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A visit to Chickadee Gardens

I was excited to finally get to see Chickadee Gardens last week. I have followed Tamara's blog  for years. She and her husband garden on 2 acres in Saint Helens, Oregon.  When you look at the map, it appears that St. Helens is directly across the Columbia River and slightly to the north of us. However, there is no convenient bridge to get over to the Oregon side. You must go north to Ridgefield, Washington (about 30 minutes north of our house) and go across there  or travel through Portland and then go north through Scappoose. Either way, it is about a 45 minute drive. I decided to try the Ridgefield route and I was glad I did. Not only did I not have to contend with Portland traffic (it was Rose Parade weekend), I got to see country on the Oregon side that was new to me.  Tamara used to work at the beautiful Joy Creek Nursery (my favorite, but alas they are now closed) and she now works part-time at Cistus Nursery.  She focuses on native plants and sustainabili...
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Laura & Charlie Heldreth's Garden





Yesterday it hit 100 in Portland. I am not sure what the exact temperature was here in Vancouver but it was around that. Not the best day for a garden tour but we really wanted to see Laura and Charlie Heldreth's garden so we got there right at opening time while it was still cool. Fortunately, the garden is shaded!

 The Clark County Natural Garden Tour is a yearly event that focuses on gardens that utilize organic practices that benefit wildlife and the environment. 

The Heldreth garden is not only beautiful and lush but it is also educational and Laura is an excellent teacher (she teaches horticulture classes at Clark College).

 Along the front is a variety of shrubs, grasses , perennials and native plants. Vegetables are planted in raised beds along the hellstripe, yes vegetables, and Laura encourages her neighbors to take some. 

 A wide range of plants highlights this terrific garden. 

 In the front - 









In the back garden, a tropical-like oasis awaits underneath giant fir trees -



 In addition to the lush plants are interesting art pieces and seating areas -



 Thank you Laura and Charlie for opening your fantastic garden!

 Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. danger gardenJuly 16, 2018 at 9:25 PM

    Great photos! You captured the magic of the Heldreth’s garden.

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  2. AlisonJuly 16, 2018 at 10:12 PM

    I didn't know Laura's garden was on a tour this year. She opened it a couple of years ago for bloggers to come and check out, but I couldn't make it and I've been kicking myself for it ever since. Of course I might not have come down on the hottest day of the year either, but still... Isn't Laura just the sweetest woman? Love these shots of her and Charlie's garden, thanks for sharing them.

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    1. Phillip OliverJuly 19, 2018 at 7:16 AM

      Yes, she is the sweetest woman! I told Charlie that they need to do the HPSO Open Garden Tour next year!

      Delete
  3. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 17, 2018 at 4:03 AM

    Aren't garden tours fun! That sort of heat does take a little of the fun out of it but I am glad you carried on. I also didn't know there was a tree like clethera. They are such interesting shrubs. I imagine China would offer all sorts of plants we have never heard of.

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJuly 19, 2018 at 7:17 AM

      Lisa, there are so many here that it is impossible to keep up with all of them, even if you had the time to do them.

      Delete
  4. GailJuly 17, 2018 at 4:32 AM

    I want to tour this garden...Hope to some day. Lovely photos, Phillip.

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  5. Laura @ Suburban Garden LifeJuly 17, 2018 at 4:02 PM

    Wow! Such gorgeous photos! It's so much fun to see our garden through your perspective and camera lens. Thank you so much for stopping by on such a hot day.

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJuly 19, 2018 at 7:18 AM

      Thank you Laura! I know it is a lot of hard work to prepare for such an event.

      Delete
  6. outlawgardenerJuly 17, 2018 at 6:13 PM

    I love Laura and Charlie and their garden is as wonderful as they are. Thanks for the tour.

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  7. GRACE PETERSONJuly 17, 2018 at 10:58 PM

    Beautiful photos, Phillip.

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  8. Beth GoodnightJuly 18, 2018 at 2:57 PM

    Really gorgeous. Laura's garden just keeps getting better and better.

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  9. Chickadee GardensJuly 19, 2018 at 9:37 AM

    Gorgeous photos of an equally gorgeous garden. Must get out there to see their garden...it is so lush and cool. Thanks for sharing, Phillip.

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  10. Endah MurniyatiJuly 23, 2018 at 10:08 PM

    Beautiful garden...

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  11. Casa MariposaAugust 13, 2018 at 5:49 PM

    I would love to see her garden!!! Lucky you! Incredible photos!

    ReplyDelete

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