Dirt Therapy

It was in the fall of 2020 that I last saw Shari McDonald and John Hembroff's garden . I can't believe that was 2 1/2 years ago but, as they say, time flies when you're having fun (actually these days I think time flies no matter what mood you're in). Shari said they had some damage during the winter. A tree fell in the front garden and while it didn't do a lot of damage, it did open up more space. I absolutely love this garden and every time I see it, I feel the need to go home and start ripping everything out in our overstuffed garden and start over. It is so well designed and tranquil, truly a place to retreat from the noise and bustle of everyday life. I ask myself how I would adjust to a shade garden. I know I would miss flowers, especially roses, but I also know that I prefer shade over sun.   After entering, you are surrounded by plants and huge rocks. After walking a short distance down a flagstone pathway, you turn around and look back to this view - To the...

Chilean potato vine ( Solanum crispum) No, this is not a post about depression but rather the abundance of blue in the garden at the moment. It is one of my favorite colors in the garden and I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that they don't like blue flowers (although I'm sure there's one out there). Musing about this makes me wonder why I've never seen an all-blue garden? Hmmm... First is a brand new Salvia that immediately caught my attention at Yard N' Garden Land. It is named Salvia x jamensis 'Elk Blue Note' - Salvia x jamensis 'Elk Blue Note' False Indigo ( Baptisia 'Purple Smoke') is such a great plant. I also have the yellow variety as well as the common one. All are great - Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'   I'm thrilled that the Chilean Potato Vine (Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin') survived the winter - Chilean potato vine ( Solanum crispum) Portuguese Squill ( Scilla peruviana ) - this plant came to the gar...

Our garden will be open on the following dates: May 28th - 10:00am to 4pm ( HPSO Open Gardens ) May 29th - 10:00am to 4pm ( HPSO Open Gardens ) June 4th - 10:00am to 4pm  (  HPSO Clark County Mini Tour )

I've wanted to see Barry & Karen Gates garden in Camas for years now and it seems that I never have time to go to Open Gardens anymore. Thanks to a mutual friend, I got the opportunity to visit and in the nick of time too because they have just sold their house. The Gates have lived here for over 30 years and they are now downsizing and to be closer to their grandchildren.  The garden covers five acres and is situated on an idyllic hillside in a beautiful quiet neighborhood.  Here is a look at the front of the house that sits in the middle of the garden. Terraced slopes descend down the front - Behind the house is a long patio area and walkway with the garden extending up the hill behind. Barry says that they had about 20 trees removed right above this spot to give them more sun. Still, even with all those trees removed, there is still a lot of trees here, giving it a forest-like feel. - And father over to the side of the house is a covered seating area - One of the first ...