L.H.'s fantastic Vancouver Garden

In the booklet handed out with this June '23 event it stated that "L.H." (they used her full name) asked those touring her garden not take photos—consequently I almost didn't make this stop. There were more gardens to see than time to see them, and if I couldn't take photos, well, maybe it was not worth it. Naturally curiosity got the better of me... 

Once there I got to chatting with L.H. and she relaxed, deciding photos were okay, as long as there were no identifying features publicized (her name, address). Thank goodness, as there were may wonderful things in this garden that I want to share.

Bam! Is that red or what? I asked the name of the flower as I wasn't familiar with it. Sadly I do not remember what I was told.

I do love it when ferns pop up in unexpected places.

From the event booklet: "This is a classical English garden which reflects the 100 year old Tudor Craftsman house. The garden is crowned by a magnificent multi-stemmed Magnolia × soulangeana 'Rubra' estimated to be 80 years old. It took 40 years to achieve what you'll see. The garden densely planted...has a steep grade. There is a water feature which consists of 3 ponds and stream covered by a steel rill. All were hand dug to protect the magnolia and prevent soil compaction." 

Astrantia, I believe.

This looks like an adiantum, a maidenhair fern, but yet it's also different than the typical western maidenhair. What I don't know about ferns is a lot.

There's the rill crossing the lawn, and we're standing under the Magnolia × soulangeana referenced in the garden description. There were a couple of blooms on the tree, but they were too hidden by the leaves to get a good photo.

I love this so much!

I wonder if she ever has issues with raccoons, I didn't think to ask when I had her ear.

Magnolia arm.

Such a handsome old tree.

I love the industrial look to the metal cover. I'm not sure the style really fits in this garden, but it would in mine.

Small children could get lost in that gunnera.

No raccoon damage there.

Acanthus spinosus, I believe.

I never did figure out how to get back into that corner. Perhaps the point.

There were a staggering number of clematis in this garden, weaving in and out of things.

These next two images of very happy Blechnum penna-marina (Austroblechnum penna-marina) hint at why my plants aren't terribly happy.

It's said to be drought tolerant, but it certainly appears to like moisture.

At the top of the steps I turned to look backwards at where I'd been.

I love the foliage, but that red certainly pops.

Where the water begins its journey down through the garden.

I used to not like aeonium on tall stems. Now I adore them.

 

Oh! There's my agave! (there's always an agave if you look hard enough...)

But wait, something even more interesting...

Pyrrosia on a rock! I can't remember if I shared this previously here, or on Instagram, but I was in AWE! I know many pyrrosia grow as epiphytes or lithophytes in their natural settings but this definitely drove that home (and also encouraged much experimentation).

Greenhouse behind the garage.

Upper level...

Turned around and headed back down towards the street now.

Bye bye pyrrosia on a rock (and agave).

I don't remember if these were plants in holding, or plants for sale...

A parting glance...

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All material © 2009-2024 by Loree L Bohl. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.