This garden is located on one of those shady streets in inner NE Portland with trees as old as my house (or older). I am jealous. While I’m making great use of all the sunshine my almost treeless street allows I would love to live in a neighborhood like this.
I love it when the colors of the plants work so well with the colors of the house...
I was memorized by this Alstroemeria
It was huge!
Going around the side of the house to the drive-way
Again not much parking going on in that garage!
Now we've walked back through the front garden and are on the other side of the house, headed into the back garden.
Empty containers like this make me kind of anxious, do they you? Put something in there already!
And here's where I discover this gardener, like me, has a thing for containers...there are a lot of them!
Everywhere...
I love this group!
Especially that...
Does anyone know what it is? A bromeliad?
Wow!
The back border...
I do love colorful zinnias!
More containers in the corner...
And looking back at the house.
Where everyone else sees fun colorful garden art I see stairs and a possible accident. See the homeowner bought this sculpture from Digs Inside & Out, my friend JJ's shop here in Portland. JJ bought them on our trip to San Francisco last spring. I carried these very breakable pieces up 2 very steep flights of stairs, and then back down again when it was time to pack up. The important part of that story is that I'm a bit of a klutz, and these aren't cheap. Thankfully, not a single piece was broken!
Does this scene look familiar? Yes this garden was part of my inspiration for this post.
Heading back out to the front of the house...
I was just about ready to leave when I realized there was an area to the right of the driveway that needed to be explored...
This is one of those lovely paths that makes you think the garden spreads out in another direction, when actually it ends here just behind that bench.
And yes, so ends this garden visit!
Thanks for another great garden visit! I love that house. I'd love to know what Alstroemeria that is, it has variegated leaves and those spots are cool. Empty containers do make me anxious. I have a few, and every time I see them, I think that same thing -- plant them already. Is that a pomegranate tree?
ReplyDeleteAnd wait? What? You love Zinnias?
As per Lisa below it's a Alstroemeria psittacina 'Variegata,' according to plant lust it looks like Cistus might be your best bet "locally!"
DeleteYep...it is a Pomegranate, although still a little small to be considered a tree. As for the Zinnias, yep...always have. Of course I don't grow any...but I love them!
These gardens just amaze me. Such diversity, density, and ... delight! (Took me a while to think of another "d" word)
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking that I'd really like a big sphere like that... but I wonder how practical it would be?
You do realize that I now think that pretty much every yard in Portland looks like this, right?
Oh I think that orb would be great fun, especially easy just to roll elsewhere when you needed to mow!
DeleteIf every yard in Portland looked like that I would be a very happy girl. Instead we have golden dormant lawns pock-marked with green dandelions that are now 2ft tall because heck! Why mow when the lawn isn't growing?
What a beautiful place! The planting in the second photo is stunning.
ReplyDeleteJust about every shade of green is included in there isn't it?
Deletewow...lush..I want that ball
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteLove this garden. I wish I had a lot of shade, too -- what are those little plants below the big taro in the pot? I really like the contrast, and those little fringey leaves are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGreat eye! I was right there standing next to them and didn't even notice, I think I was blinded by the big leaves. I can't say for sure but I think perhaps some sort of Coleus.
DeleteI also love the red pot grouping & perfect plants that inhabit them. Empty pots don't bother me, not that I have any for long - just another opportunity to find a cool plant! What a gorgeous garden (with it's very own Danger Gardenette!) All of these on your HPSO tour have been inspirational!
ReplyDeleteI think I found one more open garden to visit this weekend, yay!
DeleteI saw this garden on the open garden tour and fell in love with this Alstroemeria. She hinted that a local nursery had it in stock and I purchased it within 48 hours! It's called Alstroemeria psittacina 'Variegata', hardy to Zone 7a. You'll be happy to know that I removed some huechera to get this planted.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear you got one and could share the name! Thanks Lisa!
DeleteI'm with Alan. Portland has got to be the most delightful garden city in the country!
ReplyDeleteI've heard Sean Hogan (owner of Cistus) say the city should change their motto to "the city of gardens"...I like it! (currently it's either "the city that works" or "the city of roses"...depending on who you listen to)
DeleteI guess I shall say it again, Portland is where its at! Another stunning garden. And house! Thanks for wonderful garden visits
ReplyDeleteCertainly!
DeleteGorgeous garden! All of the gardens in the HPSO series have been terrific garden visits.
ReplyDeleteSo many ideas and combinations. Love the giant sphere too.
Thanks Shirley, it's awfully nice of these gardeners to open their gardens for other HPSO members, and allow me to take pictures!
DeleteI love going through photos of your garden visits, always feels like I was there myself! Another gorgeous garden!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great compliment, that you feel like you were there yourself. Thank you!
DeleteMan oh man oh man! The gardener has nailed the plant lined sidewalk super well. That is one amazing place. Containers are appropriately used and over the top with lots of contrasting plants. What a fantastic place!!! How much? And when can I move? Out of this world. I think this is my favorite combo garden. Really really nice. Thanks for sharing this art.
ReplyDeleteWell...technically I don't think it's for sale, but since it's on a double lot in a very nice part of town let me tell you it wouldn't be cheap! (which is why we don't live on one of those nice tree lined streets)
DeleteAbsolutely fabulous garden, so many interesting plants, great combinations and love all the pots! Bravo!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, almost forgot, definitely a bromeliad, looks like a Neoregelia called 'Big Red'
ReplyDeleteThanks Deanne!
DeleteSometimes I like the look of an empty pot, but that one does bother me, somehow. I wonder if it is the shape, so open, inviting and vulnerable. Most of the ones I see used empty, as focal points, have a curved-in-at-the-top shape (does that make any sense?). I finally put a yucca into mine, and am much happier with it that way.
ReplyDeleteThis makes perfect sense ricki, and I think you're right!
DeleteYummy! So many wonderful color combos and pairings. I'm inspired now.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's what it's all about isn't it!? Yay.
DeleteThe reddish pots and the pomegranates ripening is it for me...stunning container use.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, such skillful use of color.
DeleteVery nice post. Such richness.
ReplyDeleteWish you all could visit it in person.
DeleteMan - Portland rocks! I love all that lushness!
ReplyDeleteI bet walking down that sidewalk on a 90 degree day is an entirely different experience than walking down one in my neighborhood.
DeleteWow! That is indeed a a lovely tours. Beautiful garden indeed. great job!
ReplyDeleteYes, I imagine several people have worked very hard.
DeleteGosh! Another superb garden!
ReplyDeleteYou live amongst some very talented gardeners Loree.
I like the color-theme pots and plants in various areas of the garden. It reminds me of Ravenna Gardens shop - in a good way! I actually like empty pots in the garden, but generally tucked amid plants rather than as a path-centered focal point. It's a really lovely garden though - such thoughtful plant combos, and so lushly planted.
ReplyDelete