Date: late September, 2024
Location: St Helens, OR
Zone: 8a
Gardener: Tamara Paulat, Chickadee Gardens
Part 1: Stone, Structure, and Sunlight—The Story of Chickadee Gardens Begins
The first part of our drought-tolerant garden tour introduces you to the spirit of Chickadee Gardens. The name itself harks back to a stone labyrinth that once sat on the property—a symbol of groundedness and thoughtful navigation. Today, those same stones are cleverly repurposed throughout the garden, offering warmth, texture, and shelter to both plants and wildlife.
Tamara, a talented photographer and gardener, has cultivated a peaceful oasis rich in late-summer color, texture, and movement. As the sun dips lower, it backlights drought-tolerant perennials and grasses, casting the garden in golden light. These choices aren’t just beautiful—they’re smart. With Saint Helens’ hot summers and wet winters, Tamara has curated a palette of resilient plants that thrive through both extremes.
Throughout the video, you’ll see dry garden techniques that work: gravel mulch, boulder accents, native-adjacent plantings, and a keen eye for structure and spacing. Bonus: the Over the Fence crew’s dog, Pepper, got free rein to explore, making for some charming cameos.
If you’re curious about creating a climate-conscious garden without sacrificing charm, this tour offers plenty of inspiration.
Part 2: Berms, Shade, and the Power of Patience
In the second video of this drought-tolerant garden tour, we move deeper into Chickadee Gardens, exploring the microclimates and challenges that shaped its design.
Tamara shares how her “Berm Garden”—a large, mounded section of the property—posed its own challenges. With full sun in summer and waterlogged clay in winter, many plants failed in early trials. But through patient experimentation, Tamara found a selection of tough, drought-tolerant plants that now thrive, creating a tranquil, lush space.
The Shade Garden brings an entirely different set of challenges, including competition from thirsty Douglas fir roots. Tamara’s approach here emphasizes layering, resilience, and the long game—letting plants take time to establish and settle in. It’s a lesson in patience and listening to the land.
And let’s not forget the contributions of David, lovingly dubbed the “Facilities Manager.” His handcrafted Pavilion is a centerpiece of peaceful retreat, and his whimsical additions add both structure and delight to the garden.
This video, while rich in plant talk, is also deeply human—showing the challenges of filming with a baby in tow, the kindness of hosts who roll with it, and the joy of sharing space with animals, plants, and people alike.
Learn More & Get Inspired
We highly recommend visiting Tamara’s Blog here. Her documentation of Chickadee Gardens is a treasure trove of photos, stories, and plant knowledge for anyone interested in building a sustainable and beautiful landscape.
Whether you’re designing your own drought-tolerant garden or just seeking a dose of inspiration, this two-part tour of Chickadee Gardens offers a glimpse into what’s possible with patience, creativity, and a deep love for the land.