Friday, August 24, 2012

Another “must see” HPSO Open Garden…

I’d been told by a few people that this garden was a “must see,” but I’m always a little hesitant when those words are used. Everyone has a different idea what makes a garden great. However the write-up in the Hardy Plant Society booklet sounded very promising, and they were open the same Monday evening that I was visiting Lilyvilla and a couple other gardens, so why not!

I love the rusty metal…as you know I'm not a huge fan of garden art but when it's a metal plant shape, well then chances are I'll like it.

The front garden was nice. A little restrained, not what I was expecting based on the stories I’d heard but who knows…maybe the back garden held more “excitement?”

Okay, lets go see what all the talk is about...

Whoa! Check it out...

Tour interrupted for a photo disclaimer...it was about 5:30 on a very sunny evening...lots of harsh shadows and strange color to the light in the shade. I chose to include photos that might be a little off so that you could see the most of this amazing garden, photos like this blurry one!

It's a taller version of Sammy (my Yucca rostrata)! This makes me want to go home and clean up the leaves around Sammy's trunk so you can see it again...

Yes some of those are bowling balls, I think the others might be old croquet balls?

So much to see...

Echium!

And I meant to ask what the plant on the left is...if it's a Yucca it's a very "Agave-like" one...

Okay I'm standing with my back to the blue wall/water feature, turned around looking at where I came from. The entrance to the garden is on the left of that wonderful greenhouse.

Of course I had to peek in the greenhouse...

Fabulous!

Looking back towards the corner with the blue wall and water...

I'm really wondering what's under that roof! I can hear voices so I'm guessing that's where the people are.

This is the back side of the blue wall!

The balls above and the sculpture (in the bad photos) below are indeed from the talented Marcia Donahue.

Here is the pavilion which was visible in the distance in previous photos.

The table top under the pavilion included a mix of real plants and more sculpture from Marcia Donahue.

In addition to a very elaborate light fixture from Portland's Gina Nash and Experienced Materials. Some day I am going to commission her to create an Agave shaped gate for the entry to our back garden!

This inlaid "carpet" was in front of what just might be my favorite area in the whole place...

This one! Love it, no doubt there are gas flames flickering above the blue glass after dark.

Amazing banana trees...

With a bloom!

Here's the back of the house. How jealous am I of all that glass from which they can enjoy the garden...


Everywhere I looked there were amazing details!

I wonder if he weeds too? Or does he just water? (I hope he's wearing plenty of sunscreen)

I stood here for the longest time staring at that wall. It's about the same height and width as the one around our patio. We've got the same Mexican river rock at the bottom creating a "moat" between the wall and our cement pavers, yet their's looks so "finished"...right then and there I decided we needed to revisit the "to paint or not" debate.

Let's take a closer look at those plants!

This raised border was along the back of the house. I was told they cover it in the winter to keep the rain off the succulents. Also some of Agaves throughout the garden are lifted and winter over in the greenhouse.

Is this not the MOST beautiful Agave ever? I think it's an Agave celsii albicans.

Well that's it folks! I hope to visit again sometime when the light is more forgiving and I can take better photos, this garden is definitely a must see! If you're a HPSO member it's open again this Sunday the 26th from 11-4 (Quirk & Neill)...go!

49 comments:

  1. Well I say, this garden did not disappoint. I see something for everyone here. I adore the relaxing grass in the middle of the walk way.

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    1. Do you want to hear something really bizarre? I didn't even notice it until I was going through my pictures! I must have been so distracted by everything else that I just didn't see it.

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  2. Oh my! I REALLY like this garden.

    I was just looking over the HPSO open garden options for this weekend. Thanks for the gorgeous pre-tour, and the recommendation!

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  3. I just put this on our calendar--thanks for always keeping us in the know for good garden tours.

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    1. Glad to do the leg-work. Hope you have a great time!

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  4. What a marvelous garden. It manages to be cutting edge and fun and playful as well. That is a beautiful agave. Could that agave-like yucca actually be a flowerless Kniphofia? I love that big pot of Sarracenia, and the blue pot with the Melianthus and Begonia, and the succulents in tiny pots and those rocks that look like blue quartz at its base. I love those cacti that look like big round Christmas ornaments. Thanks for posting so many photos, even if they weren't the best.

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    1. I suppose it could be a Kniphofia but I kind of doubt it...the leaves were too sculpted and not "strappy" enough. Or maybe I just have never seen an elegant Kniphofia!

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    2. My impression is Agave desmettiana, though the steep viewing angle may be throwing me off.

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  5. In the picture "L&C 106," with all the ferns mounted on the wood, what is the plant with the circular leaves with toothed edges just to the left of center?

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    1. Saxifraga x geum 'Dentata'...which I just happen to have some of if you find yourself in need of an actual outdoor garden plant!
      http://plantlust.com/plants/saxifraga-x-geum-dentata/

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  6. what in the world are those curly thing?!!! I wish I could grow calla lilies ....in the swampy area

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    1. What curly thing are you asking about? The one in the greenhouse? If so that's a Tillandsia, not sure which one though.

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  7. Im officially in love! OH MY FLIPPIN' GOODNESS! I think Epic has been re-defined for me. I am so incredibly humbled and jealous all at the same time. WoW!!! I'm actually sickened by the awesomeness. I find it hard to even believe my eyes.

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    1. Oh Louis I wished you lived closer and I'd make sure you got in to see this garden on Sunday. Tell you what...you drive down to Tacoma and then you and the Outlaw road trip the rest of the way!

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    2. I wish I were closer too. That sounds sooo tempting!

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  8. Blown away by this gorgeous garden. Is that a Little and Lewis bench? Love the terra cotta and blue walls and the yellow bamboo poles! Maybe I'll get my garden guy back out. What kind of agave is that beautiful thing?

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    1. Uhm...I don't know about the bench. In fact I didn't know that L&L "did" benches! Are you asking about the Agave celsii albicans? I NEED one. If you ever see them for sale and there are two PLEASE think of me!

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    2. Thanks for the plant ID! I see that San Marcos has it and I bet that I could persuade Jerry or Heid to get some for us next spring when they order from them again.

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  9. Now you made me want to go out into the garden and do a hundred different little projects. So "thank you".

    I mean it -- thank you! Like most gardens (including mine) I don't love everything, but like so much about it!

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  10. I like that garden.

    Hmmm, I like that a lot.

    Is the feeling of garden jealousy a bad thing?

    I have had to look at your lovely shots a few times and now my jealousy thing has gone down a lot as I realise that I could not grow such a thing over here where I live.

    Hmmm, mixed emotions....

    Sorry.

    PS. On a more positive note my wife took a call today from the local council saying that I had made it through to the second round of the local council's garden competition and their photographer is coming tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon to take some more photos :)

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    1. Gosh I feel garden jealousy all the time, and of course a lot of it has to do with things I can't grow.

      Yay for making it to the second round! And good luck...keep me posted!

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    2. Hi Loree,

      I had a letter from the council today saying that my garden had been awarded a sliver award :)

      I feel quite chuffed!

      Adam

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    3. I had to look that one (chuffed) up to make sure that was a good thing! Congrats!

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  11. What a wonderful garden! You take us to the neatest places and photograph the loveliest plants and decor; places I'll never get to see in person, but that's okay. With inspiration like this I can dream, and do my own thing with as much pizazz as I can.

    Incidentally, I've been following your blog for several months and joined so I could tell you how much I appreciate the Danger Garden Blog and I haven't done that. So consider yourself told. I very much appreciate that you show us things even though you feel your photos are not up to par. They all look great to me.

    Ragna

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    1. Thank you Ragna for taking the time to join and comment, I appreciate it! I like the way you summed it up..."With inspiration like this I can dream, and do my own thing with as much pizazz as I can"...that's what it's all about!

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  12. Yes, that IS the most beautiful agave ever. It looks a lot like the untagged blooming agave I saw at Berekely Bot. Garden in July. Making note of A. celsii albicans. And the garden is fantastic too! I do like the olive green color of the painted retaining wall -- I think it was a wise choice here to tie it in with the house and not punch it with a strong accent color.

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    1. YES! I first saw that agave at the BBG there and searched and search for a label. I really should have went and found these garden owners again and asked them where they bought it.

      I'm going back to the idea of our retaining wall being the same dark charcoal of the house foundation. I wonder though it if will make the patio feel smaller?

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  13. Excellence is in the details. Particularly in this garden. Wow!

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    1. I wish I could go back on Sunday and take some more pictures!

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  14. Loree, I joined HPSO last year expressly to have access to open gardens when I'm up there..this is what a dedicated garden tourist I am ! I looked up this garden in the guide and was encouraged by the number of open days spanning the summer--hoping they are open again next year when I plan a HPSO blitz. Looks like they have some Little and Lewis action going on there along with the M Donahue stuff.On the punch list for sure!Thanks for taking us along !

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    1. "dedicated garden tourist"...I love it! I hope they do open again next year, if only so you can see it in person.

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  15. Wow! Great photos. I really like the variety of plants in your garden. Nice!

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  16. Your metal gate idea reminded me of a piece of metal art that I discovered last weekend:

    http://cactguy.tumblr.com/image/29856018869

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    1. Oh ya!!! Love that so much, thank you! I need to remember to check his blog more often, always good stuff. Just wish I could subscribe in Google reader...

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  17. The garden looks a littl chaotic, but I like that.

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  18. The gardens you've shown this week are stunning. I've really enjoyed these posts. I wouldn't like to have choose a favourite from amongst them, they're all inspiring in different ways.

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  19. Agave celsii albicans = love! I want a whole row of them!

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  20. This garden looks crazy cool. Love all the art...especially the alien in the trunk of the tree. Such beautiful use of plants around the property. Nice photos.

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  21. So glad you made it over to see their garden!!!

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  22. Seeing those pots along the low wall, I can see you and they are definitely kindred spirits. I love this whole garden: the colored walls, the silvery plants, the cabana (wow!), the playful art. It's a garden to explore not just look at.

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  23. Why, oh why, did I not see this post until today after the party is over! Next year!

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  24. That garden is incredible! Makes me want to go plant crazy!!!

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  25. Wowsa!! That was one of the most inspiring garden tours I've seen in a long time! Everything was so sculptural and playful and visually serene at the same time. Thank you so much for sharing it! I know a post like that can take forever to put together! (I shared on FB, too!)

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  26. That Agave celsii albicans though!

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