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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
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Portland Japanese Garden

One of the most celebrated gardens in Portland is the Japanese Garden. I visited it last year when I was there in June. On this trip, I went twice. I was anxious to see it with the fall color display but was disappointed on the first visit. There was virtually no color but we overheard an employee tell someone to come back in a week or so. So, I returned just a few days before we departed Portland and the vibrant hues that I was hoping to see had indeed arrived.

At 5.5 acres, the Japanese Gardens seem small and intimate for a public garden. Located on a hillside overlooking the city of Portland and surrounded by comfortable suburban neighborhoods and Washington Park, it is a serene oasis - once you enter the gates, the hustle and bustle of nearby city life is hushed. 

It was heavily overcast on the October days we visited so we missed the lovely city view of Portland with Mount Hood in the background. The gardens, however, were spectacular.

The Rose Garden, located just across the street, was not looking so great after the recent rains but the Japanese Garden is beautiful any time of year and is even a wonderful garden to visit in the rain.   

















 












Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. NicDecember 1, 2014 at 4:06 PM

    My only visit there was in the early summer but it looks as though the garden is just as beautiful in the fall. Those Japanese maples are stunning! Also, the place just always seems so immaculate.

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowDecember 2, 2014 at 3:17 AM

    I love those colors. It is good that you waited for the right moment to capture them.

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  3. outlawgardenerDecember 2, 2014 at 7:31 AM

    A gorgeous garden and especially spectacular with the fall foliage colors! I must visit in October one of these years!

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  4. sweetbayDecember 10, 2014 at 8:24 AM

    The color and the forms of those Japanese maples is amazing!

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  5. Pam/DiggingDecember 17, 2014 at 9:08 AM

    I saw this garden on two blazing hot and sunny days last summer, just before and during Portland Fling. It was lovely then, but this is spectacular. I would love to see it in full fall color one day. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous images!

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  6. LesDecember 31, 2014 at 5:34 AM

    I am glad you went back, just for a chance to see these photos.

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