Twice a year, spring and fall, Portland area bloggers have a plant exchange hosted by a different blogger each time. I don't remember how long they've been doing this but about three years ago, my pal Alison (Bonny Lassie) and I were made honorary members. It's always worth the trip to see all of these wonderful people whose blogs we read and admire. Throw in free plants, food, wine, and the chance to see in person a fabulous garden and it's a slam dunk.
This year Patricia (Plant Lust) hosted the party. I parked down the hill a bit from her lovely new home and Ann (Amateur Bot-Ann-Ist) met me with a cart to help haul Alison and my plants. Thoughtful! Alison couldn't attend this time but sent a lot of plants to the exchange.
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Out in back the party had already started (check out the mimosas) Amy (The World's Best Garden Blog) is cleverly hiding hers behind Beth (Goodnight Gleanings) In the middle, is Jenni (The Rainy Day Gardener) and behind her is Heather (Just a Girl With A Hammer) talking with someone whose name has slipped my mind. Can you help me with her name? With the fabulous blonde hair on the move is Laura along with her Pirate Charlie (Gravy Lessons)
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I love this picture of these two beautiful women who look like they're not at all pleased by what they're hearing. That's Heather on the left and our wonderful host, Patricia.
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The farmer in the dell, the farmer in the dell, high ho the derry-o, the farmer in the dell. These folks know to have a good time at a party! Left to right: Amy, Paul, someone I don't recognize from the back (do you remember?) Heather, and Loree (Danger Garden)
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This sempervivum caught everyone's attention. Although you can't tell in the picture, it was exceptionally lage and looked very happy.
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Patricia does the empty pot as focal point thing very well! Isn't the contrast in foliage of the Rhodocoma capensis and Fatsia japonica delicious?
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I'm sure I missed photographing (Scott) and mentioning several people who participated in this fun event for which I'm truly sorry. This event is always a blast! Thank you Patricia for hosting in your beautiful garden!
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This year Patricia (Plant Lust) hosted the party. I parked down the hill a bit from her lovely new home and Ann (Amateur Bot-Ann-Ist) met me with a cart to help haul Alison and my plants. Thoughtful! Alison couldn't attend this time but sent a lot of plants to the exchange.
Here's Rickii (Sprig To Twig) arriving.
Linda (Whatsit Garden) in ultra cute shoes. Notice the plants, just a fraction of what was there.
Out in back the party had already started (check out the mimosas) Amy (The World's Best Garden Blog) is cleverly hiding hers behind Beth (Goodnight Gleanings) In the middle, is Jenni (The Rainy Day Gardener) and behind her is Heather (Just a Girl With A Hammer) talking with someone whose name has slipped my mind. Can you help me with her name? With the fabulous blonde hair on the move is Laura along with her Pirate Charlie (Gravy Lessons)
I love this picture of these two beautiful women who look like they're not at all pleased by what they're hearing. That's Heather on the left and our wonderful host, Patricia.
Another sight to behold were these HUGE peonies brought by Derek (Plantgasm) They came with his new home in Portland and he's no idea what variety they are. Do you know? They sure are gorgeous!
Here's Derek holding them so that you can see how large they are.
The plant shopping begins.
Cardoons and lilies and peonies, oh my!
A lovely floral arrangement brought by Mindy (Rindy Mae)
Patricia has only been in this garden for a year but she's already done a great deal with it!
Newly planted part of her front garden.
Ensete maurelii leaf waking from a long winter's nap
An all- grass back yard is transforming into a garden!
This sempervivum caught everyone's attention. Although you can't tell in the picture, it was exceptionally lage and looked very happy.
Purty peonies!
Soft grey mullein starting to bloom.
Patricia does the empty pot as focal point thing very well! Isn't the contrast in foliage of the Rhodocoma capensis and Fatsia japonica delicious?
A very handsome gentleman enjoying the shade.
I'm sure I missed photographing (Scott) and mentioning several people who participated in this fun event for which I'm truly sorry. This event is always a blast! Thank you Patricia for hosting in your beautiful garden!
Happy new week. If you live in the U.S. I hope you're thinking of and are grateful for those who died in service to our country and for our many freedoms. (Like three day weekends) No, like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and the freedom of speech and the press. Extra points if you can name the documents from which those came without the help of the internet.