A simple vignette of a lions mane maple surrounded by hosta, iris and grasses

I am often asked if we open our garden to tours and the answer is always NO with a look of sheer terror on my face! 

A rustic wooden bridge spans the seasonal stream which runs through the woodland

However, I do understand the curiosity so here are a couple of photos taken at the end of April as we finished mulching what we are optimistically calling our woodland. I say optimistic because the trees are still growing in so the poor shade loving plants are gasping by August but I'm sure we'll reach equilibrium at some point!

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Love this photo? So did over 2000 other people! This inspirational design shows how even the shortest of paths can be a memorable journey. Both the design and photo credit go to my friend Alyson Ross Markley, an architectural illustrator in Seattle. Clearly her talents show!

If you'd like more details as well as other ideas enjoy my article 5 Garden Path Looks for an Enchanting Journey on Houzz.

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MY SEMINARS THIS MONTH

Join me if you can!

JOY CREEK NURSERY, Scappoose, OR

May 19th (1-2pm)

Fine Foliage

SKY NURSERY, Seattle, WA

May 25th (11am-12 noon)

Foliage First -Learn three easy steps that will help you turn your gardens from frumpy to fabulous! Join me for a PowerPoint presentation and mini 'show and tell'. FINE FOLIAGE will be available for purchase/ signing after the talk . Directions

Please note that the talk scheduled at McCauliffe's Valley Nursery on 5/4 has been cancelled

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I love to support local businesses and one of the best is Duvall Nursery! Formerly known as the "nursery at the Duvall True Value hardware store", this hidden gem has undergone some major changes over the winter not least of all is its identity!

Duvall Nursery will soon have a fun childrens area complete with a custom made Tin Man, a potting shed with a green (ie planted) roof, a fabulous new entry and a much better traffic flow making sure you can easily get to your favorite plants. What hasn't changed is the outstanding quality of plants and competitive pricing.

Ready to visit? Well join me there on Saturday June 15th at 10am. I'll be giving a talk called Flowers, Foliage & Fun! I will demonstrate  how to create two gorgeous summer containers using some of my favorite foliage and floral treasures. Plenty of time for Q and A as well as book purchase/signing opportunity.

Come and say hello, make new friends and support your local nursery, managed by the wonderful Liz Schwartz.  

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Just for all you leaf lovers - welcome to FINE FOLIAGE - THE BLOG! 

This is an exciting companion to our new book where we will share bonus ideas for unique foliage combinations - and just like the book, we will tell you 'why it works'. Consider it an appetizer - none of these lip-smacking combinations will be in the book.

Last month we were overwhelmed by your response to our feature 'Matching the Plant to the Pot', photographed at Flora Grubb Gardens in San Francisco. You really must look at the photos!

While you're there be sure to sign up to receive these weekly beauties. 

www.fine-foliage.com

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Mexican Feather Grass; a soft backdrop for bolder textures perhaps?

BLOG

Garden Adventures - for thumbs of all colors, is a lighthearted, information packed blog for all gardeners and garden lovers. Laugh while you learn, pick up new ideas and be inspired by others is the theme as I cover everything from container design to slug patrol.

The most popular post last month was The Grass With Multiple Personalities. Missed it? Click on the title to read it again and see how I've used one of my favorite grasses. The photo above is just one idea.

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FACEBOOK

Take a moment to sit back, enjoy photographs, see what has been happening in my own garden plus get links to the latest garden products and plants: all in bite sized chunks. Always fresh - take a look!

PINTEREST

Enjoy garden photographs on my virtual pin boards - visit Pinterest! You don't need an account to enjoy the boards, just a cup of tea will do as you sit back and get new ideas for containers combinations and garden designs, pathways and art work.

HOUZZ

As the Pacific Northwest regional garden writer for this great website I'm helping you stay on track with great design articles, fun plant profiles and more.

Want to find out more about Houzz? One of my recent blog posts will tell you all about it and how to get started.

Have a wonderful month!