Designers Garden Tour 2017
/Lots of ideas to inspire
I have the pleasure of not only belonging to the Association of Northwest Landscape Designers, I'm also heavily involved with their Garden Tour each year. As none of my gardens are in the mix this year, I was free to relax at the sneak peak showing for the volunteers and media last week. It was a lovely day, with lovely gardens—fresh, clean and elegant—and lots of ideas to inspire you.
(Ticket info here)
I am most happy to share some of my favorite photos of these thoughtfully designed gardens. I played with some new photo editing...and learned that every screen & monitor I own reads completely differently. (Will need to fix that!) Feedback welcome as to how they look on your screens--or anything else for that matter. I enjoy reading your comments.
Please note that not all the Tour gardens are as well-represented here as I would have liked--not because they are unworthy, but because I was distracted! Many old friends were on the PreTour event with us, and the company was as appealing as the photo-taking.
Garden #1 - Terri's Garden
design by Amy Whitworth and Lora Price
Garden #2 - Letson-Gardner Garden
design by Lucy Hardiman and Susan LaTourette
Garden #3 - Mill Pond Garden
design and installation by David West
Garden #4 - Myers Garden
design and installation by David West
Garden #5 - Andora Gardens
The personal garden of designer Ann Nickerson
Garden #6 - The Peck Garden
The personal garden of designer Marcia Westcott Peck
Garden #7 - The Schmitt Garden
design by Marcia Westcott Peck
Gleanings
My own biggest take-away: how much well-placed art and detailing contribute to a garden. This is an inspiration and a lesson to me that I learn over and over again. From the most expansive mansion, to the humblest abode, they are all equal in this.
Another take-away is that gardens designed for the plants are particularly pleasing. I was reminded of this by Loree Bohl (TheDangerGarden.com), as she analyzed what attracts her to certain gardens. I agree. There is a "connection" in spaces that are truly cared for by gardener owners. It's a connection to and a love for nature, for the life there, for the plants. You can feel it.
Other blogger shares
It was fun to see some of the Portland bloggers at the PreTour. I enjoyed reading their takes on this year's Tour as well:
Details: tour of seven private gardens, Portland's westside, designed by members of Association of Northwest Landscape Designers. Tickets $25 each, here, at ANLD.com. Proceeds benefit our scholarship fund.
ANLD Designers' Garden Tour
Saturday, June 17, 2017
10am-4pm
I hope you enjoyed this little armchair visit. Please leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
Story and photos by Alyse Lansing, © 2017. All rights reserved.