3kL3mXpqRfDVifGBtZrUvQSEfS72uEtAnsWdSz-ReUSuv5a231qamsnQbnfshLoYWOeq5lIxHc/w640-h426/IMG_6002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The <i>Mirabilis multiflora</i> is beginning to bloom! It is much more lavender than pink in person. Here is what it looks like (with a <i>Sphaeralcea</i> ‘Newleaze Coral’ coming in on the left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjVTIizpyxMd7cuHeQ_nfqRe7Ho-YZ2IGnGmIvOUXV14FhkLFTwbZcqAWTDUGbOmAEA9l2aFgpsIj5fpNCWGLc-CP3zGhkl-kXraVxZb1AEp0BAJpmlMX4fGudA2yR_cJlG3KkyFzO_b2qeTq4w79pZX0gaijIUzC9HZ1HPlFn8AWgx4bO0JM4V2rhyg/s6000/IMG_5995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjVTIizpyxMd7cuHeQ_nfqRe7Ho-YZ2IGnGmIvOUXV14FhkLFTwbZcqAWTDUGbOmAEA9l2aFgpsIj5fpNCWGLc-CP3zGhkl-kXraVxZb1AEp0BAJpmlMX4fGudA2yR_cJlG3KkyFzO_b2qeTq4w79pZX0gaijIUzC9HZ1HPlFn8AWgx4bO0JM4V2rhyg/w426-h640/IMG_5995.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Flower detail. I love this plant and, yes, it has performed beautifully so far and is only about a year old. After I planted one last summer that I started from seed it was about 1" and stayed there until it vanished in winter, being deciduous. This year it came up strong in late spring and is now about 4' across and about 1' tall. I think this could be a new future favorite for drought-adapted characteristics and beauty.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lW112Kn3BgyEpwwu-G7bO6iX67JA2thXM48UQS2GC5g3KciLGeBS4xUBk5GWTkCHIVQGFIZF2PC0vMvDq6A8-ceYQRU5S16-bBcOGkezYyDtM5lZrSkhxQBAh0Ke7HDRRt5FHGaj2fl1-siCBEbbo4N6KPe00YNdspbsh5qDub55V4TpC-pLZpL0YrU/s6000/IMG_5931.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lW112Kn3BgyEpwwu-G7bO6iX67JA2thXM48UQS2GC5g3KciLGeBS4xUBk5GWTkCHIVQGFIZF2PC0vMvDq6A8-ceYQRU5S16-bBcOGkezYyDtM5lZrSkhxQBAh0Ke7HDRRt5FHGaj2fl1-siCBEbbo4N6KPe00YNdspbsh5qDub55V4TpC-pLZpL0YrU/w640-h426/IMG_5931.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Persicaria affinis</i>, a spreading perennial, holds its own with <i>Hebe</i> 'Quicksilver' on the right and <i>Epilobium canum</i> (out of shot) on the left.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzH_apiGGbVc-EXhDtOJPzMjRpFxaYIs9bBgCi-QgVSRlE-asznrjcTh-Jn19ID0lCVoeNV-D5I7zD-mO03WQPCXiPbZ_UrEnBDl-dOujY1i9JbNcoJxC748K9GnN09IevyssbR84cgdmTDiJqUElFeMjXxK3MKi3q59xyID8b5IHV1Xp425b9Gw-f3Q/s6000/IMG_5909.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzH_apiGGbVc-EXhDtOJPzMjRpFxaYIs9bBgCi-QgVSRlE-asznrjcTh-Jn19ID0lCVoeNV-D5I7zD-mO03WQPCXiPbZ_UrEnBDl-dOujY1i9JbNcoJxC748K9GnN09IevyssbR84cgdmTDiJqUElFeMjXxK3MKi3q59xyID8b5IHV1Xp425b9Gw-f3Q/w426-h640/IMG_5909.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A new to me manzanita, <i><a href="https://calscape.org/Arctostaphylos-glauca-(Big-Berry-Manzanita)" target="_blank">Arctostaphylos glauca</a> </i>known as big berry manzanita for it apparently has the largest fruit of any in its genus. It was a mighty gift from my boss at <a href="https://cistus.com/" target="_blank">Cistus Nursery</a>, Sean Hogan. What a wonderful addition to the garden, we are thrilled and look forward to watching it grow.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZrT-oYwCwuCsUj-qhatw37h8cr7u-usn6PSpiwYmyTYtDID8h99KJhoXXP-C8eZ-H3h-evm2p-1oqjWGoCfZ3P5X53e2YDXeqgxPJI83y1JvTwcbOPJQ5gxpy2or9FHtIl2XssijqWIn2kVbx3uvK-uD7iGI_ZgmfozSGcDzHh7BHuKOztSGMai0zSI/s6000/IMG_5902.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZrT-oYwCwuCsUj-qhatw37h8cr7u-usn6PSpiwYmyTYtDID8h99KJhoXXP-C8eZ-H3h-evm2p-1oqjWGoCfZ3P5X53e2YDXeqgxPJI83y1JvTwcbOPJQ5gxpy2or9FHtIl2XssijqWIn2kVbx3uvK-uD7iGI_ZgmfozSGcDzHh7BHuKOztSGMai0zSI/w640-h426/IMG_5902.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A couple of reddish flowering perennials on the southern edge of our property near Oscar the agave. <i>Cosmos</i> 'Rubenza' from seed started in spring and <i>Agastache</i> 'Kudos Red'.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGcvXWOxFmuFUPqZexPCBiGH26sGfuieE7tJH40oyLotYGConvEJtKLMumDn4cBozqbPJSZY7Gq-oijd-gMfvAdp3ASSw9J0WbtvhQ5nF_Ms2uopbGxJ1ijuoAUisb--oVy_cjY6O-23r5A5CydBBNkt8Le5u3qX1jL_b6azlVkidLXQqJ4TieNsHD-o/s6000/IMG_5877.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGcvXWOxFmuFUPqZexPCBiGH26sGfuieE7tJH40oyLotYGConvEJtKLMumDn4cBozqbPJSZY7Gq-oijd-gMfvAdp3ASSw9J0WbtvhQ5nF_Ms2uopbGxJ1ijuoAUisb--oVy_cjY6O-23r5A5CydBBNkt8Le5u3qX1jL_b6azlVkidLXQqJ4TieNsHD-o/w640-h426/IMG_5877.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cosmos</i> 'Rubenza' has wonderful shifting colors and a large, blowsy habit.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9awMJVfABUhBZ8ZZLOMaHzcu3BgP_eGuz7HKMAuGjVGntMmUc_CDd2CYPkBru8GElN_xEUc1AUGFZO72h2mL1PeezvWOABzXHRXDN82NBr4qIU0TiM6VYqRiPyaPomOSTPzbNv8_-sAoJQXdzO7wVdBxzx7FdoCACJ5x0PEEvAUgJcfWa6TTboVvu4k4/s6000/IMG_5889.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9awMJVfABUhBZ8ZZLOMaHzcu3BgP_eGuz7HKMAuGjVGntMmUc_CDd2CYPkBru8GElN_xEUc1AUGFZO72h2mL1PeezvWOABzXHRXDN82NBr4qIU0TiM6VYqRiPyaPomOSTPzbNv8_-sAoJQXdzO7wVdBxzx7FdoCACJ5x0PEEvAUgJcfWa6TTboVvu4k4/w426-h640/IMG_5889.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The bird-sown sunflowers are in peculiar places this year. These are near the cosmos pictured above. They are especially plentiful in the veggie garden as per usual.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgiBJ9_3T5ARlCDLcTTKRkb2AsAc78EfGSCjO8jq9bgX6uaKEoNgeZVJHc9pRU-F_LqRBega-9_u2r6pQDjh3ROtS5j5XjrDMe4VKnrFSskV-KE6gQhRliACV5pYKFxUQUdiumYQYo0far8Tpx_7yl_NZqTzXcamA3VzHMHCggLrP8KHY202mN5NW4mU/s6000/IMG_5886.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgiBJ9_3T5ARlCDLcTTKRkb2AsAc78EfGSCjO8jq9bgX6uaKEoNgeZVJHc9pRU-F_LqRBega-9_u2r6pQDjh3ROtS5j5XjrDMe4VKnrFSskV-KE6gQhRliACV5pYKFxUQUdiumYQYo0far8Tpx_7yl_NZqTzXcamA3VzHMHCggLrP8KHY202mN5NW4mU/w640-h426/IMG_5886.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Achillea millefolium</i> that has a subtle shade of yellow next to <i>Macleaya cordata </i>and a small <i>Agave parryi var. truncata</i> (Gentry form).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_7_ps-vxwIKX4HyUDn7JC4U50OsKCyq7xLQSpH498krp_pv_M867aA7XB8t45vHR7fCTLk4aJrP0vmNZrn8EEVRvMdwhy2Wz4_GzOUQRSV9BEB0Vn8PmtlyHD3ttatIGCH0o_s41kwLSe9LbVj1phF-VDAqR5ilrLm6r2JIFyW2l_VGmgGLJAWb9IqM/s6000/IMG_5711.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_7_ps-vxwIKX4HyUDn7JC4U50OsKCyq7xLQSpH498krp_pv_M867aA7XB8t45vHR7fCTLk4aJrP0vmNZrn8EEVRvMdwhy2Wz4_GzOUQRSV9BEB0Vn8PmtlyHD3ttatIGCH0o_s41kwLSe9LbVj1phF-VDAqR5ilrLm6r2JIFyW2l_VGmgGLJAWb9IqM/w640-h426/IMG_5711.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Carex flacca</i> waves in the dry garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OdnXr0v3kU6EmCC_nj-RjgwJrMavx0xJv0_2oZ02D5QehpP_iMLejovKegZkZCtkAyKlz-zNGdfECBk38eNdH8Rz9X5KDjj_EwHfGwlj3z_qo2Y0BKw2UIXe95bZKxHSiZyXZ2seQZ-Vmch7USjNOJqt_hXAKJ1IsGthukV57HMZNtsI48uMZQ73M64/s6000/IMG_5851.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OdnXr0v3kU6EmCC_nj-RjgwJrMavx0xJv0_2oZ02D5QehpP_iMLejovKegZkZCtkAyKlz-zNGdfECBk38eNdH8Rz9X5KDjj_EwHfGwlj3z_qo2Y0BKw2UIXe95bZKxHSiZyXZ2seQZ-Vmch7USjNOJqt_hXAKJ1IsGthukV57HMZNtsI48uMZQ73M64/w426-h640/IMG_5851.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A rather striking color of a sweet pea called 'Beaujolias' given to me by a friend.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEvoQtZRkVDt0I4bblFO3mf5n_0csf8jII6m39OSi_v9XaLaq676E6H7cxRBc_ANZnT8BO690mF_x0Fmn0icTXQMA8_vWjcVTyLHmsVKR2Fk9v3O_ALAyZGL8E0PBKncb8U0Xc_wNbqR_d_L8grJaYn9SVi0aAt1lN6IzSV6Kl4qXIowuhB5UnHhVmP0/s6000/IMG_5594.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEvoQtZRkVDt0I4bblFO3mf5n_0csf8jII6m39OSi_v9XaLaq676E6H7cxRBc_ANZnT8BO690mF_x0Fmn0icTXQMA8_vWjcVTyLHmsVKR2Fk9v3O_ALAyZGL8E0PBKncb8U0Xc_wNbqR_d_L8grJaYn9SVi0aAt1lN6IzSV6Kl4qXIowuhB5UnHhVmP0/w640-h426/IMG_5594.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla</i> loves a shady location and fairly regular summer water. My clump is now about 3' across and growing. It's a rather striking perennial, I have it in very heavy wet clay soil.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3Ono9iir7tayKoRopVGIdpG9IuxZR0smtgzllqkwyBBu6216Uv35yJCqKwXwosvmlj2dNNhULV4biqhphgxqMwxpkCe8Qt5GliWMdi2fsZ-8nPYBV0CddFtYsZgURmaO8tdPpIejaH5chIBOw5tsoT4Bzii92QZuGn_CE79Qbr3o5y2fEG2qvLfC3h8/s6000/IMG_5679.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3Ono9iir7tayKoRopVGIdpG9IuxZR0smtgzllqkwyBBu6216Uv35yJCqKwXwosvmlj2dNNhULV4biqhphgxqMwxpkCe8Qt5GliWMdi2fsZ-8nPYBV0CddFtYsZgURmaO8tdPpIejaH5chIBOw5tsoT4Bzii92QZuGn_CE79Qbr3o5y2fEG2qvLfC3h8/w640-h426/IMG_5679.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hydrangea quercifolia</i> 'Snowflake' is a personal favorite. From the <a href="https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=z660" target="_blank">Missouri Botanical Garden</a> website: <i>SNOW FLAKE is noted for its double white flowers. It typically grows 5-8' tall and as wide Features large pyramidal flower panicles consisting mostly of showy sterile flowers with multiple bracts or sepals which give the panicle a double-flowered appearance. Blooms in June for 6-8 weeks, gradually fading to pink and then brown by late summer. Distinctive, deeply-lobed, somewhat coarse, deep green, oak-like leaves (to 8" long) acquire attractive shades of maroon and purple in autumn. Mature stems exfoliate to reveal a rich brown inner bark which is attractive in winter. SNOW FLAKE was introduced into cultivation in the early 1970s by Aldridge Nursery in Alabama.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk991WK1wtKPrZ7zhSKsG2rMLRFrbkanxGo6ySagOxy-RUpLAF8cKCOqfFXDJKi_Hmmh-rIPIPvnQfBLvV515NM_A9uLvDfCZJoaWVZ4oj-Qf6h1iysDacaJQxVlB5E9FrfGPcwSf1rxYt2bCmgzi4NUca_jR13PbVtcQ1ZyUpaefCCfHQnTtT6-6zW38/s6000/IMG_5748.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk991WK1wtKPrZ7zhSKsG2rMLRFrbkanxGo6ySagOxy-RUpLAF8cKCOqfFXDJKi_Hmmh-rIPIPvnQfBLvV515NM_A9uLvDfCZJoaWVZ4oj-Qf6h1iysDacaJQxVlB5E9FrfGPcwSf1rxYt2bCmgzi4NUca_jR13PbVtcQ1ZyUpaefCCfHQnTtT6-6zW38/w426-h640/IMG_5748.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Viburnum foetidum var. quadrangularis</i> with <i>Cotoneaster horizontalis</i> 'Variegata' and <i>Gaultheria shallon</i> (salal) behind it. It is possible that this viburnum has changed names as I cannot find much information on it online any longer, but it was sold to me with that name.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOp6lryvr1OyF6OcAzVnloLbiDqnJILOzOP5kMKuqFbSh2lTsYWFSF3Bp8ZSGFGqRbZ3pSNzeIviyDTPyij9ELbxNhU1fwK6B6Wmm4ov8o9I0tuMg7HrJ5SUGrWhIu1uYwlWLwOMvywYf_kflQBKNkXOXzkMX_tHU14ll2f1YMAE3iOYRWsLg1KNLkBoQ/s6000/IMG_5745.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOp6lryvr1OyF6OcAzVnloLbiDqnJILOzOP5kMKuqFbSh2lTsYWFSF3Bp8ZSGFGqRbZ3pSNzeIviyDTPyij9ELbxNhU1fwK6B6Wmm4ov8o9I0tuMg7HrJ5SUGrWhIu1uYwlWLwOMvywYf_kflQBKNkXOXzkMX_tHU14ll2f1YMAE3iOYRWsLg1KNLkBoQ/w640-h426/IMG_5745.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Holodiscus discolor,</i> our native oceanspray. This large multi-stemmed deciduous shrub can be seen in forests throughout the Willamette Valley and its spent flowers are still an attractive buff color. There are several of these on our property along the outside of our fence. In addition. I have planted a few in our garden. I love how easy and attractive they are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp1nMuRP3KWsTp0nrDPzsGqUpIsL9f5RpL5fri926m1iHHozDbQl58QmqQB7K6o6qyrkOqBiDmQzx-vs4TFM_lsPsl9159HNFcw-sdpUkgqnoP4VOeCjymUbwlV4bLWlbehRdXxFFEHG5gHO6Hq9afdwl4jE_lNT4oHdQRnkszPnqFEuBhnTx2htphnI/s6000/IMG_5719.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp1nMuRP3KWsTp0nrDPzsGqUpIsL9f5RpL5fri926m1iHHozDbQl58QmqQB7K6o6qyrkOqBiDmQzx-vs4TFM_lsPsl9159HNFcw-sdpUkgqnoP4VOeCjymUbwlV4bLWlbehRdXxFFEHG5gHO6Hq9afdwl4jE_lNT4oHdQRnkszPnqFEuBhnTx2htphnI/w426-h640/IMG_5719.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Stipa barbata</i> seeds flittering about before they inevitably scatter all over the garden. I've since collected them and plan to grow them on.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMYfQd692u-glTqqomJ7XH5flC65OULnPor_QqN7mCfoetWDPzR__rL28a96RnhDoyjlSKeRXEyS3n7mqnwy_RaPpnVXGZfI7YtLLnaJjr36mwfYl_-IpTXTXZVdyPzcMWlyMx2VqdArxyv6AA1-YzUc7CSmAgv2VqQdovCVXwSV-twcRd-6NLHi4aaE/s6000/IMG_5301.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMYfQd692u-glTqqomJ7XH5flC65OULnPor_QqN7mCfoetWDPzR__rL28a96RnhDoyjlSKeRXEyS3n7mqnwy_RaPpnVXGZfI7YtLLnaJjr36mwfYl_-IpTXTXZVdyPzcMWlyMx2VqdArxyv6AA1-YzUc7CSmAgv2VqQdovCVXwSV-twcRd-6NLHi4aaE/w640-h426/IMG_5301.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Abutilon from Joy Creek Nursery simply called 'Orange with Red Anthers'.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H_JKlyYlOqPjLAsLx1h0V1jVmM39qTV5hvwubJiv6T6Ydy4QYM0anOGzMq-XrtxTKpvdtD72n0zROowpY240qwAC3DX3reMNDPde16dTUwXYmp6HEY_qmJSy1VYe26lLgKCnfEspvieMeAQ6_rAoHe3L5Ci2fue5HHXq8FYFxUV61ZVtOFVdsj4nZYE/s6000/IMG_5834.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H_JKlyYlOqPjLAsLx1h0V1jVmM39qTV5hvwubJiv6T6Ydy4QYM0anOGzMq-XrtxTKpvdtD72n0zROowpY240qwAC3DX3reMNDPde16dTUwXYmp6HEY_qmJSy1VYe26lLgKCnfEspvieMeAQ6_rAoHe3L5Ci2fue5HHXq8FYFxUV61ZVtOFVdsj4nZYE/w640-h426/IMG_5834.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pennisetum</i> 'Karly Rose' in a dry border. They receive no summer irrigation yet they are quite tall (5 - 6') and floriferous. I am told this is a pennisetum that does not seed around (sterile seed) and so far that has been true.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbErDVMi8AMu2OE02tX8jal_Z_lvwZFCeb2G_yQWPeA80RyquhSqbmuv3x1wiAas0U9SHp9uw5nUYJysJoT4GNXf0pSehAGvLF2MFishueAq7P99UM5yd_Oa8ZNi9-KGfDvo09iUIwMgG6DzGI5e49bmbTiKlzz2RqAP7EbC8zBfZWPEhv8dasYWEr-sw/s6000/IMG_5568.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbErDVMi8AMu2OE02tX8jal_Z_lvwZFCeb2G_yQWPeA80RyquhSqbmuv3x1wiAas0U9SHp9uw5nUYJysJoT4GNXf0pSehAGvLF2MFishueAq7P99UM5yd_Oa8ZNi9-KGfDvo09iUIwMgG6DzGI5e49bmbTiKlzz2RqAP7EbC8zBfZWPEhv8dasYWEr-sw/w640-h426/IMG_5568.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My little fern table overtaken by <i>Sedum oreganum</i> and <i>Tiarella trifoliata. </i>That's ok, it's survival of the fittest here.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENmz9M0eQ5GRqx_uxUhE0Nfz7XF5MSpyhMaKyJBYIoghFVjDhQk8HUvYGmq4MRyJZbAiSJTO-uDJskraOcxUS_AdeMNxd3aJpidMrgAgEUc68rR4rFyGl4QPFy0p68AGiVnxlt_rxux0m4z7NbPILsju5xV0a_Gh92XCcWrqJrd5WUvQZFLZL4yje5sY/s6000/IMG_5705.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENmz9M0eQ5GRqx_uxUhE0Nfz7XF5MSpyhMaKyJBYIoghFVjDhQk8HUvYGmq4MRyJZbAiSJTO-uDJskraOcxUS_AdeMNxd3aJpidMrgAgEUc68rR4rFyGl4QPFy0p68AGiVnxlt_rxux0m4z7NbPILsju5xV0a_Gh92XCcWrqJrd5WUvQZFLZL4yje5sY/w426-h640/IMG_5705.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yucca rostrata</i> with a self-sown festuca and <i>Hebe</i> 'Quicksilver' in the gravel garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNPjq4zCHyniTj16w8ccGxvHajRIZ23NbqaXh90xDL8e9A-sPQfENvfsBJE0lndPRAfMKUiBSqvfoJYnbyT7n0r2myHBjXn-l5CFXZFgArYq1XbSy2uSnAh-cgslMaRgPsIYijAKx5Z-pwtxlShH-KO5jvvfZXdBHRQ8JF8D_LW-j8k3m8XT1_8iNwDQ/s6000/IMG_5739.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNPjq4zCHyniTj16w8ccGxvHajRIZ23NbqaXh90xDL8e9A-sPQfENvfsBJE0lndPRAfMKUiBSqvfoJYnbyT7n0r2myHBjXn-l5CFXZFgArYq1XbSy2uSnAh-cgslMaRgPsIYijAKx5Z-pwtxlShH-KO5jvvfZXdBHRQ8JF8D_LW-j8k3m8XT1_8iNwDQ/w640-h426/IMG_5739.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Itea ilicifolia </i>is finally getting large enough to have presence in the garden. Its long, falling racemes catch the evening sun beautifully. It's going to be a fairly large evergreen shrub when it's all said and done, but winter damage has kept it from reaching its full potential.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9HrpWSEjr3xEYROw7JJbcHiCevNgKzuJcCkX79AT4LU9naUdALgPhu2gQBBxOHGqKPO85mrXzRp56Li_ggzxrioikVRDeucgjItrUd-psTb5p6MjwbIrcRqxnBnNBJD65I1tfNJoVMQH1PaLcoCJ16JTovoeR2kR6g575W57IXhUQ2FWIdp76Tl3_as/s6000/IMG_5919.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9HrpWSEjr3xEYROw7JJbcHiCevNgKzuJcCkX79AT4LU9naUdALgPhu2gQBBxOHGqKPO85mrXzRp56Li_ggzxrioikVRDeucgjItrUd-psTb5p6MjwbIrcRqxnBnNBJD65I1tfNJoVMQH1PaLcoCJ16JTovoeR2kR6g575W57IXhUQ2FWIdp76Tl3_as/w640-h426/IMG_5919.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Achillea millefolium</i>, our native yarrow, has been lovely in the garden this year. Lots of blooms, a good amount of pollinators and a healthy look.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJ2tNR4jeqtyf8NM1k3vpEUVuMNnncHVKAKsbrQK8k6U6nIOWM_QKLDA9_EPj2nnFAxj1axgv1SMFHpZd08Se36p8rWAn4wIfe5nGEebwXJpBPOrfwoIaRFz4KMq1Sa2S_CSV4pKCtsT_Z95ctdVrlcP7Woy0kM73HONniMmwgIAEWmc70E1y3lNGF_8/s6000/IMG_5829.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJ2tNR4jeqtyf8NM1k3vpEUVuMNnncHVKAKsbrQK8k6U6nIOWM_QKLDA9_EPj2nnFAxj1axgv1SMFHpZd08Se36p8rWAn4wIfe5nGEebwXJpBPOrfwoIaRFz4KMq1Sa2S_CSV4pKCtsT_Z95ctdVrlcP7Woy0kM73HONniMmwgIAEWmc70E1y3lNGF_8/w426-h640/IMG_5829.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Allium sphaerocephalon</i>, drumstick allium, in the meadow garden. It is a prolific re-seeder and a favorite of honey bees. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VW0qrf2zWsj1SFsPpxdROnCftZU1UMgX1ZLQzU-_6G0GzVNc6hdC1SgHsbfVkXhq_LprXXkF35YBOi7elQ7imuMoUk9U-ZxkzpdGv2404tD4ndVMf3t_ybvcv8BwP5ZkwOW__CjtUw2AiH10XtnBQcj4xXB1zoMn44h1t6sh15W96fTdiOU9qO61uD8/s6000/IMG_5893.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VW0qrf2zWsj1SFsPpxdROnCftZU1UMgX1ZLQzU-_6G0GzVNc6hdC1SgHsbfVkXhq_LprXXkF35YBOi7elQ7imuMoUk9U-ZxkzpdGv2404tD4ndVMf3t_ybvcv8BwP5ZkwOW__CjtUw2AiH10XtnBQcj4xXB1zoMn44h1t6sh15W96fTdiOU9qO61uD8/w640-h426/IMG_5893.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ozothamnus</i> 'Sussex Silver' is a large (as in wide) evergreen shrub. One can keep it in check with vigorous pruning. It is in the dry garden and receives very little summer irrigation. Its frothy blooms will fade to a blonde color and add to the inevitable autumnal vibe.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_NzGbT71oyWfDWgdwMO8ATfFJtdqLfaUUeTL0T7OgtmpKoUq2V0EijX1nMgx3ZRI4QWgaClRCrxgO9uXMxvuQfwEMkUppbhLFLzR8ESQQouqznUOcJ8j3B_TFfl-K6oGMNdjrg9wEZE0WeWwNJib2TabmbdFy0j_gP2VAPUd8MBv_E3-mzhcTOe2fFQ/s6000/IMG_5050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_NzGbT71oyWfDWgdwMO8ATfFJtdqLfaUUeTL0T7OgtmpKoUq2V0EijX1nMgx3ZRI4QWgaClRCrxgO9uXMxvuQfwEMkUppbhLFLzR8ESQQouqznUOcJ8j3B_TFfl-K6oGMNdjrg9wEZE0WeWwNJib2TabmbdFy0j_gP2VAPUd8MBv_E3-mzhcTOe2fFQ/w640-h426/IMG_5050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Geranium</i> 'Rozeanne' from behind.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6N_LdNb7E3uUQPkCLnnqSALBiFEC5IB4-L2d9ruH6Eo9uPhn3qQ5gD5eojgUjliHfmn65-haiMoFYhyOXFXDprqQvOAfI1GlDri9NfBBw7ItW0bLJFFDvNUu0wMQGc_Pu-h7bmBdjNHJrM8Q98OtSblK5Lu_LMfz5I2z2h8K-kZWD5bumTdj5AJSxys/s6000/IMG_5961.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6N_LdNb7E3uUQPkCLnnqSALBiFEC5IB4-L2d9ruH6Eo9uPhn3qQ5gD5eojgUjliHfmn65-haiMoFYhyOXFXDprqQvOAfI1GlDri9NfBBw7ItW0bLJFFDvNUu0wMQGc_Pu-h7bmBdjNHJrM8Q98OtSblK5Lu_LMfz5I2z2h8K-kZWD5bumTdj5AJSxys/w640-h426/IMG_5961.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A parting shot of the edge of the meadow garden.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love summer. I adore the warm breezes and lovely evenings strolling outside. The pollinators are going strong and the flowers are prolific and in the evening, many are fragrant. The windows are kept open and dinners usually consist of 4/5 food we have grown in our garden (plus cheeses, can't forget the cheeses). It's a hell of a lot of hard work but it will hopefully subside in a month or so once we get those beets pickled, bird house gourds drilled and ready for new occupants among dozens of other chores. Still, we love it and this is our joy. I feel for our friends who are experiencing record high temperatures in a seemingly never-ending parade of heat waves. We have been spared this summer and know how lucky we are.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. As always, thank you so much for reading and commenting, we love hearing from you all! Happy gardening, we hope you are enjoying some outside time wherever you are.</div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-43928264085496733772023-07-20T07:00:00.547-07:002023-11-17T09:43:43.342-08:00Wild Things<div style="text-align: center;">Inspiration from fellow gardeners is a gift. I recently watched my friend<a href="http://amycampion.com/" target="_blank"> Amy Campion's</a> presentation to the <a href="https://www.npsoregon.org/" target="_blank">Native Plant Society</a> of Oregon about pollinators and was wowed (see it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4l7tfeSyuM" target="_blank">here</a>). In addition, the good folks from <a href="https://www.gardenista.com/" target="_blank">Gardenista</a> were here this week for a photo-shoot and an interview for their upcoming book <i>Low Impact Gardening</i>. With all of these big ideas fresh in my mind, I was suddenly keen to observe what, or rather who, is visiting the garden right now. After all, the initial inspiration came years ago in our Portland garden to attract wildlife (via the <a href="https://backyardhabitats.org/" target="_blank">Backyard Habitat Certification Program</a>) and we were quite successful. Having brought that mindset with us to tread lightly and to provide for our fellow creatures, I wondered how we were doing. Were we attracting a variety of insects besides honey bees? I know we have a myriad of birds, frogs, snakes, salamanders, voles, mice, skunks, raccoons, lizards and moles, but who else is out there? So with camera in hand I documented what I observed for two hours on July 18, 2023. Now, not everyone was cooperative, so photos of certain birds and insects did not come to be. But this is what I did capture on a fine July day at Chickadee Gardens.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcDutFf4sjCmZkeIMZn-1ZwTkO_BdjDT4dpRUV5htqEQr-nUdX2L6qfuji1mdbGn3TKqmxrfwwYbM3YyIdLbomNAfUk-hmbrV-yO3m_QxKFiqvpQ1E-NrMTS4QcU_mB-ACjrcI7Kf1N7QY83_nYism0e6a-iYn9Mmf3Pw4KX0maz1TPuSsAgw7xxfoJk/s6000/IMG_5503.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcDutFf4sjCmZkeIMZn-1ZwTkO_BdjDT4dpRUV5htqEQr-nUdX2L6qfuji1mdbGn3TKqmxrfwwYbM3YyIdLbomNAfUk-hmbrV-yO3m_QxKFiqvpQ1E-NrMTS4QcU_mB-ACjrcI7Kf1N7QY83_nYism0e6a-iYn9Mmf3Pw4KX0maz1TPuSsAgw7xxfoJk/w640-h426/IMG_5503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">By far the most activity was on <i>Eryngium giganteum</i>, a sea holly informally known as Miss Wilmott's Ghost. This was positively moving with activity, more images further on.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAF978zplDt8O4p-hG0FwrNpg2ceII8YKKEAAXpRaYQiLZoIbbiIFhN-HzrIwqHzmGiLt0DHp1dIYVwLzKt2A-WvfEod4PQWCTy5PDJh95S9wiAKEo4qu2inXgYXrTHLZep-M1NBL43B1_9t043jciiFZoq7wm8dyy6uDDXk_J9tRTcEsAFJPcnSlh_w/s6000/IMG_5243.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAF978zplDt8O4p-hG0FwrNpg2ceII8YKKEAAXpRaYQiLZoIbbiIFhN-HzrIwqHzmGiLt0DHp1dIYVwLzKt2A-WvfEod4PQWCTy5PDJh95S9wiAKEo4qu2inXgYXrTHLZep-M1NBL43B1_9t043jciiFZoq7wm8dyy6uDDXk_J9tRTcEsAFJPcnSlh_w/w640-h426/IMG_5243.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I must admit, my insect identification is sketchy at best. I am hopeful many of you can pitch in and help keep me on the right track. First up, bumble bees. They were spotted on a number of flowers but their favorite right now is <i>Teucrium chamaedrys</i>. There are times when the plants look as if they are covered in black olives, there are so many bumbles. Check out those full pollen baskets on the back legs!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Mfg0LlEzLygOdqBsBU1lzEVEFRzBeHkfGpSGOo9LlSyIiJ_mJPWr0iYHO6cTu8tOYvgKNAJHl2cP7W3W_GatbSa5MM3ipfC2a3Cfik1NmI4wU66qVtNWwnonKjxfRjvqcNAPNXMgpsRN6N58_fv_O-Rclfdt3InDyVSjwD84pIN-73x2BzBjflGTuAk/s6000/IMG_5558.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Mfg0LlEzLygOdqBsBU1lzEVEFRzBeHkfGpSGOo9LlSyIiJ_mJPWr0iYHO6cTu8tOYvgKNAJHl2cP7W3W_GatbSa5MM3ipfC2a3Cfik1NmI4wU66qVtNWwnonKjxfRjvqcNAPNXMgpsRN6N58_fv_O-Rclfdt3InDyVSjwD84pIN-73x2BzBjflGTuAk/w640-h426/IMG_5558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bumble bee visiting a penstemon - perhaps a yellow fronted bumble bee.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAROge6PhyU8pUrL3mu-srO5UFIzLnOOghaZwCAvVuSNsGkJsgP3W_NqeqrTs7MRh41tjQMRgxnyd-5AEhAhpBmxxGlGJMKzEJ6is2I3Glg12s9m2UxX3tzwq2nPpnVPya4pyrd3mZ0om9lk9kWqQ105hiLMcn5RoB0dHtheG4a1kRKL9XMgW-9JvzZyk/s6000/IMG_5588.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAROge6PhyU8pUrL3mu-srO5UFIzLnOOghaZwCAvVuSNsGkJsgP3W_NqeqrTs7MRh41tjQMRgxnyd-5AEhAhpBmxxGlGJMKzEJ6is2I3Glg12s9m2UxX3tzwq2nPpnVPya4pyrd3mZ0om9lk9kWqQ105hiLMcn5RoB0dHtheG4a1kRKL9XMgW-9JvzZyk/w640-h426/IMG_5588.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A different species on the same penstemon.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMbsN6QiAWLOUaeY31-eA63er91wDM3PczzvdIiwIbsQT4K2-jgmoBdz73vF76iH6ZGfKAutlhvX9Wqy-c3mkXoOwRFYki8L9SdzCHpOqMwvnHIBDl4U40C-U8PQs5Hgtd4jnxEq8865SR6JJ4OhhvZ7j3JkBtbP5u0MIJbCbOjxEfqpmVZZ41-xU_Ys/s6000/IMG_5928.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMbsN6QiAWLOUaeY31-eA63er91wDM3PczzvdIiwIbsQT4K2-jgmoBdz73vF76iH6ZGfKAutlhvX9Wqy-c3mkXoOwRFYki8L9SdzCHpOqMwvnHIBDl4U40C-U8PQs5Hgtd4jnxEq8865SR6JJ4OhhvZ7j3JkBtbP5u0MIJbCbOjxEfqpmVZZ41-xU_Ys/w640-h426/IMG_5928.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A yellow-faced bumble napping on<i> Veronica longifolia</i>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALhPzQcCrzpZoB40QdvkqEEbG4GKusgjp-xYX9K5LaQPJS_8POd27GxyYZajdME8uq3Jcx_ZxpsAvLHFFZnDJ19QJSehjir6X0z6NNQVJ5dWCDXNjZ4NmrLDykKy1WOEvXs65Bi3IY7LZ8q9gjeu96ioJassD3hFlBv8RwxwHEKSJJ5SdZdBAm0I6QDk/s6000/IMG_5223.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALhPzQcCrzpZoB40QdvkqEEbG4GKusgjp-xYX9K5LaQPJS_8POd27GxyYZajdME8uq3Jcx_ZxpsAvLHFFZnDJ19QJSehjir6X0z6NNQVJ5dWCDXNjZ4NmrLDykKy1WOEvXs65Bi3IY7LZ8q9gjeu96ioJassD3hFlBv8RwxwHEKSJJ5SdZdBAm0I6QDk/w640-h426/IMG_5223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Visiting <i>Marrubium incanum</i>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwC0CS3Tjai_0Am7iSmk3bMsUEfPcxuSRyFJAL9pwo7V9ffGz8QvVeIlUHPoo3tR9kYCcE45L7WkUTnRexIVOO6O649IoFIMrJU-VWGvySKppk8zhGUJjGqE8wYMauUqOTbC3sFpMKunh8VS8t3auICJGU9qn0QGWaCl6oXE4V_YLIdOkpZWRtFr2_ko/s6000/IMG_5346.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwC0CS3Tjai_0Am7iSmk3bMsUEfPcxuSRyFJAL9pwo7V9ffGz8QvVeIlUHPoo3tR9kYCcE45L7WkUTnRexIVOO6O649IoFIMrJU-VWGvySKppk8zhGUJjGqE8wYMauUqOTbC3sFpMKunh8VS8t3auICJGU9qn0QGWaCl6oXE4V_YLIdOkpZWRtFr2_ko/w640-h426/IMG_5346.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Visiting <i>Eryngium giganteum.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiDbJKNoa4UqLem133HPdof4fyl3GfedoV7zwABe6quOtvuqosHGX5x7u_cNIwHDfHk3mZp1nSx789cNtvQW3VLH8l9K4yNfLcYFFsxg6qgPzmepFB3e7kod37fckvxT0uDxCwh6iqNwMRNxiEmbXOxc6b_-79m48towIuEQj67YYREsBSG9xvH4PFVg/s6000/IMG_5511.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiDbJKNoa4UqLem133HPdof4fyl3GfedoV7zwABe6quOtvuqosHGX5x7u_cNIwHDfHk3mZp1nSx789cNtvQW3VLH8l9K4yNfLcYFFsxg6qgPzmepFB3e7kod37fckvxT0uDxCwh6iqNwMRNxiEmbXOxc6b_-79m48towIuEQj67YYREsBSG9xvH4PFVg/w640-h426/IMG_5511.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A different species, likely a fuzzy horned bumble bee.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTKAtQBmaP1jvWWHFdcPy8gujU5agMgsJachqfp7NxtdPqXxlayyTVYrpM235rAjmCzR-dNYmczohSzkC17AaP1O8555DqDJA9c84hGWeE5HSvA_b7gLcaLevAI-KvUdh3GOsOLRVIYX11MlqfWmubRjRV7IZiO5BLwbfcaJENBBv19OqjvDlYItII_8/s6000/IMG_5521.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTKAtQBmaP1jvWWHFdcPy8gujU5agMgsJachqfp7NxtdPqXxlayyTVYrpM235rAjmCzR-dNYmczohSzkC17AaP1O8555DqDJA9c84hGWeE5HSvA_b7gLcaLevAI-KvUdh3GOsOLRVIYX11MlqfWmubRjRV7IZiO5BLwbfcaJENBBv19OqjvDlYItII_8/w426-h640/IMG_5521.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another shot of the fuzzy horned bumble bee. So furry!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPDisURRRgrTQoWcFEIqKHQH0jNdQWfTuvCb6S4xwlyHCtEcDPRQPDVtK9cfJ2vkB4FFpLSP3owiWdnVfYVa7nv2SJkY70ngwD3sJ1UPx3QHS9YdrHEKvtHStaCepTcG4E5VGeR-4-j-Yh1hiI_ySGB1nvcqbZtRkgJTv02L_0pH_VBTkukzWBxydP9g/s6000/IMG_5464.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPDisURRRgrTQoWcFEIqKHQH0jNdQWfTuvCb6S4xwlyHCtEcDPRQPDVtK9cfJ2vkB4FFpLSP3owiWdnVfYVa7nv2SJkY70ngwD3sJ1UPx3QHS9YdrHEKvtHStaCepTcG4E5VGeR-4-j-Yh1hiI_ySGB1nvcqbZtRkgJTv02L_0pH_VBTkukzWBxydP9g/w640-h426/IMG_5464.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lavender was quite popular with the bumble and honey bees.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7k4Y6_ZsBxEcBMynTzgXCeWuOgw8YGLOuemsqZrKhPCEbIMFGV1qbiLeMeNkqk6tNm65dy34piWdB8sp3QYa-rCkLjaQwLyFlDdX8EsoY57Q-ea-T049faFzNZ8e2eOf0_Adt0yZy-NLeR35VQQJvpbsQCtvrSBX8f_jYYVX-KIpJxNt8UlwK5z9jlc/s6000/IMG_5657.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7k4Y6_ZsBxEcBMynTzgXCeWuOgw8YGLOuemsqZrKhPCEbIMFGV1qbiLeMeNkqk6tNm65dy34piWdB8sp3QYa-rCkLjaQwLyFlDdX8EsoY57Q-ea-T049faFzNZ8e2eOf0_Adt0yZy-NLeR35VQQJvpbsQCtvrSBX8f_jYYVX-KIpJxNt8UlwK5z9jlc/w640-h427/IMG_5657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now for a few wasps. This is some kind of thread waisted wasp on dill, likely a weevil wasp. The umbelliferous flowers are always covered in a myriad of insects. Think achillea, dill, bupleurum and the like - big flat open umbrella-like flower heads.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieewkcPq4-0ZbaBU9agn6NN3oP9lyhLaMCf9UflKQqc9GZcoD31QHXtl7XpErFw1eKHlbMl7U9HHbikEOC78g0n-rd7tvj5DfyvhU3Hb9Ty5A8p8H4StbNa99GA-fNd_i6NviuBRoa80mo9KSv54knwxqviD0rNBHDjngfmCWPG0knxvAPz9ASGJ5Y7C8/s6000/IMG_5493.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieewkcPq4-0ZbaBU9agn6NN3oP9lyhLaMCf9UflKQqc9GZcoD31QHXtl7XpErFw1eKHlbMl7U9HHbikEOC78g0n-rd7tvj5DfyvhU3Hb9Ty5A8p8H4StbNa99GA-fNd_i6NviuBRoa80mo9KSv54knwxqviD0rNBHDjngfmCWPG0knxvAPz9ASGJ5Y7C8/w640-h426/IMG_5493.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another thread waisted wasp, perhaps the Mexican grass-carrying wasp. There were quite a few on my large stand of Miss Wilmott's Ghost.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0ZZM0BZOXci6yi3QU7_uHHkygluTnqPe9ydY_FbDzYsm3Ly3mSKfajG850Vza0IXpsmhhJD6NZYB772VGTGYy24-qivwRcKq0g-7pFC1cWjJXFRZpNqC4EGIyL_c21XBi_FDxf9Al9ZqgtEYkVz5SPSj3ss0aIsWAeen-MT37DMPGYicNbaMSvn2X6c/s6000/IMG_5218.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0ZZM0BZOXci6yi3QU7_uHHkygluTnqPe9ydY_FbDzYsm3Ly3mSKfajG850Vza0IXpsmhhJD6NZYB772VGTGYy24-qivwRcKq0g-7pFC1cWjJXFRZpNqC4EGIyL_c21XBi_FDxf9Al9ZqgtEYkVz5SPSj3ss0aIsWAeen-MT37DMPGYicNbaMSvn2X6c/w640-h426/IMG_5218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another on the same...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mC9ahfC3VfK5uf_A_9SsmZZzxWcJ6uu1Xng3M_KHmxPyyVcRNKp7PjeG3Bs9DAgzbwj37NyzOmztHmYmlnK5jSnb6nv09gAWVFVYn6EYeXarv9GotnuUeSOkQbLMndtbcnnIdkJyzW1c4DVd9gYuKAzYM5nIUF_IUr6TfCsiGZ7lfvq0Tb_dnfgzUvA/s6000/IMG_5489.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mC9ahfC3VfK5uf_A_9SsmZZzxWcJ6uu1Xng3M_KHmxPyyVcRNKp7PjeG3Bs9DAgzbwj37NyzOmztHmYmlnK5jSnb6nv09gAWVFVYn6EYeXarv9GotnuUeSOkQbLMndtbcnnIdkJyzW1c4DVd9gYuKAzYM5nIUF_IUr6TfCsiGZ7lfvq0Tb_dnfgzUvA/w640-h426/IMG_5489.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And another with a bumble bee on the same flower.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yhQIE56EtsSVhn4dEXiuOz99poePdj63k_ijtgZxGlfhL2WytzuUzKvX_eE57RGP7E-hjC5wxkhimTbtlY0RZ6gRymknjllJIhNbDUWoLeQzvz9i9Qg9Yv38PyubUxNhVJkM-W9ZuXRoS8ijUrz6kMRlZYjQHRtpY_pnVPz7DqwLUzqF_JFwVBmPQzQ/s6000/IMG_5484.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yhQIE56EtsSVhn4dEXiuOz99poePdj63k_ijtgZxGlfhL2WytzuUzKvX_eE57RGP7E-hjC5wxkhimTbtlY0RZ6gRymknjllJIhNbDUWoLeQzvz9i9Qg9Yv38PyubUxNhVJkM-W9ZuXRoS8ijUrz6kMRlZYjQHRtpY_pnVPz7DqwLUzqF_JFwVBmPQzQ/w640-h426/IMG_5484.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">They are pretty interesting to watch and I consider them beneficial. Many are solitary and harmless to humans. Providing habitat, flowers, water, and of course avoiding pesticides, herbicides, etc. is about the best thing I can do for insects. I stay out of the rest of it and leave it to nature to balance out populations.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMsc9ZhrpUiMIp2WsDEiQTVqVG-XGxsRtjbiqmTfpuN2vY287NTbO4GHE2krHgFs9veiSiUU6tTtGDWroFtU7qbUkyD7Lok8Ul0-TL5ppt0A-8Wbu6xD5nrnzQhslL2wLYwTytJ91X7F1uE__frXGP_D7gbuIde35hSGrT4L6AayhVVYQBA0Kyiifr80/s6000/IMG_5132.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMsc9ZhrpUiMIp2WsDEiQTVqVG-XGxsRtjbiqmTfpuN2vY287NTbO4GHE2krHgFs9veiSiUU6tTtGDWroFtU7qbUkyD7Lok8Ul0-TL5ppt0A-8Wbu6xD5nrnzQhslL2wLYwTytJ91X7F1uE__frXGP_D7gbuIde35hSGrT4L6AayhVVYQBA0Kyiifr80/w426-h640/IMG_5132.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Mexican grass-carrying wasp was not the only wasp visiting eryngium. This is the golden digger wasp, of which there were many.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuAc1iq9HLdo7N3VCMsdlhtqoPxC7TyaohP9G-orFfyOGjYax1SIXrgceon5TfbF9O8nUSf-ACxKP6mKmSesuTf5QJ0KR7cnV6O16EEWp0M5q0pSRxELd8RKISMaEU9p8cUMu6V7yt-BUxBSOENKRu_zxMN0h0dM5k9UyU_UhHLB5bc5ryPKu3rDqkT0/s6000/IMG_5630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuAc1iq9HLdo7N3VCMsdlhtqoPxC7TyaohP9G-orFfyOGjYax1SIXrgceon5TfbF9O8nUSf-ACxKP6mKmSesuTf5QJ0KR7cnV6O16EEWp0M5q0pSRxELd8RKISMaEU9p8cUMu6V7yt-BUxBSOENKRu_zxMN0h0dM5k9UyU_UhHLB5bc5ryPKu3rDqkT0/w640-h426/IMG_5630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This golden digger wasp is visiting blooming parsley that I planted for pollinators near the asparagus. Apparently this flower attracts predators of the asparagus beetle, so hooray, I would love to think it's working. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIswQaC52NwRBX4TlaYLWUQjgEsR4sqwsA83nM3dDnz6NY83uScmZ6JY41SU93G3Q3cJTLkO_ZvUvJ8ma1_mIpo2s3aR3XNbQWKZrdUHftwAWHSziEQ6HRuJDE2Y3YyJfPTrhvcM9rtQkHvFu0MJLtivsgWdRdYGMY2e_lqc3MWXVZMTFQHdJtToXfqfs/s6000/IMG_5635.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIswQaC52NwRBX4TlaYLWUQjgEsR4sqwsA83nM3dDnz6NY83uScmZ6JY41SU93G3Q3cJTLkO_ZvUvJ8ma1_mIpo2s3aR3XNbQWKZrdUHftwAWHSziEQ6HRuJDE2Y3YyJfPTrhvcM9rtQkHvFu0MJLtivsgWdRdYGMY2e_lqc3MWXVZMTFQHdJtToXfqfs/w640-h426/IMG_5635.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yet another species. Insects are fascinating, another language to learn.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2W3oCQDUVqSiq738rBETf9morS8rBsrmqGdYA9b-uMid4RDg9bEFzSLBoUF34IfcphstuEnuNaF_CGuxlZgRtvEKNdoCoGWnfqzDiCHqxgoaLzc7U-i4PfBDicnys4FrXvWJI_V-WOGZBjP0sw-QP0j-Ti07o7IzyIRTSzdS99qcJ2Mh6QvXHr8dTvM/s6000/IMG_5273.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2W3oCQDUVqSiq738rBETf9morS8rBsrmqGdYA9b-uMid4RDg9bEFzSLBoUF34IfcphstuEnuNaF_CGuxlZgRtvEKNdoCoGWnfqzDiCHqxgoaLzc7U-i4PfBDicnys4FrXvWJI_V-WOGZBjP0sw-QP0j-Ti07o7IzyIRTSzdS99qcJ2Mh6QvXHr8dTvM/w640-h426/IMG_5273.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Moving on to smaller bees, I have no idea what this is but that's a pretty small <i>Sedum spurium</i> flower. The sedum flowers are a big hit this week with all manner of tiny flying insects.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lIu-4U2YvPcO5MiUOCFzeMqG7u5YbH7zD1oA7hjLNB4fwxVYQ4P1Nnw4RMLmzpzn4ckiH5VE1dJXlFOFApWhV4viYbPDClBy55Kz6A9m_bYg5W7z8VY0uJEWsRWmOy9KphX1jkh6D6_l_c2pnSECkyQn2cCkK9QIgEJi9Ty0DOGesWn2dtoo8U5bkeE/s6000/IMG_5256.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lIu-4U2YvPcO5MiUOCFzeMqG7u5YbH7zD1oA7hjLNB4fwxVYQ4P1Nnw4RMLmzpzn4ckiH5VE1dJXlFOFApWhV4viYbPDClBy55Kz6A9m_bYg5W7z8VY0uJEWsRWmOy9KphX1jkh6D6_l_c2pnSECkyQn2cCkK9QIgEJi9Ty0DOGesWn2dtoo8U5bkeE/w640-h426/IMG_5256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is <i>Hebe recurvifolia</i> and I never expected a hebe to attract pollinators, but there are no fewer than two on this flower spike.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPYzzmYM7nyeOWy12UUu-ROA06UMAtZY5XvyAcyTkIC4HsvZKe-U3mbjmzkOQGADwdoSGO2Q6rKXVJGSJHYBsl-gD3YS8IFGxiMxQ-qSuAb0d_VxFxHHhudlRv3AIZIxn17HEEXDGtNIq4BLr5oqseiDAih4pffz4FohKb74NSIewc0SELGiOUUbE0Rg/s3379/IMG_5438crop.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="3379" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPYzzmYM7nyeOWy12UUu-ROA06UMAtZY5XvyAcyTkIC4HsvZKe-U3mbjmzkOQGADwdoSGO2Q6rKXVJGSJHYBsl-gD3YS8IFGxiMxQ-qSuAb0d_VxFxHHhudlRv3AIZIxn17HEEXDGtNIq4BLr5oqseiDAih4pffz4FohKb74NSIewc0SELGiOUUbE0Rg/w640-h530/IMG_5438crop.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A female long-horned bee on <i>Sedum suprium</i> flowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwwQVnI0RdgYuXpTf8RrMYex1v996ycOF509DKgzlqSb4cvOyW4ZKJaVjtVC6o_n2Zk__6Jmra0PAEWeOo86Pu9wXJn7SX7SdHC83m-f56LmyYqYS5r-B2cIb1Z_auJE8Zj0S_RT5GP5aCH0091Sd8Dg031ft_iNbpcaftFvMAggt6hhv_lFGaRUxJqE/s6000/IMG_5432.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwwQVnI0RdgYuXpTf8RrMYex1v996ycOF509DKgzlqSb4cvOyW4ZKJaVjtVC6o_n2Zk__6Jmra0PAEWeOo86Pu9wXJn7SX7SdHC83m-f56LmyYqYS5r-B2cIb1Z_auJE8Zj0S_RT5GP5aCH0091Sd8Dg031ft_iNbpcaftFvMAggt6hhv_lFGaRUxJqE/w640-h426/IMG_5432.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another teeny pollinator, this time visiting <i>Santolina virens</i>. It could be a sweat or carpenter bee.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTapBFGc8syrIm2F2Y7rnZipImj0CpOQ-Wtz24ftVa6yqeKBidDnaeV2DdCFnXIDe3LaggBrfZmXl18v8baiwcqPnCmZjZlI2CDXYofpu5qAD8yRaH70chfvD87mZ4yL5bC7q9ZH3bbGpdjOl3J9AUJ7tztbA6CuQQpubX_so3VFLtq8MqR4Kuar8Ngik/s6000/IMG_5538.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTapBFGc8syrIm2F2Y7rnZipImj0CpOQ-Wtz24ftVa6yqeKBidDnaeV2DdCFnXIDe3LaggBrfZmXl18v8baiwcqPnCmZjZlI2CDXYofpu5qAD8yRaH70chfvD87mZ4yL5bC7q9ZH3bbGpdjOl3J9AUJ7tztbA6CuQQpubX_so3VFLtq8MqR4Kuar8Ngik/w640-h426/IMG_5538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A sweat bee visiting <i>Erigeron</i> 'Profusion'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN10Dzt6-aPx9i1nl2N_mZECPC4N-GDbo4IOvmCEAAASnv_wTNEFo-cIiPyXStI3c6u3QmlLeBfuUJ3Yf-BrU1_jCHDZNfpewl6EHOzczSX_eenbzuqXra3JKCFP7hFs9NgYjUi88F0-xtVsAY2ske6zhvrkaA4fuUbVXcUwVkiGtpmeYlboGfNJY7ywo/s6000/IMG_5990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN10Dzt6-aPx9i1nl2N_mZECPC4N-GDbo4IOvmCEAAASnv_wTNEFo-cIiPyXStI3c6u3QmlLeBfuUJ3Yf-BrU1_jCHDZNfpewl6EHOzczSX_eenbzuqXra3JKCFP7hFs9NgYjUi88F0-xtVsAY2ske6zhvrkaA4fuUbVXcUwVkiGtpmeYlboGfNJY7ywo/w640-h426/IMG_5990.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A female leaf-cutter bee visiting <i>Cephalanthus occidentalis</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JG6-sjjLilAo6FKmUYeEWFcyiQHk2wMNsa3qMhwpJGJ6DOn0pYJ1f939PdRMSTWa05neFNLUjjLL305zWko7inmWSQIM9FgUlS6MNj4d_Jlu5y1Jk-DoXCi5xZJpWWokZX4DNLvALV3Nl0_XJFO8rFRXNAySoED1-gHzRnpmczalXiVlW_PVgVH1zxg/s6000/IMG_5617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JG6-sjjLilAo6FKmUYeEWFcyiQHk2wMNsa3qMhwpJGJ6DOn0pYJ1f939PdRMSTWa05neFNLUjjLL305zWko7inmWSQIM9FgUlS6MNj4d_Jlu5y1Jk-DoXCi5xZJpWWokZX4DNLvALV3Nl0_XJFO8rFRXNAySoED1-gHzRnpmczalXiVlW_PVgVH1zxg/w640-h426/IMG_5617.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More small bees, likely sweat bees.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8zTVl1NA3GFd93uRKduZzLKIquNRZpN3jtuTE8HnPc1zChJVuDIzOCJfFwommRiYzIDYvBkpRFdi0uzoOFWixH3IR5x6VarxYSfReEX6B9fl6DJdLhsweWP7Unxhvy6hF5QFlJm9-5sAgmxd9Gb_OZbvGKgVoB8Q4l0eI7ZExmLmltX3Z5k3POMfAbA/s6000/IMG_5623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8zTVl1NA3GFd93uRKduZzLKIquNRZpN3jtuTE8HnPc1zChJVuDIzOCJfFwommRiYzIDYvBkpRFdi0uzoOFWixH3IR5x6VarxYSfReEX6B9fl6DJdLhsweWP7Unxhvy6hF5QFlJm9-5sAgmxd9Gb_OZbvGKgVoB8Q4l0eI7ZExmLmltX3Z5k3POMfAbA/w640-h426/IMG_5623.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Common red soldier beetle on parsley flowers. There were quite a few of these and we have observed them here for weeks this summer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWohMPwsnIJNB2zT090VNm_CpA3pjEr_xGwdoOXIk1kfQy3LXMe_5q3KVHZsewkVqmhECaeKL9xh3rO_liP--Q-auSgQ9SaR240dr8Oz2jD_Z9hQThAvsw3aQTaRKuLIvJ_A6Ikb948UStFWNnPPQEUcHZm-lbIf2R7UXOMahfWkkXY2sUj6fjeD8mzbU/s6000/IMG_5602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWohMPwsnIJNB2zT090VNm_CpA3pjEr_xGwdoOXIk1kfQy3LXMe_5q3KVHZsewkVqmhECaeKL9xh3rO_liP--Q-auSgQ9SaR240dr8Oz2jD_Z9hQThAvsw3aQTaRKuLIvJ_A6Ikb948UStFWNnPPQEUcHZm-lbIf2R7UXOMahfWkkXY2sUj6fjeD8mzbU/w426-h640/IMG_5602.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A couple teeny pollinators flying through the air to visit <i>Digitalis ferruginea</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLu6KsDOmPU8JcgYvKD1nE7bHrNb2kLIrOAvu4SmvsIbbLveM0mR8BG6DQ520WcwVtyeqLf34OcnRmwy3FfWRKZ2xJbt0hySdD7A6xHwjFizJ62MMPfDhzqrzMZdrJvbb2S58Ncs9npvbvG42yXzL4DaGdvTdu7eprlp1R4UJFefRVMxoreLy3EAwVCQ/s6000/IMG_5260.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLu6KsDOmPU8JcgYvKD1nE7bHrNb2kLIrOAvu4SmvsIbbLveM0mR8BG6DQ520WcwVtyeqLf34OcnRmwy3FfWRKZ2xJbt0hySdD7A6xHwjFizJ62MMPfDhzqrzMZdrJvbb2S58Ncs9npvbvG42yXzL4DaGdvTdu7eprlp1R4UJFefRVMxoreLy3EAwVCQ/w640-h426/IMG_5260.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't know what that is coming in for a landing on nepeta, but it looks like a frog from here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qyGQ-_0bBS26SwkuImlYJGCtgNTMxDfSr4cORDn6NgOpKo7bX4t7_tOInPiVW7CmMQnZwQfhsYgUZWRVXzCqh7eF4xkne7Q3L3ebod-AAp7LMrBpYOvkmFb4Uq0TClPwryb-LCqat6G4sCQ_dJbrvr75U7org8e-GHPBEajmiCmvaGd0pOYiHdT5vFY/s6000/IMG_5306.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qyGQ-_0bBS26SwkuImlYJGCtgNTMxDfSr4cORDn6NgOpKo7bX4t7_tOInPiVW7CmMQnZwQfhsYgUZWRVXzCqh7eF4xkne7Q3L3ebod-AAp7LMrBpYOvkmFb4Uq0TClPwryb-LCqat6G4sCQ_dJbrvr75U7org8e-GHPBEajmiCmvaGd0pOYiHdT5vFY/w640-h426/IMG_5306.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More <i>Sedum spurium</i> flowers with several pollinators visiting. Perhaps a small sweat bee or carpenter bee in the center mid-air?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjdQGc2bpJR0fWcjJtzvgjsFsgOh6bT5Z9tOOIXdYJGpCLuymg29k8YIXaolHroOc9ePk795CkNxeKtxiH1W2Y3kTQuHSgg3FWsi-A0_OwMVXqgjUwuZbxhsChwXPWR4zmLZIIQD3HrmypF-PmEg5euXZEaXPjlHh8bqerhCmity8ERf0TJHd2YOeG5w/s6000/IMG_5471.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjdQGc2bpJR0fWcjJtzvgjsFsgOh6bT5Z9tOOIXdYJGpCLuymg29k8YIXaolHroOc9ePk795CkNxeKtxiH1W2Y3kTQuHSgg3FWsi-A0_OwMVXqgjUwuZbxhsChwXPWR4zmLZIIQD3HrmypF-PmEg5euXZEaXPjlHh8bqerhCmity8ERf0TJHd2YOeG5w/w640-h426/IMG_5471.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another sweat or carpenter or other small bee visiting lavender flowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFj9-WDZEx2BgPcq2UCFDoBU7L1TxxSk3OyeZTI9s8XcDSotahLLemR3CcuistARmoposxY6pT-jkNgjolBFiejZgv8ZHWuT-cVBI40O4zVGJD2AxjN14kRvwEmtcchr1WdrbsSLA9s0lMkBpoTgkiK8z251qn2VOCaC7Y5T3_QHQgwwZm3HJrUWna5_M/s6000/IMG_5228.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFj9-WDZEx2BgPcq2UCFDoBU7L1TxxSk3OyeZTI9s8XcDSotahLLemR3CcuistARmoposxY6pT-jkNgjolBFiejZgv8ZHWuT-cVBI40O4zVGJD2AxjN14kRvwEmtcchr1WdrbsSLA9s0lMkBpoTgkiK8z251qn2VOCaC7Y5T3_QHQgwwZm3HJrUWna5_M/w640-h426/IMG_5228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Honey bees were all over <i>Allium sphaerocephalon, Eryngium giganteum</i> and several species in the thymus genus. Here they visit allium flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1DEfwM3wvPxtlqFNGhVVkbhdJj3pKodNHQTtmTAoJlGpLskNKTrPVU8NicWg-SqWxaIK9LU-HZEJaau4aJIH1E73vAl_-1MjlbYlnA2Ag7oC4i4DLiGdKMDWg5zzg3a_NlMR5RWvYiqqb5CAY740q9WGlBkW8Gmj-scTDsEe-gzZKtPJxbewG208nMI/s6000/IMG_5126.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1DEfwM3wvPxtlqFNGhVVkbhdJj3pKodNHQTtmTAoJlGpLskNKTrPVU8NicWg-SqWxaIK9LU-HZEJaau4aJIH1E73vAl_-1MjlbYlnA2Ag7oC4i4DLiGdKMDWg5zzg3a_NlMR5RWvYiqqb5CAY740q9WGlBkW8Gmj-scTDsEe-gzZKtPJxbewG208nMI/w640-h426/IMG_5126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Three completely different pollinators visiting <i>Eryngium giganteum</i>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZN65crq1gjXOXjiCL1JjNvQlsJckm-AxkGWxs4ltr45R24ER_-hZXm2WGxuS7ZbNJtvr0HwRhfQjglC4dI7q7k-BDOVagJgJD72opcurUA6EedN7_47nP0fAXEuZzrMTtYST4TIP3mk0OqpGp_FWP0htNZ-I5c3JhlOMriWT18ivRXH6dlhz7qj6ZtGE/s6000/IMG_5186.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZN65crq1gjXOXjiCL1JjNvQlsJckm-AxkGWxs4ltr45R24ER_-hZXm2WGxuS7ZbNJtvr0HwRhfQjglC4dI7q7k-BDOVagJgJD72opcurUA6EedN7_47nP0fAXEuZzrMTtYST4TIP3mk0OqpGp_FWP0htNZ-I5c3JhlOMriWT18ivRXH6dlhz7qj6ZtGE/w640-h426/IMG_5186.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Eryngium giganteum </i>once more.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uq_mfEM_ILzUrzuyYv-343p21ah7cqAZN9mSgV9VhM9PAWlu84415TqIk8SNF744xoo5DwB3zWzMpDVViZZpbpLOird4DgJ_qa-yjZFZTcDmvH-MyFlRzWFuZeoAUSE4ERIO0KndmSVmzTWUZ58udtTUnWk03bfsJep7z0PtqDMmJeEPgzsWQAUizCc/s6000/IMG_5668.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uq_mfEM_ILzUrzuyYv-343p21ah7cqAZN9mSgV9VhM9PAWlu84415TqIk8SNF744xoo5DwB3zWzMpDVViZZpbpLOird4DgJ_qa-yjZFZTcDmvH-MyFlRzWFuZeoAUSE4ERIO0KndmSVmzTWUZ58udtTUnWk03bfsJep7z0PtqDMmJeEPgzsWQAUizCc/w426-h640/IMG_5668.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Echinacea purpurea</i> was a hit with them as well. On a side note, butterflies, specifically western swallotwails visit this plant often although I did not capture any photographs today.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLFHrVlSHdGZsTtrtu9rdzl_QPybtkJevpy2uKjIb-A6l79FX9F-7-Ob_7TWxcOau4ZnvnHH9FOTMI7o2JLp-fU5MQBp01NHAwxV9T9MJtr1htJnJjAtrLrHot0aHQAfMcKjBXI-6cfspnVbbejauIuLsUBTwrVIGWo_CAm_Oeg0td8EHEERPNJ1jRnM/s6000/IMG_5427.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLFHrVlSHdGZsTtrtu9rdzl_QPybtkJevpy2uKjIb-A6l79FX9F-7-Ob_7TWxcOau4ZnvnHH9FOTMI7o2JLp-fU5MQBp01NHAwxV9T9MJtr1htJnJjAtrLrHot0aHQAfMcKjBXI-6cfspnVbbejauIuLsUBTwrVIGWo_CAm_Oeg0td8EHEERPNJ1jRnM/w640-h426/IMG_5427.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A delosperma flower with the tiniest of flies.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2yWy58nQuQpPGIm81vilOQjGwuL__hx1Hg9cwfSU8SpMk5gmmKect3fVjOgLgVv1pnv86-q5j_sTTAKg0k5C4DLcD82J6Q2YAixi6p904mPKAX4NEJp-91Og518zDq817P7ox1yfr5euwf-euTm3up7aC7TMLJi0I0jWOtHgFdVwvHMhoswQ-WjITpM/s6000/IMG_5291.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2yWy58nQuQpPGIm81vilOQjGwuL__hx1Hg9cwfSU8SpMk5gmmKect3fVjOgLgVv1pnv86-q5j_sTTAKg0k5C4DLcD82J6Q2YAixi6p904mPKAX4NEJp-91Og518zDq817P7ox1yfr5euwf-euTm3up7aC7TMLJi0I0jWOtHgFdVwvHMhoswQ-WjITpM/w640-h426/IMG_5291.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A lacewing visiting dill flowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTOZtI-W91jw1z_hOy1iLUKmeoW_be-TtFCX1WXINvpvJ43Noa4xxAIS9j6k-LJo505Ra55PaPnsOwTeikOLQO3L16ghsmT8-3dAWO5fFONxjeF_CMPcWwTgJ7Sy3ZS9R2P74IERW4h3L57-MFq_zXz_OZVPbaBzqsPAKRm9gWZVwYT_5ZM4IY6SBDQo/s6000/IMG_5175.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTOZtI-W91jw1z_hOy1iLUKmeoW_be-TtFCX1WXINvpvJ43Noa4xxAIS9j6k-LJo505Ra55PaPnsOwTeikOLQO3L16ghsmT8-3dAWO5fFONxjeF_CMPcWwTgJ7Sy3ZS9R2P74IERW4h3L57-MFq_zXz_OZVPbaBzqsPAKRm9gWZVwYT_5ZM4IY6SBDQo/w640-h426/IMG_5175.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A gray hairstreak butterfly and honey bee on<i> Eryngium giganteum</i>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItAgCj-aOYXrfuLtOVra85Z-l4YCWQ577fhgQZ5ZjWCrxATITvqtXmE3nBhSR31AROKNGQiiAjstoEZ7L2yH4fj8fqBcRGUM6zAf1Wdf0MDBu_AyczDbGh9h8-SjzLD-qIRiyuv4LgCGaUJoAJhQE9UGAQsF7pjWrFWkAa6bBl968GmrcO8H42f-OBNc/s6000/IMG_5298.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItAgCj-aOYXrfuLtOVra85Z-l4YCWQ577fhgQZ5ZjWCrxATITvqtXmE3nBhSR31AROKNGQiiAjstoEZ7L2yH4fj8fqBcRGUM6zAf1Wdf0MDBu_AyczDbGh9h8-SjzLD-qIRiyuv4LgCGaUJoAJhQE9UGAQsF7pjWrFWkAa6bBl968GmrcO8H42f-OBNc/w640-h426/IMG_5298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mason bee nests that will be taken down soon to be stored in a safe place until spring when the next generation emerges. While this task should have been done ideally in June, timing has been off for us in many ways. They are safe here for now but a task on my to-do list for certain.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsfjEfsE8X8cYNbGGdgWMjp1s5ySPrc4Bcp80yl74Q3XkePvjzN09y-xIedlzDJ0S0uAoH9NluwWQ0u06W3WlVkvI8Nv0jCPKAl1FzDVmt5CqR304e_q8itCBQqWd3eubgKGTQb1JVaG49-b_EwHphSuSoTwaMF170Jg7_ho1kgXlaZ48vpeWHvpRMqI/s6000/IMG_5286.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsfjEfsE8X8cYNbGGdgWMjp1s5ySPrc4Bcp80yl74Q3XkePvjzN09y-xIedlzDJ0S0uAoH9NluwWQ0u06W3WlVkvI8Nv0jCPKAl1FzDVmt5CqR304e_q8itCBQqWd3eubgKGTQb1JVaG49-b_EwHphSuSoTwaMF170Jg7_ho1kgXlaZ48vpeWHvpRMqI/w640-h426/IMG_5286.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">While insects are fascinating and wonderful, let's look at a few birds I managed to photograph today. This is a juvenile evening grosbeak. These guys are plentiful at the sunflower seed feeders; in fact they park themselves there all day and basically eat the whole thing. They do allow other birds to visit the feeders so we're ok with it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6N1Ckgue4CwrzD2LI19PBU4S-RoaB_n71ae30KrGDN_PQIqQLQ_VFDQolvRQNXjWenH4dvv-By_bq1sgsJPBgKw3K9xg-NTFu-l9o_se80KK9H5S3kjUaIkxBJPLvjVPipLHsY643ISHT6-uSg4e_rI2UGNk2SpZZMsJ3YGuvnLfkF6jl1_F9bkVM4c/s4032/IMG_5809crop.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2524" data-original-width="4032" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6N1Ckgue4CwrzD2LI19PBU4S-RoaB_n71ae30KrGDN_PQIqQLQ_VFDQolvRQNXjWenH4dvv-By_bq1sgsJPBgKw3K9xg-NTFu-l9o_se80KK9H5S3kjUaIkxBJPLvjVPipLHsY643ISHT6-uSg4e_rI2UGNk2SpZZMsJ3YGuvnLfkF6jl1_F9bkVM4c/w640-h400/IMG_5809crop.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A goldfinch visits a tiny birdbath.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjqCxMvYg8p-8olYjpOV8xR_hS46bGFQ_pj3ad9RfNkTvzH3AGCRPDuwCPTT3do7saiv2HxyxId46l4L64B_tzF4qqq63rbhTzWw7VCsPWkNbx3RvL4shHYqOM36lpQ7emRUdPl3nUv80Bvh8QXiDw4JKVb9grlXbrogGqxgENCGxJAg2fJ19UKsM2Zc/s6000/IMG_5337.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjqCxMvYg8p-8olYjpOV8xR_hS46bGFQ_pj3ad9RfNkTvzH3AGCRPDuwCPTT3do7saiv2HxyxId46l4L64B_tzF4qqq63rbhTzWw7VCsPWkNbx3RvL4shHYqOM36lpQ7emRUdPl3nUv80Bvh8QXiDw4JKVb9grlXbrogGqxgENCGxJAg2fJ19UKsM2Zc/w640-h426/IMG_5337.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In a shadow, a red-breasted nuthatch visits the same bath.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRFPwuYSZGbogM_Hurf3fFesf3YqrvVEibitlI9LfuVP6wx3N1Ml0Mm6qt5bESIj2ciWJg7gVItA1upKVZRJURXiquB9GAev-6gmAE1P4dnDIMTI9kcFk1cstF1WD9tzW7cA3oG_mPPomJ-9EMrzWR2_lUwebiC0mpTiinCGRnJ9qJ7dgLHxxNyO_r9o/s2346/IMG_5393crop.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="2346" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRFPwuYSZGbogM_Hurf3fFesf3YqrvVEibitlI9LfuVP6wx3N1Ml0Mm6qt5bESIj2ciWJg7gVItA1upKVZRJURXiquB9GAev-6gmAE1P4dnDIMTI9kcFk1cstF1WD9tzW7cA3oG_mPPomJ-9EMrzWR2_lUwebiC0mpTiinCGRnJ9qJ7dgLHxxNyO_r9o/w640-h440/IMG_5393crop.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And of course, chickadees! These are black-capped chickadees and I am pleased to report they are very abundant in our garden this year. All these little birds love this birdbath because it has a rough texture so they can grip it, plus it's shallow and a little bit hidden. I highly recommend something like this for small birds to enjoy year-round. In summer it is filled with fresh water daily.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsweU0f5Upn9SUs4gqIno4-RXVswUn2fUsqwtWS2PTtXhZZNHmxQOuQfRHdIirdfSRwZHpCMezh7NixvIt7mWy3FR-S7btws2o8U9rhPGa7G0zmtBnrleEZ3r9aHTd2foLxK-9FAwIxdTn4WSGCBO44uLFndsn072admyuej4KWHG7z9uOnxuGFpftx3w/s6000/IMG_5267.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsweU0f5Upn9SUs4gqIno4-RXVswUn2fUsqwtWS2PTtXhZZNHmxQOuQfRHdIirdfSRwZHpCMezh7NixvIt7mWy3FR-S7btws2o8U9rhPGa7G0zmtBnrleEZ3r9aHTd2foLxK-9FAwIxdTn4WSGCBO44uLFndsn072admyuej4KWHG7z9uOnxuGFpftx3w/w640-h426/IMG_5267.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And rounding it out a wee Pacific tree frog hanging out in a planter on our front porch. We have many of these frogs around and welcome them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For just two hours in the garden I was quite pleased with the diversity. This is encouraging and makes me want to observe more acutely who visits what - and when. I encounter wildlife all the time while in the garden and thoroughly enjoy it, but paying attention to details about insects specifically is another step for me. This little exercise has helped me to understand a little more about getting to know our pollinators.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Seen but not photographed: Annas and rufous hummingbirds, swallowtail butterfly, hoverfly, grasshoppers, downy woodpecker, red finches, towhees, dark eyed juncos, dragonflies, mourning doves, chipmunk, painted lady butterfly, woodland skipper butterfly. They all make my heart sing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A special thank you to <a href="http://amycampion.com/" target="_blank">Amy Campion</a> for her help in identifying several of these bees and insects and for her most helpful list of resources, cited below. You are the best!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Resources to learn more:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://awaytogarden.com/how-conservation-starts-in-your-yard-doug-tallamy-on-natures-best-hope/" target="_blank">Nature's Best Hope - Doug Tallamy</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.nwf.org/NativePlantFinder/Plants" target="_blank">National Wildlife Federation's Native Plant Finder</a> </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/pdfs/PacificLowlandrx8.pdf" target="_blank">The Pollinator Partnership - Selecting Plants for Pollinators: Pacific Lowland Region</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9289" target="_blank">OSU - Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes to Protect Pollinators</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://wmswcd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WMSWCD_PollBloomChart_interactive_4.2018.pdf" target="_blank">West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District - Pollinator Plants & Their Bloom Periods</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://xerces.org/publications/plant-lists/native-plants-for-pollinators-and-beneficial-insects-maritime-northwest" target="_blank">Xerces Society - Pollinator Plants: The Maritime Northwest Region</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://newsociety.com/books/n/a-new-garden-ethic?_ga=2.192195626.1282868649.1689812648-1789852534.1689812648&sitedomain=us" target="_blank">A New Garden Ethic - Benjamin Vogt</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691160771/the-bees-in-your-backyard" target="_blank">The Bees in Your Backyard - Joseph Wilson & Olivia Carril</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/" target="_blank">www.inaturalist.org </a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://uwapress.uw.edu/book/9780914516187/pacific-northwest-insects/" target="_blank"> Pacific Northwest Insects - Merrill Peterson</a></div><div><br /></div><div>That's a wrap for this week, thank you so much for reading and commenting, we love hearing from you! Whare are some interesting insects and other critters you have spotted recently? Do share, let's keep the conversation going. Happy gardening!</div></div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-665807378090241608.post-65047381416544337992023-07-06T07:00:00.444-07:002023-07-06T07:00:00.148-07:00Golden Hour<div style="text-align: center;"> I cannot recall a busier garden season than this year. Open gardens, visitors and consultations, it has all been wonderful and non-stop. The moment the last guest left from our most-recent open garden FM reminded me it was the golden hour, the time in the garden that no one really gets to see unless you stay after 6 pm. The time when lighting makes magic. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So, in an effort to balance our hectic schedule with a bit of calm, I took FM's advice and spent a couple of evening hours taking in this creation with camera in hand. Since visitors rarely see it this time of day I thought I would share my very personal golden hour.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMww4rgkMmYDPRDGf-mi4rs1yEMnVSFR7SRCgAdb4TTMd1IhQfQ8PCucatfJdGsZb1nas6QOUV7725RT6wrEKLWqpg4GBSRwN8FfxIAfo0ZykSkmRSRUjsZIqX67KszLJUUyYDA4XuKY3HMU30k4_Ci2Ayo8zk7wDXJGs3zFgYeWWL9i8bLooyPhBEoM/s6000/IMG_4883.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMww4rgkMmYDPRDGf-mi4rs1yEMnVSFR7SRCgAdb4TTMd1IhQfQ8PCucatfJdGsZb1nas6QOUV7725RT6wrEKLWqpg4GBSRwN8FfxIAfo0ZykSkmRSRUjsZIqX67KszLJUUyYDA4XuKY3HMU30k4_Ci2Ayo8zk7wDXJGs3zFgYeWWL9i8bLooyPhBEoM/w640-h426/IMG_4883.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Around the barely used fire pit, foliage rules. Between grasses and a now huge <i>Azara microphylla </i>(upper right), the shades of green alone are enough to keep this gardener happy.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfB6QZJ1ps7rLx4AluQWumjTJe8SMpMOMnaHo3su1m4M2oa78hsaUAv7Y4JJMOCoKV4NI1su2jGwXq0ulPZhGCaRWdjhqANr4OjKfwejEM8Jv4z_nISOLPDfRLmuAcYvIxSn0nMP_6qgc7SENS9kBtOwHV9qR1wFxNmRrZoa9Sj0Q3smimXlfo8352Dbk/s6000/IMG_4841.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfB6QZJ1ps7rLx4AluQWumjTJe8SMpMOMnaHo3su1m4M2oa78hsaUAv7Y4JJMOCoKV4NI1su2jGwXq0ulPZhGCaRWdjhqANr4OjKfwejEM8Jv4z_nISOLPDfRLmuAcYvIxSn0nMP_6qgc7SENS9kBtOwHV9qR1wFxNmRrZoa9Sj0Q3smimXlfo8352Dbk/w426-h640/IMG_4841.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Evening sun catching blossoms of <i>Cotinus</i> 'Pink Champagne'.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid6USNkKZ_dPxld7fC0pEADKUF2iQ9LFtuyr28dQQb8tnW1m-k32CS4gJOfmCZAj9L64oQiDWodrwuffRUBarczu1DCt3KiZ7U5nFVUfY7RF4J6vCL41TpPSyvNg67Lrn1l06mwJTa-VXcurDvqwaOWxn-Y3zRqPc31eoZZXBD0LDTeuYHcZ2ip6zug4/s6000/IMG_4572.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid6USNkKZ_dPxld7fC0pEADKUF2iQ9LFtuyr28dQQb8tnW1m-k32CS4gJOfmCZAj9L64oQiDWodrwuffRUBarczu1DCt3KiZ7U5nFVUfY7RF4J6vCL41TpPSyvNg67Lrn1l06mwJTa-VXcurDvqwaOWxn-Y3zRqPc31eoZZXBD0LDTeuYHcZ2ip6zug4/w640-h426/IMG_4572.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Penstemon</i> 'Firebird' looking rather more pink than firebird cherry red. I find it quite charming.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyTRzBG6Hs1TKQpnsWJcJE3ahPTEyRxX5-BwLvDXxLMK0X2xw2TgFYeQfDKXJ-icJ21kVHV5iqPAWUOVLCW7r5iCHYMs2Aw7nM0WGnVAPwdwsm9d7NXqC1s15TVmEHvrOQNWzw0yxdsq8e5REE2RUd5v2XLrgVDhFQfeyaocIO0MXtf1nBRQqblBSQqY/s6000/IMG_4591.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyTRzBG6Hs1TKQpnsWJcJE3ahPTEyRxX5-BwLvDXxLMK0X2xw2TgFYeQfDKXJ-icJ21kVHV5iqPAWUOVLCW7r5iCHYMs2Aw7nM0WGnVAPwdwsm9d7NXqC1s15TVmEHvrOQNWzw0yxdsq8e5REE2RUd5v2XLrgVDhFQfeyaocIO0MXtf1nBRQqblBSQqY/w426-h640/IMG_4591.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Alcea rosea</i> 'Nigra' was sown from seed years ago. It has been in this spot for at least five years when I expected it to last only a year or two. It never flowered last year (perhaps also in 2021) and it has had rust before, but when it blooms it is something to see.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxLB7EzgHopMz2j8Nc90pW1Q4RuwhWxESNnqF8qZ6Vpkdb99K4kWZtFYKULGEzrjV0E0WDQ5676QKNC6g3Av0OLrLEbZ72tcVY2JEn1zlebPrJyZRWGYOZL00W2c7lJc7JSHGRoXiY2y2FOx1BK5tMME0uQWAYv9INYsW_VVVftWXGYKMux6sD1ne-GU/s6000/IMG_4579.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxLB7EzgHopMz2j8Nc90pW1Q4RuwhWxESNnqF8qZ6Vpkdb99K4kWZtFYKULGEzrjV0E0WDQ5676QKNC6g3Av0OLrLEbZ72tcVY2JEn1zlebPrJyZRWGYOZL00W2c7lJc7JSHGRoXiY2y2FOx1BK5tMME0uQWAYv9INYsW_VVVftWXGYKMux6sD1ne-GU/w640-h426/IMG_4579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This one is for my mother. She gave me Oscar the <i>Agve parryi subsp. truncata, </i>which I feature regularly on the blog. I don't know that I've ever featured Oscar's pal Felix the opuntia (unsure of the species). Here he is blooming, Mom, and quite happy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNSIEaGdsEIeNu9L3516US3ON3B9lyp3ZK_f6vD7V56JKzr9Vt8RFB7_cuqqUoWYAjOV0dD6atmHtD7a8XL9sXrfwO4ldGj9FdJB5zG-PHVeUtOzzOVbrvfYsMN1pTu-UW5l9oBYRvyFQLa9gJ_GES24DPoa_DCrc32UaN6Rtui43lgzNXBp00l_2Ni0/s6000/IMG_4571.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNSIEaGdsEIeNu9L3516US3ON3B9lyp3ZK_f6vD7V56JKzr9Vt8RFB7_cuqqUoWYAjOV0dD6atmHtD7a8XL9sXrfwO4ldGj9FdJB5zG-PHVeUtOzzOVbrvfYsMN1pTu-UW5l9oBYRvyFQLa9gJ_GES24DPoa_DCrc32UaN6Rtui43lgzNXBp00l_2Ni0/w640-h426/IMG_4571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Stachys</i> 'Hummelo' is so good in my opinion. I love the way it has seeded itself in a cascade down a steep bank in the berm garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoy5gXB_JV_CU_WSClJVd1a6nZNY-ceCYaFdkffhlL2905wlMQLSUAW9QlwGp_OLvtVAv5xjiHOJndElrs7-N_dvCPozxD4oL500oC-fzzsQhaGjapNzbq0ZmkoMQWG-y3FPuWaMrGutBMUcR3LYDkbfweajlFGTgmOE8a7u_5tqcyy53LfIJVQl2PYA/s6000/IMG_4670.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoy5gXB_JV_CU_WSClJVd1a6nZNY-ceCYaFdkffhlL2905wlMQLSUAW9QlwGp_OLvtVAv5xjiHOJndElrs7-N_dvCPozxD4oL500oC-fzzsQhaGjapNzbq0ZmkoMQWG-y3FPuWaMrGutBMUcR3LYDkbfweajlFGTgmOE8a7u_5tqcyy53LfIJVQl2PYA/w426-h640/IMG_4670.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Digitalis parviflora</i> at the edge of the labyrinth garden. This is its first year blooming. I hope for seedlings where it is sited at the edge of a hot and dry area in full sun.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkMNZgvtd8xas-g_byzuwhhXvQ9OeQE7feqaD_ExeSZErA7WLLpcGtePfBuaASUb-e-XAg6_ybw3g61slGDIaAxMfGWXMJPAcOIfs571vRUx9NPwCCYg-uka8MoqlNX0rQmxjrkixj_DpeRRERtg4a3SRb6N8pgQ_RkveYwOdjzzT9s1_6d1bwbdnGTA/s6000/IMG_4666.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkMNZgvtd8xas-g_byzuwhhXvQ9OeQE7feqaD_ExeSZErA7WLLpcGtePfBuaASUb-e-XAg6_ybw3g61slGDIaAxMfGWXMJPAcOIfs571vRUx9NPwCCYg-uka8MoqlNX0rQmxjrkixj_DpeRRERtg4a3SRb6N8pgQ_RkveYwOdjzzT9s1_6d1bwbdnGTA/w640-h426/IMG_4666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Santolina</i> 'Lemon Queen' simply luminous in angled evening light.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IoOgf2RUXcss5hw6JrUyswdLNcYEbp6GI8OEC8CI970AW4Z_erz2g_BUddT0SZmWAxOuiCjgMlCKLdZWXt2Mq3YOQl-WhS_U_RdYQeZ75xpezH_KzKudm5hq6C0EkY-SgpXIoceNQPLz89yJVsSYg1JRhdbHpKMVYhTC5SThZx0uwcXafW81IgHu4MY/s6000/IMG_4675.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IoOgf2RUXcss5hw6JrUyswdLNcYEbp6GI8OEC8CI970AW4Z_erz2g_BUddT0SZmWAxOuiCjgMlCKLdZWXt2Mq3YOQl-WhS_U_RdYQeZ75xpezH_KzKudm5hq6C0EkY-SgpXIoceNQPLz89yJVsSYg1JRhdbHpKMVYhTC5SThZx0uwcXafW81IgHu4MY/w640-h426/IMG_4675.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ceanothus x pallidus</i> 'Marie Simon' had a lot of dieback - many bare and dead spindly branches this spring having been hit hard by winter weather. I pruned it back significantly and it has responded with vigor. This semi-deciduous ceanothus actually likes a bit of a spring haircut, I should do it yearly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy0y-aFvZOe9W7XI31hXTU9MVnaT7xNDSrDe7WZXEvvEAeDhgEW3vccVnt9tKC4-cSbYeKA7DppbUWp4nhAFT_tnQrwbgdGPBWiBD31NXzpo2pSr2ur9woSphZAzisqidla_65atiev3VGyOcwp1w57RIZ-Vqga6UDcxjPjJPS1bn5_D6ifMBgJn8BaQ/s6000/IMG_4824.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy0y-aFvZOe9W7XI31hXTU9MVnaT7xNDSrDe7WZXEvvEAeDhgEW3vccVnt9tKC4-cSbYeKA7DppbUWp4nhAFT_tnQrwbgdGPBWiBD31NXzpo2pSr2ur9woSphZAzisqidla_65atiev3VGyOcwp1w57RIZ-Vqga6UDcxjPjJPS1bn5_D6ifMBgJn8BaQ/w640-h426/IMG_4824.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mystery hebe from Joy Creek Nursery - a rescue. My guess is <i>H. </i>'Heidi' or<i> </i>'Autumn Glory' I think perhaps for the former for it's blooming now, not in autumn. Whatever it is, I stuck it in the ground in the open next to a rustic log bench not expecting it to survive, it was literally a stick. It not only thrived it also rebounded after a nasty spring. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii89k1QEUEfQXvn6pKxt4tfWTyxzui8Gy2-AMzu2n002138c9Ugai0COrpk8v0NqNyDFCc66INl3PQ06IoCXPwbqtBAi4cjeHEqrUxjbnUeKn27MzF4VDxX4sat7oaNRXQKj5caYK2r-uFeJekr-j2bO5_O8aMnxVdwRuOy77gollGV_1Lz8JETfYBRgI/s6000/IMG_4706.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii89k1QEUEfQXvn6pKxt4tfWTyxzui8Gy2-AMzu2n002138c9Ugai0COrpk8v0NqNyDFCc66INl3PQ06IoCXPwbqtBAi4cjeHEqrUxjbnUeKn27MzF4VDxX4sat7oaNRXQKj5caYK2r-uFeJekr-j2bO5_O8aMnxVdwRuOy77gollGV_1Lz8JETfYBRgI/w426-h640/IMG_4706.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lowly <i>Verbascum thapsus</i> glowing in the evening sun. I generally yank these, letting a few bloom here and there, but definitely removing them before they go to seed. In moments such as this I'm happy I leave a few.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb85fq0S6YaqCV-rTpx_lyFFoGOHk-PSWeMMo8eOrvqLoKx3x3Qg7-p-b0frmwn19wT2uD8tOydsKgsiL8U9sZCgiUN2CMnm1gfRhxepZOgHu1-MkotR6QX6A8k0r_Igl5bmq542Un-6SpB_qQFSXa0FSRWp1W2oxPdAT3SAYSBKlIgykRhqP80bWL7YM/s6000/IMG_4633.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb85fq0S6YaqCV-rTpx_lyFFoGOHk-PSWeMMo8eOrvqLoKx3x3Qg7-p-b0frmwn19wT2uD8tOydsKgsiL8U9sZCgiUN2CMnm1gfRhxepZOgHu1-MkotR6QX6A8k0r_Igl5bmq542Un-6SpB_qQFSXa0FSRWp1W2oxPdAT3SAYSBKlIgykRhqP80bWL7YM/w640-h426/IMG_4633.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a new-to-me plant, <i>Mirabilis multiflora</i>. The FABULOUS Mary Ann Newcomer of Boise horticulture fame mailed me seeds a couple of years ago. I grew them on, planted out the best one last year and it sort of disappeared while forming a tap root. Completely deciduous, I wasn't even sure where I had planted it and hoped it would come back. It did, with gusto! In her words:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> THIS PLANT. Amazing. It will develop a tap root the size of a person's arm. I am not kidding. Mirabilis multiflora or desert four o'clock. I first saw it 10 yrs ago in a garden in UT. Knee high, very little water, and in no time (2 yrs) it will be 6 to TEN feet across. I repeat, very little water. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It will be a player in the revised back garden. New rules: it must be able to survive 10 weeks with very little intervention.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">She lives in the very tough climate of Boise, Idaho, and if it survives for her, then it's a winner for me. Thank you, Mary Ann (who by the way is the most fabulous house guest ever!). She gave me more seeds recently, I plan on growing more.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pEgE2dpP58cBSKCbx3zQ9-52WqZ374VF32n6t7nhVtEAGBpQrMxXiv50EuBfRBtioXab63ttMd_mVaS7eVuMSMAX_RYumFx8f8G3oE5M4KQzPLTTUHZYfskMSUsMo9zrpwxPCjexbp5fr8Ui5xhQo8Nbypm0hgqH2wZW0I-f6O2sPqqlGnIc9X3FGnY/s6000/IMG_4711.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pEgE2dpP58cBSKCbx3zQ9-52WqZ374VF32n6t7nhVtEAGBpQrMxXiv50EuBfRBtioXab63ttMd_mVaS7eVuMSMAX_RYumFx8f8G3oE5M4KQzPLTTUHZYfskMSUsMo9zrpwxPCjexbp5fr8Ui5xhQo8Nbypm0hgqH2wZW0I-f6O2sPqqlGnIc9X3FGnY/w426-h640/IMG_4711.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Veronica longifolia, Amsonia hubrichtii </i>and<i> Nassella tenuissima </i>mixing in the meadow area.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5hctjCXHmcOQZy1R8CjywtSgUKJMY0qKaGOP08SAKJCsYlMm37rGkHVSMybZiEa-6oTxirCXRUzrgIP1OM9rNZ2nGYx6ztfORxc8kUMA1KWn16fQX3NeQ3_-irdB6Yubb_S_paqSWKu5v__6XNQSYERHRnLdI5YVw6MlwMkQ9t--mCp_aHY3HjeqOEU/s6000/IMG_4717.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5hctjCXHmcOQZy1R8CjywtSgUKJMY0qKaGOP08SAKJCsYlMm37rGkHVSMybZiEa-6oTxirCXRUzrgIP1OM9rNZ2nGYx6ztfORxc8kUMA1KWn16fQX3NeQ3_-irdB6Yubb_S_paqSWKu5v__6XNQSYERHRnLdI5YVw6MlwMkQ9t--mCp_aHY3HjeqOEU/w640-h426/IMG_4717.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Knautia macedonica</i> has seeded itself nicely in the meadow garden. Long wiry stems hold dark crimson flowers bobbing along, flowering periodically through summer. I have it paired with <i>Allium sphaerocephalon,</i> drumstick allium that echoes its colors, and it holds its own for months with practically no supplemental water. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0w58GVJwc-sZvYipKF-Kh3GykiHFwbg2lqJbjyf_LsV7zJs-cCjzWZwlKRHWI03uGLHe_OlU61fjXf2_4k193-ZYm8PYfCVg4dIhvskKpMv4nkE4E57GFwnW4GteMoD_VfP-ZuYBhLFvzoeVvssq1YqVZ4OThyYgj898k3fq0bVyzHY7w56Se-o3aWK0/s6000/IMG_4651.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0w58GVJwc-sZvYipKF-Kh3GykiHFwbg2lqJbjyf_LsV7zJs-cCjzWZwlKRHWI03uGLHe_OlU61fjXf2_4k193-ZYm8PYfCVg4dIhvskKpMv4nkE4E57GFwnW4GteMoD_VfP-ZuYBhLFvzoeVvssq1YqVZ4OThyYgj898k3fq0bVyzHY7w56Se-o3aWK0/w640-h426/IMG_4651.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Tritelia laxa (</i>syn. <i>Brodiaea laxa</i>), a native bulb of Oregon and California appreciates drying out in summer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYyZdddAyFLIo8IXpn5sOJl4o1SAzCQAZ0fd73ZaNGXPjIR52-VVufl8JE7uXWJqn-0v59Ft_O8Ndt0zjq9moUqqxJ7RRB3i_lnIotnG5c4ITr23W4iK8K2is5T6pDUplQCTvnZipbu03rWF3vB-_9YCl8qwhszDPzL9dWdHIq3SVUPqQfYWJfiAkvi4/s6000/IMG_4738.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYyZdddAyFLIo8IXpn5sOJl4o1SAzCQAZ0fd73ZaNGXPjIR52-VVufl8JE7uXWJqn-0v59Ft_O8Ndt0zjq9moUqqxJ7RRB3i_lnIotnG5c4ITr23W4iK8K2is5T6pDUplQCTvnZipbu03rWF3vB-_9YCl8qwhszDPzL9dWdHIq3SVUPqQfYWJfiAkvi4/w426-h640/IMG_4738.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lupinus albifrons </i>was a gift from a friend who grew them from seed. She came to my garden in early spring and pricked them out as we planted them - she says she gets the highest success rate that way and as all of the seedlings we planted are thriving I would agree. Thank you, Meagan!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTMWdSDQBU2IkAS1QqrVYTa00tTKT132X9mRD-ThMkUp772FY7pGRuGQrwMMBqOqQqVlB09UznP_cGRcjrgfOiCfJOfw6uOpU0YtfxBeJhlYZCouLXjh8d3B7F3rk6tyICV2qyfSa8418xhNiVei6KKPQeRqzQ7IiBVsg5nuOSOScq_by4Ip2b80GfG8/s6000/IMG_4772.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTMWdSDQBU2IkAS1QqrVYTa00tTKT132X9mRD-ThMkUp772FY7pGRuGQrwMMBqOqQqVlB09UznP_cGRcjrgfOiCfJOfw6uOpU0YtfxBeJhlYZCouLXjh8d3B7F3rk6tyICV2qyfSa8418xhNiVei6KKPQeRqzQ7IiBVsg5nuOSOScq_by4Ip2b80GfG8/w640-h426/IMG_4772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another friend gave me two sweet peas she grew from seed (I have the best friends!). This one is planted in the veggie garden and has the most divine scent. Sweet Pea 'Old Spice'.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cqjZXWXnYxb_joWZYT_kfvq2a7LKwSkUYAjlJigVbW_YOpnOWfpv27Be1LGKjDjWGImd37XFV_QF6406OF50mVwN8KWyFSiCOSnebqvOo3-NUTxtZFCfLm_MtU63avA6g7P4cPWPKRnzVMUfxqy4hC6HAwu-yxWcSdRJnZ-60F4gBH17Ifp92kabEuQ/s6000/IMG_4978.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cqjZXWXnYxb_joWZYT_kfvq2a7LKwSkUYAjlJigVbW_YOpnOWfpv27Be1LGKjDjWGImd37XFV_QF6406OF50mVwN8KWyFSiCOSnebqvOo3-NUTxtZFCfLm_MtU63avA6g7P4cPWPKRnzVMUfxqy4hC6HAwu-yxWcSdRJnZ-60F4gBH17Ifp92kabEuQ/w426-h640/IMG_4978.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Calycanthus</i> (either <i>occidentalis</i> or <i>floridus</i>) continues to bloom prolifically. If anyone out there can positively i.d. this one way or the other for me I would appreciate it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0SO_NN42IlC4SMwzLoAFCFFYwSEZHK-rJUCP-PepX4Yf0djNcV-5TPmWGyghAl3ElN37ynylq94qbKSVssX7tnGOmZKiWrdJTsGaW9RdS6tjRXgYzOxuirMDsmWFy0nW3Ygoyh_M_RbWoW_vxQNSa27VteviYiEkqWYpXNFmCyg9BCJd9mqLebL6zWs/s6000/IMG_4870.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0SO_NN42IlC4SMwzLoAFCFFYwSEZHK-rJUCP-PepX4Yf0djNcV-5TPmWGyghAl3ElN37ynylq94qbKSVssX7tnGOmZKiWrdJTsGaW9RdS6tjRXgYzOxuirMDsmWFy0nW3Ygoyh_M_RbWoW_vxQNSa27VteviYiEkqWYpXNFmCyg9BCJd9mqLebL6zWs/w640-h426/IMG_4870.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More foliage textures near the fire pit while the evening sun catches the grasses of the orchard in the distance.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXneDfmnduXKDi55m-mTFCa66zuHLCv9Z2IzXrvCeAVi19EYy4IDmWOnItbKm4q7IKOnMOwufnfxV1-65KL_t0VPzc9AiKLHTE7-PVU4yy43UZdeDvw_-T2crRn-VepbrfkTDiEipW7XPCfaaqWoQwvTU2DDOrLoKquO8JuuhLXbQDQ--CW5ksEGExgI/s6000/IMG_4890.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXneDfmnduXKDi55m-mTFCa66zuHLCv9Z2IzXrvCeAVi19EYy4IDmWOnItbKm4q7IKOnMOwufnfxV1-65KL_t0VPzc9AiKLHTE7-PVU4yy43UZdeDvw_-T2crRn-VepbrfkTDiEipW7XPCfaaqWoQwvTU2DDOrLoKquO8JuuhLXbQDQ--CW5ksEGExgI/w426-h640/IMG_4890.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Muhlenbergia rigens</i> (deer grass) and <i>Festuca rubra</i> 'Patrick's Point', two West Coast-native grasses surround the fire pit. I love the color combination and the durability and ease of both of these drought adapted grasses.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotkB3VArEJ2TUbZPxQtiRpAF-jszuR7Tyf8JTBeSwoVZebroXXDiPi7WQWwWeUw9hF6uBHXe8yy4n9e47flLfYlFaPEYoZ6voPeaVwNSGYo0ph0E9Pzbq6zc1HoDc5-1bxu6frXsX1HLG1SV5VzbyXWRL_sse91VnDYGqZiGCbukSWAp-WXzyG1GhZIA/s6000/IMG_4942.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotkB3VArEJ2TUbZPxQtiRpAF-jszuR7Tyf8JTBeSwoVZebroXXDiPi7WQWwWeUw9hF6uBHXe8yy4n9e47flLfYlFaPEYoZ6voPeaVwNSGYo0ph0E9Pzbq6zc1HoDc5-1bxu6frXsX1HLG1SV5VzbyXWRL_sse91VnDYGqZiGCbukSWAp-WXzyG1GhZIA/w640-h426/IMG_4942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ozothamnus</i> 'Sussex Silver' in bloom.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0dJzKuWabndgJ4Ua7jVLbDIQGJRXtrFB4lv3a49yZ9_iwxlQdOt1tkHQW-G5yT6Gsl8KGI-NMxMiQWOZNnHR2RIz19jZSVGdQB0jHkCeACTxRVdYL1Gx2Pw1LpmCzK6sGMK--F87Pd1scrG5vQ7erHqOSObcUiOvLjqAOKhH2343bFn1Flw5rykBPrk/s6000/IMG_4854.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0dJzKuWabndgJ4Ua7jVLbDIQGJRXtrFB4lv3a49yZ9_iwxlQdOt1tkHQW-G5yT6Gsl8KGI-NMxMiQWOZNnHR2RIz19jZSVGdQB0jHkCeACTxRVdYL1Gx2Pw1LpmCzK6sGMK--F87Pd1scrG5vQ7erHqOSObcUiOvLjqAOKhH2343bFn1Flw5rykBPrk/w640-h426/IMG_4854.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Amsonia hubrichtii</i> in a sea of creeping thyme.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAGE0PZB0Ev3bXT0U0ZXXIsCyIrCYAuQjbXdCHTY-5KWq05nDs8rDQspbm3dTJsCC4e_jYc5C5wXjUKMFVlOakHE-IFnR6hTJlsbbJen4Fd3epv6PI9DmyASgS-c2fESOTHMXZBLlCLgCLWIEldEb_XmxoxE_KHUiPib3LN95tLIqTJpViN4PWNObtrQ/s6000/IMG_4887.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAGE0PZB0Ev3bXT0U0ZXXIsCyIrCYAuQjbXdCHTY-5KWq05nDs8rDQspbm3dTJsCC4e_jYc5C5wXjUKMFVlOakHE-IFnR6hTJlsbbJen4Fd3epv6PI9DmyASgS-c2fESOTHMXZBLlCLgCLWIEldEb_XmxoxE_KHUiPib3LN95tLIqTJpViN4PWNObtrQ/w640-h426/IMG_4887.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Thymus serpyllum</i> 'Elfin' just beginning to bloom. Creeping thyme is the best groundcover, I use it in many places in full sun.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaSEb_qAtjFXtsAlv91EkBfkIw0YX8v0wPrSVFAvtVGyZrfZ8IwxWgln1KrdQfdIxVGLNz2tsFiLl8ME6LsX0-3dUS8E1L_kH2nvbwJww3HZKFCsfQ4-pzcXt11VDZYAUMl7uMcHBMkiEykWQygrZAYAl6lzWyqU1UOISbylQqDC2HWLxLB-76HDrl2I/s6000/IMG_4964.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaSEb_qAtjFXtsAlv91EkBfkIw0YX8v0wPrSVFAvtVGyZrfZ8IwxWgln1KrdQfdIxVGLNz2tsFiLl8ME6LsX0-3dUS8E1L_kH2nvbwJww3HZKFCsfQ4-pzcXt11VDZYAUMl7uMcHBMkiEykWQygrZAYAl6lzWyqU1UOISbylQqDC2HWLxLB-76HDrl2I/w426-h640/IMG_4964.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Anaphalis margaritacea,</i> pearly everlasting, pops up in many places in the western woodland garden on its own.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHFql5DUFFUvczevxccAU-x_z9vTcS71dELVw5lW0EPHJjQloFxO_kzDb_tzKyyJUidGSrutjjpWo16zY-ATirMJnqN4EAYtCrzwZrsiTZhcJ3MPLFcaCOiED0oJxQcbtwNRBzHk_Dc1WuD1n9U0oaSsWbUGSbI8HHBSdfQRiB-Xicv5VN4_i_v4xYfw/s6000/IMG_4993.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHFql5DUFFUvczevxccAU-x_z9vTcS71dELVw5lW0EPHJjQloFxO_kzDb_tzKyyJUidGSrutjjpWo16zY-ATirMJnqN4EAYtCrzwZrsiTZhcJ3MPLFcaCOiED0oJxQcbtwNRBzHk_Dc1WuD1n9U0oaSsWbUGSbI8HHBSdfQRiB-Xicv5VN4_i_v4xYfw/w640-h426/IMG_4993.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Aquilegia formosa</i>, western columbine, also pops up in the shade garden on its own.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnRAcslOyUrTN_Habuin7fV5sGybv7KQ8iE_VyNL0PbHAL3O8Ettn-BZfcv5wfsq53995-N-BK6iWhPfXZ25QMTd4J8T-hUL7imhFTf8Y6wzm76qTvV66tTWRny5PtUO7smA_c4_CNis7MP3duUPXAfZWvUv0gWFtawqn5QMSulGHAa3qrVEA9WqEmj4/s6000/IMG_4959.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnRAcslOyUrTN_Habuin7fV5sGybv7KQ8iE_VyNL0PbHAL3O8Ettn-BZfcv5wfsq53995-N-BK6iWhPfXZ25QMTd4J8T-hUL7imhFTf8Y6wzm76qTvV66tTWRny5PtUO7smA_c4_CNis7MP3duUPXAfZWvUv0gWFtawqn5QMSulGHAa3qrVEA9WqEmj4/w426-h640/IMG_4959.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Kniphofia thomsonii</i> backed by <i>Verbena bonariensis</i>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eio3EEcyZ2t9jG0ctdD4Y_i6pzJ7cFEdevrLJIwsqAzu9SIOqwbkTNNgPe3u-bg0mOw6AZeBrV21yXlURaKSLlj_iUl-dbfhfYfjWOW5_EYONZIlmjOfYktQNC04tTUS7UomQSwuXZpkpfuxRfhKtjo9FWoTKY2_45ti5IPAiP92AeZYv2A8k24mDYA/s6000/IMG_4957.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eio3EEcyZ2t9jG0ctdD4Y_i6pzJ7cFEdevrLJIwsqAzu9SIOqwbkTNNgPe3u-bg0mOw6AZeBrV21yXlURaKSLlj_iUl-dbfhfYfjWOW5_EYONZIlmjOfYktQNC04tTUS7UomQSwuXZpkpfuxRfhKtjo9FWoTKY2_45ti5IPAiP92AeZYv2A8k24mDYA/w640-h426/IMG_4957.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The edge of the meadow garden with <i>Amsonia hubrichtii</i>, <i>Digitalis ferruginea</i>, <i>Achillea millefolium, Epilobium</i> 'Solidarity Pink' and <i>Nepeta </i>'Walker's Low' mix with grasses such as <i>Carex testaceae</i> and <i>Anementhele lessoniana.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGQG06xe2K7ixUgt9sux1vZqZWIRTGoiBmAS9mLBgxMxf2JQU0GpJHhMypsS2q-dg0uwT-cxDZw_ipVWlbWZ58B7U9Q6VdllEQGzKo1B-P-hOJIIIjdecL-4nFTzCHMvmtfp1RLV9TMmoGythShrz0Ui6XN3A_FT7Z_BdI3Wj1yUVoO7REl_uQdimsJk/s6000/IMG_5000.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGQG06xe2K7ixUgt9sux1vZqZWIRTGoiBmAS9mLBgxMxf2JQU0GpJHhMypsS2q-dg0uwT-cxDZw_ipVWlbWZ58B7U9Q6VdllEQGzKo1B-P-hOJIIIjdecL-4nFTzCHMvmtfp1RLV9TMmoGythShrz0Ui6XN3A_FT7Z_BdI3Wj1yUVoO7REl_uQdimsJk/w426-h640/IMG_5000.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Astrantia seedling in the shade garden.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmayIXreolLjzG_sQfJk3Sd5wt4gnmP-DLHnTagJ4T40vXqcRIAmNKz2vfCllhz9Fw-0VEO3axKud9ru9d39536sc93U7ajbDGu4JhgznrDmRnDsgJTHZ3PMffstOaHRqhLhyo1kuirznK9nyGxVkKFYIr5aLTrrMY-oP5VpUwjUkTllgW-3UXZh4TuDI/s6000/IMG_4829.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmayIXreolLjzG_sQfJk3Sd5wt4gnmP-DLHnTagJ4T40vXqcRIAmNKz2vfCllhz9Fw-0VEO3axKud9ru9d39536sc93U7ajbDGu4JhgznrDmRnDsgJTHZ3PMffstOaHRqhLhyo1kuirznK9nyGxVkKFYIr5aLTrrMY-oP5VpUwjUkTllgW-3UXZh4TuDI/w640-h426/IMG_4829.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A creeping groundcover rose I took cuttings of from my mother's garden last year. We bought it at Heirloom Roses years ago and have long since lost its tag. It's a beauty though and a prolific bloomer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaND3ZDinCNycCMurrL4CdWnYe1PEk2rYchQVOYxo939AqxM50VoJG0QFeHU46if0fOTgVfzlM1hzEuBPiLxessvpm4Pq54ddwvNi54R09KhC5NsR0HkUX-ef0NI8YCNLwGNJxDeB_NpIcZBlt6uDgPWPSO66UtQlhANKj2fJAoyh8KyZD3bR4nG1ctE8/s6000/IMG_5021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaND3ZDinCNycCMurrL4CdWnYe1PEk2rYchQVOYxo939AqxM50VoJG0QFeHU46if0fOTgVfzlM1hzEuBPiLxessvpm4Pq54ddwvNi54R09KhC5NsR0HkUX-ef0NI8YCNLwGNJxDeB_NpIcZBlt6uDgPWPSO66UtQlhANKj2fJAoyh8KyZD3bR4nG1ctE8/w426-h640/IMG_5021.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sempervivum in one of my favorite containers (purchased from Danger Garden years ago) with a seedling of <i>Petrohagia saxifraga.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhED06TTGzx5OQdYILpZkiflsNrvmzrctQnu9B-3onS_OI8KD-hrttZP2o2yvNVgW8uwmSXl8nFm7Lr27pRtvwvRman-BLK8d_2ikplIsVkTmIMGLPVnjsYb-44ToOLw56GXmfZ0eznY_MUd7q5yQlqOUykwMIItvs4XbsUqV0JN4EqR6NqLFq0xiS-QVg/s6000/IMG_4864.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhED06TTGzx5OQdYILpZkiflsNrvmzrctQnu9B-3onS_OI8KD-hrttZP2o2yvNVgW8uwmSXl8nFm7Lr27pRtvwvRman-BLK8d_2ikplIsVkTmIMGLPVnjsYb-44ToOLw56GXmfZ0eznY_MUd7q5yQlqOUykwMIItvs4XbsUqV0JN4EqR6NqLFq0xiS-QVg/w640-h426/IMG_4864.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the combination of dark navy blue with fresh white of <i>Sedum album</i> in a pot on our deck.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNNelE3eMHuyaH6DcaOiuItyOazlsploqppd75qObkS3fKkJMpTgWrw7161ioM6HoJplkPqnmqfNPqnYugqzqOaXu5__M2z0i-_EXnP-8fJaUKeyLmlvr3zFhrsKatXX00Yauj18Kvcv4il3y3B6Ird0WOhTnEzQ_HK0gVLaf9Ols5yQK-dUvWUtC4ps/s6000/IMG_4637.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNNelE3eMHuyaH6DcaOiuItyOazlsploqppd75qObkS3fKkJMpTgWrw7161ioM6HoJplkPqnmqfNPqnYugqzqOaXu5__M2z0i-_EXnP-8fJaUKeyLmlvr3zFhrsKatXX00Yauj18Kvcv4il3y3B6Ird0WOhTnEzQ_HK0gVLaf9Ols5yQK-dUvWUtC4ps/w426-h640/IMG_4637.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My replacement <i>Atriplex halimus</i> is doing well now that we've warmed up considerably since May when I was getting worried it wouldn't make it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jOLyrjO9iNvhW--NxCi2ipQGExiimBM7-xKFQiAd3wNNYoXAXxv4LGR_Z55WAbIaD_F6Epn-AVsuoEpBRCaAy7UV-NFO8ohKpdFWWXWhbxyACKpow3BQDljMc1h57-aAJwtMdMuZPOWaG-CsLT1zruv7d5VbvRdZTc0sVcx-LimgJuSwlDRZzKzGxSo/s6000/IMG_4826.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jOLyrjO9iNvhW--NxCi2ipQGExiimBM7-xKFQiAd3wNNYoXAXxv4LGR_Z55WAbIaD_F6Epn-AVsuoEpBRCaAy7UV-NFO8ohKpdFWWXWhbxyACKpow3BQDljMc1h57-aAJwtMdMuZPOWaG-CsLT1zruv7d5VbvRdZTc0sVcx-LimgJuSwlDRZzKzGxSo/w640-h426/IMG_4826.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Evening light catching the tops of large shrubs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vQeYx5moXSxeW9wRkBfAedHJTvr-Ei43zMqioiSGjlAseZwnP4khOp2DZs3Yliml9OkcPrCZb72vtqCOyTJYjAarsNhPcxOhqWe2L_gwX-Nvz3Z9F926UfY6nVq0oTzm9m_5pBiUL59UcgSpi7V6gISkptRRz508Ft6NxxWCv8uXPhjN3Jy4ThtegwQ/s6000/IMG_4793.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vQeYx5moXSxeW9wRkBfAedHJTvr-Ei43zMqioiSGjlAseZwnP4khOp2DZs3Yliml9OkcPrCZb72vtqCOyTJYjAarsNhPcxOhqWe2L_gwX-Nvz3Z9F926UfY6nVq0oTzm9m_5pBiUL59UcgSpi7V6gISkptRRz508Ft6NxxWCv8uXPhjN3Jy4ThtegwQ/w640-h426/IMG_4793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Evening light across the orchard and the now tall orchard grass.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q9T2AK98dYdglI0SzWtNplKKJP2eGu0D1HTyC09LyRxQ-5c8mxq15YdwS5DPlCwsqB1TIWR9imhBJ4dLcNRCXRUFKaHQMF4Wwu9W1cLiY6YDBiD7m_crPI0uzRGIGTfAHSLzg0RLJEdzQpz3tCRtOTiDonISnWWwS5h92U5grWrwZvpIE2XtCwqwzaA/s6000/IMG_4734.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q9T2AK98dYdglI0SzWtNplKKJP2eGu0D1HTyC09LyRxQ-5c8mxq15YdwS5DPlCwsqB1TIWR9imhBJ4dLcNRCXRUFKaHQMF4Wwu9W1cLiY6YDBiD7m_crPI0uzRGIGTfAHSLzg0RLJEdzQpz3tCRtOTiDonISnWWwS5h92U5grWrwZvpIE2XtCwqwzaA/w426-h640/IMG_4734.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Digitalis lutea</i> pops up in random places having traveled on soil from the old garden where it was prolific.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUJRdMlt40JtKI0SO57ftVR2przlW0D3KwBXRVfiuSLtCEMezCymc6cASTMjZbddg5HZmjbjK1-MXnLoXdhczOMTWaFuyJhkSrCNq-ey4c4Fe4dTHwP22k2n6d65kkX726sJ3kZx7JmzZYO0jXAE80a7pZzAfKpUFTbT-It8axMlI4zO20JnhMNh_COQ/s6000/IMG_4770.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUJRdMlt40JtKI0SO57ftVR2przlW0D3KwBXRVfiuSLtCEMezCymc6cASTMjZbddg5HZmjbjK1-MXnLoXdhczOMTWaFuyJhkSrCNq-ey4c4Fe4dTHwP22k2n6d65kkX726sJ3kZx7JmzZYO0jXAE80a7pZzAfKpUFTbT-It8axMlI4zO20JnhMNh_COQ/w640-h426/IMG_4770.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the heart of the veggie garden, we do use this area as a resting place. Often in the evening with a glass of something yummy. It is especially lovely with the scent of sweet peas so close by.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPdgOFnp5vV256Vbf8wJa8hk86z9SgNFcQdqhhazP1G84RikXwa7Ys-hFOR7lL7l06DJY0_nChibzQoyX1uHkFqgmmeFa1qk6FdEempTlasnjLiL4th22w5CPTN6-VQxAWLkK9kGEem3seFoNiwbNd7ip55ZPjajk5Z6O12lNYuBjBu2rYJ2v5epZwNQ/s6000/IMG_4692.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPdgOFnp5vV256Vbf8wJa8hk86z9SgNFcQdqhhazP1G84RikXwa7Ys-hFOR7lL7l06DJY0_nChibzQoyX1uHkFqgmmeFa1qk6FdEempTlasnjLiL4th22w5CPTN6-VQxAWLkK9kGEem3seFoNiwbNd7ip55ZPjajk5Z6O12lNYuBjBu2rYJ2v5epZwNQ/w426-h640/IMG_4692.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Agastache</i> 'Kudos Red' now relocated to the new gravel area near Oscar the agave is much happier.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKP3a3VQArJpLf0w7vtvFVomyySDm4xQLxeS4tSEJJ79rOkzhuXn1VQYfqJr5JCxL1kgL_p6FsiUV5duwTXdPQWle_jBpH0AasTK1q1WpXhfWDswJBml6YXdX8s8JEcvw1llo3C3f-1E75MvTGbCBiB6Kchd9JvYxXcPtgjXtqoXucNo_htObc768VgOg/s6000/IMG_4620.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKP3a3VQArJpLf0w7vtvFVomyySDm4xQLxeS4tSEJJ79rOkzhuXn1VQYfqJr5JCxL1kgL_p6FsiUV5duwTXdPQWle_jBpH0AasTK1q1WpXhfWDswJBml6YXdX8s8JEcvw1llo3C3f-1E75MvTGbCBiB6Kchd9JvYxXcPtgjXtqoXucNo_htObc768VgOg/w640-h426/IMG_4620.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Eryngium giganteum</i> - Miss Wilmott's Ghost - continues to hold court at the edge of our driveway. The clump of plants is easily 5' across and 2' deep - it's massive and would be even larger if I didn't keep it in check. A beauty, though. I wouldn't be without it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This summer has been really quite lovely. A few hot days but nothing extraordinary. I think this has allowed for many stressed plants to have a bit of a rebound, although damage from the last couple of years certainly took a toll. Holes from the damage are filled in quickly from neighboring plants and the push/pull continues on. As the garden evolves into a more mature setting, those glimpses of what the original vision was are sometimes revealed to me in moments like golden hours when I can simply take it in. Sharing the garden with others is something we truly enjoy and hopefully some of that vision is apparent to our visitors. It's hard to tell, really. I wish people could see it in the early morning and evening hours, the golden times but alas, that is rarely the case. That's why I do posts like this one.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you to all the folks from the two Corvallis Evening Garden Club visits and everyone else who came over to spend a little time with us this past spring and early summer. We appreciate you all! More open gardens on the horizon, to be sure.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's a wrap for this week at Chickadee Gardens. As always thank you so much for reading and commenting, we love hearing what you are all up to. </div>Chickadee Gardenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00698323800314994028noreply@blogger.com14