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Kiftsgate Court Gardens

Just right down the road from Hidcote is Kiftsgate Court Gardens. This garden was created by Heather Muir beginning in the 1920s. Muir's daughter, Diany Binny, came to live at Kiftsgate in 1954. She would add the half-moon pool and redesigned the white garden. She also first opened the garden to the public. Today, the tradition continues as granddaughter Anne Chambers and her husband maintain the gardens.    Heather Muir was a friend and neighbor of Hidcote's Lawrence Johnston (their houses are within one mile of each other), and he inspired her in the garden's design. However, the two gardens differ in character and have their own unique characteristics. While Johnston's garden is laid out in strict geometric lines, Muir took a more naturalistic approach. Muir added many heirloom shrub roses to the garden and is famous for the 'Kiftsgate' rose, which occurred from a seedling in the garden. Unfortunately, we were too early for the roses. There were a few like t...

HPSO Garden Conservancy Open Day



This Saturday, July 14th is the HPSO (Hardy Plant Society of Oregon) / Garden Conservancy Open Day. Seven private gardens are open to the public and there will also be garden programs at Garden Fever and Thicket Nursery. You can attend authors signings and garden-related classes.

Date: Saturday, July 14th - 10 AM - 4 PM
Admission to each garden is $7 or purchase a $30 day pass to see all private gardens, on site during the Open Day, or at the following local businesses in Portland (or at any of the individual gardens on the tour):

Garden Fever! 3433 NE 24th
thicket outdoor living, 4933 NE 23rd
Portland Nursery, 5050 Stark Street
Portland Nursery, 9000 Division


It will be a fun day. I will be volunteering so hope to see you there!

Ferrante garden

Ferrante garden

Ferrante garden

Anna's garden

Nancy Goldman garden


Nancy Goldman garden

Nancy Goldman garden

Deborah Meyers garden

Deborah Meyers garden

Deborah Meyers garden
Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Wow. The gardens look fantastic from your photos. That Arisaema in Deborah Meyers' garden is to die for.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I so wish I could be touring with you. I will settle for posts of every garden you see. Please.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What fun to work this event! I hope someday to see that your garden is included. Meanwhile, I adore those shoe planters! I’ve never been a fan of these till seeing it done like that. Perfect!

    ReplyDelete

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