The 2007 Gardens
Gardening with Friends
Upon your arrival, this garden welcomes you and gracefully presents the home of its two industrious owners who, with family, friends, and neighbors created this peaceful place. Who would know that twelve years ago it was a horse pasture with only blackberries, thistles, alders, and hardpan? After three years of removal and amending the soil with lime, organic fertilizer, alder sawdust, and crimson clover, the owners began planting. As family and friends generously contributed hard work and special plants, the garden magically evolved to become a place to make memories and share friendships. In the front of the house is a garden, featuring a pond surrounded by many varieties of rhododendron and Northwest natives. There is a tea house, which the owner built himself, where friends and neighbors gather to enjoy drinks and conversation under the serene gaze of the Buddha. A vegetable garden and fruit trees supply the owner (who describes herself as "addicted" to canning and pickling) with organic produce she shares with friends all year and especially at Christmas. On the east side of the house is another gathering spot with a beautiful view over Nootka and Rugosa roses to Saratoga Passage.
Features
- Golden chain tree arbor
- Enclosed parterre vegetable and cutting garden
- Grandchildren’s "bunkhouse"—perfect for campouts (a former horse stable)
- Fire pit and seasonal frog pond
- Knot garden