The 2008 Gardens
Rainshadow Gardens
When he first walked the half-acre lot, the owner saw exactly where all of the structural trees would be planted. Starting with only a mature Doug Fir and Cedar (plus lots of blackberry bramble, an abandoned car, and loads of trash), he saw plenty of room for improvement. In just six months, this small urban lot was transformed and ready to be included in the 2004 Whidbey Island Garden Tour. We thought you might like to see what four more years of growth and lots of love can do for a brand new garden! Refusing to dig—"Roots know which way to grow: down!"—the owners mounded up and around more than 100 varieties of trees, 48 shrubs, and 21 clumps of bamboo to create a very special place. Dozens and dozens of perennials round out the plant list. Horticulturists will delight in the multiple varieties of Cornus, Cotinus, Phylostachys, Physocarpus, Stewartia, and Styrax. Everyone will delight in the atmosphere of peace and serenity. Enter the gate and weave your way past a large stand of timber bamboo toward the Styrax Grove. Tables of bonsai may pull you toward the goldfish pond and tiny patch of edibles, but don't miss the central bed with its Manchurian Stripebark maple and large Iron tree. Follow around the house and notice the shift to an Asian aesthetic that culminates in a fabulous grove of Japanese pine interlaced with plants and inspiration from China, Korea, and Hawaii. Color and texture ensure four seasons of interest in Rainshadow Gardens, but just to be sure, a periwinkle wooden bench anchors the center of the garden—pause here and let the simplicity and peace sink in.
Features
- Espaliered orchard
- Styrax grove
- Bonsai tables
- Stewartia grove
- Golden Hakonechloa garden
- Specimen tree row