The Portland Yard, Garden, and Patio Show Part One: The Gardens

The Portland show had far fewer gardens this year than in the past few and they seemed to resemble offerings at home shows much more this year but there were still some fun ideas and cool plantings.

Sometimes an effectively placed pot is all the color necessary and it blooms year round!

I'm always attracted to things like this but truth be told, I seldom sit in my garden unless someone comes by to visit.  For me the joy comes at making discoveries while working in the space.

At the Seattle show just last week I attended an interesting talk about gardens that only required maintenance twice a year.  The presenter was a very knowledgeable and interesting plantsman and his presentation included beautiful shots of these spaces.  This easy-care garden style "allows for more time to enjoy the space."  While I admired the environmental friendliness of the style, I wondered if I'd actually go out and sit and admire or if I'd find something else to do with the spare time?

Elaborate outdoor kitchens are all the rage.  My indoor kitchen isn't much larger than this and much less functional.   Although it does have a roof and walls which makes it nicer in the winter. 

What's an outdoor kitchen without an outdoor dining room complete with fireplace?

In my next life or when I win the lottery my garden will be large enough to incorporate something like this.

The wall o water was cool but since we live where this stuff falls from the sky nine months of the year it might seem a little redundant.

I do love a mixed media pathway.

What are your thoughts on torch flowers?

The density of planting and variety of evergreen color is skillfully done here.  Until the plants grow that is.

Bleached stumps as artwork.

Speaking of outdoor rooms, how about a living room?

Fantasy dining room just off another outdoor kitchen. 

Interesting concept.  Behind this was an elaborate outdoor kitchen and a couple of seating areas.  So, one goes outside to commune with nature but they've put in a drive in movie screen complete with surround sound.  Turn off the T.V. in the summer kids!  Aren't we lucky we don't live next door?

One of the aforementioned seating areas so that the grownups can also see the show. 

The kitchen

 Which also has views of the screen.

If one had acres of land and there was still ample space for interesting gardens,  the dogs to run, and the children to play this would work.  Yet I rarely even play music outdoors as it interferes with my enjoyment of the birds singing, bees buzzing, water splashing.  What are your thoughts of these elaborate outdoor kitchens and entertaining spaces?