Elk Rock Garden, the garden of the Bishop’s Close

When my hamamelis (witch-hazel) starts to bloom I feel a gentle pull to visit the Elk Rock Garden of the Bishop’s Close...

I have no doubt this garden would be lovely to visit on any day of the year, but my first ever visit took place in February as part of a "garden in winter" appreciation tour for the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon. Thus I can't help but think of it during this time of the year.

Winter also means moss and Polypodium glycyrrhiza—the licorice fern.

There is a rather nice view from the back of the house, that's Mt Hood.

The first of several hamamelis in the garden.

There is also a young Garrya elliptica already displaying its long silky tassels.

I originally pulled up at the gate, intending to visit, on Sunday, January 17th, they were closed however—only keeping M-F hours. I returned on Tuesday and wandered the garden for a good long time, only seeing two groups of visitors.

Oh and the weather was perfection!

I think of this as salamander pond. When I visited years ago with Andrew and Lila (our sweet Chug who has since passed on)—Andrew found multiple salamanders near this pond.

The view down to the Willamette River.

A very "Pacific Northwest in the mild wintertime" scene.

Leaning madrones.

The first Rhododendron sinogrande I remember seeing. It has put on significant growth since that day.

Peter Kerr and his wife Laurie King lived in the house, which passed on to the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon after his death at 95. I would love a room with wall to wall windows like that...