Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Wordless Wednesday - Holiday CAT



When a sewer project gives you an unexpected ornament in the yard,
decorate it!

Please click here to find links to other Wordless Wednesday images 
from around the world.

Happy #WordlessWednesday and 
#HappyNewYear !

~Kit Aerie-el

Monday, November 10, 2014

International Rose Test Garden - #GBFling14

Leaving the Portland Japanese Garden
you descend to the International Rose Test Garden.

You pass through a curtain of evergreens,

and catch a glimpse of Portland in the distance below the Garden.

Looking back from where you've been
there is no evidence of the Japanese Garden in the hill above.


There is a lovely water feature/sculpture that attracted children and adults,
especially on the hot summer day.


There are many paths to choose to explore.

One of which leads to the Gold Medal Garden, 
where the Gold Award roses live.

There is a greeter here too. Did you see him?

I had to take a selfie with him.

Below is an image of the plaque in front of the greeter's feet.
It's a little difficult to read because of the lighting, sorry.


Looking out over the expanse of roses and plants.


Corona Tools had a display and information 
about some of their loppers and other tools.
One of the bloggers had a chance to try one of them out
on a very thick branch. She sliced through it like it was butter.
Corona Tools also gave each of us a really nice,
sturdy scoop in our swag bag. Thanks @CoronaTools!

Time ran short and I missed shooting close-ups,
so I've included shots of two beautiful roses below from a previous visit.



The Rose Garden is a place I'd enjoy returning.
Our next stop on this Fling is the McMenamins Kennedy School,
a really lovely repurposed school building and grounds.

Until next time,
Happy Gardening!

~Kit Aerie-el

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Portland Japanese Garden - #GBFling14


You walk up a gently rising path though old cedars and lush green vegetation
to gain entrance to the 5+ acres of peace and tranquility


This Garden almost overwhelms the senses, in a most sublime way,
from the moment you step through the entryway. 

 
The Garden includes three main elements: stone, water, and plants.
Simple, right?
No, not even close to simple when you learn more about
the meaning of the designs, 
of each stone, sculpture, water feature, and plant. 
There are so many layers and meanings, 
but it really boils down to giving you that feeling,
a feeling of one with nature, a part of this incredible planet,
from the paths you walk to the landscape that surrounds you to the canopy above.

The following are some of the images (click on them to view them larger)
 I captured during that hot, sunny, summer day in July.
Please take your time, and soak in what you can from these shots.
Even better, make a visit, and gain your own peace within.






 




Look beneath your feet, and you will also find interesting textures
and combinations of materials.



Shadow Play
Do you see a face in the shadows above,
or perhaps something else?






This is probably one of the most photographed trees in the Garden. 
There was a constant flow of people photographing it from outside, 
and in.












And now, one last look from the Japanese Garden of Portland and Mount Hood,
and we're off to visit the International Rose Test Garden next!

Until next time, 
I wish you many happy garden visits and memories.

~Kit Aerie-el

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Wordless Wednesday - Halloween




Happy #Halloween Wordless Wednesday!

Click here for more WW images.

~Kit Aerie-el


Monday, October 13, 2014

Westwind Farm Studio - #GBFling14

We departed the Old Germantown Gardens
(if you missed it, please click here to see that post)
for our final garden tour of day 1 of the Garden Bloggers Fling #GBFling14:
Westwind Farm Studio.

The hills were alive with music, lavender,
and bloggers making their way to the main home and gardens!







Gathering in the shade for some refreshments and

a short talk by John Greenlee about the history of the property,
and the transformation to make it an attractive setting for wildlife.
The time flew by, and it seemed there was little time to meet and visit
with other bloggers. But I was so pleased to have met three
of those pictured above. They are
Lisa of Descubriendo hojas,
Pam Penick of Digging, and Penick Landscape Design,
and Kristin of That Bloomin' Garden and Ladner Community Garden.

Then we all set out to wander acres of beauty.




I loved the combination of Monarda and grasses.
Some of the other Garden Bloggers published some great shots
of bees and hummingbirds that were attracted to the Monarda flowers,
however I only got one little bee coming in for a landing in the middle shot above.

Speaking of grasses, the golden seed heads were spectacular against the sky.

The home was nestled with plants, giving it a one-with-nature look.

I love cattails. It was fun to see them growing here.
To read about native cattails, click here.

Approaching the walk up to the greenhouse,
large swaths of plants dwarfed the people nearby.


The stairs to the greenhouse were tucked into a sea of colors.




Inside the greenhouse there was a gorgeous variety of plants.

The yoga/exercise/guest house was so inviting.

From the other side of the partition,
you could feel any stress melt away.
The structure was so organic.

One of the views from the yoga house above,
and another below.


Exiting, the views continue....


Many bloggers took advantage of the pool's cool water
on the blisteringly hot day.

A simple but elegant entry garden to the front door
was beautiful and welcoming.

But the time had come to depart, and we did so,
with one last gaze over the meadows and valley.


  I look forward to sharing posts of Day 2 garden tours
the Portland Japanese Garden,
International Rose Test Garden,
McMenamins Kennedy School,
Danger Garden,
JJ De Sousa Garden,
and Chickadee Gardens.

Until then, Happy gardening to you!

~Kit Aerie-el