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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.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Checking up on Tacoma's Vertical Garden

French botanist, Patrick Blanc, is well known for his vertical garden designs and Tacoma is lucky to have one of his creations.  I was downtown on Saturday and decided to see what the garden looked like eight years after it's installation.  You can see images of how it originally looked here.

On the way, the plantmobile pulled over so that I could get a better look at this.  I've no idea who made it but it's pretty cool.



In a couple of minutes the plantmobile was at the Goodwill-Milgard Work Opportunity Center where the vertical garden is located.

Near the entrance.  Some people go to great lengths to keep plants warm in the winter.  (Really, these were just overflow items from the Goodwill donation station.)

While there are lots of evergreen elements, the vertical garden has some autumn color showing.


I couldn't figure out what the pink flowering plant was.  It was far too high to identify.  Maybe a miniature rose?

 Gardens evolve over time and the original lines have blurred.  Must remember to return during the growing season.

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10 comments:

  1. chavlinessDecember 4, 2018 at 8:01 AM

    I peeked at the completion photo from November 2009 and the one from the following year. Some lines have blurred, but overall the design held up really well. I wish there was a plant list... a spring or summer return visit would be good for comparison.

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  2. Eliza WatersDecember 4, 2018 at 2:41 PM

    I love living walls - such a great concept!

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  3. Kris PetersonDecember 4, 2018 at 5:27 PM

    It doesn't look too bad! Impressive, especially in your climate.

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  4. Lisa at GreenbowDecember 4, 2018 at 5:47 PM

    It looks like a fall garden. I am always in awe of these vertical gardens. I have enough trouble with a normal garden.

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  5. Beth at PlantPostingsDecember 4, 2018 at 6:30 PM

    I like it in all the seasons. Got a chuckle out of the fan and the iron and your comment about the potted plants. :)

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  6. Linda ReederDecember 4, 2018 at 8:16 PM

    I usually see succulents in vertical gardens. This one is so substantial, and rather amazing.

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  7. danger gardenDecember 4, 2018 at 9:33 PM

    Thanks for the update! Next you need to make a trip to Paris to check out his creations there...

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  8. JasonDecember 7, 2018 at 12:55 PM

    All very cool, especially the Junkosaurus!

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  9. UnknownNovember 17, 2020 at 4:04 PM

    Peter, It's been a while since you've entered much here. I was in Tacoma recently working on the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital Festival of Trees fundraiser. Drove past Mandarin Stained Glass and wondered how you are doing. You taught a class I was in and felt a friendship with you.

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    Replies
    1. outlawgardenerNovember 17, 2020 at 4:40 PM

      Oh my goodness, it's so nice to hear from you. I'm doing well but until covid is controlled, no classes at Mandarin. I'm surprised that they'll still be able to do the festival of trees. If you click the contact me tab somewhere on here, it'll take you to my personal email. I'd love to hear what you're up to!

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