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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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July Hydrangeas



Despite several hot periods (and another one starting Thursday, lovely), it has been a good year for hydrangeas. We have them in various places throughout the garden but the largest concentration is on the terraced area underneath the dogwood tree.


Taking a closer look...

Four hydrangeas are visible in this photo - 'Pistachio' in front left and 'Twist-n-Shout' on the right. 'Bloomstruck' is on the back left and an unknown variety at the back right.

A closer look at 'Pistachio'. Lime green and pink - an odd combination for sure but it seems to work.

'Pistachio' alongside Persicaria 'Golden Arrow'
and 'Eldorado' grass in a pot behind them.



'Annabelle' is really nice this year with more blooms than ever and sturdy, upright stems (it still needs support).

A new arborescens called 'Invincibelle Ruby'. I didn't expect to like this one but it has surprised me. 

'Fire Island' is really, really pink.

'Tuff Stuff' is being shaded by a Sourwood tree in a pot.

'Fairytrail Bride' in a pot. The jury is still out on this one. I think it needs more sun...

I hate it when I lose the name of a plant. This hydrangea is an unknown, probably purchased on the Home Depot sale rack.

A view from the top with 'Nikko Blue' on the left
and 'Annabelle' again on the right. 

'Little Fresco', a panicle hydrangea advertised as very small. We shall see. From the looks of stalks that are shooting skyward, my guess is "no".

'Little Quickfire', a panicle hydrangea, in a large pot.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonJuly 31, 2024 at 8:43 AM

    Oh, Phillip. Here I thought I'd put the idea of growing hydrangeas far behind me and now I once again find myself enamored with them. As if the Fling tour hadn't already stirred my interest, you've gone and reinforced that with this post.

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJuly 31, 2024 at 9:50 PM

      Thanks Kris! I'm guessing hydrangeas are difficult to grow in CA?

      Delete
  2. Ardith FergusonJuly 31, 2024 at 7:21 PM

    Phillip, these are beautiful photos. I counted at least 13 different hydrangeas. How did you decide on which ones to start with when you were beginning your garden design?

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJuly 31, 2024 at 9:49 PM

      Ardith, most are spur of the moment purchases. I'm more of "buy now, decide where its going later" gardener.

      Delete
  3. tz_gardenAugust 12, 2024 at 8:56 AM

    Oh wow, beautiful. I love the picture with the pathway, so enticing!

    ReplyDelete

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