The next garden I visited on last June's
NPA Study Weekend belonged to John McWilliams and Tom Gorz. I loved that the house and the garden felt so connected.
From the tour brochure: "
Our little garden is comprised of an assortment of distinct immersive spaces connected by meandering stone and gravel pathways. The garden has been created with a focus on overall visual effect and atmosphere and to stoke pleasure. In addition to flowering perennials, annuals, and lots of blue-grey foliage, we have included many compact shrubs and trees to complement larger trees that lean over from neighboring lots."
This pair has mastered the art of growing eremurus...
And arranged them so the grade changes in the garden allow for up close viewing, something difficult with tall flowers.
They've got hardscape skill as well...
More from the brochure: "
In recent years, we have begun adapting the garden to be a welcoming haven for local wildlife and have a more naturalistic aesthetic in the borders. The lawn has been eliminated and replaced with PNW native and pollinator plants. We are enjoying the increase in visits from birds, butterflies, other insects and even the occasional opossum. The garden is a Certified Wildlife Habit through the National Wildlife Conservancy."
I fully intend to copy this simple trick. The seedling was started in a paper cup and then planted out with the top of the cup intact—instant seed marker so you don't loose track of the tiny plant!
Severe jealousy over the Willy Guhl planter near their front door.
Shot looking down on the front garden...
And I thought that was it...
Until I discovered the narrow pathway to the back garden, there's more!
Seating tucked into a corner, along with lots of containers.
Looking out from the seating area...
This serene spot was nicely hidden from the rest of the garden.
I immediately fell for the table.
Everything about this area was simple perfection.
You could see the garden beyond, but were completely secluded.
I eventually tore myself away and resumed the tour.
Rhododendron williamsianum, perhaps?
Looking over my shoulder at the entrance to the back garden.
And ahead to the deck off the back of the house.
Stepping off the deck...
The tall poured cylinder stepping stones had fern fronds pressed into their sides, it's all about the details.
Great garden!
My other posts (so far) from the NPA Hardy Plant Study Weekend:
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