It has been an AMAZING summer. Even today I sit outside to write this post I can feel the sun on my face and a warm breeze in my hair. For those of you unfamiliar with the PNW it can be sweatshirts and wool socks all the way through August sometimes. Not this year though, 80’s 90’s, crazy warm. Last week though we had rain. Yep two whole days of rain. The true northwest natives said “Yes! That feels great”. People who are semi Northwest Natives said “oh no, summer is over”, and newbies’ said “that’s what I thought, it always rains here”. When summer finally gets here it is a well deserved and closely kept secret.
On one particularly rainy day I was checking on my projects in Seattle and thought it was a perfect day to check out the plants and displays at one of my favorite garden spots, Ravenna Gardens. They do a fabulous job of display and their plants are always happy and healthy. In fact I always wonder ‘where are the sale racks?’ because there are never any sad plants ready to go home with you for 1/2 price.
Many of you know I’m not a big fan of pink but the combination of pink and green here is a real punch of color that even I can appreciate.
The purple and green combinations are easy to pick from.
Black is one of the hardest things to use in the garden. This combination is great. Not only do they use black but also gray. The contrast between light and dark, soft and hard, shiny leaves and matte makes this a sophisticated pallet with a modern feel.
I love orange and red together. This was a good transition between the black and dark red leaves. The way the plants are displayed help with the selection of combinations here.
Shade plants are grouped together under cover so you can pick things that like the same conditions.
White and green classic combinations.
When you come to Ravenna Gardens you get a chance to see different combinations that the employees come up with. Yellow /orange and bright green is unusual. I do love the rust accents around it and the wreath of dried plant material. You also get a chance to see inside the shop which is also great!. Let me know what is your favorite garden shop. I’ll go on another adventure to visit.
I am no longer allowed to visit Ravenna Gardens unless I am accompanied by another adult; I have to leave all cash and credit cards at the front door. I even suspect that calls are made warning the staff that I am not to leave with anything. It has become apparent that I have a gift for finding a spot for one more plant, especially if there is a interesting story associated with that plant…love Ravenna Gardens