The first morning of the Puget Sound Garden Fling both buses boarded the Pt Defiance / Tahlequah ferry for the trip to Vashon Island. I've learned there are two kinds of people when it comes to a ferry trip; those that stay in their vehicle, and those that get out to experience the wind in their hair, smell the air, and generally make the most of it. Here Denise of
A Growing Obsession and Tamara of
Chickadee Gardens are sharing a moment. I love this photo of two of my favorite Garden Bloggers.
More bloggers on the upper level of the ferry.
So the other bus went to the Carhart Garden first (I've yet to write about that one) and the first stop for my bus was the Halstead/Robinson Garden.
I was immediately drawn to this combination of Hebe buxifolia, heuchera (the flowers I think) and Persicaria ‘Brushstrokes’.
I don't know why exactly it spoke to me so loudly, as none of these plants are ones I particularly care for on their own. It was definitely a case of the sum being more than the value of the parts. I felt better when Jerry also called out the combination in his blog post on the garden,
here.
This half acre garden is in the historic town of Dockton on Quartermaster on Maury Island (connected to Vashon), a harbor where WW1 ships were built. The home was constructed in 1908 and the gardener, Anita, moved here in 2000. The garden description in our Fling booklet notes that "twenty plants were lost to the 10 degree weather this past winter" I feel your pain Anita, I really do.
There was a labyrinth...
And a chess board...
I was most taken with the view of the water. I wonder if they also own the lot across the street (to keep their view intact)?
Another angle on the chess board.
Contrasting acanthus foliage.
I love it when a painted fern looks this good!
Gritting my teeth, walking on by (bishops weed, my nemesis).
Great restraint on the deck. Yes, I would have needed to add more containers.
Sexy dark sweet peas.
Back out front now and other shot of the driveway topiary, without as many people.
I wonder how many of my fellow Flingers spotted this large twiggy bird's nest? It was out near the street and easily missed.
Back towards the house.
Walking back to the bus (for some reason it didn't drive down the street to the garden, we had to hoof it a couple blocks) we passed what seemed to be part neighborhood park, part eccentric garden, and maybe a restaurant? This truck with it's custom hood ornament was parked out front.
And just like that we were off to the next garden! (which was wonderful and I'll write about someday)
All material © 2009-2024 by Loree L Bohl. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
You got all the wide shots I missed! (I was on the second bus.) You also got many details I completely missed, like the bird's nest. I loved the hood ornament on the Chevy too ;)
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine having been to the Carhart Garden first (your bus), I needed this much smaller garden to help get in Fling garden viewing mode!
DeleteThis was such a nice little garden -and you can't argue with the view. In my opinion Hebes always improve the composition-I bet if they were just actual boxwoods you wouldn't have liked it as much.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right!
DeleteWhen I saw the Aegopodium, I was trying to imagine what your reaction would be. Audible gasp? Cursing and wailing? No, gritting teeth. Hope you've got good dental insurance! I couldn't really tell anything had been lost in the garden due to winter, except maybe some damage on a few of the Hebes. They did a good job on filling in the gaps. What exactly does one do in a labyrinth of that size? Good catch on that crab hood ornament and the sexy Euphorbia cyparissius 'Fens Ruby' with the broken beach glass. I've let mine (Fens Ruby) loose in the garden. I may regret it like you did the Aegopodium.
ReplyDeleteI have got good dental insurance! Would you believe 'Fens Ruby' died out in my garden? Crazy. Oh and I didn't regret the aegopodium, I inherited. Not planted by me!
DeleteA wonderful photo of the painted fern. I'm especially impressed since last winter killed (!!) mine, (I promptly replaced it).
ReplyDeleteThis garden was featured in multiple fling posts but I don't remember seeing that fabulous nest on the ground: I love that.
I also love your last photo! Something you notice before getting back on the bus? A teaser for the next post? I get the urge to go beach combing when I look at this treasure trove!
Chavli
Really? I thought those ferns were extremely hardy, then again last winter was bizarre the way it effected some plants and not others.
DeleteUgh! I hit publish too soon. The last photo is from the same neighborhood park / eccentric garden / restaurant as the three above it. I did confuse things by mentioning the next garden above it, sorry about that.
DeleteHard to imagine choosing to stay in the vehicle, I'm definitely in the topside camp. I have your bishop's weed reaction to the Euphorb. cyparissius. So glad you took photos of the Codfish Dock -- I loved exploring that. There's gotta be two camps as well on those who can be happy living on a small island and those who absolutely cannot!
ReplyDeleteMe too, I just don't get why you wouldn't get out an explore, even in bad weather. I wish I would have explored more of that spot, and I agree about the island living. I'd be happy as long as there was frequent ferry service.
Deletethank you for the sharing
ReplyDeleteVery welcome!
DeleteI missed the nest, but did notice the restaurant. Thought about how lovely it would be to walk over for dinner and a cocktail after a day outside.
ReplyDeleteLovely indeed. We've got Kennedy School 5 block away, but don't always take advantage.
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