Dirt Therapy

Last Saturday, I saw the six gardens featured on the HPSO Study Weekend tour. These gardens were in the southern part of Portland. I was excited to see Sherry Sheng's garden. She has visited our garden in the past, and I got to know her better when we were on the England trip together.  Her garden was a delight with something fabulous at every turn.  Next, the Connall garden which has a Mediterranean, drought-resistant planting scheme. The Harry Landers garden was packed with colorful flowers and a koi pond - Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Three more gardens from the Friday tour - Marina Wynton and Mike Pajunas Erin & Brian Ray  Elizabeth Miller Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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