Above: one of the outdoor “rooms” a friend created in her garden.

I explored a friend’s garden last week. An oasis, really.

This is a garden where, wherever you turn, a new treasure awaits. Few blossoms, however, hold the magical effect of Magnolia sieboldii, above. In that garden, the tree has attained a sizeable presence.

There is a clematis collection.

Here, it helps to define the entrance to the vegetable patch.

 

I got up close and personnal…

And around the corner, another clematis clamours for attention…

Like a piece of flashy jewelry.

And there were still rhododendrons, finishing their season…

Like this virginal white version.

And to conclude, here is an intimate look at a peony.

I can’t begin to describe the fragrance… Just imagine.