Bonney Lassie: Hardy Plant Study Weekend -- Susie Marglin's Garden

Every four years, the Northwest Perennial Alliance hosts Hardy Plant Study Weekend, an annual four-day conference that rotates with three other regional gardening groups, the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon in Portland and the Hardy Plant Groups of Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia. It was four days of total immersion in gardening that included lectures in the morning and garden tours in the afternoon. The theme this year was "Married to Your Garden: How to Save the Relationship." My relationship didn't really need saving, and the lectures didn't really stick with that theme (thank goodness, because it's silly), but for the most part they were informative and entertaining nevertheless.

Susie Marglin's Bellevue, WA garden was another big favorite from the tours that I went on during Hardy Plant Study weekend. Here's the blurb from the booklet:

"Susie has been gardening here for just a decade and a half -- having moved many of her favorites from her former garden (which was beloved by all who visited). Now she gardens half-time here during the best seasons and the rest in Mexico, that influence can be seen throughout. Here she has a place to gather in the evening, remember the past and plot the future. Note the arbor that divides the garden and the many fountains and plants used to get the most out of a compact city lot. Explore the many vignettes as you wander from Latitude 48 with redwoods to Latitude 23 with palms and more!"

You'd never know what hides behind this plain wooden fence.

Outside the fence, poppies and Nicotiana are a well-matched plant combo, colorwise. Just wait till you get inside!

The small front garden contains borders and a stone patio, as well as a handful of containers

Rosa glauca

The stone patio with a pale pink Dierama

The route to the back garden is through the impeccably furnished house (pausing only to pet the friendly little dog), and as you step through the back door, this is the sight that greets you. I stopped still and gasped. This is the arbor that divides the back garden in half, into sunny and shady areas.

The bright fountain makes a magnificent focal point

There were numerous small water features throughout the garden as well, leaving me to wonder if the entire yard was wired. Everywhere in the sun are collections of pots and potted plants.

Lizards seem to be a favorite theme.

There's always an Agave. Sometimes several.

I loved this fellow, bedecked in wind chimes and jewelry.

There's a Gila monster on the roof of the house!

As you step through the arbor and look to the right, this is what you see.

As I took the photo, I didn't realize two of the pillows were real and two were trompe l'oeuil paintings.

Perhaps not the most comfortable seat, but then, many gardeners have a hard time actually sitting still when out in the garden. We really should take the time to enjoy our own creations more.