The Birds and the Bees Refuge
Across the street from this triangular lot stands an enormous old deodar cedar, one of many throughout the neighborhoods between SW 78th and 87th and north of White Pine Lane where the 1929 Multnomah Golf Course lay. It may shelter dozens of birds, including the screech owls that sometimes visit. “Mornings are amazing,” says the owner about the corner of the world where she’s been developing a showcase and a retreat since 2008.
In the first years, she did what most new owners do – edit and relocate existing plants as she formulated a plan to create privacy and sanctuary. For inspiration, she went to the Japanese Garden finding bamboos and maples which provide varied height, texture and color year-round. Three years ago, designer Steven Koch, brought new ideas for added structure and those are being incorporated. Japanese style rock paths were recently professionally added around the house.
If the front entrance and very private backyard create sanctuary, the front corner bed offers community. In spring, tall chartreuse euphorbia erupts around the bend. White wisteria climbs along the fence and jasmine and climbing rose weave over an arch where teenagers have come to pose for prom photos. All varieties of sunflowers are sown for the bees in one summer bed, blueberries and strawberries framed by a lavender hedge form another next to a pesto salad garden. The terracing comes from rock found buried throughout the property.
Like many northwest homes, a covered outdoor room allows for almost year-round garden enjoyment. From the patio, the ever-shrinking lawn (over 30% has been removed) is surrounded by multi-layered trees and shrubs: Alaska weeping cedar, paper bark birch. Two coral bark maples, lost to winter draught, will be replaced. In the distance, the ancient cedar watches and endures.
By gardening with no pesticides and using sustainable and green practices, this entire garden is a refuge for all species.
In the first years, she did what most new owners do – edit and relocate existing plants as she formulated a plan to create privacy and sanctuary. For inspiration, she went to the Japanese Garden finding bamboos and maples which provide varied height, texture and color year-round. Three years ago, designer Steven Koch, brought new ideas for added structure and those are being incorporated. Japanese style rock paths were recently professionally added around the house.
If the front entrance and very private backyard create sanctuary, the front corner bed offers community. In spring, tall chartreuse euphorbia erupts around the bend. White wisteria climbs along the fence and jasmine and climbing rose weave over an arch where teenagers have come to pose for prom photos. All varieties of sunflowers are sown for the bees in one summer bed, blueberries and strawberries framed by a lavender hedge form another next to a pesto salad garden. The terracing comes from rock found buried throughout the property.
Like many northwest homes, a covered outdoor room allows for almost year-round garden enjoyment. From the patio, the ever-shrinking lawn (over 30% has been removed) is surrounded by multi-layered trees and shrubs: Alaska weeping cedar, paper bark birch. Two coral bark maples, lost to winter draught, will be replaced. In the distance, the ancient cedar watches and endures.
By gardening with no pesticides and using sustainable and green practices, this entire garden is a refuge for all species.
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