A Day in Portland Part Three: A Garden Party at Longview Ranch

 

One of our main reasons for going to Portland was that Jane, aka Mulchmaid was planning an open garden for the Portland area bloggers.  While Alison and I live in a different state, we're sometimes granted special dispensation to participate in the activities of the Portland group.  Jane's garden is glorious and it was wonderful to see it in person. 

Unfortunately, I didn't include anything here for perspective but this eucomis  (Pineapple Lily) is huge! It's taller than waist high and is the largest I'd ever seen. 

Every plant that Jane grows is given ample space, treated well and responds to her masterful treatment. 

 

 

Jane's use of evergreens lets one know that this is a garden interesting even in the winter when the beautiful splashes of color are gone.

You may recall this calla lily from a Mulchmaid post.  It's really beautiful.  Notice how the silver spots on the leaves are echoed by the eryngium and melianthus in the background.

Beautiful bamboo and a huge tetrapanax ease us into the "Northwest Territory," the Mulchman's garden.  While Mulchmaid is fond of exotics, Mulchman, her gardening husband, has built a garden of Northwest natives.  The shady seating area is situated in the Northwest Territory and when I saw all the Portland bloggers, I put down my camera to say hi and forgot to pick it up again.  Fortunately, you can see some great pictures of the NWT here and here.

Love this Dyckia/Pot combination!

 

 

Beautiful variegated  Echium candicans 'Star of Madeira.'  When it's covered with deep blue and purple flowers, it's even more stellar!

Yucca rostrata

 

I understand that this sweet rose by the chimney was left by the former owners of the house. 

 

Here's the Mulchmaid herself being a fabulous host.   

 Thanks, Jane for a delightful afternoon in your gorgeous garden!