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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

ANLD Garden Tour

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon

On Saturday, we had a great time exploring 7 gardens on the ANLD (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Garden Tour in Portland. The gardens here were small gardens and we saw all of them! 

Our first stop was at the garden of Kathy Langeliers. Her craftsman bungalow is surrounded by beautiful plants displayed along winding gravel pathways. It was designed by Lucy Hardiman and Susan LaTourette of Perennial Partners.

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon
This stunning hydrangea greeted us at the gate entrance. I would love to know the variety.

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon
A pathway leads around the side of the house with an elegant oakleaf hydrangea, confiers and perennials.
ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon  


ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon
The border along the back of the property includes a stately yucca (yea!), along with some lovely conflowers and other perennials.

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon
I love this water feature - one of my future projects!

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon
 

 
Okay, not part of the tour. We saw this handsome guy in the garden next door as we were leaving.
Love the color on that hydrangea!


*****
The Bebernes-Gawf garden is a shady oasis with lush plantings that provide a peaceful, tranquil refuge.It was designed by Alyse Lansing of Alyse Lansing Garden Design.
ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon  


ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon
A stepping stone pathway leads to a covered niche set slightly above the garden below.
 
 *****

The Mauch garden features a lovely shaded patio. It was designed by Barbara Hilty of Barbara Hilty Landscape Design.

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon
According to the garden map, the oakleaf hydrangea behind the tree is "Snowflake". I have been searching for this and so far, I've had no luck. This is a spectacular hydrangea discovered in Alabama.

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon

ANLD Garden Tour (Assn. of Northwest Landscape Designers) Portland, Oregon
 
 I will share the remaining gardens on the tour in a few days.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Gorgeous - all the photos. But that first one is stunning. Was there a cost for this tour of seven gardens?

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  2. The tickets were $25 which included all the gardens.

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    Replies
    1. I'm always collecting info on garden tours - thanks!

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    2. Another question. Do you know if the money raised was to support the tour itself, or was some of it going to a non-garden related charity. I've seen plenty of both.

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    3. Yes, the money goes to scholarships for students in landscape architecture.

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  3. You have a great eye, Phillip. Your photos are fantastic.

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  4. Glad you did this tour and enjoyed it! I'm jealous of your people-less photos. Going on the pre-tour it was so crowded, and almost impossible to get a good photo.

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  5. Phillip, I have "Snowflake" and will be happy to root you a cutting or 2. :)
    You sent me rose cuttings a LONG time ago. I never forgot it and would be happy to return the favor.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is fun to see. I can imagine all the inspiration you took home.

    ReplyDelete

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