Believe it or not, I had not been to any of the Open Gardens this year, that is, until yesterday. I knew I would be kicking myself at the end of the season if I didn't see some of the incredible private gardens that are open every weekend and Monday evenings on the HPSO (Hardy Plant Society of Oregon) Open Gardens Tour. I spent yesterday afternoon and evening touring 3 beautiful gardens.
The first garden is Flicker Farm, the creation of Linda Wisner and Chet Orloff. It is located on pastoral Sauvie Island, just outside the St. Johns area of Portland. It is an incredible place, filled with farms, orchards, a great nursery (Cistis) and calming idyllic properties like this one.
The garden is comprised of 1.3 acres and features lush perennials, herbs and vegetables, sculpture, artwork and a wonderfully inviting courtyard underneath a grape-covered pergola. The garden was recently featured in Country Gardens magazine.
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The courtyard/dining area just behind the house. The grape vine hanging overhead was covered with grapes. |
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Beyond the courtyard are strolling areas filled with lush perennials and vegetable gardens. |
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The Yuccas were immense! |
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There are numerous vegetable gardens, all artfully done. |
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A nice array of art work and sculptures - some of these were the work of Portland artist Ray Huston - I am not sure if this was one of them. |
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A touch of the whimsical as well |
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The gardens in front were shadier, full of places to relax and enjoy the views |
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I thought Mimosa trees only got this big in the South. I was wrong! |
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I love the pairing of the Chocolate Mimosa with Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra) |
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I am late to the Open Gardens this year but this was a great way to kick it off. I can't wait to see more. |
Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Yeah I'd say you started off with a bang. That is a fabulous garden. I love the Mimosa and Filipendula. You got the angle just right to complement both with the blue sky behind it. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, this is a great garden! I especially love your second photo of it and the last with the lavender poppy. I have been to plenty of open gardens on our England vacation, but none so far here in San Diego. Your are so right, it would be sad not to see some local ones this year. So I will try to find out which are open in the near future.
ReplyDeleteWarm regards,
Christina
What a colorful garden. I have the Country Gardens Magazine. I hardly recognize the place. Your photos show off the place much better than the magazine did. I can't wait to see more. Do share.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this gorgeous garden! I love Sauvie Island. Do you suppose the owners would mind if we moved into their garden?
ReplyDeleteYour photos are certainly doing justice to this lovely garden! Every time I see these showpiece gardens, I immediately wonder how they care for that much space!
ReplyDeleteOh my.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got to go
Thank you for sharing. Like you I haven't visited gardens this year but finally got around to it this week so glad I did
ReplyDeleteEvery weekend you can see a beautiful garden! You have moved to paradise! So loved this garden tour and look forward to any more you share.
ReplyDeleteBravo on the pic of the blue sculpture with the grasses. Well done!
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so green and lush. Just beautiful! What a wonderful open garden program. I'll have to investigate if there is something similar here.
ReplyDeleteThese gardens are absolutely gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing.
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