Dahlia Fest!

What a beauty - and the dahlia ain't too bad either! That's my daughter who was surprised a flower could grow this big - the dinner plate dahlias are so gaudy and tacky ( I mean that in the best way ; ) . They always have the WOW factor.

Old House Dahlias is in a neighborhood in SE Portland, Or. This business is the result of a passion for plants that has taken over the entire small city lot. You can see the plants in bloom in Sept. and Oct. and order your tubers then. Mark will dig them, store them and call you in the spring when it is time to plant. Talk about buying local and supporting a cottage business!

Old House Dahlias

A Riot of Crazy Color!

Normally, I'm not a huge fan of annuals but how can you not LOVE this happy scene that I came upon in Seaside, OR on the last day of summer? Some gardener is having a whole lot of fun with containers. This entire display is in pots! If someone tells me they cant have a garden for lack of ground to plant it in, I will whip out this picture as inspiration. This gorgeous exuberance is at the Paradise Suites in Seaside at 741 S. Downing St. Apparently the sea air is as good for plants as it is for people.

Garden Art Show

The Cracked Pots Garden Art show near Portland, Oregon is quite the festival. It's held on the grounds of McMenamin's Edgefield and you stroll around the gardens, beer in hand (!), marveling at the creations of mixed media artists. It's really fabulous to see what people can make from recycled materials. That's the rule, they have to use something in the piece that is reused. Metal, wood, stone, garden hoses, glass, wire, cable, etc. The creativity is astounding! If every area had an event like this, imagine all the stuff that would be repurposed and not go to the landfill. Oh, and all the gardens that would be decorated with beautiful, original art - LOVE it!

Zen Garden Sanctuary

Some people really know how to create a sense of place. This stunning garden belongs to my dear friends, Becky and Kris in Astoria, Oregon. The use of large containers, specimen trees and lots of interesting foliages really sets this garden apart. The sounds of water, wind chimes and the breeze rustling the bamboo is all part of the experience. That's what I like in a great garden - the feeling that you get while there and the exciting journey of discovery as you walk through. This gorgeous garden is for relaxing and calming the soul. I feel so fortunate to have spent 3 days taking it all in! I hope you can find your Zen garden experience this summer....

The Shrine to Unfinished Projects

While touring an outstanding garden in Victoria, BC, I came upon this scene in the driveway. A purple moss covered Karmen Ghia with flat tires surrounded by plants still in their nursery pots. It made me laugh out loud - even people with gardeners have their stash of unplanted plants! Instead of hiding them and being ashamed (I hear it so often, there seems to be alot of guilt about not getting your plants in the ground), this garden owner decided to make it a feature. Obviously someone with a sense of humor and healthy attitude about imperfection. Very cool!

Open Gardens

My idea of a great time is to tour other peoples gardens. It's the best way to see new plants, new combinations, learn how they grow them and to see what thrives in your area. Did I mention you meet the nicest people in the garden? Other gardeners who want to share their place are so generous with information and sometimes even plants! Remember to take only pictures (with permission) and leave only footprints. It's so fun to see what other passionate gardeners have created. One warning - you may experience the slightest twinges of the big green monster - like I did when I saw this potting shed ; )