ARTICLE BY: NANCY GOLDMAN

Nancy Goldman is an active member and past president, and board member of HPSO. She leads HPSO tours, and is instrumental in putting on our large programs. She gardens in NE Portland, and regularly opens her garden to members. Lucky us!

***

Oh I do love gardening, especially in the Pacific Northwest. I was born and raised in North Dakota and also spent time in northern Minnesota where gardening is, at times, challenging. I do appreciate the prairie and it is a great place where tomatoes ripen and zinnias and petunias excel. But upon moving to Oregon I quickly realized there was a much wider and broader plant palette.

Photo of Nancy in North Dakota

I’ve been a member of the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon for over 25 years. This organization has a plethora of opportunities for gardeners and anyone interested in horticulture… from plant sales to workshops, from speakers to tours, and a big perk is visiting other member’s open gardens. If you are not a member I encourage you to check us out and join. There’s something for everyone and it’s a group of gardeners from all levels who are happy and willing to learn and share experiences.

HPSO Open Garden Sign

I live and garden in NE Portland at Nancyland. Our property is a lot and a half and I’ve been busy filling the space. The front garden, open to the public, has everything from trees and shrubs to perennials and annuals. The back garden is much larger and features over 40 containers along with a bevy of other plants.

Front Garden – Photo by Phillip Oliver

Jeffrey Bale mosaic in the hell strip – designed with found objects

Unique spider on closeup on ‘Miss Lucy’ lily – photo by Craig Quirk

Unidentified dahlia enjoying it’s place in the front garden

Although the garden as a whole gives me pleasure I tend to focus on the details. If you know me you won’t be surprised by that! Even when I visit other gardens I often focus on the details… little treasures, plants up close and personal, and the artistry of a well placed garden accoutrement. Personally I am always looking for new ways to incorporate these things in my own garden. Some of these elements are high heeled shoes planted with succulents, “faces”, and even a sink provided by Sean Hogan, noted horticulturist, planted with shade loving plants. One man’s treasure is another man’s delight!

Containers in the back garden

Close up of colocasia in container in the back garden

Another Jeff Bale mosaic adding color and sparkle to the back garden – photo by Phillip Oliver

“Planted” shoes filled with succulents – a good use for high heeled shoes! Yes, they do have drainage holes drilled into the sole of the shoes.

One of my favorite “planted” faces

Sweet Papillion Jacques enjoying the garden. Quarter ten gravel is our friend! – photo by Janet Loughrey

Is a dog an accoutrement? Yes, I think so!

Jacques loving the garden and enjoyed his favorite pastime – stealing slippers!

My garden is open for this year’s HPSO’s Garden Conservancy Tour on July 14th. Become a member, and Please check out the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon website, hardyplantsociety.org, and come visit.

Hummingbird captured in flight while feasting on mahonia ‘Charity’

*Featured photo at the top of the post by Loree Bohl