Live Dangerously!

Minutes after stepping off the plane in Portland, we were on our way to tour our first garden of IU9.

As a blogging newcomer, I doubt I've even scratched the surface of all the blog world has to offer but I was thrilled when I found out that Loree's Danger Garden was on our itinerary.  Thoughtful, well designed plant collector's gardens are a favorite of mine.  Loree has transformed a small city lot into a kick ass garden using cool plants and clean, innovative design.  My pictures don't do it justice but here goes...  
 

I had never seen this very cool wingthorn rose before (Rosa sericea ssp. omeiensis f. pteracantha).  Sources list it as hardy to zone 5b but it only seems to be available on the left coast.  Loree has effectively used it as a dramatic focal point in the front garden.  Burglers beware! 

Beautiful vignettes were everywhere you looked, both in attractive pots and in the ground.

Every inch of the garden is neat and meticulously maintained.  No flowers, no problem.  With all this foliage color and texture who needs them?

Since originally seeing stock tanks on Loree's blog, I have been scouting a place in my garden for one.  Loree also uses them in her driveway for container vegetable gardening.  Either I haven't been to the cutting edge gardens or gardeners are not using them in my area.  I wonder if they can be left out through the winter?

Normally my tastes do not lean towards modern but Dangerous modern has it going on.  In keeping with the innovative use of small space, this pergola converts to a winter house for succulents requiring protection from the wet winters.

Loree didn't seem the least bit rattled with a bunch of strangers dashing madly around her garden asking questions and snapping photos. But I guess when you have an arsenal of horticultural weapons at your disposal, visitors tend to be well behaved. 

From Loree's house we walked to lunch at McMenamins Kennedy School, a funky restaurant located in an old school building.  In addition to great food, gardens surrounded the building and outdoor courtyard where we ate.  Strolling through Loree's neighborhood was a real treat as well.  So many people have interesting front yard and hell strip gardens.  Florida schmorida, I want to retire to the PNW!

For a good read with lots more information and some history on the garden, including an interview with Loree, check out an article recently featured on Apartment Therapy.

Thanks for sharing your garden with us Loree!