Visiting the garden of my dreams: you should come too

The best way to get ideas for your garden is to visit others. There. I’ve said it. Because it’s true. Whether it be an open garden or a garden tour, I can’t get enough of visiting other people’s gardens. Plant combinations, garden art, structures, or to just experience someone else’s aesthetic hand at play in nature is inspiring. Where do you think I came up with marbles in our gravel walks? Thanks to seeing it someone else’s garden!

So this is where we cue the soundtrack. Because I’m going to tell you about a garden I can’t wait to see. And seriously, it has had a song written about it. That beautiful song by Pink Martini about The Gardens of Sampson and Beasley? Yes, this is that garden.


Bella Madrona is one of the gardens on this weekend’s Seeding Our Future garden tour in Sherwood, Tigard and Tualatin. I’ve heard of this magical garden for years, and have never actually been in it. Photos in Fine Gardening? Oh yes, I’ve seen them. Plant combinations designed in dreams? Oh yes, I believe they’re there. And I can’t wait to spend the afternoon volunteering as a Master Gardener. To be inspired, to draw ideas from, to revel in the creativity of gardeners who seek beauty and solace and peace in natural form. Here are some photos of Bella Madrona from my friend Lisa...



You should come do the tour. Because it is sounding to be absolutely breath taking. And what a great way to spend an afternoon: visiting beautiful gardens and getting ideas or inspiration. There are six private gardens on the tour, all with different styles and focus. Tickets are $20 each, and you can read more about each of the gardens, and how to get tickets, on the Seeding Our Future website.

If you see a woman with a silly grin on her face roaming the grounds of Bella Madrona, please say hi.

P.S. Don’t forget the garden art show at Tigard High School!