Richard has a passel of Estonian cousins who were converging in Portland for a big family reunion. I knew about this a year in advance and had visions of getting the whole garden ship shape by the first of October.
Hah! You know what they say about best-laid plans. At least I had enough sense to concentrate first on the approach to the house. Delusional Drive was fully weeded and looking pretty darn good, if I do say so.
Once I accepted the fact that that was as far as it would get, I put out a few banners to dress up the drive a little more…
…and let it go at that.
Once they reached the front deck, there was plenty of food and drink to distract them from the flaws in the rest of the garden.
And after all, the point of the gathering was to catch up and retell the fascinating stories that make up the family lore.
R did conduct a few tours, primarily of the forested area, where Mom Nature never needs to apologize for her gardening skills.
Then it was off to Neskowin, a charming little beach town on the Oregon Coast.
Beachcombing, of course, but wandering the lanes here are a treat for the horticulturally inclined.
Cottages have ruled for years but new construction is often upscale and modern, with landscaping to match.
The cottage gardens tend toward the blowsy and colorful.
This gardener was not shy about the use of color.
The use of driftwood and stones establishes pride of place.
Coastal storms have a way of sculpting trees into works of art. Often they are the only ornamentation needed.
Here the remains of a tree support a collection of whirligigs to turn in the wind.
A fitting farewell to the beach and the cousins: sunset looking out to sea with Proposal Rock in the background. this year I really really do hope to whip this garden into shape.
Oh my goodness, the view from that beach town is spectacular! And the gardens are fun, too! I think your garden looks great, and as you say the point is to visit and catch up, anyway.
Well, I only showed the good parts, but thanks.
OMG, Neskowin is my favorite beach town! My hubby & I fell in love with it the first time we saw it. So unique and special. Do you rent a place there?
A group of architect friends went together on a cabin that we rent regularly enough to have it feel like a home away from home.
Oh , I like Estonians ! Haven’t met any since I left the Uk ! I’m sure they were impressed with your lovely place.
Delusional Drive looks fabulous !
Estonia is such a small country that I am surprised by how many Estonians I have come across in life. Some of the family stories are most entertaining.
OMG, I love, love, love Neskowin! My hubby and I fell in love with it years ago when we first saw it. It’s a very unique and special place. We even looked at property in the area way back when we were looking, but decided we didn’t want to live at the beach year round. Hope you get more time for your garden this year!
I’ll bet you got messages making it seem that your comment did not go through. I haven’t been able to troubleshoot that but, as you can see, it seems to work.
OMG, I love, love, love Neskowin! My hubby and I fell in love with it years ago when we first saw it. It’s a very unique and special place. We even looked at property in the area way back when we were looking, but decided we didn’t want to live at the beach year round. Hope you get more time for your garden this year!
I’m with you there: the beach is best as a getaway. Neskowin is perfect for its lack of commercialism.
OMG, I love, love, love Neskowin! My hubby and I fell in love with it years ago when we first saw it. It’s a very unique and special place. We even looked at property in the area way back when we were looking, but decided we didn’t want to live at the beach year round. Really hope you get more time for your garden this year!
Hi Gina! Just came back from catching up on Fernhaven. I’m hoping I signed up for email notifications when you write new posts by checking the “notify me of new comments” box.
What a lovely visit the cousins must have had, and I’m sure your garden did not disappoint.
We’re always the harshest judges of our own, no?
That crockery tower is rather fun – never seen that before. Lots of vibrant colour and an easy focal point.
I’ve seen similar towers but this one was especially, as you say, “vibrant”.
I can’t imagine your guests were in any way disappointed with your hospitality or your garden. Neskowin looks wonderful – I have not yet visited it. It goes on our list of *must-sees*…
I’m thinking Neskowin is just your kind of place!
So sorry Ricki! I did keep getting error messages so I didn’t think my comments were getting posted. Please delete the duplicates including this one! 🙂
I’m the one to apologize…should have fixed that glitch ages ago.
Your garden looks amazing, Ricki! Do you mean to tell me they were too engrossed with the food to notice? The banners add a special touch. Just lovely.
The food was being used as a diversionary tactic. There were two gardeners in the group who were not to be deterred. You know how that is.
Lol, Ricki—diversionary tactics on delusional drive! Love it!
Your driveway, yard, porch look extremely inviting. Do you personally know the Nescowin owners? Dreamy sunset shot. Ending like a Hollywood movie.
Yes, the owners are friends…need a rental? Hollywood ending…I like that!
Oh Ricki, you and your garden are flawless! Neskowin looks like a wonderful beach town and that last image is gorgeous!
I blush.