Attitude of Gratitude (for agaves?)

Following an agave tip from an Instagram friend, I ended up in Inner SE Portland on a sunny Sunday in early December. I parked, looked up, and noticed signs of a roof-top garden...that's the building I was here to see! Although sadly I wouldn't be venturing up to the roof-top.This is where I was headed, I'd known of this huge mural, but the fact there were agaves at its base had escaped me.
Agaves! (and a lot of conifers)
I am really pleasantly surprised by this planting...and how good it looks considering its location.
Which agave is this? I'm not sure.
Ditto for this one.


Here's a good image to see the depth of the plants that make up her hair.
Back on the ground, Ceanothus 'Dark Star'...
And more agaves!
So many agaves! Frankly I am surprised how many they planted in such a small space.
Sadly also some foliage damage—which to be expected in an urban setting along a sidewalk.

Things were disserted here the day I visited, I suppose that should be chalked up to the fact it was a chilly Sunday, and COVID had the street-side restaurants closed. Plus this is a sort of "pass though" spot in Inner SE Portland. Not fully residential, not fully business...
Agave 'Sharkskin'
So many!
And all looking really good considering the narrow space they were crammed into...

One of these things is not like the others—that's an unhappy ceanothus...
Palomar; a "trendy hangout with a Cuban vibe offering sharing plates with daiquiris & other tropical cocktails"... not today though.
Help! I'm drowning!

Who knew? This development is hot-spot for agave plantings!
Hopefully, once COVID eases its grip on us, things will start to open up a bit and this space will have more life to it, and the agaves will be more cared for—which sadly includes removing these before they get any bigger and someone hacks them back unceremoniously...
Peeking in the glass door I spotted a nice indoor green wall.
And then it was time to head back home...