The final stop during the 2014 Garden Blogger's Fling in Portland was
the garden of Sampson and Beasley, aka Bella Madrona...
That evening (with nearly 100 other Garden Bloggers, a couple of pugs, a charming bus driver and our fantastic host, Geof Beasley) lives very large in my memory—it was the perfect ending to an excellent event. I visited Bella Madrona again earlier this month, with a group from the
Hardy Plant Society of Oregon.
It was great to be back and to compare what the garden looks like now, to how I remember it back in 2014. Ten years is a long time in a garden! (also, I cannot believe that the Portland Fling was ten years ago. How is that possible?)
There's Geof in the green t-shirt, touring part of our group around the garden.
My Daphne x houtteana bit the dust last summer, I'm glad that Geof's is still doing well.
In case you've never heard of it, Bella Madrona is a private garden about 20 miles south of Portland. Back in the day it was the location of many a party featuring the band
Pink Martini (who wrote and performed the song I linked to at the top of this post). It's approximately 5 acres and was created by Geof and his late partner James Sampson beginning 40+ years ago. I went rather photo heavy in today's post, so I'm going to go light on the text, just enjoy the garden!
Nolina hibernica 'La Siberica'
The gnomes were out to greet people who make it into the lower part of the garden.
The gnome population has exploded since my last visit. A welcome development after some vile individuals trashed the gnome woods several years ago.
This one was my favorite.
Having left the gnomes behind...
Those who attended the
Portland Fling surely have fun memories of the swing that, well, swings out over the ravine. Sadly it was not open for business on this visit.
I've finished walking the garden at this point and it's time to join my fellow visitors for some tasty nibbles and wine on the lawn...
...there were also pug snuggles. That's me and Olive. She was just a 2-year old pup during the Fling visit, now she's a 12-year old senior citizen.
As is her brother Caper.
A sunny May afternoon in a beautiful garden with friends and pugs, what could be better?
— — —
All material © 2009-2024 by Loree L Bohl. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
Loved that garden and thrilled to see it looking so wonderful today!
ReplyDeleteIt really did look fantastic.
DeleteEven ten years later, I remember that garden vividly. Lovely to see some of my favourite features still going strong. Thanks for the reprise, Loree!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome!
DeleteI remember that garden very well. At the bottom of the hill, below the swing was the most amazing Bottlebrush Buckeye Tree, Aesculus parviflora. Made me want one!! I love the Pink Martini CD. Still listen to it.
ReplyDeleteI can't say I noticed the tree, but did you get one?
DeleteWhat a wonderful garden to ramble through and (possibly) get lost in. I appreciated all the decorative elements, which provided interest without distracting from the garden's natural elements, with the possible exception of the gnomes (but then try provided comic relief).
ReplyDeleteDuring the Fling I had to go to the way down back part of the garden to make sure we weren't leaving anyone behind before the buses left, there were a set of three (I think) old wooden chairs lined up down there and it kind of gave me the chills. Like you might get more than just lost. Thankfully I didn't see the chairs this time.
DeleteWhat a wonderful, warm garden, and I'm sorry I missed it. The gnomes are fun, and the entire place looks lush and very welcoming. Thanks for the tour!
ReplyDeleteYou're coming to this year's Fling, yes?
DeleteHow I enjoyed this revisit of one of my favorite gardens from the Portland Fling. I can hardly believe it's been 10 years since that tour though.
ReplyDeleteIt's incredible to think about. Ten years, time flies especially when you're old.
DeleteThis was a lovely stroll back through Bella Madrona. Like other Flingers, I can hardly believe it’s been ten years.I had so much fun planning our final event there, with the delightful help of Geoff Beasley. And sweet to see Olive and Caper are still making the scene!
ReplyDeleteJane this must be you? What a party you put together!
DeleteWonderful memories, Loree. Thank you for bringing us back to this amazing place. A magical garden of delights is how I remember it. And yes...ten years? How did that happen? Time for another Portland Fling?
ReplyDeleteAre you volunteering to be the lead organizer? If so then hell ya!
DeleteThe photo of the two chairs and table blocked by plants speaks to me. No rest for the weary, as they say. I have got to get some seed for Meconopsis cambrica.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many great vignettes in this garden!
DeleteClock reads 4:20 :-)
ReplyDelete-artinnature
You have a good eye.
DeleteWhat a lovely garden, the gnomes made me laugh. Your pugs are adorable!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see it looks every bit as magical as it did during the Fling. I don't know many gardens that deserve to be the subject of a book more than Bella Madrona.
ReplyDelete