Celebrating a birthday

I’m going to start this post with a bit of a disclaimer: if you're not a dog person, or at least a pet lover, you’re going to be rolling your eyes and thinking me insane. You’ve been warned.

We recently celebrated Lila’s 12th birthday. The celebration traditionally includes a small smoked dog bone from a nearby butcher as well as an “adventure” which for her means a ride in the car and a walk in a new neighborhood where there are lots of unfamiliar places to explore, bonus if there are piles of leaves too (pretty easy this time of year). Since Andrew and I were interested in lunch we inquired at McMenamins Chapel Pub and were told we were welcome to set with her outside and they even brought us a heater! Here's the birthday girl and, well, her "dad"...

We ordered just after a group of 25 (baby shower) so it took awhile for our food to arrive (and who am I kidding, MeMenamins is hardy known for speedy service). While waiting, and enjoying a fine glass of wine, I admired the plants from our table tucked just under the eaves. The leaves of their Catalina Ironwood (much funner to say than Lyonothamnus floribundus var. asplenifolius) looked so pretty silhouetted against the white sky.

And even better when I finally got up to walk around and explore a bit.

Tiny cones on a Metasequoia (I think?)

Well what have we here?

A major case of zonal denial! Acacia cognata Cousin Itt, I believe.

Only hardy to 20 - 25F this will be a grand test. A little urban heat island might be enough to keep it alive, if we have a mild winter.

Speaking of mild, the colocasia are still looking good.

This Schefflera taiwaniana was transplanted after a new patio installation was completed earlier this summer. I've been watching to see how it responded. It's not thrilled with the move but doing okay.

It looks like it will be fine long term.

This (on the right) is the biggest Edgeworthia I've ever seen...there could be entire villages lost in there and nobody would know.

No wonder I love the McMenamins plantings...they practice the same "cram-it" style of gardening that I do.

Up close on the right I think that's a Grevillea australis...

I'm only beginning recognize this one so I could be wrong.

Mahonia x media 'Charity', I believe...

And lordy! A gorgeous callistemon ( 'Woodlander's Hardy Red' perhaps) being swallowed by Muehlenbeckia axillaris...oh the horror!

A horror I feel personally as it nearly happened in my garden. I still love Muehlenbeckia axillaris but realize now that it's bent on world dominance.

Seriously.

Thankfully the callistemon seems to be doing just fine, thank you very much.

Flaming ginkgo, with a lovely blue powdery base.

The sexy smooth bark of an Arctostaphylos.

Brachyglottis greyi (Senecio greyi)

Behind the Chapel Pub is an on-site nursery of sorts, I enjoy peeking through the fence to see what they've got going on back there.

Fabulous still life with an over turned rusty cabinet, water pitcher and 4" plant pot...

And off in the distance I discovered a bit of a new plant obsession. Look how those large leaves change color from the top to the bottom of the plant. Any guesses? I inquired and was told Daphniphyllum macropodum. Instant plant lust for sure, even though some may refer to it as the Redneck Rhododendron...

The building next door has been boarded up for sometime.

But the interesting plantings continue down the street and around the corner.

I wonder what they'll do with this space someday?

These sad little opuntia are planted completely around the corner and ripe for vandalism. So easy to pick a pad and toss it.

Opuntia get no respect!

All material © 2009-2013 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.