MY NEIGHBOR’S GARDEN – by Kay Faught

This month, I visited Leslie Vidal’s garden at her new “old” Jacksonville home. Leslie left the busy Portland life and moved here just over a year ago, purchasing the historic 1867 Turner House on 5th Street.  Many locals are familiar with Leslie’s large, back lot between her home on 5th Street and the Historic Presbyterian Church and just how long the lot has been barren.

After moving in, her first task was converting the back yard which was all astro-turf into a lovely patio and  garden retreat as many of us curious locals watched the changes with excitement!

Although Leslie had a full plan in-mind, she was aware of the restrictions she faced prior to any of it coming to fruition. An interesting set of issues affected her goals including the property backing to Daisy Creek and having her yard bisected by a 25 foot creek side “riparian zone.”  As such, she enlisted a local landscaper to help with layout and planting that conformed to city and historic restrictions. She also met with the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department to determine the planting and permits needed for the zone and creek area.  She speaks highly of how easily it went, and even received a water conservation grant from the Fish and Wildlife Department for the creek side restoration.  With all that in place, and permission from the landowners of the area on the other side of the creek, Leslie then planted more trees.

As I strolled her new “retreat,” I fell in love with the features she has added as we talked about the fun of starting-out a garden with blank land.   Off the back patio, large stepping stones lead you to the side of the home where they bridge a large “rain garden” fed by rain runoff.  You can tell it is one of her favorite spots and I too was excited at seeing new shrubbery and the potential of that shaded area.  At the time, nubs of daylilies were showing as well as new Oregon grape plants and a lone Rhododendron starting its journey!

My favorite feature in the yard is a beautiful new “people pond” which is only 2 feet deep that converts the back area to a very special space, with Leslie’s own flare.  The pool offers a cooling space for her friends, but due to the 2′ depth, there are no “pool” guidelines!  Massive square stones create the pool while a raised cascading waterfall creates a natural sound and sight barrier from the street.

Gravel walkways meander through the back area alongside new grasses, shrubs, and the deep colored twigs of red twig dogwood bushes.   As we walked and talked more, Leslie pointed-out the new raised garden beds awaiting veggies and pots awaiting new summer annuals.  With the addition of heathers, rosemary, and more drought-tolerant plants, she is really excited about the new plant scape!

What fun adventure and gardening joy lies ahead, and anticipation and excitement over the relaxing summer evenings watching her new garden.   As new as it all is, Leslie already has a favorite time of day – early morning out on the patio with her coffee in-hand watching birds create new homes in her garden!

Enjoy it Leslie and THANK YOU for jumping through hoops to create your new yard and allowing us to join you in the journey at the same time!

Kay is the owner of Blue Door Garden Store, located at 155 N Third St.  Specializing in paraphernalia for the home gardener; she carries garden gifts, decor, and a wide variety of pots, tools, gloves, and organic product.