We’re back for more of Cherry Ong’s visit to a great garden today, one that she saw on a tour organized by the Vancouver Hardy Plant Society last summer. This is a collector’s shade garden, full of lots of beautiful and unusual plants, including a stunning collection of Podophyllum (mayapples; hardiness varies, but mostly Zones 6–9).
Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra, Zones 5–9) is one of the few true grasses that thrives in the shade. Its soft texture spilling over the stones of the path is just magic.
A simple urn provides great contrast to the endless shades of green that make up this garden.
I think the plant on the left with the bold foliage and blue berries beginning to ripe is a species of Diphylleia. A simple terra-cotta sphere is a perfect accent to all the plants.
Looking closer, you can see that green art glass is mixed into the planting. The effect is so subtle you don’t notice it at first, but it adds another whole dimension to this planting.
The path leads you to a charming little garden shed tucked in amid all the foliage.
It isn’t all green. Here are some dreamy blue poppies (Meconopsis, Zones 4–8), which are so hard to grow in climates with hot summers.
Pulmonaria (Zones 3–8) brings beautiful silver-spotted leaves to this planting.
Magnolia sieboldii (Zones 6–8) has flowers that tend to nod and hang down, making them perfect for viewing from below as the plant matures.
This space proves you don’t need sun or a lot of flowers to make a great garden. Pure magic.
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