Author: Whatcom Hort Society

This is a true plant lover’s garden and Jennifer can tell you where most every plant came from and why it is unique to her collection.  At the street front, you’ll see a mix of perennials, annuals and bulbs which have reseeded and meandered over time to form a colorful mosaic.  Inside this front garden, there is a ‘secret’ area that holds her latest additions.  Be mindful of the new plantings if you enter there. Opposite the front porch, under the Cedrus deodora ‘Aurea’ a collection of shade plants is fronted by rustic wattle fencing.  On the front porch area, along with a water trough, are the newer plants that she carefully tends to. The back garden is “as formal as it gets” with boxwood hedges providing year-round structure for roses, columbines, lilies and hardy geraniums.  Look for the unusual, winged blood thorn rose.  The she-shed and greenhouse are built of reclaimed materials and decorated in Jennifer’s unique style.  In the very back she created a vegetable garden unlike any you’ve ever seen. Jennifer likes to tweak the garden design and add new plants each season.  She says she has a bad case of zonal denial and grows plants in need of special soil conditions, hence her extra-large collection of potted plants. Enjoy this garden with its exceptional collection of plants and creative design. 

When Allison and Marc first began transforming their suburban lot several years ago, the space was overgrown with blackberries, scattered boulders, and had very little structure. Today, it has evolved into a series of welcoming outdoor rooms anchored by two focal points: a stone patio designed for gathering and a small garden shed with its signature turquoise door.

Paths guide visitors through native plantings, pollinator borders, raised vegetable beds, and a shaded area with a subtle nod to Japanese garden design. A relaxed firepit area offers another place to linger, reinforcing the garden’s casual, lived-in feel. Throughout the space, vintage accents, repurposed materials, and small water features invite birds, bees, and beneficial insects to settle in — so it’s no surprise the garden is now recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Every element reflects a philosophy of reuse, stewardship, and layered beauty, creating a landscape that feels collected rather than constructed.

This elegant estate garden, now almost 40 years old, continues to be an imaginative and restful place.  Shelley, with her artistic sensibilities, and Ron, with his engineering expertise, are both dreamers who have created a diverse series of experiences and garden rooms.  There are roses, magnolias, Japanese maples, unusual perennials, and bulbs.   A trumpet vine and irises from Shelly’s Montana grandmothers continue to flourish in the garden.  There are several lush garden rooms filled with ferns and hostas, along with unusual shade perennials. Clipped boxwood balls, hedges and white fencing help to define some of the garden rooms.  Statues, a sun dial, and unique garden art lend another dimension to the garden. There are hidden pathways, a waterfall and winding waterways to follow throughout.  Spend some time in the stunning Japanese teahouse and the luxurious outdoor room.   A circle of chairs around a firepit is another spot to gather and enjoy the setting. With its commanding hardscape, expansive views and plant collection, this is truly a garden for all seasons.  

This house and garden have had multiple remodels and additions since Dorcie and Todd moved there in 1982 – an ongoing project of two creative thinkers and doers. A berm was built along the street and planted with rhododendrons, azaleas, and dwarf apple trees. What used to be all lawn is now a perennial garden that surrounds two old pear trees and a cherry tree.  At the front left, an artfully arranged stock-tank veggie and flower garden occupy the sunniest spot.  The gardens at the back of the house, begin where a climbing hydrangea grows along the fence, and continue past a small, charming pond surrounded by ferns.  A welcoming deck overlooks a compelling view of the seasonal creek. Japanese maples, (all grown from volunteer starts), a huge seed maple tree, a vine maple, and a common dogwood, provide shade and privacy. There are surprises everywhere as this garden is filled with unique designs and pieces of art.   Time and nature have seen the beginnings, and the ends, of many different plants and trees, which while unfortunate on one hand, makes it possible to keep growing new plants and creating new spaces. 

When Bea and Bruce moved into their house 32 years ago it was surrounded by lawn with two very old apple trees, a pink dogwood and a tall beauty bush. In 2008 they dug up the lawn and created Tiny Tim’s garden with an abundance of bulbs, perennials and 140 dahlias.  Nurturing the garden over time they have established a peaceful paradise for birds, pollinators, pets and humans. Evolving from a nondescript suburban yard into an old-fashioned style cottage garden, there is now a low rock wall, (built from the old patio) and wood chip paths.   The paths guide you through beds filled with hardy geraniums, aromatic fruit sages, lilies and the David Austin rose, Jude the Obscure. Throughout the garden there are restful places to relax and enjoy the wildlife and beauty including a seating area in the back garden which overlooks a bustling creek.  Take some time to sit by the creek and enjoy the delightful sounds of the water, birds and insects.

This 1892 Victorian has a delightful formal front garden that is true to the period of the house. Clipped hedges and rock walls surround carpet bedding, garden ornaments and accent plants with a 3-tiered fountain as a main focal point. Wally recently changed the house colors to a dark rich color scheme. He has done a remarkable job creating a cohesive effect by combining colors from the same palette in the garden.  He started using more ground covers, shrubs and native plants to help cut down on the maintenance in the future and to limit watering. Special attention has been paid to contrasting foliage and textures with more dark foliage being added to this garden’s refresh. 

Don’t miss the true Irish shamrock patch in the front garden against the foundation of the house. As you enter through the gate into the woodland garden a sense of mystery is created by the gargoyles looking upon you. This curving path leads you from the front formal garden to the back country garden with whimsical vignettes that will delight you. As Wally says, “A sense of humor lifts the spirits and keeps us from taking it all too seriously.”