Northwest Classic

The Hadley-Jameson Garden

No need to pack up for winter in this garden, for these plants will do just fine year round, thank you very much! Let's start with the Rubus pentalobus covered parking strip accented with red and yellow twig dogwoods. The bumblebees love it! Attractive and maintenance free, it only needs to be edged and watered twice a year and is completely walkable. The rockery likewise is maintenance free, and sprinkled only in July and August. Hard working hebes, carex, variegated sedge, and euphorbias seem to say, "I belong here!"

As you walk into the garden take note of the Rosa glauca prized for its silvery blue leaves. Other interesting front yard flora include a lime colored rosemary, and weeping cherry grafted onto a red peeling bark maple trunk - lovely in all four seasons. This garden is surrounded by a fence covered with climbing roses, clematis and honeysuckle. Although the grounds were almost extensively replanted almost four years ago, a lion's mane Japanese maple, hinoki cypress and purple smoke tree look like they have been here for along lime. Not as long, however as one of the original trees, a very mature Styrex japonicus. A slanted slate patio was removed to make way for the much friendlier - and level! - dining area.

Although this garden boasts several mini-ecosystems, it was not originally without some challenges. A since removed spruce tree dumped too much acid in the soil that became badly in need of organic nutrients. Now as you walk into the backyard, you will immediately feel its peaceful and personal nature. An Alaska weeping cedar greets you as you turn the corner and admire the shady area punctuated with astilbe, hydrangeas, azaleas and hostas. But wait, we have another ecosystem, and you'll make your way to a private eating space surrounded by winter hazel, sky pencil holly and other sun worshippers.

As you exit through the back gate, take note of the planters full of more water wise plants including lavender and rosemary. And then thank Mother Nature for her helping hand in this Northwest delight.