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Although this could very well be a picture of me finding a new treasure at a favorite nursery, it's actually an illustration by David Catrow for a children's book called Plantzilla.

Friday, July 31, 2015

The Garden of Sherril Gerell

On this day when the temperature is predicted to be 92 (33c) in Tacoma, 100 (38c) in Portland, let's visit the  green and restful garden of Sherril Gerell. (high was 65 that day, overcast with a little breeze.)

Side path leading from the front of the house to the back garden.  


"My garden has been a work in progress. It's tucked back against a hill along the Maple Valley Highway."  Cool green thoughts...

Little surprises are tucked in.


As we come to the top of the hill, there is a beautiful field of Horsetail (Equisteum) a fascinating plant for anyone who doesn't have it on their property.  I've seriously thought of trying to introduce it to my garden to see if it would grow among the bamboo rots.  Wouldn't bamboo canes look marvelous emerging from a base of this?

The path kept going but the horsetail became more and more dense so I stopped here to photograph this beautiful snag.  Could you imagine having such a great focal point at the top of a hillside garden deposited by Ma Nature?

Round the other side of the house.

R

Fragrant oriental lily.
 Lots of natives are included in the terraces going up the hill.  Our native sword fern is such a beautiful plant that always thrills me. Crocosmia 'Lucifer' adds a punch of color as does the second glass flower we've seen so far.  I'll bet there's some Reeder influence here.

Coming down he other side of the house.  Notice the Horsetail - there's a stream under all of that.

Concrete elbow joint not far from the stream. 

These river rock edgers bring to mind a rustic (summer camp?) feel. Perfect for a suburban oasis!

I'm feeling cooler already.

"It is a woodland garden, full of ferns, hostas, rhododendrons and azaleas...I've enjoyed learning what I can grow in the shade."

Looking back on the other side.  I'd be so tempted to rescue the stream from the horsetail but it's probably doing a great job of filtering the water as it passes through.
Thank you, Sherril, for opening your lovely green garden for us to share in your learning and enjoy the cool green oasis!

Happy weekend everyone and try to keep cool!
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34 comments:

  1. Anna KJuly 31, 2015 at 7:29 AM

    You're right - that horsetail would look great against bamboo. But I wonder if introducing it wouldn't be a mistake in the long run? Isn't it kind of thuggish? I'd be afraid it might take over...

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    1. outlawgardenerJuly 31, 2015 at 8:14 PM

      That bamboo is pretty thuggish too so maybe they could duke it out. You're right though, probably not a good idea in the long run.

      Delete
  2. Mark and GazJuly 31, 2015 at 7:44 AM

    Oh to have a garden that has many mature trees! The atmosphere must have been wonderful!

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    1. outlawgardenerAugust 1, 2015 at 9:09 PM

      The mature trees are wonderful and, even though we were in suburbia, this felt like we were deep in the woods!

      Delete
  3. Jean CampbellJuly 31, 2015 at 8:15 AM

    Cool woodland. So many small touches so carefully tucked in.

    It's always fun to pit two thugs against one another and let them slug it out. Keep an axe handy.

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    1. outlawgardenerAugust 1, 2015 at 9:11 PM

      It sure is and such a surprise as we were in a development.

      Duke it out! People are advising that this is not such a good idea so maybe no horsetail for me.

      Delete
  4. chavlinessJuly 31, 2015 at 8:34 AM

    Look at that side path! every area, big or small is being used. I love that.
    I'm a bit envious of a garden that are up against a wooded landscape. It makes such an amazing backdrop. Not having that type of natural backdrop myself, it seems all pros no cons. Except perhaps the Horsetail. Your idea it may be filtering water is a clever one. I KNOW you are only kidding about trying it in your garden. Unless you are moving soon...

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    1. outlawgardenerAugust 1, 2015 at 9:13 PM

      The space is certainly well used! So I'm hearing you say no to the horsetail?

      Delete
  5. danger gardenJuly 31, 2015 at 9:15 AM

    Beautiful! I love all the different shades, and shapes, of green. Okay...out to water...yesterday was 103F...

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    1. outlawgardenerAugust 1, 2015 at 9:14 PM

      Such a green garden feels really great on a hot day. 103? That's just too hot!

      Delete
  6. Spiky ObsessionJuly 31, 2015 at 1:39 PM

    Amazing garden, great to have a slope and stream to play with.

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    1. outlawgardenerAugust 1, 2015 at 9:14 PM

      A slope and a stream would be fun to play with! So much horsetail!

      Delete
  7. www.ravenscourtgardens. comJuly 31, 2015 at 3:21 PM

    A beautiful garden...it does looks so inviting and cool. I love the little tucked away surprises.

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  8. AnonymousJuly 31, 2015 at 5:52 PM

    As for the horsetail--no! Don't! I had to use Roundup and a blowtorch to even keep it at bay! Slugs and horsetail are on a par......

    Silver Lake Sue

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    1. outlawgardenerAugust 2, 2015 at 8:06 PM

      Thanks Silver Lake Sue. Everyone's giving me the same advice so no horsetail it is!

      Delete
  9. Gerhard Bock (Succulents and More)July 31, 2015 at 6:05 PM

    I needed a little cooling off, too. So nice to see all that lushness. Around here the dominant color is brown at the moment.

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    1. outlawgardenerAugust 2, 2015 at 8:07 PM

      Glad to share the green lushness. Hope we both get rain soon!

      Delete
  10. Ann BaileyJuly 31, 2015 at 6:54 PM

    So gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!

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  11. Linda ReederJuly 31, 2015 at 10:00 PM

    Yes, there was a bit of Reeder influence there. Sherril and David are members of our NPA neighborhood group, and we taught a little class on glass flower making. We also talked sherrill into opening her garden.. I'm glad you liked it.

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    1. outlawgardenerAugust 2, 2015 at 8:08 PM

      I'm glad you persuaded Sherrill to open her garden, it's really a nice space!

      Delete
  12. AnonymousJuly 31, 2015 at 10:44 PM

    Such a lovely, cool green and relaxing space! I think the little rock edges are so very perfectly rustic - a great complement to a garden with so many wonderful trees

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    1. outlawgardenerAugust 2, 2015 at 8:10 PM

      I wish I'd thought to take a picture of the neighborhood - very nice development but who knew that we'd be treated to a back garden that seemed like it was in the middle of the forest?

      Delete
  13. rusty duckAugust 1, 2015 at 3:34 AM

    That is beautiful. Wish I was nearer, I would be getting a lot of inspiration from that garden. The sword fern is magnificent, I must try and find some.

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    1. outlawgardenerAugust 2, 2015 at 8:12 PM

      Sword fern is an amazing native here and is tolerant of deep shade to full sun, and takes periods of drought in stride, remaining beautiful no matter the circumstances. Definitely worth seeking out!

      Delete
  14. Kris PetersonAugust 1, 2015 at 11:58 AM

    It's a lovely setting for a garden. I hope your temperatures temper.

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  15. UnknownAugust 1, 2015 at 1:42 PM

    Aaaah...perfect escape from this heat wave...thanks!

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  16. NicAugust 1, 2015 at 7:07 PM

    The sword fern really is great - I noticed everywhere on our recent trip to Seattle with a twinge of jealousy.

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    1. outlawgardenerAugust 2, 2015 at 8:15 PM

      It's a wonderful and tough plant that I love to bits!

      Delete
  17. CanadianGardenJoyAugust 2, 2015 at 5:48 AM

    Hello there Peter (the "Hidden Comic") .. I remembered and laughed at that Dorthy Parker poem!
    Too cute my lad ! ... This is a wonderful retreat garden ... all of that horsetail is amazing .. and I like you would love to see more of that stream !
    We are rather hot and muggy here now too .. I am constantly thinking of Fall each day now .. it is terrible to do that I know because come the howling winter I will be complaining of THAT !
    I think gardeners are even more annoying than non-gardeners when it comes to complaining about the weather ?? haha
    Enjoyed this tour .. thank you !
    Joy : )
    PS .. for the giggles too !

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    1. outlawgardenerAugust 2, 2015 at 8:28 PM

      We do like to complain about the weather and I too am looking forward to the return of the rain although by February I'll be dreaming of the dry days of summer again. Glad you enjoyed enjoyed this cool green garden.

      Delete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I love to hear your thoughts.

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