Plentiful Pint-Sized Portland Plot

Welcome to my garden

It is amazing how much one can fit onto a little city lot! I have been thoroughly enjoying the bounty of my little garden, so I thought I’d share.

In need of new head shots, I recently hired Roderick Allen Photography to come take pics in my garden, to capture me in my natural habitat. Spending time in my yard with someone who had not seen it before reminded me how much I cherish outdoor space.

My lot is a bit smaller than a standard plot, yet it holds not only my house and the original detached garage, but also an attached ADU (accessory dwelling), a catio (patio for the cat) and a small courtyard ringed by an array of potted plants.

One choice that makes the outdoor area live large is the decision to use the garage as a potting shed and storage spot. This allowed me to harness the driveway area as patio space.

Another key has been creating yard spaces that include raised beds that primarily hold edible plants. Two out of three of my planting boxes are in the front yard, making the most of the available sunlight. They are tucked in among ornamental plants, giving the front yard a lush look all summer.