Dirt Therapy

I was excited about seeing the Portland International Rose Test Garden and it did not disappoint. The roses were absolutely stunning! I've never seen blooms the size they were - I'm not sure what they feed them with but it certainly works. We visited on a Sunday afternoon and the place was packed. I stopped by again when I revisited the Japanese Garden (they are located right next to each other). One thing that did surprise me was that I didn't see many old roses being grown in Portland. I guess I was just not looking in the right place. In this garden, I did expect to see mostly hybrid teas.  They were amazing and I wonder how they grow so well since the climate is damp and rainy most of the year - surely powdery mildew is a problem? The rose garden is perfectly positioned on a bluff overlooking the city. A series of terraces are laid out on the hillside. I love terraces.  There were a few archways in the garden. The one above is covered with the rose ...

Madame Emile Mouillere I'm interrupting my Portland vacation tour with photos from my own garden. The hydrangeas are just spectacular this year. I'm sure the regular rainfall we've been getting has helped. I'm so happy we are having a "wet" year instead of a dry one. And I'm hoping by saying that I haven't jinxed it! When I think of June, I think of hydrangeas. Well, first I think of heat and humidity but then I think of hydrangeas. :) Bluebird (one of my favorite lacecaps) Toyko Delight Twist n' Shout Fasan (The Pheasant) Fuji Waterfall Woodlander Lemon Wave Charm Invincibelle Spirit Sister Therese Twist n' Shout Glory Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

I have followed Scott Weber's blog Rhone Street Gardens for many years and I was very excited to get to meet him and see the garden. I am always blown away by his amazing photography and collection of unique plants. Scott had presented a workshot at Joy Creek Nursery earlier in the day and I know he was exhausted. It was mighty nice of him and Norm to show us around late on a Saturday evening. Thank you Scott and Norm! The house sits on a corner lot in a popular neighborhood. The garden area is small with only a few feet between the house and the sidewalk but every inch is jam-packed with an array of colorful perennials, shrubs and ornamental grasses. Scott even gardens in the roadside curb strip for maximum benefit! He has also used attractive tin containers in the driveway and path areas. I think he has one small strip of grass left but I'm betting that he has dug it up since I was there. There were so many interesting plants and many that were u...

This treasure box of a garden sits on one block in the midst of downtown Portland. Once you are inside, the outside bustle of the real world seems to melt away. I absolutely loved this garden and you will have to forgive this photo-heavy post. Every step and every turn revealed a postcard vista. The name of the garden is interpreted as "Garden of Awakening Orchids". The name represents the relationship between Portland and Suzhou, Portland's sister city in China's Jiangsu province. The garden was created in 2000 on a parking lot donated by Northwest Natural. Most of the materials used in the creation of the garden came from China, including 500 tons of rock. Sixty-five artisans from Suzhou lived in Portland for 10 months while they assembled the structures that were made in China. More than 300 plant species that are found in traditional Chinese gardens grow here. Lan Su is considered the most authentic garden outside of China.   ...