Spring lovelies

Rhododendron 'PJM' and Acer 'Sango Kaku'
I find myself a bit impatient for spring to arrive. Wait a minute - spring has arrived but you would not be able to tell it by the terrible weather we have been having. Cold, wet, windy, blah. I started back to work at the nursery last week and almost froze to death. Warmer and drier conditions are predicted later in the week. I think this is Spring Break for the school kids so I know they will be excited. I myself am ready for leaves on the trees.

Roses are on my mind. We just purchased a moon arch and I was hoping to get it up but the weather prevented that. We did get it together without any major problems. It lies waiting at the moment...

I already have a rose planted for the arch - 'Phyllis Bide' - a new one for me. I purchased six new roses yesterday and got all of them planted today except for one. I picked up several David Austin roses as well as a Romantica rose.

You can tell that spring has arrived when you look around the garden. Plants are budding out and there are a few blooms.

The first camellia I planted (a gift from our realtor) - 'Mathotiana'


Camellia 'Nuccio Bella Rosa' and Hellebore 'Gold Collection Merlin'

Magnolia "Dr. Merrill'



Lilac Daphne (Daphne genkwa, Hackenberry Group)


Barberry and California Lilac (Ceanothus thysiforus 'Black Diamond')


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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