Author: Whatcom Hort Society

  • #3 Karen Duddlesten

    ByWhatcom Hort Society

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1560437806421{margin-bottom: 6px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

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    [/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”3″ gap=”15″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1684881690719-1316be00-ba87-8″ include=”1354,1355,1359,1356,1364,1358,1360,1361,1362,1363,1357,1365″][vc_column_text]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. Being on a slope, however, Karen quickly learned that large boulders, stone retaining walls and pathways were needed for function as well as beauty. Using Montana slate and Idaho granite, the amazing work began. From the street you enter the garden walking up a stone path with steps that appear suspended in mid-air. You’ll see Persicaria polymorpha, Cotoneaster ‘Hybridus Pendulus’ and Lobelia tupa planted on the slope. At the top, an iron railing echoes nearby Ginkgo biloba trees. An ancient redwood burl is the focal point in the front courtyard. Driveway walls are topped with an unusual coping design. In the back there’s a stone waterway and a curved Corten steel retaining wall that supports the north slope and offers privacy from her neighbors since it holds three Incense Cedars. We all get to enjoy Karen’s love of northwest plants and her amazing garden.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”All Gardens” color=”primary” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fcategory%2Fgarden-tour%2F|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • #4 Sandy & Del Needham

    ByWhatcom Hort Society

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1560437553784{margin-bottom: 6px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

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    [/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”3″ gap=”15″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1684881864352-cc659063-2363-8″ include=”1342,1343,1344,1345,1346,1347,1348,1349,1350,1351″][vc_column_text]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. They return home for family Easter egg hunts, to play in the new hobbit house, or to seek refuge from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. As you enter the garden you will walk through a shady courtyard with Japanese maples, an elegant birdbath, and artfully placed rocks and ferns. Then enjoy the winding trails that take you by mature shrubs and large trees. Take your time so you don’t miss the many whimsical artifacts. As you return to the house, peek inside a charming work shed and greenhouse. To its left, up some steps, the garden opens up to a unique collection of plants. A scenic waterfall and koi pond along with a breathtaking view of the bay awaits you. Enjoy this feast of senses.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”All Gardens” color=”primary” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fcategory%2Fgarden-tour%2F|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • #5 Janine & Mike Bergeron

    ByWhatcom Hort Society

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1560436839385{margin-bottom: 6px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

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    [/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”3″ gap=”15″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1684881714109-c8d62dde-a68f-1″ include=”1336,1333,1332,1331,1330,1329,1328,1327,1326,1325,1324,1323,1322″][vc_column_text]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. Many of the trees and plants were gifts, starts, or cast-offs from family and friends. As you walk through the garden, enjoy listening to the many water features and viewing the wildlife. A huge variegated maple and an elegant sprawling cedar dominate the front and side yard around the house. Mason bees are welcomed in special houses. Mike keeps the bird houses and arbors in shape and helped create a very unique barbecue pit made from an old gravel crusher cone. A Wizard of Oz staging is Janine’s latest addition; it’s a clever ode to the Yellow Brick Road with life-size models of Dorothy and friends. In keeping with Janine’s reason for gardening, there’s an abundance of flowers for picking given away, and an annual garden party for the residents of Spring Creek Retirement Center. Janine’s garden is a loving testament to many years of collecting memories and plants.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”All Gardens” color=”primary” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fcategory%2Fgarden-tour%2F|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • #6 Sue & Jack Martin

    ByWhatcom Hort Society

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    [/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”3″ gap=”15″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1684881881059-e50286fd-57d4-2″ include=”1306,1317,1316,1315,1314,1313,1312,1311,1309,1310,1308,1307″][vc_column_text]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. Gravel paths wind throughout and there are many seating areas to consider. You’ll find the perfect spot whether you’re looking for sun or shade to enjoy a happy hour or just want to bird watch. Check out the barbecue room and take a look inside the sweet garden shed to see the wooden cabinets that were salvaged from Georgia Pacific several years ago. Near the pond, overlooked by a huge Japanese maple, don’t miss the large bird cage purchased at Shipwreck Days in Anacortes. Then there’s that big metal frog watching over the patio! It was made by the same local artist that created the gates to the side yard where Sue enjoys her morning coffee. There is always something blooming in this enclosed garden with roses, poppies, dahlias and much more. Oh, and you will see Sue definitely loves hostas. Jack keeps saying that he is going to count them all. Good luck![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”All Gardens” color=”primary” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fcategory%2Fgarden-tour%2F|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Members Only Lecture ~ May 29, 2019 ~ Laura Watson

    ByWhatcom Hort Society

    Laura Watson

    Embrace Vertical Gardening, Embellish Your Garden with Vines!

    Wednesday May 29, 2019
    Whatcom Museum
    121 Prospect Street • Bellingham
    7:30pm • Doors open at 7
    Members Only ~ Admission Free!
    Join or renew online here »

    Learn how to embellish your garden with the remarkable beauty and diversity of vines.

    Laura will showcase the amazing variety of color, shape, bloom time and growth habit of vines that do well in the Pacific NW – wisteria, clematis, passionflower and more. You’ll get details about their care, information about pruning and recommendations for easy vines to try. Laura Watson is known for her friendly speaking style and enjoys sharing her ever increasing knowledge of vines. She is a King County Master Gardener and Plant Amnesty Master Pruner. Laura has published several articles about vines and writes a blog, clematisinseattle.com.

    An informative and detailed handout is included. This is a members only lecture, admission is free and deserts and beverages will be served.

  • Spring Opener ~ Thomas Hobbs ~ April 18, 2019

    ByWhatcom Hort Society

    2019 Spring Lecture Series Opener

    Thomas Hobbs

    “Inspiring New English Garden Visions”

    Thursday, April 18, 2019
    Whatcom Museum
    121 Prospect Street • Bellingham
    Ticket at the door: $7 Members • $12 General
    Click here to join and receive reduced ticket prices all season!

    One of our most favorite speakers, Tom Hobbs, internationally known impresario of garden and floral design and owner of Southlands Nursery in Vancouver BC, returns to open our Spring Lecture Series!

    Here in Tom’s own words is a lecture description: “When I heard that Dan Hinkley was taking a group on a tour of English Gardens, my partner Brent and I signed up pronto. Unfortunately, Dan had to bow out of leading this tour, and I was asked to take over, with Gillian Matthews of Seattle. It was interesting to revisit many of the gardens I had seen before, and how they have changed….not all for the better. This talk will show where we went, in what I later realized was a historical overview of English Garden design… from Capability Brown to the Olympic Park in London. I will also show some of our ‘before the tour started’ gardens and quaint villages we visited in the Cotswolds.

    Tom was “born obsessed with plants and had his first greenhouse by age six.” He has published two books “Shocking Beauty” and “The Jewel Box.” He has sold his florist shop and closed his gift shop. He dedicates his days to running Southland Nursery and garden on his farm in Langley, BC. We know that whatever Tom talks about, it will be informative, entertaining and engaging..don’t miss this one!

  • Field Trip to Lakewold Gardens and more ~ June 15, 2019

    ByWhatcom Hort Society

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    Join us for the Members Only Field Trip:
    Lakewold Gardens, Old Goat Farms Nursery, and the Private Garden of Camille and Dirk Paulsen

    Saturday June 15, 2019 • 7:15am to 6:30pm

    $80 includes bus transportation and snacks/beverages. Optional box lunch is $15. Reservations are made in the order they are received. Current members only. Please join or renew online before signing up for this trip if you are not current for 2019.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Field Trip Registration »” color=”primary” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwhatcomhortsociety.org%2Ffield-trip-registration%2F|||”][vc_column_text]

    Field Trip Itinerary

    • 7:00am coffee, tea, fruit and baked goods at Civic Field.
    • 7:15am depart for Lakewold Garden south of Tacoma.
    • Guided tour of Lakewold. This 10 acre historic, unique garden estate features formal and natural settings, a Georgian-style mansion that overlooks Gravelly Lake and a gift shop.
    • Lunch ~ your own lunch or the Panera box you order, see options below.
    • We then depart for Camille and Dirk Paulsen’s inspiring private garden in Puyallup. This fabulous garden is recognized for its extensive plant collection and creative design.
    • Last stop is Old Goat Farm in Graham, a charming nursery with a beautiful display garden located in the foothills below Mt. Rainier. Owned by Greg Graves and Gary Waller, the nursery specializes in unusual plants, and has old goats, peacocks, ducks and chickens.
    • Return to Civic Field around 6:30pm.

    Optional Panera Box Lunch

    Sandwich Options
    Steak & Arugula, Roasted Turkey & Avocado, Roasted Turkey & Apple, Modern Caprese, Bacon Turkey Bravo, Napa Almond Chicken, Mediterranean Veggie, Tuna Salad, Turkey, Sierra Turkey, Heritage Ham & Swiss

    Salad Options
    Southwest Chile Lime Ranch, Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken, Green Goddess Chicken, Strawberry Poppyseed, Modern Greek & Quinoa, Spinach Bacon & Poppyseed, Fuji Apple & Chicken, Spicy Thai & Chicken, Caesar & Chicken, Asian Sesame Chicken, Caesar, Seasonal Greens w/Tomatoes & Cucumbers, Greek

    Half & Half Lunch
    Select a sandwich and a salad

    All lunches include a cookie, sandwiches include chips, and salads include a baguette. WHS provides beverages. For more details and gluten free/vegan options see Boxed Lunch choices at www.catering.panerabread.com.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Fall Members Meeting: Brews and Bouquets with Debra Prinzing – November 8, 2018

    ByWhatcom Hort Society

    Debra Prinzing

    “Brews & Bouquets: Creating a Seasonal Arrangement”

    Fall Members Lecture
    Thursday, November 8, 2018
    The Mountain Room at Boundary Bay
    1103 Railroad Ave • Bellingham

    Members only, materials fee $20 paid at the door.

    You must preregister by November 2! See below for info about preregistration and things to bring with you.

    Debra Prinzing was instrumental in creating the national Slow Flowers movement. Her recent books, Slow Flowers: Four Seasons of Locally Grown Bouquets from the Garden, Meadow and Farm and The 50 Mile Bouquet, Seasonal, Local and Sustainable Flowers have changed the way we think about cut flowers and how to locally source materials throughout the year. In this hands-on workshop Debra will guide us in creating our own seasonal fall bouquet. She will bring flowers from the local northwest market and we will be providing greens, grasses and other seasonal plant material. If you have some plant material that you would like to share please bring in a bucket.

    Debra is a Seattle-based acclaimed expert who writes and lectures on gardens, interiors and oral design. She is a regular radio and television guest and the producer and host of the Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing. She has authored 10 books including Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways and The Abundant Garden. Debra is a contributing garden editor for Better Homes & Gardens and her work appears regularly in many publications including Sunset, Garden Design, Horticulture and Fine Gardening. Her very informative website is www.debraprinzing.com (look for the 8 page Slow Flowers Resource Kit in the Slow Flowers Challenge Section). Her book Slow Flowers will be for sale at the meeting.

    The first beer or wine is on us, delicious snacks and desserts will be served! The Mountain Room can be entered from the alley off Maple Street. Parking for Boundary Bay is on Railroad, Maple or in the Depot Market Square area.

    Preregister:

    We’re asking for preregistration so we’ll know how many flowers to purchase. Please register no later than Nov. 2 by emailing your name and phone number to info@whatcomhortsociety.org.

    Bring to Lecture:

    Clippers, gloves, vase, and box to carry your arrangement home. Vase should be approx 8” high by 7” diameter. We will provide chicken wire and floral tape.

     

  • Marietta and Ernie O’Byrne – Wednesday September 26, 2018

    ByWhatcom Hort Society

    “Tapestry Garden – The Art of Weaving Plants & Place”

    Fall Lecture Series
    Wednesday September 26, 2018
    Whatcom Museum
    121 Prospect Street, Bellingham
    7:30pm • Doors open at 7:00pm
    Tickets at the door: $7 Members • $12 General

    The O’Byrne’s book A Tapestry Garden – The Art of Weaving Plants and Placetells the story of creating their amazing private garden, “Widely considered one of America’s most outstanding private gardens”. Filled with an incredible array of plants from around the world, the garden is renowned for its stunning patchwork of combinations and variety of habitats. Marietta will speak about creating the garden, and take us on a pictorial tour of the exuberant 1-1/2 acre wonderland that has everything: a shade garden, perennial borders, a chaparral garden, a kitchen garden and a collection of rare plants. Marietta and Ernie have one of the most popular wholesale nurseries in the Pacic Northwest, Northwest Garden Nursery in Eugene, Oregon. It was formerly a retail nursery specializing in unusual plants and it is now a wholesale nursery specializing exclusively in the ‘Winter Jewels’ series of Hellebores developed by Marietta and Ernie.

    Marietta and Ernie’s book will be for sale at this lecture (cash or check only).

    Learn More:  Northwest Garden Nursery Website • Interview with Marietta