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Study Weekend Garden Tours - Southeast & North Portland - pt. 1

Despite all the work and hoopla of preparing for our open garden on Monday, I did manage to steal away on Friday and Saturday to visit the gardens in Portland. There were six gardens on Friday, located in the Southeast and North Portland neighborhoods.  Beginning with the first three - Jenn Ferrante garden - Cool and calming, an oasis of serenity with pinks and blues and touches of chartreuse. And a majestic weeping beech. Peter Eastman and Dayrol Griffin garden - another colorful oasis with many tropical touches and a well-executed street border planting. Anne Davis & Miles McCoy garden - This small garden packs quite a punch with borders, potted plants and artistic touches. Check out that pathway! More to come... Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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The Ugliest Winter Tree



My vote goes for Acer palmatum 'Shaina'. Don't get me wrong - this is a beautiful tree any other time of year (see photo below). During the winter months, the leaves cling to the tree and it is an unsightly mess. The leaves are also difficult to remove. I've tried using the rake but that doesn't work. The leaf blower didn't do a thing. Hand-picking is the best method although, as you can see, not too effective -



The new leaves are emerging and they will eventually push the old leaves off. It is just a matter of time -




Last May - 




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Kris PetersonApril 19, 2023 at 8:26 PM

    It looks like it's worth waiting for, Phillip! Maybe the tree's leaves provide it with some winter protection?

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  2. AnonymousApril 20, 2023 at 9:21 AM

    Ugly now, yes, but soon it will be gorgeous!
    I thought it was an indication of stress, but heard there may be a benefit to the tree when it hangs on to its old foliage, something that quite surprised me. It is possible it has value when it regrows new foliage.
    So hang in tight, it won't be much longer.
    Chavli

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  3. Hoover BooApril 21, 2023 at 1:25 AM

    Very interesting. It's certainly breathtaking in non-winter. The 'Emperor I' in the back gully here will cling somewhat to its dead foliage into winter but the Santa Ana winds are effective in pulling them off.

    Lagerstroemias always look dead in the winter and always surprise by leafing out just fine come spring. They fool me every year. You'd almost believe they have a sense of humor.

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  4. Linda BrazillApril 21, 2023 at 9:36 AM

    I initially hated the foliage on my Korean maples. But now I love having them as yet another color and texture in the winter garden. Though they usually have blown off by the time the new leaves arrive.

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    1. Phillip OliverApril 21, 2023 at 9:23 PM

      Texture is an interesting way of looking at it - I must do that!

      Delete
  5. Lisa at GreenbowApril 22, 2023 at 10:51 AM

    Texture, we all need texture in the winter garden. This tree is quite a beauty during summer.

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