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Strawberry Tree

Since moving to Washington, I have discovered a great number of new trees. One of my favorites is the Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo ). It is a four-season tree with semi-glossy evergreen leaves and lovely mahogany bark. In autumn, clusters of white flowers appear, bearing a resemblance to Lily-of-the-Valley flowers. And then there are the little fruits, which resemble strawberries that appear at the same time as the flowers. I am not sure why, but I have only seen a few fruits on ours. I don't know if birds are getting them before I see them or what happens. The fruits are said to be edible but not very tasty (to humans). This year, our tree is loaded with flowers, the most I've ever seen. Bees absolutely love it and so do the hummingbirds. The flowers usually continue to appear straight through winter, and it can be blooming even during the coldest periods of winter. Aside from the fact that I have not seen much of the colorful fruits, the major negative note is the fact tha
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Open Gardens: The Beadell Garden

Beadell garden (Portland, OR) 
While visiting the Hardiman garden, I did not realize that their next-door neighbor, Kurt Beadell, had an equally impressive garden open as well. Stepping through the garden gate at the back of Hardiman's garden leads you into Beadell's tropical-like oasis. It was like being transported to New Orleans.

This is a very small garden, packed with lush plantings, like palms, bamboo and other exotic plants and vines. 
Beadell garden (Portland, OR)
Pathways and steps beckon
 
Beadell garden (Portland, OR)
The garden gate that leads from one great garden to another


Beadell garden (Portland, OR)


Beadell garden (Portland, OR)
I sometimes have nightmares about Houtuynia cordata (Chameleon Plant). I would never grow it again but it looks quite tame and happy here.


Beadell garden (Portland, OR)
This garden is clearly a spectacular site for entertaining.


Beadell garden (Portland, OR)


Beadell garden (Portland, OR)

Beadell garden (Portland, OR)
The narrow side garden that winds around the house.


Beadell garden (Portland, OR)
I absolutely LOVE these doors.


Beadell garden (Portland, OR)
The front of the house


Beadell garden (Portland, OR)


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 29, 2017 at 5:45 AM

    Lush and lovely. I like the way the white hydrangea screams look at me in the shade. Love all the blue. I am still in my blue phase.

    ReplyDelete
  2. outlawgardenerJuly 29, 2017 at 6:56 AM

    Wow! Love this garden. The doors, seating areas, fab plants, the whole thing is just yummy. Clever use of the potted orange begonias to echo the colors on the house. Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  3. MulchMaidJuly 29, 2017 at 7:00 AM

    What a lovely small garden. I too worry about Houttuynia. It's usually bent on world domination, but seems quite controlled here. Thanks for the lush tour!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AlisonJuly 29, 2017 at 7:35 AM

    I know I saw this garden as well, a couple of years ago, when I saw Lucy's on a tour. Your photos of it are wonderful! I should look back over my pictures, I don't remember it being so lush and colorful.

    ReplyDelete
  5. GailJuly 29, 2017 at 8:04 AM

    Gorgeous! I wish more gardens were this delightfully creative with color and plantings.

    ReplyDelete
  6. danger gardenJuly 29, 2017 at 8:26 AM

    I had the opportunity to spend an evening here with the HPSO board when Fergus Garrett was in town last summer. It was magical! The interior of their home is pretty fabulous too.

    ReplyDelete
  7. chavlinessJuly 29, 2017 at 9:59 AM

    The front of the house is wonderful. I love the veranda and the eye popping colors.

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownAugust 3, 2017 at 2:49 PM

    Imagine having a next-door-neighbor equally whacked out on plants...double the pleasure, double the fun!

    ReplyDelete

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