Believe it or not, I had not been to any of the Open Gardens this year, that is, until yesterday. I knew I would be kicking myself at the end of the season if I didn't see some of the incredible private gardens that are open every weekend and Monday evenings on the HPSO (Hardy Plant Society of Oregon) Open Gardens Tour. I spent yesterday afternoon and evening touring 3 beautiful gardens.The first garden is Flicker Farm, the creation of Linda Wisner and Chet Orloff. It is located on pastoral Sauvie Island, just outside the St. Johns area of Portland. It is an incredible place, filled with farms, orchards, a great nursery (Cistis) and calming idyllic properties like this one. 
The garden is comprised of 1.3 acres and features lush perennials, herbs and vegetables, sculpture, artwork and a wonderfully inviting courtyard underneath a grape-covered pergola. The garden was recently featured in Country Gardens magazine.
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| The courtyard/dining area just behind the house. The grape vine hanging overhead was covered with grapes. |
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| Beyond the courtyard are strolling areas filled with lush perennials and vegetable gardens. |
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| The Yuccas were immense! |
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| There are numerous vegetable gardens, all artfully done. |
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| A nice array of art work and sculptures - some of these were the work of Portland artist Ray Huston - I am not sure if this was one of them. |
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| A touch of the whimsical as well |
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| The gardens in front were shadier, full of places to relax and enjoy the views |
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| I thought Mimosa trees only got this big in the South. I was wrong! |
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| I love the pairing of the Chocolate Mimosa with Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra) |
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| I am late to the Open Gardens this year but this was a great way to kick it off. I can't wait to see more. |
Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
