The Portland-area Garden Bloggers have a rich tradition, five years and running. Every spring and every autumn we get together to exchange plants. And these aren't your common run-of-the-mill pass-along plants. These are divisions of special plants, thing's we've coveted in each-other's gardens, seedlings, or things that we've lovingly dug from our own gardens to make room for new plants. Plus, because the location is always one of our own gardens, it's a way to spend time with each other and do a garden tour as well. This last October the swap was held at Vanessa Gardener Nagel's place just north of Vancouver, Washington...
![]()
Heavy rain was predicted for the day but we lucked out and only the lightest drizzle fell.
![]()
I hadn't visited Vanessa's garden since 2013. A lot can change in 3 years, thankfully this inviting seating area remained mostly unchanged...
![]()
![]()
The same for this spot just off the back of the house.
![]()
I think I remember Vanessa had changed out the grass in this, the largest of her "crop-circles"...but I could have that wrong.
![]()
I believe that's Darmera peltata (left) and Rhododendron pachysanthum (right)...
![]()
Mosaic steps back towards the house, with Persicaria virginiana 'Painter's Palette' on the left.
![]()
Detail...
![]()
![]()
Another "crop circle," this a Jeffrey Bale mosaic with an Agave parryi center.
![]()
![]()
Yes Vanessa's garden is large, both a blessing and a curse...according to the gardener herself.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Looking back towards the house, between the two tall evergreens.
![]()
Her Ligularia still looks great, even late in the season.
![]()
Fruiting Dogwood, I don't know enough about them to give you a name though.
![]()
![]()
Looking from the second "crop circle" back toward the first. Love the Sumac!
![]()
Oh my! We are not alone...
![]()
Great match-up of plant and pot...
![]()
I was one of the last to leave, it's finally time to take my haul (no photos...but some great plants!) and head home.
![]()
Thanks for the fun afternoon Vanessa!
![]()
All material © 2009-2016 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
Heavy rain was predicted for the day but we lucked out and only the lightest drizzle fell.
I hadn't visited Vanessa's garden since 2013. A lot can change in 3 years, thankfully this inviting seating area remained mostly unchanged...
The same for this spot just off the back of the house.
I think I remember Vanessa had changed out the grass in this, the largest of her "crop-circles"...but I could have that wrong.
I believe that's Darmera peltata (left) and Rhododendron pachysanthum (right)...
Mosaic steps back towards the house, with Persicaria virginiana 'Painter's Palette' on the left.
Detail...
Another "crop circle," this a Jeffrey Bale mosaic with an Agave parryi center.
Yes Vanessa's garden is large, both a blessing and a curse...according to the gardener herself.
Looking back towards the house, between the two tall evergreens.
Her Ligularia still looks great, even late in the season.
Fruiting Dogwood, I don't know enough about them to give you a name though.
Looking from the second "crop circle" back toward the first. Love the Sumac!
Oh my! We are not alone...
Great match-up of plant and pot...
I was one of the last to leave, it's finally time to take my haul (no photos...but some great plants!) and head home.
Thanks for the fun afternoon Vanessa!
All material © 2009-2016 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.