Friday, May 22, 2009

A Pacific Northwest Paradise

Today I walked a lush, fragrant, sumptious garden I used to visit as a child. The first place I tasted a cherry tomato right off the vine, and rode a zip line through tall maple trees! This garden was created by Sharon and Mike, my neighbors from my childhood home. The garden stands within a beautiful forest, with fountains, handblown glass ornaments and plants I've never seen or heard of before. What an amazing tour. I hope you enjoy this glimpse at their labor of love for the past 35+ years.

The Deciduous Azaleas were stunning. I'm converted.

See what I mean?

They planted and pruned this tree. It's incredible.

There is mystery through here...

This Hosta came from my great grandmother's garden, transplanted to my grandmother's garden, then to my mom's garden and finally, here it thrives in Sharon's garden.


A nice bent twig fence.

Carpets of blossoms.






















Twisted, cracked tree trunks stand eight feet tall. A perfect foil for delicate foliage.










At the heart of the forested garden is a sunny clearing with Azaleas, Lilies, grasses, vines and much more...

It's such a surprise to step into this part of the garden.












A twisted branch from a walking stick tree pruning will now be the trelis for a Clematis Vine.









The dahlia garden in the distance.

A fragrant single petaled Peony.

A sunny Rose garden including three knock-out roses, sedums, rhubarb stepping stones, heathers, a water fountain and more.










Scrutinizing Hydrangea buds for wedding flower candidates!





Trespassers will be composted.

They make a gorgeous mulch here. I have mulch envy!

And possibly the best part saved for last: A worm bin!