Tag Archives: Gardens

AGC’s Garden of the Month: August 2026

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831 Garden Way:

What image does the word parasol conjure up for you? A French Impressionist painting perhaps, stage props for a musical, or maybe splashes of color on a beach contrasting with the dark blue horizon. The word itself is a combination of two Latin words: para (shield) and sol (sun), distinct from parapluie which shield us from the rain.

     The garden at 831 Garden Way in Ashland delights us with its cheerful array of colorful umbrellas which shelter the tender plants beneath them.  This was the creative solution that Michelle Taylor and Ren Kolar devised to compensate for the loss of two birches from disease last year. Rather unconventional but practical and completely in character with these two women who admit to planting what they like because it makes them happy!

     The setting is picture perfect – a small garden on a quiet street with attention paid to every detail. Michelle took the lead with respect to layout and the project got started in 2006 when Michelle and Ren personally installed the interlocking paver driveway. The Synlawn ™ was installed fifteen years ago when Ashland first introduced their rebate program and it is outlined in medium sized tumbled river rock which contrasts with the larger pieces of rustic stone which outline the raised planting beds.

     The original flagstone pathway connecting the driveway to the front door was replaced with a curved concrete walkway featuring a medallion of inlaid steel and polished river rock to form a compass. The intricate artwork was a labor of love involving many hands. A handsome metal planter box separates a small patio from the entry and compensates for the grade change between the walkway and seating area. The trailing stems of ornamental oregano are stunning against the dark metal. Brett Hassell also fabricated the gate to the side yard. Landscape lighting is discretely tucked along the edges of the walkway.

    Long established plantings of rhododendron, lavender and rosemary were masterfully pruned to revitalize and supplemented with pollinator plantings of salvia, lemon balm and bear’s breeches. Spring welcomes the “gorgeous’ nodding heads of the hellebore, followed by the shaggy blooms of the peony, before summer heat brings the vibrant color of the dahlias. The erica ensures a dramatic contrast to the otherwise green foliage in the raised bed and ensures year-round color. Sword-like foliage featured throughout the garden contrasts with fine textured plants including the lacey-leafed Japanese maple planted where it can be appreciated while seated on the patio or porch. Multiple container pots add color accents.

     An ancient apple tree bears prolific Sweet Tart fruit which is shared with local wildlife as well as neighbors. In the spring bearded iris screen the neighbor’s retaining wall but then the tree provides a shaded respite for the deer that wander along Garden Way.

Readers are encouraged to follow their path and enjoy other eye-catching venues, including a well-tended vineyard, prolific sunflowers and a rosarium. A picnic in the shade at the Soroptimist Garden at the end of the street and count the silhouetted bear, moose, wolves and fish adorning the playground fence.  Hopefully we’ll be needing a parapluie one day soon!

Article submitted by Elizabeth Essex, with appreciation to Viki Ashford of the Ashland Garden Club for the suggestion. All photos by Elizabeth Essex.

The Ashland Garden Club has been selecting Gardens of the Month from spring through fall for more than twenty-five years. Nominations are gratefully received at gardenofthemonth@ashlandorgardenclub.org. Readers are invited to check out the club’s website at ashlandorgardenclub.org for information on meeting times and places.

Garden of the Month: July 2025

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837 Glendower

At dawn the gardens at 837 Glendower lie in serene splendor, the curved pathways empty. But soon daybreak will bring the first ray of sunshine illuminating a water droplet suspended on a spider web, a petal unfurling in the warmth, a butterfly weaving between the flowers, a bumblebee tumbling in the pollen, a tabby strutting down the path. A virtual metropolis of activity.

Watch for Neena’s fluffy canine peering through the window keeping an eye out for deer. Photo by Elizabeth Essex1

It’s hard to imagine but when Neena Barreto purchased the property in 2021 the ground was choked with crab grass and a single row of maples bordered the street. Due to their invasive root system and because their limbs encroached upon the power lines, Neena decided to have them removed by the City providing her with multiple opportunities for garden design.

Slowly a vision took shape and berms were created sheltering the residence from street traffic and adding privacy for the small patio where hot chai might be served on a cool morning. Pathways wind their way through the beds and around the corner to include the side yard bordering Tudor Street. Large flat-topped boulders were thoughtfully sited to take advantage of their view lines. At sunset Neena enjoys a view of Mount Ashland.

The maples were replaced with trees of a smaller stature including dwarf, slow growing Bosnian Pine (Pinus leucodermis) and Weeping Norway Spruce (Picea abies ‘pendula’) which anchor the raised beds. These are interspersed with Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) and Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica). A pair of Japanese Maples mark the front entry and Sawtooth Zelkova (Zelkova serrata) stand on either side of the driveway. These deciduous selections ensure a spectacular display of fall color.

The Persian Parrotia’s intriguing form offers fabulous foliage from spring through fall.                              Photo by Elizabeth Essex

Neena had moved to Oregon in 2019 with virtually no plant background but as a hiker she started paying attention to what grew and thrived here. Manzanita had always been one of her favorites. She already knew that her goal was to incorporate as many native, fire-wise and low maintenance plants as possible. Hence it was only natural for Neena to seek out Plant Oregon. Working with David Bish and Jenny Black, Neena expanded her plant selection to include specimens that provided year-round nectar and pollen for butterflies, moths, bees, wasps and hummingbirds. She was also advised to have a range of flower colors, shapes and sizes.

 Broad-leafed evergreen shrubs include Neena’s favorite Manzanita together with Mahonia and Garrya (both Coastal and Fremonts). A fig tree, flannel bush (Fremontodendron californicaum), a butterfly bush (Buddleia spp.) and a stunning Blue Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) are deciduous accents. Evergreen ground cover including Creeping Rosemary (Rosmarinus prostratus), Nandina, and Heather (Erica ‘King George) and several ornamental grasses are set out throughout the raised beds ensuring visual interest after the perennials have been pruned back for the winter.

Blue Elderberry showcases creamy white flowers in the spring and blue black berries in the fall.

On a recent visit it was evident from the industrious activity of butterflies and bees that the variety of perennials planted was to their liking! Purple and red salvias, blue rosemary, penstemon and calamintha, yellow Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum), orange and lavender hyssop (Agastache aurantiaca), California fuchsia (Zauschneria or Epilobium canum) all provide a virtual feast for pollinators on their journey. Their thirst satiated by a sip from a glass water dish.

Multiple Weeping Norway Spruce are featured in the garden.                                         Photo by Elizabeth Essex

Altogether, the placement of trees, shrubs and perennials creates a pleasing rhythm of textures, colors and shapes. Even more significant perhaps is that already three generations have become integral to this story. Both Neena’s parents have added items of interest to the landscape and graduation pictures with her three sons were recently taken with the garden as a backdrop. Neena says that creating and maintaining her garden has brought her new found joy. It is a natural expression of who she is and her love of the natural world is evident for any passerby to enjoy.

Neena and her father enjoy a time-out together in the garden.   Photo by Antonio Barreto

Those seeking out the July 2025 Garden of the Month are encouraged to drive a little further down Glendower to the trailhead leading to the Ashland Pond where an extensive restoration project took place following the Almeda Fire in 2020. Native and riparian plant material was contributed by many local organizations, including Ashland Garden Club, and planted by Lomakatsi’s crew and inter-tribal workforce through a contract with The Freshwater Trust.

The Ashland Garden Club has been selecting Gardens of the Month from April through September since 2000. Nominations are gratefully received at aogardenclub@gmail.com. Check out the club’s website at ashlandorgardenclub.org for information on meeting times and places.

Article by: Elizabeth Essex, Ashland Garden Club

Garden of the Month: August 2024

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600 Liberty St

Cleome, peonies, and Japanese maples line the walkway to the front door.  Photo by Tim MacCurdy

Tim MacCurdy started gardening at 600 Liberty St in 2018 and this is now the Ashland Garden Club’s Garden of the Month for August 2024. He lives here with his wife, Tricia, and son, Luca. When they first purchased the house there was little in the yard except a few trees. Now it is dense with food and ornamentals.

Cleome and echinacea, with yuzu in the background.  Photo by Tim MacCurdy.


Tim has had an interest in gardening since he was a child, growing up in Atascadero California where his father inspired hard work on the family acreage. A kindergarten teacher, whose husband was on the botany faculty at Cal Poly, also encouraged Tim’s interest in plants to the point where Tim was known as the “flower boy” to other students and their families. Later Tim earned a degree at UC Berkeley in environmental sciences. When he was newly graduated, he started his own business tending other people’s gardens.

Lavender and bee balm by the mailboxes.  Photo by Tim MacCurdy.


After world-wide travels he settled in Japan where, once again, his interest in plants and gardens was piqued although his primary concentration at that time was photography. He has plants now that are generations later of seeds he collected in Japan. Since his professional gardening days, he has gone on to pursue a career in medicine and now practices dermatology.

Peonies and ceanothus bloom along the walkway in May.  Photo by Tim MacCurdy.


Tim does all the work himself in this garden. He estimates he averages two hours per day—more from May through September—in the garden and considers his plants (soil and structure) as part of his extended family.


The back yard is steeply sloped. Fruit trees, including persimmon, Asian pears, plums, olives, figs, and yuzu are dotted throughout the property. Among his favorite plants are cleome, nicotiana, echinacea, ginkgo, persimmons, and Japanese maples (some from seeds collected in Japan).  Trees of all kinds have traveled with Tim and his family to homes in different parts of the western states.

Hachiya persimmons hang from the house rafters to dry when the MacCurdys first bought the house.  Photo by Tim MacCurdy.

Given current climate conditions, Tim encourages gardeners to lean toward drought-tolerant plants. You should find “clues from your environment” and love your plants. He also suggests that you don’t always have to follow the rules of gardening and garden design, but instead you “should make your own rules.” He says, “engage with your garden, truly engage. Dedicate yourself to knowledge and spirit, and become an expert.”

Cleome and purple Shiso.  Photo by Tim MacCurdy.

Article by Ruth Sloan, AGC Garden of the Month Chair

Blue Heron Park, Phoenix Oregon

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On September 8, 2020 the Almeda Fire swept through the towns of Phoenix and Talent. More than 3,000 acres, and over 2,500 homes and 600 businesses were destroyed, including the Blue Heron Park in Phoenix.

In 2021, a grassroots-group of citizens in partnership with local businesses and organizations took on the task of rebuilding this park, and on Monday members of the Ashland Garden Club gathered to see how Blue Heron Park has truly risen from the ashes. AGC members donated pollinator plants to add to the park’s community garden.

Photos by Goly Ostovar, Lynn McDonald, and Carlotta Lucas

Garden of the Month: May 2024

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The Ashland Garden Club’s Garden of the Month for May 2024 is John Schroeder and Debbie Beck’s colorful yard at 719 N. Laurel Street.

Photo by Photo by John Schroeder

While the camellia has put on a beautiful show from late winter through early spring, it is fading out now and the gorgeous bright salvias, phlox, lupine, euphorbia, and candytuft are just coming into their own. The Japanese maple tree and barberry bush provide contrast with their deeper spring colors.

Photo by John Schroeder

John and Debbie have been gardening here since they purchased the property in the spring of 1983. When they arrived, the front yard had only the camellia and a deodar cedar tree that eventually got so large it overpowered the entire yard. Now that they have had that tree removed, the Japanese maple that they planted is thriving. The back yard was steeply sloped toward the back fence. You can see how much they have accomplished in the intervening years, all while working outside the home and raising two children.

Photo by John Schroeder

John is responsible for the overall landscape design and all the heavy work, including terracing the back yard and planning, and often building, walkways, and Debbie says she handles the details, including small cleanup chores such as dead-heading and weeding. John originally constructed the backyard terraces with railroad ties but when those wore out, he had pros install block retaining walls following his design. He built the stone stairs between levels.

View from the akebia vine.  Photo by John Schroeder

Among John’s favorites plants are the Japanese maple, akebia vine, and camellia. Debbie favors daphne and rhododendron. They also have vegetable beds and blueberries in the back. The garden design features lovely vistas throughout with Asian touches of stone lanterns and a sculpture.  The newish tree on the left side in front is an autumn blaze maple.

John Schroeder and Debbie Beck in a rare moment of relaxation.

 Photo by Ruth Sloan

Article by: Ruth Sloan, Garden of the Month Chairperson

Garden of the Month: August 2023

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Alicia and Jeffrey Welder had their welcoming house at 98 Westwood Street built in 2015.  The lovely garden that surrounds it was initiated in stages on the bare earth after that, and is now the Ashland Garden Club’s Garden of the Month for August 2023.  Working with Regenesis Ecological Design and designer Jane Alexanderr, the Welders created a space ideal for their two children and animals including two dogs, two cats and four rabbits, as well themselves and visitors.

The entry garden was designed to include a water feature that is audible from inside the house on days when the windows are left open, a graceful curved bench, and one of Alicia’s favorite plants, a weeping dwarf dawn redwood.  The front garden space is meant to resemble a small meadow teeming with life as pollinators enjoy the catmint and salvia while the children are able to spend time playing and observing nature with the many life forms in and around the water.  The front grass areas are seeded with Pro Time’s Fleur de Lawn, which is an eco-lawn designed with OSU for low water requirements.

The backyard is a child’s delight with a large grass area for play planted with JB kevlar tall fescue, grown in Oregon, which tolerates the high traffic of children and pets and is drought tolerant with lower water requirements than traditional lawns.  A small orchard is planted with a variety of apple, pear and peach fruit trees and seeded with the same Fleur de Lawn as the front meadow.  The eco lawn offers additional pollinator support with pink English daisies, Baby Blue Eyes, and sweet alyssum sprouting in the spring.  Alicia and the children love picking the wild flowers from the meadow for May Day crowns and small bouquets.  Tall grasses and wildflowers surround the childrens’ play structure for nature based play with a slackline for added fun.   A gazebo for shade rounds out the backyard space for use year round by the family.  A very large rabbit hutch gives shelter to the children’s rabbits who enjoy the cut grasses and trimmings from the garden and in turn, support the garden growth with plenty of bunny manure.  A large deck graces the back of the house.

There are many flowers throughout the year, including peonies, euphorbias, daisies, iris, germanders, hydrangeas, and hellebores.  The Welders love to watch pollinators hard at work in their garden.  Among the many trees are Seiryu and sugar maples that add vibrant colors in the Fall.

For fire prevention, the Garden Club urges homeowners to check lists of firewise plants to make sure that, like the Welders, they have chosen ornamental grasses that are not especially fire-prone and maintained so that there is not a lot of dry grass at any time.

Taproot Landscaping provides routine maintenance for the Welders and Alicia averages one to two hours per week doing the fine-tuning of the garden.