Monday, August 03, 2009

Sometimes you need a weekend to recover from the weekend

R&R in the garden
Do you ever feel that way? A weekend to recover from the weekend? Parties, baseball games, movies, a nice dinner out...I'm not complaining. But Wink here has the right idea.

And that, by the way, is the latest addition to the woodland walk area of the garden. Once again, I'm amazed at the transformation of this section of the garden. What was once just a pass-through, has grown and taken on new life this year, from the walkway to the new fabulous garden bed. Which, by the way, found its way to me, free. It's heavy and huge and teak, so it should last forever. Thanks BryBo, for thinking of me when needing to find a new home for it.
Bed in the garden
The Balinese pillows I brought back from a trip there a while back, but it's not until now they have the perfect (summer only) home. It's all underneath one of my favorite Portland trees, a Clerodendron trichotomum: Harlequin Glorybower. It's grown to be one of the larger versions of this tree, and I smile because AdRi and I moved it as a baby to its current home. I've been adding drippings of jewels, bells, lanterns and windchimes, so not only is it magic to lay under, there's a wee bit of sound and pretty things to look at. I've been burning incense out there, as an ode to Bali, but now the tree is beginning to bloom...
Clerodendron trichotomum: Harlequin Glorybower
...and the air is heady with its summer scent. Sweet and enough to stop you in your tracks if you're out and about walking and come upon one. The secret to know about the Clerodendron is that its leaves smell like peanut butter.

Crazy, wonderful tree.
Crazy, wonderful summer.

Inhale? Exhale.

Summer.

13 comments:

Marilyn said...

In a word? HEAVENLY. Now THAT is a way to escape without leaving home. Gorgeous.

Rozanne said...

El jardin just becomes more and more encantado (sp?), doesn't it? Lovely, lovely, lovely.

The teak bed is just perfect!

Syd said...

Looks heavenly. I hope that the insufferable heat has passed.

Zoe said...

I covet your garden and gardening skills. Much love
xox

Marisa said...

I want to live in your garden.

Bren Haas said...

I love the edging you are using in your wooded / shade area. LOVE IT!
Thanks for sharing - and I would also like to second that 'recovery ' statement!

Jacquelyn said...

*Sigh*. Now I want to take a nap. That looks lovely.

Bryan Boyd said...

It looks beautiful! I knew you'd provide the perfect home for it :)

dig this chick said...

I am obsessed with that corner and have found myself peeking in on one of your old posts with pics to look at it several times. LOVE. I even asked my husband if he would please build that fence. He wants to know what wood that is because he fears our Montana dryness cannot handle the elegant thinness of some of the pieces....anyway. LOVE.

Heather said...

Someday I can only dream that my garden will look (and smell) like yours!

Julie said...

I have been a long time reader...I am a new gardener and your posts always inspire me! I am a Portlander and I love the authentic way in which you portray our lovely city.

bemused said...

Color me green with jealousy! That teak bed is to die for!! Your garden is the perfect spot for it. Sigh, yes, I admit that, much as I'd rather convince you that it belongs in *my* garden. ;-)

Lelo, you're created an amazing, soothing, unique, green retreat.

Ewa said...

oh, your garden is just wonderful! I love it.
...
I like the way you showed killin weeds with hot water - how did u embed the video?
..
I add you to my blogroll, ok?

Greetings,