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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

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

Comments

  1. 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.

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  2. 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!

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  3. 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!

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  4. 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.

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

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  6. 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.

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

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

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