Author: Whatcom Hort Society

*Please park at Fairhaven Middle School and take the shuttle* Leaving behind the garden surrounding their old Victorian house in 2015, Amy and David moved just 3 miles away, but the new set of features they adopted proved to be very different. No fence to keep unwanted animals out, more sun exposure, not a speck of good soil, excellent machine access for bringing in materials to build a new garden, and an exciting pile the size of a motorhome of local boulders and special large rocks that Amy had been stockpiling for years.

This attractive city garden that can be viewed almost entirely from the road was designed and built only 7 months ago in the fall of 2018. Debby and Barry’s wish list for their new garden on multiple small sections of empty land around the perimeter of their new triplex was: a low maintenance garden with no irrigation, plant choices that don’t appeal to the entourage of deer who treat Bellingham gardens as their personal salad bar, a selection of shrubs, trees, perennials, and bulbs that are varied in texture and color, a focus on 4 season interest and more.

This spectacular hillside garden was on the tour in 2015 when the backyard was still a “work in progress.” We are delighted to return to view the completed stonework and plantings. Karen’s grandfather and uncles were stone masons and her appreciation of the craft shows in the rockwork that defines this garden. When she moved here 9 years ago there were some cedar and spruce trees along with 4 beautiful Heptacodium miconioides. Open areas offered space for having some fun with flowers.

It’s rare to have a 50+ year old garden on our tour and this year there are two! Sandy and Del moved to this 1½ acre spot in 1964 and over the years they have created a unique sanctuary in the city. Named “the Hundred Acre Wood” by their son, the garden grew and developed along with the children. The trails are lined with native plants and you can almost hear the echoes of children’s laughter as you explore the wooded paradise. Now three generations of the family enjoy this refuge from the cares of life.

This lush country garden beckons you to spend a day in its relaxing setting. Janine has lived her whole life on the Starry Road and 30 years ago she began to remove blackberry vines, cottonwood trees, and salmonberries to create this charming place. Now there are towering trees, shrubs, roses, perennials, an extensive vegetable garden, fruit trees, and a memory garden nestled into the surrounding woods.

In 1966 Sue & Jack (ages 19 & 21) bought a vacant lot with a few old Douglas firs, a shrub at each corner, and a pine tree that was a twig. Now, 53 years later, there are stunning gigantic trees, lush ferns and an endless diversity of plants thanks to their lifelong work. After all these years they can hardly find a spot for a new plant, but that still doesn’t stop them from visiting nurseries and coming home with a plant or piece of art that they somehow manage to fit in. There is much to see here.