Wednesday, May 11, 2016
7:30pm • Doors Open at 7
Whatcom Museum ~ Old City Hall
121 Prospect Street, Bellingham
Members $7, General $12
In the 1990’s, Maurice Horn left a mainstream job to co-found Joy Creek Nursery in Scappoose, Oregon. He and Mike Smith “created the nursery they always wanted to find”, one that specializes in hardy perennials, shrubs, clematis and small trees. Maurice will talk about his recent move from a small urban garden to his partner’s existing, 10-acre garden on Sauvie Island and how it has led to many new understandings about the craft and the art of gardening.
Suddenly changing from a site with compacted clay soil to one with loamy sand led to unexpected possibilities and some surprising disappointments. In addition the forest and fields around the site were inhabited by a herd of hungry deer, countless undermining moles, and snails by the thousands.
This is gardening on a grand scale. The setting overlooks a state park and encompasses vistas of distant mountains and hills. Deciding how to incorporate the work of two previous designers, as well as many previous gardeners, and still maintain the astonishing views was the first priority. Learning how to choose a plant palette that speaks to the landscape, yet allows them to satisfy their need to try new plants has been a struggle. They’ve learned how to frame the natural world around them and to open up the landscape where once they might have filled it.
Maurice will bring plants from his nursery.
Bring your checkbook and renew at the lecture, or click here to renew or join online.
