Beverly & Neill Smith’s rhodie garden

“Rhododendron… (Ancient Greek rhódon “rose,” déndron “tree”) a genus of over 1000 species of woody plants, the heath family, most with showy flowers… includes the plants known as azaleas.”

…And more than 200 of those species are in Beverly Smith’s yard on Graham Street, in our little berg of Jacksonville!
25 years ago, Beverly and Neill Smith bought their home, and with only 30 small pine trees, started adding plantings. Beverly retired 14 years ago as a landscape architect, and although still working elsewhere, she now works in her own yard for enjoyment. What began as a deer proof edge around their property, became a life long passion for Rhododendrons for Bev! Neill does not garden, and the garden is her task and treasure alone.

Standing in the front drive, I was surrounded by “natural.” No beds, edging, or decorative garden art, just a heavenly waft of forest smell, and a floor of pine needles creating a quiet walk. Sloping down hill, a large open area holds treasures of deep lush green rhododendrons and azaleas, all beneath 20, eighteen year-old pine trees with branches tip to tip. This month’s column is a journey of the rhododendron’s variety, colors, and history, shared amazingly through this woman’s knowledge. I will not do justice to what she knows, nor to the amazing collection hidden under our noses.

My imagination filled in the blanks as I looked at her plant groupings, as they were not yet in full color. One huge spreading red “Johnny Bender” spanned 14 feet. Under its canopy, a large azalea popped its dainty leaves in and out, integrating form and brilliant white color with it’s protector. Bev “likes to create a visual bouquet” with her specimens. Behind, a “Grace Seabrook,” a red, first-to-bloom show-stopper, towered. Standing boldly in front was a 5 foot, tiny leafed, “Crater Lake” rhodie. With tiny blue flowers, it beckons my return at bloom time!
Walking into the back yard, beneath a giant western red cedar, Bev shared some history of her treasures. China and Japan bring us the most diverse species, but recently, researchers are looking to Vietnam for undiscovered species. Bev chronicles her specimens, keeping a journal of bloom times as well as information that she picks up from the conventions she attends. One of her specimens, a “Rex,” hails from China’s 10-15 thousand foot elevation! We marveled at the survival skills! As I was about to see for myself, the rhodie offers an amazing variety of size, leaf, texture and form! They are also “harbingers” to planting! All bloom depending on the weather, but three specific rhododendrons are noted as harbingers to: 1.) spring – “Christmas Cheer” 2.) time to plant zinnias – “Point Deliverance” and 3.) time to plant dahlias – “Jean Marie.” Recording the bloom of her “Christmas Cheer” for 10 years, Bev has found it consistent in heralding spring. As we stood in the cold rain on this late, 45 degree March day, she noted that it is late this year! (we don’t need the groundhog and his shadow!)

The backyard opens wider and reveals a birds-nest cyprus. At 18 years old, its majestic 5′ X 10′ spread makes a lush statement! Another treasure was a sweet 3 foot tall “gray fuzzy tinged” rhododendron. New leaves shine fuzzy silver, turn to green, and hide a tan suede texture beneath its leaf. My respect for the diversity of this plant went up 10 notches! During our walk I met our “native mountain Oregonian,” the “Macrophyllum,” a friendly face amidst her international friends!

The backdrop of the entire back area is a surround of rhodies and pines, but a separate wide bed hugs an oval, park-like lawn. Dogwoods and Japanese maples are tucked in and out with beautiful care and hover over the bed, sheltering two curved understated cement benches, placed as resting spots for viewing. By the lawn, is Bev’s veggie garden, offset in the middle in full sun, protected from the moles and gophers that don’t like traversing the tough soil. As we walk toward the house, lichen-covered rock wall steps lead to the back patio and kitchen door. On the patio, I found pocketed succulents, poppies, and ferns falling over the rock wall.

Bev loves to garden to be outside and for the colors in her garden. Rhododendrons have bloom times from May through June and July. Then, the woodland colors carry on in fall as the dogwood and maples take over. Summer begonias and annuals which are planted in the spring, add a pop and brilliance throughout the summer.

Bev’s only regret has been in not managing the 30 pines on her property as they grew. Crowding is forcing removal and the task has become huge. Her only frustration? Not enough time in her garden. With all her knowledge and the rewarding results from the application, it is no wonder! Bev’s favorite time in the garden, in the morning, is understandable! As I see and smell all that is around me, I can just imagine the early morning quiet.

As I left thinking how sad it was that our little town had no idea the knowledge and beauty tucked into that little city lot, I considered myself lucky and blessed to have experienced it!

Kay is the owner of Blue Door Garden Store, located at 155 N Third Street. Specializing in paraphernalia for the home gardener; she carries garden gifts, decor, and a wide variety of pots, tools, gloves, and organic product.