Great Gardens Make Good Neighbors
On the last day of the Garden Bloggers Fling we visited adjoining gardens planted by two close friends and neighbors, Joni Ernst and Linda Fuller. This was back in July, you may recall, in Portland OR. I like my own neighbors, but it would be a special kind of heaven to have the next lot over be occupied by someone with a garden fixation similar to mine.
The two Ernst and Fuller gardens are linked by a path out front and an open gate in the back. We wandered back and forth between the two, so that now I’m not always positive which picture went where. However, there was so much to see that a single post would not do them justice.
So let’s start with the garden of Joanne Fuller. The modest front garden is leafy, shady, and soothing.
Steps lead to a comfortable front porch.
Shade plants grow in containers.
Not sure if this is a lantern or purely decorative, but I like it.
Lots of garden art to be seen, front and back. These textured metal columns are less my style, but to each his own.
These variegated Brunnera macrophylla look good here.
The path to the back garden, where most of the action is.
These hanging spheres are cool, though I don’t think they would be a good fit for my own garden.
Joanne’s neighbor makes fused glass objects – perhaps that’s where this came from.
This little patio made of a mosaic of small stones is really wonderful.
A fellow lover of tall plants! I don’t grow this one, but I think it is some kind of Angelica. Nice Clematis blooming in the background.
I like how these Allium seedheads look next to the tall purple stems.
Great fountain. I like the mossy look, plus this is should be an excellent spot for birds, with both splashing and shallow running water..
A wider view of the garden with the fountain. This garden has a decidedly tropical feel to it.
More glass garden art.
And a pleasant outdoor table within view of the fountain.
I loved this garden gate made with old tools.
A closer look at the gate.
This is the sort of place that makes me feel like I really should have more garden art at home. Do you ever get that feeling?
In a few days there’ll be a post on the other half of this garden duo. But my next post will be a review of the Brent and Becky’s catalog. See you then.
gardeninacity 
It’s great to see what can be done with what looks like a pretty small space – I don’t have much garden art, as I am waiting for the plantings to establish before choosing items that will complement the style….but it is definitely something to consider!
It is a fairly small space, a standard city lot, but they make the most of it.
What I especially like about this post is that you give credit to features that you wouldn’t adopt but can still appreciate.
Are you implying that I am horticulturally intolerant?
Quite the opposite!
Actually, I can be just a bit narrow minded.
The stone mosaic is my favorite detail in this garden.
That and the fountain for me. And the gate.
Now isn’t that a brilliant concept….like-minded neighbours sharing the space and the pleasure!
Y’know…I’ve never come across that before. Like you I loved the garden gate and those arty lanterns, and the fountain is lovely and as you say, good for wildlife. I think I’d be scared of the glass items shattering in gales though.xxx
Yeah, I know what you mean about the glass. The Oregon climate is a lot milder, I wonder if that makes a difference.
There is a lot of work in that patio, even though it was made with small stones. I think my favorite parts are the fountain and the gate. Every time I see something like that gate I want to go buy a welder.
I know what you mean, but me and a welding torch would not be a good thing for anybody.
Love the garden tour BUT I really love the garden art, patio areas, and that gate. Oh that gate. 🙂
I know exactly what you mean.
They both are beautiful gardens. I like the glass art – much of it looks like exotic blooms.
I have two friends who have merged their garden to create something beautiful. You inspired me to do a post on their garden some day.
I look forward to seeing it!
I loved both the gardens! Thank you for reminding me with your great photos : ) The glass balls floating in the tree where magical. I would have loved to see them at night.
Me too! Guess it wouldn’t be hard to put candles inside.
A grand report, Jason. I really, really, really do like the gate of tools. Wow!
It’s brilliant, isn’t it?
That gate with “tool art” is fantastic. And I too, loved the mossy fountain. Don’t have much in the way of garden art myself but admire it in other people’s gardens.
I don’t have much either. I have a concrete chicken and a dragonfly made from a wrench.
I am not usually into garden art but that gate is so cute. Hmm … aside: (honey, where is the welding torch?) There is a lot to love here. The spheres are cool and that fountain is something I definitely could work with. Thanks for sharing. =D
You’re welcome.
I like all the “stuff” in this garden. I wouldn’t like to have glass in the garden tho. I am like a bull in a china shop. Glass is always in peril when I am around.
I know what you mean but I really do like the look of colored glass.
How great is this garden!!! It is stunning!!!! I love all the art and the cozy enclosed feeling of this space!!! Thanks for sharing it Jason! Nicole
You’re welcome, Nicole!
I would love that mosaic patio or some form of it here at home, even just a small square, I imagine its quite therapeutic to construct to. The mossy fountain is wonderful too, I could happily make a home for that here.
I would have loved it if our new patio had been built that way but I certainly don’t have to skill and I can’t imagine the cost of paying someone who does.
beautiful garden and fun artwork !
I agree!
How wonderful that the two gardens wend and connect with each other. The mosaic patio and the fountain and the gate and the garden art … all are lovely. Sigh. I miss plants … outside … in the garden.
Me too … one reason I like looking at garden photos from the summer.
That gate was a favorite of mine too, and those suspended globes. Such a fun garden indeed!
The back was quirky and a lot of fun, the front was very soothing I thought.
These gardens are definitely some of my all time favorites. There were so many creative ideas packed into such small spaces but they both still felt very comfortable and relaxing.
I agree!
Love the tour, this was delightful. I’m less a fan of the glass but I really love the metal. From the rain chain to those columns I’m a huge fan of aged metal in the garden. What lucky ladies to garden next to each other. Sometimes it feels like us gardeners are outnumbered by lawn mowing lovers.
I love aged metal also, but have a soft spot for colored glass.
A lovely tour of two quirky gardens. I love the gate and the fountain. I’ m not too keen on too much arty stuff in my garden because I like the plants to take centre stage. But it is fun to see it in other peoples’.
I agree that plants should be the stars, but the arty stuff can play a worthwhile supporting role.