I am a long time proponent of the one-plant-per-pot style of container gardening. Even with succulents I prefer to keep it simple and let that one strong plant stand alone — all the better to appreciate its features. However as I’ve said before (for example here) never say never… (more…)
My business partner Megan has said, “There is no such thing as a bad plant, just plants used badly.” I’m pretty sure she’s on to something.
Some plants get a bad rap because they’re work-horses, standards used over and over again, often in commercial settings where they’re abused – and thus not looking their best. Some plants become representatives for an entire genus, like the ubiquitous rhododendron foundation plantings seen in front of every third house in my Portland neighborhood. How many casual gardeners have the opportunity to discover unique rhododendron species, those beyond the common? And some plants are disliked simply because familiarity breeds contempt. In my case the conifer I grew up with, Pinus ponderosa – growing everywhere in my native Eastern Washington – was so ever-present and looming, they turned me against conifers in general.
As those of you who read my personal blog (danger garden) know – and are probably sick of hearing about – I opened my garden as part of a fund-raising tour last weekend. One of the frequently asked about plants was the Callistemon viridiflorus. Some of those asking expressed shock it was hardy here in Oregon, followed by a sort of disapproving grunt and something about “growing them in California, why would I want to grow it here!” I’ve heard a similar reaction from others who’ve grown up surrounded by “bottlebrushes” they don’t feel the attraction that I do…
A never fail line my daughter uses on me, “It’s so handy to tuck in.” It doesn’t matter if it’s a tiny Bolax gummifera or a Stewartia chinensis, I fall for it every time. The good news, I’ve never been sorry. Megan is right: so many plants are handy for tucking in. (more…)
I’ve always want to go on the annual Catio Tour here in PDX, but something always comes up. Like I don’t get a ticket. My friend Cathi is not like me. So this year, when I blah blah blahed about wanting to go, Cathi sprang into action and signed us up.
I love getting into other people’s gardens. And when the gardener is also a professional designer, it’s an extra dose of fun. This weekend, Vanessa Nagel-Gardner opened her personal as part of the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon Open Gardens 2016. It’s a terrific opportunity to see fabulous gardens, and for a joining fee of $35, an absolute bargain. You can tour April thru October around Portland environs, so check your local listings for opportunities near you.
I’d like to take a moment to thank all you terrific gardeners willing to host these events. We all know how much work goes into it. Such generosity exists!
Initially this post was going to be the 3rd in my “never say never” series. After all I never thought I would be planting Begonias in my garden, and certainly not in my much loved chartreuse Circle Pot. But then I realized it wasn’t so much about breaking the Begonia barrier as it was having fun.
There appear to be a few reoccurring themes on this blog, and in my gardening life. First up…”never say never” – just because you’ve not cared for a particular plant doesn’t mean you won’t find yourself falling for it’s charms someday. Megan recently admitted to buying a Fuchsia and I’ve somehow found myself embracing ornamental cabbage and kale. The latest example? I spent a couple of hours last week at the Portland Chinese Garden celebrating Mumvember…
Occasionally, Xera Plants in Portland hosts a plant sale from Gossler Farms, which means we get to shop two excellent nurseries at once. Gossler Farms is worth the trip, but it’s a two hour trek from Portland, so I don’t get over there as often as I might like.
I just love it when I’m driving down the street on some uninspired errand, when I spy the house of an obvious mad gardener. Even better when I have time to stop and poke around for a closer look.
This garden makes me happy. Clearly the person who lives here loves plants. They are gifted in a way I envy. They’ve densely packed the garden with a diverse living privacy screen that’ll look good all year round, all without looking like a hoarder.
Plant Lust helps gardeners find super cool plants from independent nurseries. Search over 70 fantastic nursery catalogs in one place. Shop Now