PGC 2021 Visiting Gardens
Wakefield Garden 13510 NW Old Germantown Rd Portland, OR 97231
Tucked away on a wooded parcel near Forest Park, Old Germantown Gardens is a nearly 2-acre hillside garden that is a wealth of garden diversity, including ponds, bog gardens, perennial beds and borders, woodland plan ngs, rock garden, dry hillside garden, and a greenhouse full of unusual tropical plants. Each garden habitat is stuffed full of plants - rare, unusual and common ones too. The garden contains more than 2000 different species and cul vars of plants. Parts of the garden are now over 30 years old; the process of renova on and serious edi ng has begun (while s ll procuring new plants like there is no tomorrow)! Adjacent to the house is a French/Italian-style pa o-terrace with small decora ve pools, a fountain, rill, and waterfall, all contained within hand-chiseled stone walls. We have recently restored woodland trails in the back 3 acres of our forest area. Take a stroll through the na ve woods. You might even spot the local herd of elk! A er exploring the extensive hillside trails (both in and outside the garden), visitors are welcome to refreshments on the terrace or upstairs deck while taking in a birds-eye view of Old Germantown Gardens. Click the link for a video of the garden - Old Germantown Gardens May2020 McCulloch Garden 13000 NW Germantown Rd. Portland, OR 97231
Architecture, Gardens, and The Land
Response to the land shapes both gardens and architecture. Solar exposure, winds, slope and soil types all inform the balancing of the many inten ons of an integrated complex of building and garden. Westwind seeks that balance of design and nature in its drama c se ng overlooking the Tuala n Valley.
This south-facing gently sloping hillside is an ideal site for great solar exposure and open views to the surrounding valley. The gardens contain fenced vegetable and fruit crops. These beds overlook a series of terraces spilling down the hillside connected by a garden path that takes the visitor through both na ves and exo c plan ngs that line a watercourse and pool. Since deer and elk are nearby the choice of plan ngs are both for beauty and durability. Colors evolve over the seasons with early blooming daffodils and crocus and later brilliant Virginia creeper and so blond grasses that wave in the autumn winds.
The home was designed by Pietro Belluschi FAIA in 1980 and added to with lawns, gardens, pool, and greenhouse designed by Michael McCulloch FAIA from 2004 un l today. Following Pietro’s careful integra on of the buildings into the slope Michael sought to extend the original home design into a complex of like-formed structures that support the gardens and place visitors in a variety of interac ons with the landscape. Si ng in the center of a 40 acre square the home and gardens are seen as an oasis where the essen al quali es of Oregon can be seen, appreciated, and enjoyed. Chris ne and Jim Mitchell Garden 12250 SW Lynnridge Ave Portland, OR 97225
Located on a quiet, one-third-acre suburban corner lot, the Mitchell Garden has developed into a peaceful and lush private retreat. Plants in this garden are selected for foliage - color, shape, texture and mul - season impact. Plants are also selected for lower maintenance now that the Mitchell’s have reached their ‘senior years’. The sunny front garden is the place for dry-loving plants and also a collec on of dwarf conifers. In the backyard garden, there are three stone or brick pa os for entertaining, mul ple trellises covered with clema s and hops (used by the resident home brewer), and stone paths created for explora on by grandchildren and an energe c border collie. The garden owners also collect hardy succulents (including desert specimens) and sca er these plants throughout both the front and back garden beds. The edible garden includes raspberry vines, blueberry bushes, and a rich, sunny bed for tomatoes and squash. Come see what is happening in the suburbs. ADDRESSES