Livin' in the Blurbs: Garden Fever

Even though the experts say to hold off just a bit longer before you dig into your garden (something about the microbes getting disturbed too early?), the green thumb express is starting to thunder through the area. On Tuesday the 22nd, nationally known garden expert Barbara Damrosch, author of The Garden Primer, will be doing a presentation and answering your pressing plant questions at Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, followed by a discussion and snacks, so everyone will have a chance to talk to the author, as well as your fellow gardeners. Future speakers in the Get Gardening series held the third Tuesday of the month will be Jeff Gillman, author of The Truth About Organic Gardening, and James D. Thayer, author of Portland Forest Hikes.

Details: Barbara Damrosch at Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing. 7 pm; free. Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd.

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Coming up on May 24th is a tour of seven spectacular private gardens titled Inviting Vines that will benefit the Rogerson Clematis Collection, an ongoing effort to preserve historic as well as new types of clematis. With three gardens on the west side and four on the east, including that of garden writer and éminence grise of Portland gardening Lucy Hardiman, this is a don't-miss event for you garden tour fanatics. Another event for vine-aholics to keep in mind is the Clematis Celebration at Joy Creek Nursery on April 27th, which is described as "an in-depth look at the wonderful members of the Atragene Group (including Clematis alpina and macropetala) as well as some of the very earliest, large-flowered Clematis patens forms." Woo hoo!

Details: Inviting Vines garden tour to benefit the Rogerson Clematis Collection. May 24, 10 am-4 pm; $20. Tickets available from Bethany Nursery, Farmington Gardens, Garden Fever, Joy Creek Nursery, Lake Oswego Dennis’ 7-Dees Nursery, Portland Nursery on SE Stark.

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And, last but certainly not least, June brings us the Garden Conservancy's Open Days Program on June 14, featuring six gardens in Portland. My personal favorite is once again on the list, the incredible personal space that is the garden of Oregonian writer Dulcy Mahar. Last year I wrote, "Like her writing, this garden is full of humor and imagination, a place where plants and shrubs and, yes, garden gnomes are combined to make both stunning vistas and charming nooks." Her pal Rosemary's garden is also on the list, so you can bet I'm going to be circling this date in red on my calendar. Look for me on Dulcy's porch, sighing and gazing.

Details: Garden Conservancy Open Days Program. June 14, 10 am-4 pm; $25. Tickets available on the website.