It's All About 'Dirt Therapy'

Almost a year ago Jamie and I had the great pleasure of meeting Phillip from Dirt Therapy. Jamie and I had been looking through photos on his blog and website for several months and we were absolutely mesmerized by his garden. Phillip has a huge selection of roses that are in their peak and he and Michael invited Me, Jamie and our friend Carol up for a visit. Let me tell you, the two of them will spoil you rotten and pamper you the entire visit. Jamie and I are planning a vacation the end of the month and I’m starting to think we should just rent a room at their house! The companionship is five stars all the way and so is the garden. Unfortunately, the night before we got there a huge rainstorm moved in and stayed the entire weekend. The roses were still gorgeous, but a large number of them were hanging their little blooms face down from the weight of the water. If this garden was an elegant crown the roses would be but a few tiny precious jewels in it, what Phillip and Michael have created is a labor of love that shines thru even the soggiest of days. This is going to be a long post, so get comfy and enjoy the tour I’ll minimize my comments so you can enjoy the garden.

Walking thru this garden is a feast for the eyes. We’ve been guests at Phillip and Michael’s house several times and even in the dead of winter I can’t help but saunter thru the garden. I enjoy it most when I am by myself with a cup of coffee. Such an indescribable sense of serenity wraps around you like a blanket as you stroll.

The garden is filled with the most incredible pieces of art. This planter is Pan, he is the god of flocks, forests and all things woodland in nature. He fell in love with a water nymph named Syrinx that did not return his love. She fled to a river and transformed into a stand of reeds. Pan was so heartbroken he took the reeds and created a pipe flute to play to help ease his grief.

This incredible patio and walkway was made by Phillip from recycled concrete. Phillip took the broken pieces and joined them back together with mortar. What an ingenious way to create the look of a very expensive stone structure.

All around the garden are falls and water features of every type.

This fountain sits in a perfectly circular courtyard filled with oak trees and hydrangeas.

This statue is part of his four seasons collection, this one represents winter. Jamie and I like his so much we will be getting these to go in the new bed at the rear of our garden. We think they’re fantastic.

This is one of the paths leading thru the secret garden.

One of these visits I’m going to find a way to sneak this weeping buddleia pictured on the left out of his garden. Shhhhhh! I know most of you know him so keep this to yourself… surely with all these wonderful plants he won’t miss this one.

The ‘Wolf Eyes’ dogwood shines out like a diamond even on an overcast day.

This is the upper entry to the secret garden. I love the way he has the giant old key by the doorway. Phillip has collected numerous copies of the book; it’s one of his very favorites.

Phillip's secret garden is filled with hydrangeas, hosta and host of other shade loving plants. The hydrangeas are a particular favorite of Michael’s.

I always find myself just a little bit sad when we drive away from Phillip and Michael's home and garden. I can never resist taking one more look back before it disappears out of site. I hope you enjoyed your tour.