Gardeners have been known brake hard when they happen upon this scene. It’s an ordinary city lot in the Alameda neighborhood located in northeast Portland. As you can well see, the gardener here employs stealth and magic in the tiniest spaces.
You know when you have the thought that there is no room for your latest horticultural heartthrob? Well I’m here to tell you, there’s always room–as evidenced by Skidmore Woods.
I think people’s opinions on this fall into opposite ends of the spectrum, genius or madness. But in all seriousness, why can’t it be both. I LOVE this place. I’ve never been lucky enough to catch the gardener in process, though I do occasionally see evidence that he/she is nearby.
The very front corner shows remarkable restraint. One lovely Lace Leaf Maple. The kitty was there when I visited 2 weeks ago. So sweet and soft. Just like that cute dog Mae Mae I met a couple weeks ago in the Mt. Hood National Forest, I wanted to make her mine. I did not. Because that would be wrong.
I stood behind the maple to take photos of the sidewalk views–looking right to left.
Straight ahead. I’d love to get in there and see how it feels. It must be fantastic.
And the other way, to the north.
Taken as a whole, I’ll admit to the cacophony. But if you narrow your view, there’s a delicious scenario everywhere you look.
These are Cyclamen, right? I’m such a baby with these. Summer dormant confuses me. I’m I alone in that?
This looks like a Daphne to me, but I’ve been fooled before. It looks great, whatever name applies.
Peering this direction feels calming to my eye. It’s those clean lines of bark that settle it down.
Here’s a closer look at the conifer in the foreground. I don’t know my conifers, except Cedrus deodara, because my parents had one. Well, maybe a couple others, but limited knowledge at best.
I may need to disabuse myself of the notion that I don’t like Camellias. I suspect it’s because of all the Camellia in my past trimmed into lollipop shrubs. In Skidmore Woods, I’m reminded of their innate beauty.
and this
and pink ones too.
All shades of pink peeking though here and there.
I take it back. I do like Camellias. I do, I do, I do.
And even when it’s waning, still terrific.
Every little spot is utilized to great effect.
Loads of green on green texture.
Before I developed full-on gardening mania, I toured a woman’s garden and I remember her saying, “I have so much trouble getting plants to stay in their place.” Say what? That’s just crazy talk.
Plenty of space on the garden floor too. Take advantage!
No garden is complete without Epimediums. Lots of them.
More gorgeousity.
And, of course, the glorious Arthur Menzies Mahonia. How do I not have this glorious plant? How about you, is it in your garden?
Can’t resist adding this picture too. The texture is just the best. Hope someone knows what it is.
To recap: yes, there’s room for your latest plant heartthrob. You may recommence planting. You’re welcome.
Cheers