marysgardens

There has been little rain since June, and our native plants have withstood the onslaught of sun and dryness with aplomb. The taller native plants also have shaded our non-native hydrangeas and geraniums from the oppressive sun and heat.

The Douglas Asters stand tall and proud while sheltering ferns and other shade plants behind them. All are sheltered by the native willow bush above them.

The hydrangeas peek out from under the Spicebush and show their big leaves.

We maintain the centers of defined areas next to the street with native plants while mowing the edges to give them some semblance of organization.

We leave the grass unwatered so that the entire color of the yard, this time of year, is a melange of yellows, greens and soft browns.

The front porch is seen from the street and yet the landscaping gives it a sense of natural privacy.

Our neighbor also shares greenery with us which is very nice to look at from the porch. All in all, we have lots of nature and yet still feel a part of our local urban spaces.

We live in a tiny bungalow in the City of Portland, next to restaurants and other city features. However, our native plants habitat brings us birds and natural micro habitat settings to explore and enjoy.

Today is a special day for us as it is our wedding anniversary. Much to our amusement, we watched a passerby this morning as they stopped to enjoy our yard and made a pretty design with leaves from our tree. It was a special anniversary gift from an unknown artist. Thank you!