One of my favorite things about blogging is the many special people who've come into my life because of this activity. Camille is one of those special gardeners and I got to tour her garden with another, my blogging pal Alison (Bonney Lassie.) Camille's garden reflects her ebullient spirit, eye for design, attention to detail, and above all, her love of plants. (Did I mention a lot of hard work?) I first had the pleasure of meeting Camille and seeing her garden and gorgeous home in October of last year. Come see what's happening this spring! Look, fresh mulch. (Does throwing the contents of my Monday vases out the back door at one of the beds count as mulch?) Everything looks so happy and healthy. So far this is just the view from the road out front. Camille places her plants thoughtfully and the contrasts she creates with foliage both deciduous and evergreen are fabulous; her collection of unusual conifers inspiring. This area was previously a front lawn. How can you not love someone who rips out grass in favor of such an interesting array of plants? The former front lawn facing away from the house. It's difficult to show this but the waterfall cascades down the back of of the hill as well. Very clever. I have a bit of a crush on Camellia Vestito Rosso 'MonBella' not only for the formal red late winter flowers but also for the stunning new burgundy foliage which contrasts so nicely with the older green growth. Here it was, in all it's glory, in Camille's garden. She sent me an update photo a couple of days ago and the foliage hasn't started fading to green yet. This area has been totally reworked since fall. The addition of this large Buddha head really ties the Asian garden together nicely. Notice the tree fern behind and the Cardiocrinum giganteum on the left getting ready to bloom. Perfect placement of the hosta! Which way to turn? Singing the blues. I can't explain my fascination with Victorian gazebos but they thrill me as much as the sight of the gorgeous Acer palmatum "Ukigumo" (Floating Clouds) on the right. From another angle. The larger pond in the back garden. What a clever hummingbird feeder! This is the "Island of Misfit Plants." Oh that my pot ghetto looked so handsome. Another new addition. Every inch of this garden is so well coiffed and tidy. The wisteria-filled stained glass windows in the kitchen (not visible here) overlook the real thing in bloom. The view of the Orting Valley and Mt. Rainier is breathtaking. From the deck overlooking what the Beverly Hillbillies call "The Cement Pond." Another delightful foliage contrast. Our garden host just wishes you'd pat her or go away! "I'm serious, put the camera down and play with me and nobody gets hurt." Sorry, no further pictures are available at this time. The camera will be returned "When I'm good and ready." Thanks, Camille and Dirk, for once again opening your garden for our enjoyment! Kitty, the catnip is in the mail per your instructions.