The Garden Awakens
Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett
Saying that this garden rivals the Japanese Garden is high praise. You have captured the feel of this place with your photos. It seems very serene.
ReplyDeleteWe visited here nearly 40 years ago. I thought the Grotto the best thing we saw in all our trip. The Stations of the Cross stand out in my memory and as best I remember, there was a Rose Garden close by. Your photos are outstanding.
ReplyDeleteThe Rose Garden was in front of the monastery but they were all bare.
DeleteGlad you found this place. I visited a few years ago, I think it's time I go back.
ReplyDeleteNice... The rainy weather actually makes the pictures all the more atmospheric!
ReplyDeleteI can tell you aren't Catholic as you wrote, Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. That would be Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! Lovely place, I had never heard of it.
ReplyDeleteDear Phillip, I would wish I had known about The Grotto and the botanical garden when I visited Portland! What an amazing place! The Grotto is so beautiful and impressive and the botanical garden with its mature trees makes my heart sing. I am so glad that you found out about this place and got to see it. Thanks for sharing it here on your blog. It is for sure on my must-see list now as well! Warm regards,
ReplyDeleteChristina
Yeah, I think I first read about it on Trip Advisor, of all places.
DeleteI have not been there in aeons, but when I was little, my parents took the six! of us kids there all the time. And my sister's high school graduation from Marycrest was held at the Grotto--not a bad venue. (I only made thru the first two years at that all-girl Catholic High School, and then transferred to public school. Boy was that a shock.) It does occur to me in thinking back, my parents did a pretty terrific job getting us out to most of the nearby gorgeous hotspots. When I drive up the Gorge these days, I realize we visited every single waterfall and park along the way, no small feat organizing picnics for all of us. We were always starving by the time we got 2 blocks from home. PDX is pretty good place to grow up--surrounded by all this natural beauty. Glad you found it and enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine!
DeleteWhat a beautiful and unique place. The Peace Garden looks very lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe Peace Garden is well named. The area around the Mary Chapel is amazing, lush and tranquil. I have been to Portland and visited a number of gardens but not this one. Next time I may seek it out.
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