One of the many delights working at Joy Creek is getting invited to the garden our fearless leader shares with his partner. I foolishly left my good camera at home so we will have to settle for phone pix. Pictured above are Anna, Monica, Maurice (showing us around) and Yohanna.
The drive leading away from the house is flanked by lavender on one side and a mixture of remarkable trees, shrubs and perennials on the other. Beyond the cultivated areas the landscape opens into natural beauty as far as the eye can see.
Hardscapes like this elegant stairway lend an air of permanence to the functional aspects of the garden.
Monica gives an idea of scale to this formal area, as does Yohanna, further along the path in the distance.
More of that formal section…and there’s Gina in the foreground.
This shade garden is representative of the dense planting throughout the garden. These are no ordinary plants either, though Maurice is not above using a tried and true item wherever appropriate.
I almost missed getting a shot of George, but there he is on the far right. He claims that he is the gardener, while Maurice is the plantsman. However they divide their efforts, they have conspired to create a piece of heaven on earth. I’ve been kicking myself for not getting many more and better photos but if we’re lucky we might get invited back, when I won’t make that mistake again.
A gorgeous garden. Of course, I’d expect nothing less from Maurice and George. Love that cute dog, too!
The dog’s name is Ricki…makes for the occasional confusing conversation.
I think I’ve been lucky enough to see this garden myself some years ago. If it’s on Sauvie Island, that’s the one. It’s a really special place, if so. Lucky you, to see it now!
Yep…good luck all around. Like all gardens, it is always evolving so repeat visits make sense.
Thank you for sharing the photos you did take, theirs is a garden I’ve long wanted to see!
Maybe that could be arranged. These are generous guys.
Ricki, I’m glad you got these, no matter what camera! I love that garden. Seriously one of my favorites in Portland.
Indeed! All that accumulated knowledge put to good use.
Beautiful garden – I love that curved stone stairway.
That was one of my favorite features as well.
I’ve been meaning to write and ask how you’re doing. Your surgery and recovery must have went well which makes me very happy as I’m sure you are too.
This looks like a wonderful garden. Ooh, to have that much space!
Thanks, Grace. I’m doing well. One hip replacement to go and I’ll be all patched up and ready to go. I appreciate your kind thoughts.
Oh Ricki, you beat me to it! Great post of a wonderful evening. I especially love that you got a shot of that fabulous, curving stairway, and the lavender hedge. I don’t think I managed either of those. I think we all need to go back during the day some time and get more pictures. I remember panicking as night fell around us… So many great vistas!
Your photography skills far outstrip mine, so I look forward to seeing your post (there will be one?)
I think you need to get another invite and take more photos !
My sentiments exactly, Linda.
This place looks grand. Always fun to peek into other gardeners’ worlds. Take care. I see from comments you’ve been recovering. All the best.
These gardeners’ world is beyond gorgeous. I hope to do it justice in some future post. Thanks for the healing words, Susie.