A Grower Perspective

A few weeks ago I was in Portland and although it was a brisk day in February a bit of sun was shining through; a good day to wander into the Lan Su Chinese Garden, my first visit into this walled sanctuary in an urban setting.  Many of the plants were very familiar: the winter jasmine was so lovely flowing over the rocks above the pond, many camellias were blooming, and the Edgeworthia was filling the air with a sweet fragrance.  The tree that attracted my husband’s attention was a well shaped Japanese Black Pine. (You can see our example above, pruned to resemble an ostrich) He asked me if I knew that tree and I said yes it was a common landscape tree and we had lots at the nursery.  I will bring one home to him and we can have it in our garden.  It is not a tree I’d necessarily choose.  There is no comparison to the right plant in the right situation.  What is common in one case can be the most outstanding thing in another. 

If you have a spare hour while in Portland and want a bit of reprieve from the hustle bustle of the city take the time to visit this beautiful well cared for and beloved spot.Notice the can of brooms off in a back room, like a bouquet for the early morning sweepers, the caregivers of this sanctuary.