A visit to Chickadee Gardens
I was excited to finally get to see Chickadee Gardens last week. I have followed Tamara's blog for years. She and her husband garden on 2 acres in Saint Helens, Oregon. When you look at the map, it appears that St. Helens is directly across the Columbia River and slightly to the north of us. However, there is no convenient bridge to get over to the Oregon side. You must go north to Ridgefield, Washington (about 30 minutes north of our house) and go across there or travel through Portland and then go north through Scappoose. Either way, it is about a 45 minute drive. I decided to try the Ridgefield route and I was glad I did. Not only did I not have to contend with Portland traffic (it was Rose Parade weekend), I got to see country on the Oregon side that was new to me. Tamara used to work at the beautiful Joy Creek Nursery (my favorite, but alas they are now closed) and she now works part-time at Cistus Nursery. She focuses on native plants and sustainabili...
Love your photos, Phillip. That tree with the red and white blooms is gorgeous. Wonder what it is?
ReplyDeleteOOooooo that last maple is delicious. Is the first unknown tree a catalpa?? The heart shaped leaves remind me of one. The plant with the red and white blooms is striking. I can see why you want one. I have had one of those flowering maples for three years. I have to bring it inside during winter. It winters over well but it isn't near this big. Can't wait to see more about your trip
ReplyDeleteLynn, I'm trying to find the name of it. I'll let you know.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I think you are right. I located a golden catalpa on their website and the map indicates it is in the area I remember. Thanks!
Beautiful photos, and that butterfly garden is lovely! It's giving me some landscaping ideas. The large flowering shrub you're trying to identify looks like a pineapple guava. They finished up blooming here a month ago and are back to looking like regular shrubs; but they're stunning when in bloom.
ReplyDeleteAmy, thank you so much! You are right. I located it on their website.
ReplyDeleteI love the flowering maple. I have a bears breeches and didn't realize how large it will get. Mine's about 3 yrs old and still little. The crepe myrtles in Charleston along some of the main streets are just huge. They must several hundred years old. Thanks for the pictures. Been a nice trip.
ReplyDeleteThe Raulston is worth travelling to NC all my itself. You took beautiful photos. And Plant Delights, too. sigh. Great post.
ReplyDeleteGood to know about your blog i have visit and i am very much impressed from your ideas..
ReplyDeleteThank you for post..
Glad you stopped by the Arboretum on your way to Asheville. I haven't been myself yet, sorry to say but plan to soon. Fantastic photos as usual, Phillip.
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful! I love the catalpa tree and the smoke bush....More tress to try to squeeze in my not sunny enough garden! gail
ReplyDeleteI have only been once, but it was like visiting one of the stars of southern horticulture. When I think of crape myrtle bark, the specimens at JC Raulston come to my mind.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful photos! I have a pineapple guava but not nearly as many blooms! That one looks beautiful, I must not be fertilizing enough. Jeannine
ReplyDeleteGee, I wonder if my Crepe Myrtles will ever have a trunk such as the one you show? Beautiful Gardens which we should drop by and see some time on our way to VA....
ReplyDeletePhillip, I love seeing it through your eyes in another season. I saw it in the fall as you know.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Phillip. I wish I knew you BEFORE your visit to the JCRA! Thanks for showcasing the JC Raulston arboretum, and I hope you are following us on facebook!https://www.facebook.com/jcraulstonarboretum?ref=hl
ReplyDeleteHelen