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Arbutus Gardens

As we were touring Renee Moog's garden, another visitor told me that I should go to Arbutus Garden Arts, which was just down the road. I had no idea we were close but it was a garden I was familiar with and always wanted to visit. A pleasant surprise! Norm Jacobs is the owner, and he showed us around and answered questions. The garden is also a nursery and he propagates the plants. However, he says that he is in the process of retiring. My friend Linda bought an absolutely stunning weeping snowbell tree. I managed to discipline myself and only left with a groundcover, Erigeron pulchellus 'Meadow Muffin'. The garden is stunning with winding pathways surrounded by packed borders of mostly conifers and Japanese maples. I was enamored by the most beautiful specimen of Sourwood Tree ( Oxydendrum arboreum ). I have one that seems to be stunted, but Mr. Jacobs told me that they need space for their root zone and do not like competition. This could be my problem, as mine is surrou...
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HPSO Garden Tour: Dragonfly Hollow


Fun day today. Michael, Rebecca, McKenzie and I visited two beautiful gardens on the HPSO (Hardy Plant Society Oregon) Garden Tour. There were five gardens altogether, all located in Vancouver. It was nice and cool, with temperatures in the 60s. It did come a brief shower when we got to the second garden but not enough to deter us.

First up was Dragonfly Hollow, not too far from where we live. This lovely garden was located in a heavily wooded area and chock full of interesting plants, spectacular plant combinations and artwork. It is the garden of designer Vanessa Nagel. Lots of inspiration and great ideas!

I will share photos of the second garden, Matsu Kaze (Wind in the Pines), in my next post. If you like conifers and Japanese maples, you are in for a treat!




























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Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. rebeccaJune 11, 2016 at 9:01 PM

    Such fun!

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  2. AlisonJune 11, 2016 at 10:16 PM

    Looks like a lovely garden, with some beautiful stone mosaics.

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  3. Lisa at GreenbowJune 12, 2016 at 2:55 AM

    Wow. This is inspirational. I love all of those yellow-green grasses. I can't seem to get them to grow here. It must be our dry hot weather. I love the stone circle too. Lovely.

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  4. MulchMaidJune 12, 2016 at 6:09 AM

    So glad you got to see Vanessa's lovely garden. She has such a good eye for plant combinations, and the whole garden is beautifully designed. And practically in your backyard!

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  5. RebeccaJune 12, 2016 at 3:35 PM

    What a great garden! The rock mosaic path and steps are absolutely gorgeous - and the plants, SO large and luscious...

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  6. ShoalandaJune 15, 2016 at 12:15 AM

    Dragonfly Hollow? I love that name!

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  7. Hoover BooJune 19, 2016 at 3:12 PM

    Yet another fabulous garden? Must have been a great day. Your photo of the Hakone grass, hostas, and...the other plant--just perfect.

    ReplyDelete

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