Sanctuary of Bumblebees and Bliss

In the Sanctuary of Bumblebees & Bliss As you step into the backyard, the first thing that greets you is an antique iron gate brought from a New York City estate, the ornate scrollwork and gentle patina hinting at stories of decades past. It swings open and invites you to explore a space lovingly crafted and tended.

Beyond the gates, a lush tapestry of plant life unfolds. Collections of ornamental grasses, clematis and roses curated in auteurs, and collections of vibrant perennials line the terraced stone path walkway. The air, filled with the soothing scent of blooming flowers mingling with fresh earth, while birds, along with butterflies and pollinators, flit among the landscape, their songs adding a melodic backdrop to the tranquil setting.

At the heart of the garden lies a sweet pond edged with flagstones. Water lilies float serenely upon the surface, their broad leaves providing shelter for goldfish gliding gracefully beneath. The soft flow of water adds a calming rhythm, inviting visitors to pause and savor the peace of this hidden sanctuary. The flower bed surrounding the pond, designed with pink and purple hues - both in flowers and foliage - adds to the playfulness.

Nestled near the back of the yard, a charming garden shed stands as a testament to love and creativity. Built as a special Mother's Day gift by her sons, the shed is more than practical storage—it is a symbol of cherished family memories. Its recycled windows and bright blue door add to its whimsy and exude warmth, and above one window, a small “eyebrow pergola” arches gracefully. This pergola although much smaller, mirrors a matching feature on the side of the house, visually tying the garden to the home and creating a harmonious, unified design.

​Every detail in the garden tells a story – the collecting of favorite plants (hydrangeas, peonies, hardy fuchsias, kniphofias & eryngiums to name a few) and interesting tree specimens (styrax, dogwood, crab apple, japanese maples), as well as blown glass yard art, especially the glass flowers by artist Katy LaRue, speak to the laughter, gratitude, and love that this space represents. 

A gift that continues to blossom with each passing season. Behind the garden shed you will find both a well-used potting bench, as well as a second matching iron gate leading out and to the neighborhood tennis court and swimming pool. Please note the neighbor friendly fence constructed to keep the hungry deer out and the adorable grand dogs in! And the blue pottery salmon fence post covers adorning all corner areas of the fencing.

As you meander around, you will come to the “blue & white garden” anchored by a tall, bright blue pot with a ‘Limelight’ paniculata hydrangea “tree”. Enter under the arbor with three different clematises showing off their bright colors and leading to another shed – this one finished with recycled fencing for lawn mower & power tool storage for dad.

One more gate takes you past the vermiculture bin and to the serenity garden…a quiet, little oasis with a collection of mature rhododendrons pruned as trees and a quirky, weeping white pine for shade - offer a quiet place to ponder. The chandelier above is not necessary but offers a bit of whimsy.

The front garden is home to a west facing orientation and lots of sun loving plants abound, sprinkled with bright blue containers & yard art and a bird condo. With no turf to worry about and loads of ornamental grasses, this area is pretty low maintenance. As is, the side gravel garden full of galvanized metal troughs full of deer resistant plants and other sun lovers.

​The highlight of this garden is its dramatic views of Mutiny Bay and the Olympic Mountains viewed best from both the front and rear decks where owners spend countless hours having their morning coffee or lunch and dinners, enjoying all the container plantings, profoundly grateful for this experience.

​Accessibility Challenges - Lots of steps without railings, uneven rock pathways, rocks steps without railings and sloped terrain.