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More South Portland Study Weekend Gardens, pt. 2

The last three gardens on last Saturday's tour included a large shade garden, a tropical oasis and an Asian-inspired retreat. First, the Hilderbrand garden in Oregon City. This garden is set in a grove of Douglas Fir trees and has paved pathways that meander through plantings of dogwoods, hydrangeas, viburnums, kalmias and other shade-loving plants.  The garden of Michael Hicks and Megan Big John is a quarter-acre plot in West Linn. This garden is packed with plantings of tropical plants with big beautiful leaves and vibrant pops of color. Helena Wagner's "4 Seasons Garden" is a garden that I have visited in the past. It features an Asian-inspired theme with beautifully placed plants, with nice colors and contrasts. Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Open Gardens - Bostwick garden


I love seeing other people's gardens and the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon's Open Gardens is a terrific opportunity to see great gardens every weekend through October. I did not visit as many gardens last year as I did the first year I lived here so I hope to do some catching up this year.

This morning we drove to Clackamus to see Michael Bostwick's garden. This is a small garden inspired by the owner's hikes in the Pacific Northwest. A pathway leading from the side of the house and into the back area is bordered by raised beds that ends in a beautiful waterfall and pond. 

 There is a wide variety of plants, including dwarf conifers, maples, native plants, wildflowers, iris, trillium, orchids, hellebores,  shrubs and many unique perennials. 

 A huge sumac hangs over the waterfall. It was just beginning to leaf out. I am sure that this is a stunning site when all the leaves are open.

 Michael said that after this season, he would be moving the entire garden to a new location! The new garden will be on a larger property so I know he is going to have some exciting times ahead of him.



A clump of Merrybells (Uvularia grandifloria) and Candytuft (Iberis) grows on a raised berm above the waterfall. If you look closely, to the right of the Uvularia, you will see a white Lady Slipper Orchid.

Several beautiful Pacific Iris
Camassia







Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowApril 29, 2019 at 3:53 AM

    I can't imagine moving an entire garden. I can see why he would want all of those plants though. It is a beautiful space.

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  2. outlawgardenerApril 29, 2019 at 6:56 AM

    The beginning of open garden season is always a treat! This looks like a splendid garden & it'll be interesting to see what Michael does with his new space.

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  3. danger gardenApril 29, 2019 at 8:50 AM

    I've always meant to get out to see this garden, sounds like I'd better get a move on!

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  4. Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax!April 30, 2019 at 4:12 AM

    Moving a garden seems quite a challenge. Maybe the people who move into the house will be sad it has gone?

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