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

at the Portland Japanese Garden.

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

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

Old Germantown Gardens, #GBFling14

We're continuing on Day One of the Portland Garden Bloggers Fling 2014, 

going strong, and ready to soak in more beauty and knowledge.

We were in for a treat, at the Old Germantown Gardens.

There was a beetle Bug near the driveway's island garden,

but no IPM was needed in this case.

One of the owners of the property

gave us a history and overview of the gardens.

And then we began our walk through the nearly 2-acre hillside garden.

 

After learning about Inulas at Joy Creek Nursery,

it was interesting to see and identify them in these gardens.

I think this is Inula magnifica,
whose leaves can grow to 3 feet. 

Janet, of The Queen Of Seaford blog, 
 was kind enough to be a hand model to show the size of this plant.

 I love the brilliance of the leaves of the honey locust against the blue sky.

It is a real focal point in the gardens.

Flowers. A favorite of mine, Eryngium, center in the distance.

I have such a fascination with fasciation.

There were so many beautiful views.

And wonderful, artful accents.

The combination of the Euphorbia and this Inula,
with their yellow and brown colors,
played off each other so well.

This beauty beckoned everyone who walked by.

Watch out, spiky plants!

Looking up at the house.

A great place to sit, don't you think?

Never mind sitting, how about this stand of bamboo?

But no more standing around now,
we're off to the Westwind Farm Studio next!

See you then!
~Kit Aerie-el