Monday, June 23, 2014

Visiting my first open garden of the year...

This year I vowed to be better about visiting the open gardens available to me through membership in the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon (HPSO). In prior years it seemed mid to late summer before I'd finally think to start visiting. This year I visited my first on June 15th...

I knew this garden would be something special because I read it's profile in our local magazine, Portland Monthly, last summer.

The description in the HPSO open gardens book said this is a 2-acre "mostly woodland garden, with natural and developed scree beds in both dry and wet environments on the creek slopes" I also knew (from the magazine article) that the home was likely to be pretty wonderful, it was designed by architect Pietro Belluschi, "a native Italian who helped pioneer a Portland modernism influenced by both Europe and Japan." Although of course the home wasn't open to tour, just the garden. Here was the official garden greeter...

I was tempted to ask if they irrigate the lawn during our dry summers, I decided not to. Some people are very sensitive about the topic.

Yep, there's always an agave...if you look hard enough. In this case I didn't have to look very hard.

I love the off-set pathway.

Looking to my left from the path above. We'll come back around there in just a bit.

Another glimpse of the pond/seating area...

And we're there! I love the maze-like approach.

Garden "artifacts" are so much better with patina.

This fern stopped me in my tracks, it's gorgeous! Anyone know what it is?

There were several bridges across the creek, I had to keep reminding myself to look down as I backed up for the best shot. An 6-ft fall to rocks below is not my idea of a good time.

Finally I emerged from the shady creek area to an open lawn on the opposite side of the home. What a garden to start the "open" season with, the bar has been set high...

All material © 2009-2014 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

39 comments:

  1. This looks like a lovely garden! Is that a swath of Dactylhorizae in your shot that comes just after the 'artifact' with patina? If so, that's quite impressive. There's a fern called sensitive fern/Onoclea sensibilis that resembles the one in your shot, but of course I'm not an authority.

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    1. Funny thing Alison I had no idea what that purple swath was, just thought it was pretty. Lots of others (below) seem to agree with with both of your id's.

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  2. Great photos, and OMG I love that Arisaema!!! Is that A. taiwaniana?

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    1. In the 4th photo from the bottom? I think it's more arisaema.

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  3. What a perfect woodland garden. So many shades of green! Your photos, by the way, are stunning. That's what you get on a beautifully overcast day.

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    1. Ya I'm torn between wishing for bright blue skies during the Fling (because blue skies are beautiful) and overcast because then everyone's photos will turn out better.

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  4. What a splendid garden! So many things and plants to love! I agree with Alison about the fern Onoclea sensibilis aka the sensitive fern, an east coast native. I have it in my garden but it isn't as glorious as the one here, perhaps because mine doesn't get the water it would like to have.

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    1. And space too maybe? This one had lots of room to spread out. Thanks for the ID confirmation!

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  5. I love your Open Garden posts! I have never been able to attend one of our local open gardens and I so appreciate being able to experience them through your lens. Great post!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed Jenni, I'll try to take you on a few more this summer.

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  6. Thanks for posting your tour. There were some very nice vista / views. I think I can use some of them here in my Asian Garden on the shores of Lake Michigan. Thanks much. Jack

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  7. A beautiful garden. I like the way it meandered and offered little surprises. Thanks for sharing your tour!

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    1. Meandered is the perfect descriptor Kris.

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  8. Such a beautiful lush garden with a woodland feel to it. The pond seating area is my favourite, could sit there and relax all day.

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  9. I agree with other commenters about identity of the fern. But what astounded ME was the abundant stand of Dactylorhiza (I think)!

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  10. What a lovely garden...very rich in texture and color. I love the containers and the pool with floating glass balls. I am happy you went on the tour and shared it with us!

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    1. After wandering this garden I decided not to feel overwhelmed with the upkeep of mine. It's huge!

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  11. Fantastic! I love the creek area the best. I agree it looks a lot like sensitive fern to me (that name always throws me, as it seems more sturdy or "insensitive" than other ferns...)

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    1. Agreed! I wonder why it got that name, must do some research...

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  12. This is even better than my idea of paradise!!

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    1. I wish we could have got this garden on the Fling itinerary. Sadly no.

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  13. You picked a good one to kick off what is shaping up to be a crazy-busy touring season. I'm off to sharpen my sleuthing skills by comparing your clues to my open garden book: this one looks like a must-see.

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    1. Sorry Ricki I didn't intend to be mysterious, it's the Kalbfleisch garden.

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  14. What a lovely garden. Arisaemas look so good in a clump like that.

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    1. And that's why I've never bought any. Don't like them alone and can't afford a clump!

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  15. What a lovely garden. Especially as it is something that could be based over here in Scotland.

    The greeter received an "aaah" from Claudia - Lily when I showed her him.

    I reckon the orchid is Dactylorhiza elata. I bought three of them this summer.

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    1. The greeter was the opposite of my dog, so dignified and relaxed.

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  16. love the integration with nature. fabulous.

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  17. I have had the pleasure to be invited to events in this garden and it's a lovely place to entertain. The owners also sell some of their plants (trillium, orchids) at various plants sales (HPSO, Lan Su Garden ). Can't say enough good things about the trillium I have bought from them.

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    1. They were selling at this open garden too, I would have grabbed one of those ferns in a heartbeat, but sadly there were none to be had.

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  18. That is an absolutely beautiful garden. It looks so serene.

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  19. The Podophyllum in the third to the last photo is fabulous. Actually it's all good. Kudos to the gardeners of this fine place.

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  20. Oh, I can't wait to see some Portland lushness soon. You're whetting my appetite, Loree.

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    1. We got a good soaking last night Pam, all in an attempt to keep it green for the "Flingers"...

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