Blue Heron Park, Phoenix Oregon

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On September 8, 2020 the Almeda Fire swept through the towns of Phoenix and Talent. More than 3,000 acres, and over 2,500 homes and 600 businesses were destroyed, including the Blue Heron Park in Phoenix.

In 2021, a grassroots-group of citizens in partnership with local businesses and organizations took on the task of rebuilding this park, and on Monday members of the Ashland Garden Club gathered to see how Blue Heron Park has truly risen from the ashes. AGC members donated pollinator plants to add to the park’s community garden.

Photos by Goly Ostovar, Lynn McDonald, and Carlotta Lucas

Garden of the Month: June 2024

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891 Beswick Way, Ashland Oregon

There is an extraordinary garden at 891 Beswick Way, home of Scott Allison.  Scott is a naturalist, forester, orchardist, and apiarist.  This is the Ashland Garden Club’s Garden of the Month for June 2024.  At nearly a half acre, the property is unusually large in this part of town.  It is unusual for other qualities too, such as the variety of plant specimens and the seriousness of the gardener.  Scott has lived and gardened here for 24 years.

In addition to his large garden in Ashland, Scott is developing 13 acres in rural Talent, two acres of which he has already planted as an orchard.  A retired contractor, Scott devotes a lot of time to tending his land.  He estimates that he averages 15 hours per week on just the Beswick Way property.

The grand Sequoia tree in the front draws a lot of attention.  Recently, Scott’s dog Levi alerted him to the presence of a large bear high in this tree in the middle of the night.  In fact large trees, including two coastal redwoods, ring the property although he finds plenty of sunny places to grow plants that are sun-loving.

Scott does almost all the work himself as well as all the design aspects of the landscape.  The enclosure for a vegetable garden was sited, designed, and primarily built by him.  The decorative top of the fence is made of short eucalyptus branches that mimic the bamboo on the gate and as edging in the front yard.  Asian-inspired solar light fixtures top the fencepost.  A fabulous birdbath/fountain was made by his friend, the artist Joanne Chase.

In addition to the vegetable enclosure, Scott built raised beds for more veggies out of Faswall on recommendation from his friends at EcoNest.  Christie Mackinson of Shooting Star Nursery has provided advice on plant choices.

Scott especially loves peonies, and has become more interested in recent years in medicinal plants and herbs.  Because he tends bees, Scott specializes in bee-friendly plants.

With thanks to Marilyn Love ( AGC Member) for helping me really appreciate this garden.

Article & Photos by Ruth Sloan, AGC Garden of the Month Chairperson

Garden of the Month: May 2024

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The Ashland Garden Club’s Garden of the Month for May 2024 is John Schroeder and Debbie Beck’s colorful yard at 719 N. Laurel Street.

Photo by Photo by John Schroeder

While the camellia has put on a beautiful show from late winter through early spring, it is fading out now and the gorgeous bright salvias, phlox, lupine, euphorbia, and candytuft are just coming into their own. The Japanese maple tree and barberry bush provide contrast with their deeper spring colors.

Photo by John Schroeder

John and Debbie have been gardening here since they purchased the property in the spring of 1983. When they arrived, the front yard had only the camellia and a deodar cedar tree that eventually got so large it overpowered the entire yard. Now that they have had that tree removed, the Japanese maple that they planted is thriving. The back yard was steeply sloped toward the back fence. You can see how much they have accomplished in the intervening years, all while working outside the home and raising two children.

Photo by John Schroeder

John is responsible for the overall landscape design and all the heavy work, including terracing the back yard and planning, and often building, walkways, and Debbie says she handles the details, including small cleanup chores such as dead-heading and weeding. John originally constructed the backyard terraces with railroad ties but when those wore out, he had pros install block retaining walls following his design. He built the stone stairs between levels.

View from the akebia vine.  Photo by John Schroeder

Among John’s favorites plants are the Japanese maple, akebia vine, and camellia. Debbie favors daphne and rhododendron. They also have vegetable beds and blueberries in the back. The garden design features lovely vistas throughout with Asian touches of stone lanterns and a sculpture.  The newish tree on the left side in front is an autumn blaze maple.

John Schroeder and Debbie Beck in a rare moment of relaxation.

 Photo by Ruth Sloan

Article by: Ruth Sloan, Garden of the Month Chairperson

Horticulture Report: Lamium

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Orchid Frost Lamium

Lamium plants, also known as Spotted Dead Nettles, are deer-resistant ground covers that grow in a part- sun to semi-shade. Different varieties flower in white, pink or purple. Flowers are delicate and dainty. Lamium’s two-toned foliage provides interest, when the plant is not in bloom.

Perennial Plant, Height: 4-6″ Width: 15″-18″, Blooms early spring- early summer, USDA Zone: 3-9,

Lamium maculatum ‘Aureum’ is a cultivar with gold to chartreuse foliage.

Aureum