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
Conifers aren't as popular in my climate but I do appreciate them, especially those with gorgeous blue needles.
ReplyDeleteYour conifer tour is splendid. Seeing all of these makes me wish I had many more in the garden. I love the serial killer creeping about. Ha.... The pedestal looks so handsome by that limey green tree. I am surprised you can leave the pedestal out during winter. What is it made of, it must be frost proof. ?
ReplyDeleteLisa, it is made of concrete and sealed with a concrete sealer. I'm hoping it is okay left out in the elements. Not true for terracotta which deteriorates quickly here if left out.
DeleteI participated in a conifer plant study at Heronswood lead by (the amazing) Dr. Ross Bayton. Still, I am horrible at identifying them. I love any time when you feature conifers in a post and I'm fascinated by the large number your are able to grow.
ReplyDeleteKudos to Michale's for the cool column: it isn't easy to out shine 'Chief Joseph'!
Weeping Sequoia is a marvel. (When they start growing in unexpected directions, they look like dinosaurs!).
As for size marked on plant tags: I wonder if occasionally gremlins switch them around as a prank...
Chavli
Working at a garden center has really helped me with identification but I still have trouble.
DeleteConifers in general is a topic I feel I'm barely scratching the surface of. So many good ones to explore, so thanks for the tour!
ReplyDelete