Chanticleer, a Pleasure Garden

Chanticleer House Garden Covered Porch

Blustery weather and the ever shortening days make me think back to last June and July when we traveled to Washington DC for Tracy's sister's wedding. After a week and a half of festivities, we headed to Chanticleer, a wonderful garden located in Wayne, PA.

While plants are the main feature, I loved the covered porch. A wonderful refuge from the Pennsylvania heat and humidity, I could see spending many hours sipping Mint Juleps while gazing out to the stunning surrounding views.

Dew on the Impatiens

Morning dew on the Impatiens

On a complete lark, I entered this photo into a contest at Annie's Annuals. And no one was more surprised when I found out I'd won honorable mention. Giggles all around, no? I took the photo because I was fascinated with the way the dew had gathered so symmetrically around the leaf's edge.

Early Morning Light on Piet

View of Piet from the Dock

This is my view from the "Dock" where I sit and have my morning coffee--at least when there's still light. Although this photo was taken last September, I posted it because I probably am trying to hang onto the warmer weather and the longer days.

A Ray of Sun

Abutilon Nabob

Having been in bloom since mid-summer, Abutilon Nabob is still a wonderful presence in the Front Yard. I was certain I had lost Nabob in the long snow of last winter. But early in the spring, new shoots formed and not only recovered but has grown to be twice the size of last year.

Late Summer Sun

The sun catches the grasses in the Piet section of the Front Yard

Way back when I saw the first picture of a Piet Oudolf-designed garden, I knew that somehow I had to try to create my own take on what this Dutch designer was creating. Though the area I call Piet is a far cry from his design, I still smile when I see the early morning sun catching the grass inflorescence.

Roy and Dan--Plantsmen Extraordinaire

Windcliff Garden looking south from Dan Hinkley's house.

Roy Lancaster, Dan Hinkley and Windcliff garden: an amazing horticultural event that happened last September 5th. I'd seen many pictures of Windcliff, but this was my opportunity to see it first hand. And to make the day even better, world renowned plantsman Roy Lancaster was on hand to give a talk and show slides from his many plant hunting trips to China. Extra bonus, his updated book, Plantsman's Paradise: Travels in China was available for purchase. And I of course had Roy sign mine.

The water feature.

Early 20th Century French Outdoor Set

With sunrise here in the great northwest slipping past 7:30 and the Falls rains settling in, I have have resigned myself to viewing the Front Yard from our French Outdoor Set--newly installed indoors. This furniture spends portions of Spring, Summer and a nice stretch of the Fall outside on the Dock. These chairs and tables are special because they were purchased at ABC Carpet in Manhattan and shipped to Seattle. Tracy's sharp eye found them in a sea of goods. And to make the chairs really comfy, Tracy had custom cushions made. The seasonal touch on the window is Blythe's Halloween art work.

The Fall Rains

After a very dry fall, the rains have come to Seattle. Here is a shot of the front yard from the warm and dry confines of my house. The Paulownia tomentosa is in the top right. The Banana, Musa 'Darjeeling Giant' is still looking lush despite the cool evening temps. And the white Brugmansia is putting on a last glorious show. In the foreground is Abutilon 'Nabob,' still going strong.