hammock « s.andrews @ oregonshar

The last week in June Bee Smith would open her garden to visitors from Hardy Plant Society of Oregon and Clackamas County Master Gardeners.

As a freshly minted member of the Clackamas County Master Gardeners, I first met Bee in her garden that beautiful June day. My walk around her Blue garden is captured in the photos that follow.

click on the first thumbnail image to open the gallery and view the photos with captions

: I believe this is a variety of magnolia.

: This was the first time I had see an Elderberry bush. So striking with the black leaves and the white blooms against the chartreuse greens in this bed.

: Foxglove, also a favorite of mine.

: Bee’s garden was not just about the decorations. She had mostly white and blue flowers. Colors that played off the infinite shades of green from the grasses, shrubs, trees and mosses that Bee cultivated.

: Look up, and you will see the trees decorated with Blue, like everyday Christmas ornaments.

: The table in the Fairy Garden. The doll awaits tea service, and younger visitors to play with. This area is created in the understory of cedar trees, complete with glistening beads and more cobalt Blue bottles.

: Cobalt and chartreuse play off each other in the garden beds.

: A modern garden isn’t complete without a water feature. Bee’s answer was the Fire hose fountain. The white stream of water erupting from the bed of stones shimmered in the sunlight.

: Green and Blue … the photo says it much better than I can. Stunning.

: Blue and green …

: Bee’s collection of plants were highlighted perfectly with the Blue bottles of assorted sizes and shape, intertwined like plants in the beds.

: Cobalt bottles, arranged on a glass and rusty metal table. They make the shade seem even cooler, with the calming color.

: The Blue bird. Artfully placed to contrast the beautiful grass. Bee’s use of perennial grasses, mosses and her collection of trees were inspiring.

: This secret sitting area was found after following a winding path in the center garden bed. All ready for a tired visitor, a perfect spot to sample a glass of chilled wine.

: More Blue chairs, awaiting a group of visitors, wine glasses in hand.

: I wish I had the time to linger, and take a restful nap under the stately cedar.

: The hammock, hanging beneath the tree house in the giant cedar tree. The Fire hose fountain is in the background.

: In full shade, the bottles still seem to glow from the sunlight that had passed over an hour ago. So curious about this piece the first time I saw it …. and now satisfied to have photographed it twinkling in the morning sunlight too. (see “Bee’s Garden * today” post)

: Locust tree and Blue Bottle Masterpiece. Amazing.

: The blues in the bottles make the chartreuse grasses look almost yellow. I recall wishing I could spend the day in her garden, to watch the play of light on this, my favorite garden area.

: The first time I saw this area, I was entranced with the Labyrinth and the plantings around it.

: Under the giant cedar tree near the rear of the garden.

: The grounds were arranged with several seating areas, most populated with these classic chairs, inviting a visitor to tarry a while.

: A place to rest, I really love this bench.

: A walk along the ravine revealed whimsical artwork, like this Blue Moon hanging over the mossy log.

: Archways invited visitors to explore the pathways beyond the main lawn, and framed her original sculptures.

: We all love how she captured the light in her garden with the Blue bottles twinkling in the sun. This was the first bottle tree I had seen, done perfectly in the monochrome blue.

: The classic Adirondack chairs, in Bee Smith Blue.

: Bee was a very gracious host, chatting with visitors that came. I remember her telling me how magical it looked at dark, with all the lights twinkling.