Garden Photo of the Day

READER PHOTOS! Phillip's garden in Alabama

comments (13) February 14th, 2012 in blogs

Michelle Gervais, Senior Editor

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Lady Banks rose on the wall and Maureen tulips in the foreground.
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Lots of old roses, which are some of the major plants in the garden.
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Photo: Courtesy of Phillip Oliver

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Today's photos are from Phillip Oliver in Florence, Alabama. Phillip says, "We moved into our house in 1992 and the property was pretty much a blank slate. There were some old fruit trees and a few nice dogwoods but otherwise it was all grass and took forever to mow. I had already been bitten by the gardening bug when we lived in a small apartment with a postage stamp sized garden. We set out immediately, not really knowing that much but learning as we went along. We made the mistake of trying to do everything at once. If I could start over today, there would be several things I would do differently. I wanted antique roses and at the time, there was a lot of sunshine since there were no mature trees. Now, almost 20 years later, the trees are mature and we have more shade than sun. This has affected the roses and perennials but I can't bring myself to cut down a perfectly healthy tree. We also have a large collection of hydrangeas and camellias. My problem is that I love everything and can't resist a new plant. I've just crammed everything together and I'm always moving things around to make space for new plants.
These photos are from the garden wall area. I built this wall five years ago from cement blocks and stucco. The plants in the foreground include Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes' (USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8), Japanese roof iris (Iris tectorum, Zones 5-9), 'Snowflake' oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake', Zones 5-9), and the rose 'Mrs. B.R. Cant' (Zones 5-9)." That wall is so great, Phillip! Thanks so much for sending these photos in.

We'll feature another part of Phillip's garden tomorrow, and if we ask nicely, maybe he'll send in even more photos? In the meantime, Phillip has a website and a blog! But don't ruin your appetite for tomorrow's photos...

Just one more thing....Happy Valentine's Day!!

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posted in: hardscape, Seating, Alabama

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READER PHOTOS! Phillip's garden in Alabama, Day 2

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READER PHOTOS! Denise's garden in upstate New York

Comments (13)

RosedaleGarden writes: Great photo Phillip. Phillips has a great garden. I'm close enough to visit. Posted: 8:07 pm on February 14th

Formandfoliage writes: Agree that there is an Italian vibe, but that particular blue hue and the r. banksia-topped arbor, resembling a shade pavilion, are reminiscent of Moorish gardens, as well, which of course are just across the sea from Italy. Looks like you have a pan-Mediterranean thing going on! Lovely. Posted: 5:18 pm on February 14th

terieLR writes: Ahhh, my favorite color in the garden! A smile broadened my face as soon as I viewed the page. Is this the view from a window? Goodness!!! My eye was immediately drawn to the arbor that was beautifully implemented into the design. It all works together harmoniously. Posted: 3:35 pm on February 14th

Wife_Mother_Gardener writes: The blue irises in front of the wall are captivating. Beautifully done! Posted: 2:37 pm on February 14th

GreenGrowler writes: LOVE LOVE LOVE the purple wall!!! I heartily concur with others; definitely an Italian vibe that pulls one into a serene place - never to leave! No matter how you got there, Phillip, your garden is sublime! With my Italian heritage and love of purple, your garden really speaks to me! Posted: 1:40 pm on February 14th

tractor1 writes:

The first thing I thought upon seeing that wall was where's the fountain for tossing coins... that wall cries out for one of those gargoyle fountains. http://www.designtoscano.com/

Posted: 1:01 pm on February 14th

j1mmyt writes: The various shades of purple and lavender really do it for me. About as good as it could get really. Very well done.
Posted: 12:09 pm on February 14th

humbleearthgarden writes: Absolutely spectacular!
Posted: 10:43 am on February 14th

snollygaster writes: Yes,I want to dive right in! I agree with meander1, the bold moves have really paid off. I was trying to imagine the impact without the statue - pretty and well thought out but no 'wow' factor. I have been reluctant to add toys to my garden but after seeing this..... Posted: 9:57 am on February 14th

pattyspencer writes: Is that wall purple?? Wow - how cool is that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love your plantings and also your layered stone wall. And I agree with Lijda - I find your garden beckoning. Posted: 8:42 am on February 14th

meander1 writes: Hmmm, I don't know if this is just a coincidence but Phillip's garden gives off an Italian vibe to me and then, I noticed the name of his town is Florence. So, Phillip, were you inspired by the beautiful gardens of Italy?
I admire his willingness to do such a bold thing as the wall, the large statuary, and the other artistic ornamentation. The generous plant material makes the inanimate objects look timeless and right at home. Posted: 8:05 am on February 14th

Steepdrive writes: It is a very peaceful setting. Lovely plant combinations and complimentary garden art. Posted: 7:44 am on February 14th

lijda writes: The wall is incredible, is that moss growing on it? And what are the 'tiles'? And I don't think your garden looks like things are 'crammed ... together', I find it beckoning. I want to enter your garden. And then I want to sit on the bench and stay there. Posted: 7:08 am on February 14th

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