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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...

Hortlandia!



If you love plants, you don't want to miss one of the biggest plant sales of the year this weekend at the Expo Center in Portland. Hortandia 2019 is the 31st year for the event. Admission is free and you don't even have to be a member of the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon to attend although I encourage you to consider joining this wonderful organization (you can do so at the event).

Nurseries from all over the region (over 90!) will be there. You will kind many unique and choice vendors like Far Reaches Farm, Joy Creek, Gossler Farms, Cistus, and Dancing Oaks just to name a few. 

A lecture series, Grow With Us Lecture Series, will also take place and includes the following:

  • Cory Jarrell: “Houseplant Care with the Plant Nerdist” / 10:30am Saturday
  • Judith Jones: “Ferns Beyond Shady Borders” / 12pm Saturday
  • Riz Reyes: “Plants for Year-Round Flower Arranging” / 1:30pm Saturday
  • Laura Heldreth: “Made in the Shade” / 10:30am Sunday
  • Janis McBride: “The Gift of Orchids” / 12pm Sunday
  • Linda Beutler: “Some Like it Hot - Clematis” / 1:30 Sunday
There is also art and book sales and the book sale table is where you will find me on both days. The book and art sales areas will open at 9am, one hour before the plant sale begins. Please stop by and introduce yourself if you read my blog. See you there!

Time: 10am - 3pm (book and art sales open at 9am)
Place: Portland Expo Center, Hall E

A room map and vendor cross-reference list is now available for download here!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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