An Experimental Botanist's Garden
These owners bought their 1930s homestead for its long southern exposure on .75 acres with the immediate intention to grow sun loving and tender plants. First they removed the traditional front lawn lying to the southeast and replaced it with winding paths and sectional beds. Note the desert plants and succulents above the road to the east, overwintered with a bevy of orchids in David’s working greenhouse. To the right of the walkway is a bog-bed filled with water loving plants such as the giant leafed gunnera. Further east lies the Japanese bed which showcases small maples, a grove of Tetrapanax “Steroidal Giant” beasts, and other ornamentals.
In stage two, they built the “farm” section, a no-till garden where he planted two rows of fruit trees: apples, pears, peaches, greengage plums, and a bed of raspberries, blackberries and grapes. Four long raised beds, covered annually with a few inches of cow manure and plant green compost foster vegetables started in the greenhouse. Under the front window, heat lovers thrive: eggplant, ginger, and citrus trees. The new greenhouse extending west from the main house will be filled with plants and a long dining table, but is not for “working.” Instead, peak into the “orchid house” where tender plants and trees spend the cold months and where the propagates or starts many of the plants now growing in the garden.
The back yard reflects old Portland with its large rhododendrons, camellias, Southern magnolias and a specimen mimosa tree. There’s a playhouse and a treehouse and a bit of lawn. An existing hillside rock garden, weeded and replanted with drought tolerant herbs, looks down on the chicken coop. Continue around the house to find the ornamental area with clematis, dogwood, jasmine, and yew.
As with all experimental gardens, this one demands observation and editing as the owners push the limits of what will thrive and what proliferate in our changing clime.
In stage two, they built the “farm” section, a no-till garden where he planted two rows of fruit trees: apples, pears, peaches, greengage plums, and a bed of raspberries, blackberries and grapes. Four long raised beds, covered annually with a few inches of cow manure and plant green compost foster vegetables started in the greenhouse. Under the front window, heat lovers thrive: eggplant, ginger, and citrus trees. The new greenhouse extending west from the main house will be filled with plants and a long dining table, but is not for “working.” Instead, peak into the “orchid house” where tender plants and trees spend the cold months and where the propagates or starts many of the plants now growing in the garden.
The back yard reflects old Portland with its large rhododendrons, camellias, Southern magnolias and a specimen mimosa tree. There’s a playhouse and a treehouse and a bit of lawn. An existing hillside rock garden, weeded and replanted with drought tolerant herbs, looks down on the chicken coop. Continue around the house to find the ornamental area with clematis, dogwood, jasmine, and yew.
As with all experimental gardens, this one demands observation and editing as the owners push the limits of what will thrive and what proliferate in our changing clime.