Living Rock Wall

 A few weeks ago I visited the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden to view this classic Portland garden at its seasonal prime. Unexpectedly, the element that pleasantly surprised me was the new rock retaining wall bordering one of the ponds. It is evident that the garden is spending a great deal of resources updating the garden with stone work walls and new path edging.

I love the way the variety of ferns are growing out of the wall, in time they will fill out the space and continue softening the stone work.

Each stone has been cut to fit perfectly together, but thankfully not in perfect rows. Its so much more interesting this way.

For even more visual surprise, he has added round river rock.

An aerial view of the curved retaining wall.

I look forward to visiting next year to not only see this area mature but to check out the other improvements the garden is incorporating.

Some other visitors that day.

A little Love for Rhodys

Its April and all around the valley the Rhododendrons are coming into full bloom. I know your jaded Pacific Northwest responce is "Rhodys! Who cares?", but today's post to remind you of just how great they can be.

Even I have become accustomed to their presence in nearly every garden but have been reminded recently of their redeeming qualities. Last summer I took a out of state friend of mine to the Japanese Gardens and she lamented over these wonderful thick, leathery leaves she kept seeing. I went over and of course she was talking about Rhododendron leaves, whose glossy evergreen foliage had caught her eye.She thought they were great, and they weren't even in bloom. I had to laugh but then it made me think how even in the few years I have lived here I have grown accustomed to them and had joined the masses in dismissing the beauty of this shrub.

I think all our eye-rolling to down right hatred of this poor plant comes from having to deal with overgrown plants that weren't planted in the proper place. So often you see them right up against the porch or blocking all views from the house. These shrubs have grown into property consuming monsters that current homeowners view with loathing. As with all plants the ruling motto should be "right plant, right place".  One can't expect to plop a shrub with a mature height of 15+ feet and not have it do just that. Plus, here in our climate most plants thrive and will grow beyond the average size.

                                                  A great big beauty at Jenkins Estate.

Luckily for contemporary shoppers the sizes, colors, and varieties available are mind boggling. There is a Rhododenron out there that can fit into any landscape. Shop around at your local nursery to check one out, just be sure to read the tag and make sure you have enough room for it to grow to its full potential. Rhodies are easy to prune and can be kept in check for your garden, but that equals a lot more care and diligence that you have to be prepared to give. If you find a bloom you just to have, do a little research, there is a good chance you can find it in the plant size you need.

Even if you don't buy a new Rhody, be sure to take the time to enjoy their blooms this spring. They will surprise you with their color variety, two tone pallet, color fades, and freckled throats.

 

                     I love the way the raspberry colored edges fade into a creamy yellow, Spectacular!

                            Pale lavender with hot pink freckles, tropical flowers for NW gardens.

Some great places to check out Rhododenrons this time of the year:
Jenkins Estate Rhod. Garden
8005 SW Grabhorn, Aloha, OR.

Crystal Springs Rhod. Garden
SE 28th Ave. and Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR.

Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston Ave., Portland, OR.

                                      Two weeping tree forms, compact with an unusual shape.

                                                               Adding color and drama!

Happy Spring!

Snowdrops

My favorite signal that spring is taunting us with hopes of its near arrival is when the Snowdrops pop their white heads from the muddy earth. I try not to get too hopeful; its only mid-January after all, but its hard not to gaze upon with their delicate, drooping heads with just the tiniest bit of wishful thinking.

The Common or Garden Snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, grows best in Zones 4-7 where it has a cold winter period and they appear between January and April depending on your climate.

If you are wanting to add Snowdrops to your garden you will need to plant them in the fall, in well-drained soil, and where it will receive some winter sun exposure.

Snowdrops are great for naturalizing and will spread rapidly to fill in its space. They are a natural in woodland gardens, rock gardens, and filling in perennial beds when nothing else is on display.

There are 75+ Galanthus species and varieties, but since all of them are white there are only a few that are readily available. Try Galanthus nivalis 'Flore Pleno' for a variety with a lovely double flower.