When last we visited these two gardens I was on the sidewalk (here). This time around I've been invited into the private spaces of both, and I'm taking you along!
We start out in the back garden at my friend Anna's place (yes that Anna, of Flutter & Hum, The Creative Flux and Optic Verve). It was March 1st when I visited, Anna was insistent that the garden wasn't in condition to be photographed, but let me do it anyway. Anna is usually working on other people's gardens, or at Joy Creek Nursery, so her own garden is a work in progress (the cobbler's children have no shoes). I thought it was wonderful, there are great vignettes like this everywhere...
You may remember this one from her blog. Her photos were much better.
I miss the green patina of our old fence. These colors are magnificent.
Anna uses cement blocks to create wonderful raised planting areas...
...and many different materials to create smaller, open bottom, planters — with the goal of raising the plants up from the ground plane. Exhibit A...
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
There are also many fabulous vertical surfaces for plants to climb on.
Well, not just plants!
I can't remember now if she identified this as Metapanax delavayi or davidii. As you may remember that whole subject confuses the heck out of me.
I'm so glad her Eryngium proteiflorum bloom stuck around for me to see it. Both my plants made it through winter so fingers crossed I'll have blooms this summer.
Anna had a couple stunning fern tables. The height on this one was inspiring.
And the hungry metal sculptures looked right at home.
More Cycleman foliage for me to drool over.
I can't remember what this bright creature was, but doesn't it look fabulous against the red background?
Anna has been the source for Iris confusa for several Portland bloggers, check out the subtle variegation on this one, oh and that black Hellebore...
Before I knew it it was time to leave Anna's and...
Walk up the street to her neighbor Don's place.
Does this look familiar? You first saw Don's garden in photos my friend Louis took (here and here). Don could not have been more gracious in showing us around and letting me take photos.
Fremontodendron!
Love this colorful Hebe, not sure which one it is.
The back garden has a very different feel from the front garden, much more PNW, at least in this section.
There were a couple patches of happy and healthy Fatshedera, doesn't it look fabulous against the house color? (which if I remember right Anna had a hand in helping to select)
These recently purchased desert and tropical accents will grace the garden for summer fun.
The back garden is a unique L shape, with this bit that extends on, beyond what would be a normal lot.
The banana grove must be a sight to see in the summertime.
Cordylines, and palms and umbrella pine, oh my! I really wish I had space for a Sciadopitys verticillata (the Japanese Umbrella Pine).
Looking back towards the house and the wonderful covered-patio space off the side of the garage.
Another view...
And the very back of the garden was this rusty raised planter Don designed.
He also laid the brickwork, pretty fabulous.
Thank you so much Anna and Don for sharing your gardens!
Weather Diary, March 22: Hi 50, Low 39/ Precip .33"
All material © 2009-2018 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
We start out in the back garden at my friend Anna's place (yes that Anna, of Flutter & Hum, The Creative Flux and Optic Verve). It was March 1st when I visited, Anna was insistent that the garden wasn't in condition to be photographed, but let me do it anyway. Anna is usually working on other people's gardens, or at Joy Creek Nursery, so her own garden is a work in progress (the cobbler's children have no shoes). I thought it was wonderful, there are great vignettes like this everywhere...
You may remember this one from her blog. Her photos were much better.
I miss the green patina of our old fence. These colors are magnificent.
Anna uses cement blocks to create wonderful raised planting areas...
...and many different materials to create smaller, open bottom, planters — with the goal of raising the plants up from the ground plane. Exhibit A...
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
There are also many fabulous vertical surfaces for plants to climb on.
Well, not just plants!
I can't remember now if she identified this as Metapanax delavayi or davidii. As you may remember that whole subject confuses the heck out of me.
I'm so glad her Eryngium proteiflorum bloom stuck around for me to see it. Both my plants made it through winter so fingers crossed I'll have blooms this summer.
Anna had a couple stunning fern tables. The height on this one was inspiring.
And the hungry metal sculptures looked right at home.
More Cycleman foliage for me to drool over.
I can't remember what this bright creature was, but doesn't it look fabulous against the red background?
Anna has been the source for Iris confusa for several Portland bloggers, check out the subtle variegation on this one, oh and that black Hellebore...
Before I knew it it was time to leave Anna's and...
Walk up the street to her neighbor Don's place.
Does this look familiar? You first saw Don's garden in photos my friend Louis took (here and here). Don could not have been more gracious in showing us around and letting me take photos.
Fremontodendron!
Love this colorful Hebe, not sure which one it is.
The back garden has a very different feel from the front garden, much more PNW, at least in this section.
There were a couple patches of happy and healthy Fatshedera, doesn't it look fabulous against the house color? (which if I remember right Anna had a hand in helping to select)
These recently purchased desert and tropical accents will grace the garden for summer fun.
The back garden is a unique L shape, with this bit that extends on, beyond what would be a normal lot.
The banana grove must be a sight to see in the summertime.
Cordylines, and palms and umbrella pine, oh my! I really wish I had space for a Sciadopitys verticillata (the Japanese Umbrella Pine).
Looking back towards the house and the wonderful covered-patio space off the side of the garage.
Another view...
And the very back of the garden was this rusty raised planter Don designed.
He also laid the brickwork, pretty fabulous.
Thank you so much Anna and Don for sharing your gardens!
Weather Diary, March 22: Hi 50, Low 39/ Precip .33"
All material © 2009-2018 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.