Friday, July 24, 2020

A visit to Felony Flats Botanical Garden...

Welcome to Felony Flats Botanical Garden. This fabulous garden belongs to my friends Eric Peterson and Robert Bringham, the name of their garden is a bit of word play on the fact their garden is located in a sort of sketchy part of town. 

This visit took place late last summer, I was there to take photos and interview the guys for my book

The front garden is Robert's turf, although Eric's influence (for instance, the agaves) is creeping in.



Now we've stepped into the back garden, where Eric's love of spiky architectural plants is obvious...

My first visit to the garden was back in 2014, I was blown away by the fact most of the garden is in containers, I titled that post "The Moveable Garden"

That's still the case (gardening mainly in containers), although since Eric and Robert own the house now some things are transitioning into the ground.

Others—like the extensive agave and aloe collection—remain in containers, so they can be moved into the garage/greenhouse for the winter.

Yes, what was once a garage, is now a greenhouse. The solid roof and sides replaced with glass. One of Eric's first projects upon moving in. Pretty impressive, eh?

Yep, a blooming cycad! This is rare here in Portland, to say the least.

And lush foxtail ferns, Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'.


There are even citrus! Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, or Buddha's hand citrus.

Once you pass the garage/greenhouse you're in a lush backyard paradise...

Turning back to look at the greenhouse...

And panning clockwise around the garden...






Ha! And posing for the camera is Coco, one of Eric and Robert's Yorkshire Terriers (Rusty was feeling a little camera shy).

Perhaps the largest Agave 'Blue Glow' in Portland?

The barber pole was one of Eric's Craigslist scores.

Along with the windmill top.

See that turbine vent/roof vent used as a planter on the right? It came from a garden I wrote about years ago (here), I wanted that thing something awful, it's good to know it ended up in a great garden. Thanks so much you guys for letting me visit again and include your garden in my book!

Weather Diary, July 23: Hi 76, Low 59/ Precip 0 

All material © 2009-2020 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

17 comments:

  1. This is an exciting garden, both now and in 2014. I love the curb appeal of the front door! It's probably better for my finance that I don't own a greenhouse, as garden purchases would have jumped through the (greenhouse) roof! The blooming cycad is perfection, and the seeds later will be amazing too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's practically an obligation to fill a greenhouse if you've got it!

      Delete
  2. Wow, what a sight for sore eyes! Truly an inspiration to go out and do more with our garden!

    Seeing a Dioon was quite a surprise! It must spend the winter indoors.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have never thought about a cycad blooming. What an impressive sight. I have one I have had for years. It is getting to be about that size. I wonder if I will ever see it bloom??? I am truly hopeful to since I have seen your picture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you get to see your plant bloom, it's pretty fabulous when it happens!

      Delete
  4. Not that I needed one, but this is another reason to look forward to publication of your book. I'm surprised at how much I liked the fuchsias with the agaves at the front of the house. As to the greenhouse, I'm so envious...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That front door garden is so over-the-top lush and colorful, how could it not put everyone who sees it in a good mood?

      Delete
  5. Another gorgeous garden. Love the red front door and surrounding plants. Is there a release date for your book yet?

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is the garden of my dreams !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad I got to share it with you.

      Delete
  7. when is your book coming out? I am drooling over this garden.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I pre-ordered your book. Can't wait for it! You help me give my eyes must needed "green." Living here in Phoenix not so much green! Eric and Robert's garden is just perfect to me. I love all the added touches too. It makes it perfect to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, thank you Nancy! And I agree, their garden is wonderful.

      Delete
  9. It's Truly inspiration

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Comment moderation is on (because you know: spam), I will approve and post your comment as soon as possible!