The 2009 Gardens
Point of View
You approach this standout garden through beautiful woodlands sparkling with sword ferns and other Northwest natives. Throughout this spectacular 20 acres, musical references, garden art, and over 700 planted trees, innumerable shrubs, perennials, and annuals all harmonize to reveal the owners' interests, aesthetic, and stewardship plan for their property. Approximately 7 acres of gardens connect the house, concert hall barn, and guest house to the land and to sweeping views of Puget Sound.
Historically, water flow on the property was controlled via a logging chute. Before the creation of the present gardens could begin, a new system for water management was necessary. Now a series of ponds and dry streambeds, incorporated into the garden design, connect to subterranean curtain drains, catch basins, and pipes that direct the runoff to the Sound.
Be sure to explore the various garden areas scattered around the property. The Ballpark, which greets you at the front of the house, is a new addition since the last time this garden was on the tour; the Dinosaur Plateau features a topiary Stegosaurus mother and baby, and prehistoric-looking plants such as Cardiocrinum giganteum, Dracunculus vulgaris, and Gunnera; a covered footbridge crosses a natural wetland; the pond next to the house is graced with basalt column fountains, a grove of Dawn Redwoods, a beautiful arching bridge, and annuals that seasonally transform the scene to provide dazzling color year-round; and the newest feature, "Farmall Shed" shelters a treasured Farmall Super C tractor. The area in front of the house opens out to a glorious expanse of lawn, surrounded by specimen trees such as Robinia pseudoacacia 'Friesia', Oxydendron, Stewartia pseudocamellia, and Parrotia persica. Hidden beyond is a terrace sited to take in the spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympics.
The wonderful mix of wild and cultivated spaces gives each section of the property a distinct personality. The liberal choice and placement of art provides examples of how to use art effectively and with humor (note bears doing the heavy lifting for a wizened plum, the gnomes, musical instrument fountain, and topiary dinosaurs).
Throughout this stunning property the secrets of the garden are revealed: a mix of respect for the site's inherent majesty and native elegance, enlivened with choice plant selections, inspired design, and a uniquely personal point of view.