I’ve been talking about paths and patio ever since we moved into our mid-century ranch house some 2+ years ago. I’ve consulted with trained professional, gotten sketches, drawn my own diagrams, saved a million examples on Pinterest. Sometimes it seemed all I was ever going to do is talk. And then I found inspiration.
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!
How about you?
I’ve had so many great plants that give me cheap thrills and chills. Plants that were easy and relatively inexpensive. Why then, do I not have said plants growing out there right now? Last week, I showed you my pot ghetto, and honestly, what’s the big deal? Get the plant. Put it in the pot. But noooo. (more…)
Remember last week when I said this week I’d continue with part II. Well, I’m to hell and gone from Cartagena. We’d been waiting on our contractor for a patio project, then suddenly the crew touched down. They’re making terrific progress, and we love it. (More on that later.)
To think of the plants I’ve babied along, knowing in a dim corner of my brain that its days are numbered. But once the synapses fire in earnest, stand back. Mind you, I don’t always record the before scenario–because once I get it in my head it’s okay to get the ax, I need to act fast–in case I lose my nerve. Funny, the things that nudge me down the gardening path. No straight logical line. How about with you?
We want to wish our cohort Loree all the best as she sets sail for new shores. It’s been a grand adventure working with her, and we’re thrilled with everything we’ve accomplished together. With Loree’s help, we built from just an idea, to a robust online catalog of some 34,000 plants and 80 contributing nurseries.
And of course, we’ll be keeping an eye on Loree at danger garden. Not to mention, we know where she lives.
We’re getting a terrific break in weather out here in the Pacific Northwest. It’s perfect for gardening–coolish, cloudy mornings, and sunny afternoons. Yesterday, we had rain, and it’s supposed to last a few days–much to the chagrin of William, the household autosport enthusiast. 2016 Vintage Races at Portland International Raceway this weekend.
The gardens, they are exploding.
How could I have even considered taking out our apple tree?
This is why you shouldn’t make big decisions after you first move into a place. Ms. Mulch Maid discouraged me mightily, and I’m glad she did. No matter how determined I was at times to get that tree gone, Ms. Mulch’s opinion always held sway.
Flower or seed head: debating which I like more. As you can see, it’s a tough choice. Right now I’ve got Cirsium occidentale planted next to Echium wildpretii, a happy accident, aka a place where I could still see dirt.
I’ve got a feeling both plants will have seeded to their hearts’ content, so come next year, look out. It’s amazing how jam-packed the Sea of Juniper has gotten already. It seemed so well behaved when I started.