Working in the garden
center of a big box store you run into many interesting gardeners. As you get to know them some stand out as real gems. One such is Joan and her creative knack lends itself to a whimsical garden.
Walking down her driveway
are some of the biggest hardy fuchsias I’ve ever seen here in Portland.
Joan cuts her fuchsia down about two thirds for the winter and it comes back every year.
This sculpted cotoneastar hedge highlight Joan's creativity. The red berries add great color for fall and winter.
Cleome and nicotiana add
great color and texture to the bed.
Nicotiana
Cleome
Joan remarked how cleome seed pods used to hang heavy along the stems, but only a few line it this season a sign of the ever-dwindling bee population.
Cleome seeds
This brugmansia or angel’s
trumpet usually has more of these pendulous blooms on it by this time of the season, but so far has
only produced a few.
Joan loves animals and her creative garden has attracted this rare zeemingo.
Another critter, the
squirrel, loves her garden too. Joan deploys golf balls, sticks and the
traditional Vietnamese pot traps to deter digging in her potted plants.
This berry crate (left)
makes a great planter along with this smaller look alike.
A comfy place to relax complete with fucshia-haired companion.
Black and blue salvia
This red banana loves it out here, but it's not of the hardy variety and if the temperature freezes Joan puts it in the garage. Love those striking red leaves.
Joan's garden surrounds the backyard creating a beautiful backdrop.
Tall trees offer shelter and
create a private space.
Cryptomeria
Magnolia
Gingko in front of a weeping
pear
Gingko
Weeping pear
Chocolate mimosa
Trumpet vine
Little details catch the
eye. Cotoneaster fills this arbor above a lion head fountain, Japanese anemone and
voodoo lily.
Voodoo lily
Japanese anemone
Great texture and layering
with grass, fern and nicotiana.
Dahlia
Hardy fuchsia
A few potted plants
What a creative and beautiful garden! Thanks for sharing with us Joan!
