Monday, March 6, 2023

I finally took photos of "that building"...

For a few years now I've meant to get myself somewhere that I could take photos of this building, named The Tree Farm...

Recently I had reason to stop by the Portland institution known as City Liquidators and bam! There I was, right at the building's base.

I knew of these ginormous metal plant pots long before they were attached to the side of the building, since they were stored at Cistus Nursery for ages. Sean Hogan and Cistus is (of course) behind the plantings, the trees are Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree).

Info taken from a Facebook post by Bruce Hegna: "Aptly named the 'Tree Farm', this building is one giant mural/"wallpaper" dotted with 56 strawberry trees (Arbutus) in giant steep containers on its facades. The building was designed by Brett Schulz for Guerilla Development and sits next to the Morrison bridge and across from the City Liquidators complex." 

"The trees are looking healthy, the containers have performed well. Sean Hogan (Cistus Nursery) advised the design team to select the Arbutus as they can handle the pollution of the city, they are evergreen and can grow in sun or shade and thus good for all sides of the building. Each galvanized steel planter weighs 3,000 lbs. when the soil is saturated! Obviously some engineering work went into this!"

You can watch a video of the final few planters being installed here.

I'm thrilled I happened by on a sunny blue-sky day, as that really sets off the pattern of the building—which is visible from Interstate 5 as it works its way through downtown Portland.

On another topic: I will be in Eugene, Oregon, this coming weekend giving a couple talks as part of the Lane County Home & Garden Show. On Saturday March 11th I'll be giving my talk on vignettes in the garden, and on Sunday March 12th the subject will be growing succulents in the PNW. I'll also be selling and signing copies of my book, Fearless Gardening. You can check out the show guide here. If you're in the area come say hi! 

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16 comments:

  1. Imaginative idea and fabulous execution. It takes the idea of 'green wall' into a different direction.

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    1. That it does! I look forward to seeing more of the building covered with trees.

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  2. This is INSANE--seriously!!

    I'm in awe of the fact that a) these containers are still firmly attached and b) these trees are doing well!

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    1. Ha! I was surprised to read all the negativity on my Instagram post. Evidently this building made a few locals really upset when the trees first went up. Plant abuse!

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    2. Oh for crying out loud! Some people will complain just to complain.

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  3. I would walk on the other side of the street. Wouldn't feel comfortable walking under those planters.

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    1. Thankfully for others who feel like you it's not really in a heavily walked part of town.

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  4. Fifty-six Arbutus in one place is amazing to begin with - but mounting them on the side of a building is hard core! Or insane, as Gerhard said.

    Best wishes with your presentations.

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    1. Thanks Kris, and yes, that's a lot of arbutus!

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  5. Is this visible from the interstate? I think I remember passing this recently.

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  6. That looks really cool. Do you know if they are irrigated?

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    1. They are, otherwise they wouldn't stand a chance in our summer-dry climate.

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  7. Have to agree I’d walk on the other side of the street as well. Mostly creeps me out.

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    1. The best views are front the other side of the street too! ;)

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