Back on July First Greg Olsen and Avery Denise Armstrong opened their garden for the Northwest Perennial Alliance and I was lucky enough to visit. The glare of late afternoon sun was not particularly conducive to taking good garden pictures.
"Our garden is now 4 years old. The previous garden had to be removed when the old house was demolished to make way for the new contemporary and accessible house that now occupies the site. Visitors to the garden are greeted by the sunny golden leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisa.'"
"The new garden is in many ways a reflection of the house; it focuses on sustainability, ease of care, and accessibility."
Ornamental grasses, euphorbias, and ceanothus mingle with a wide variety of colorful berberis."
"To make your way into the sunken garden visitors can stroll or roll their way down an accessible gravel ramp that is bordered by all silver foliaged plants including multiple varieties of lavenders, sedums, and nepetas."
"Also on hand in the front and back gardens are numerous pots filled with a combination of showy annuals and fun perennials."
View of the house from the sunken garden behind.
Greg reports that this Rhodocoma capensis spent the winter outside in this pot and didn't miss a beat.
A path leads back up the other side of the house back to the front garden.
All too soon, it was time to go.
Thanks Greg and Avery for opening your garden for us all to enjoy!