Garden Tours

23rd Annual Tour of Private Gardens

June 20 & 21, 2009
11 am — 5 pm

The Garden of Mary Lou and Don Brown

405 Hillcrest Way, Bellingham

When Mary Lou and Don Brown bought their house in 1998, they also acquired a neglected Japanese style garden. With the assistance of a landscape architect, they made decisions on which shrubs and trees to keep and which to edit. The Browns have continued with the Japanese theme by adding more traditional elements such as a striking entry gate and a dry creek bed that runs under the bridge to their front door. At the back of the house, the garden takes a decided turn toward functionality. Whiskey barrel planters on casters allow Mary Lou to extend her planting space onto the existing sport court. Notice also the large worm bins, built by Don, which turn food scraps into rich soil. Many lucky couples received one as a wedding gift. Recipients have said "this is a wedding gift we will really use!" It was important to Mary Lou to be on the tour this summer as, after 11 years of tending to this garden, the Browns will be moving back to Seattle this Fall.

 

The Garden of Amy and David Gould

501 N. State Street, Bellingham

When Amy and David Gould moved to this standard sized city lot there were a few sad tulips and a couple of diseased fruit trees. The front yard was entirely a steep, sloping lawn. Fast forward 8 years and two children later and things have much improved. Many boulders were brought in to terrace the front yard and they have put in several small patios to create more outdoor living space. Amy is a collector of all plants unusual so look carefully for the oddities springing up throughout the garden. She also uses plants with strong and distinctive shapes in careful repetition creating pattern and mass and adding depth to their small garden. Don't miss the charming "reading house" in the back yard. The front yard was designed to be very low maintenance and drought tolerant. Always testing her yards zonal capabilities proved fatal to several plants last winter including the entire hedge of Cistus along the front sidewalk. Any ideas? Enjoy your trip through this fun and whimsical garden.

 

The Garden of Shelley and Ron Jepson

801 Yew Street, Bellingham

The beautiful, light-filled property was completely wooded when the Jepsons first arrived in 1983. However, Shelley, being from Montana, loved the open sky, so they selectively thinned the trees and started gardening. The garden is very much a family affair. Shelley's mother helps out daily and her two children have contributed to the garden's creation and care. A trumpet vine and irises from Shelley's grandmothers continue to flourish throughout the garden. Because of Ron's engineering background and Shelley's artistic sensibilities, there is always negotiation to create a garden that is not only imaginative and serene but has durable hardscapes, efficient drainage and correct proportions. Over the years the garden has evolved into a diverse series of spaces or experiences. There is an enchanting path through the woods, a pond and waterfall, and even a chicken house in the backyard that produces multicolored farm-fresh eggs. The newest addition to their garden is a stunning Japanese teahouse.

 

The Garden of Mike and Judy Peterson

1912 Blakely, Bellingham

In a quiet neighborhood and cul-de-sac above Yew Street, Mike and Judy Peterson's house was built to enjoy the northwest foothills above Bellingham. A local landscaping firm created a garden plan to surround the house they designed and built 15 years ago. The gardens have stood the test of time although this past frigid winter has provided some opportunity for change. The garage and entrance are held to ground by a heavily clipped wisteria. The front of the house is screened by raised planting beds, beautiful all year from inside and out. But the Peterson’s joy lies hidden in back where an extension of their main indoor living space opens to a series of angled patios. Follow the astilbe and hosta lined pathway to the back where you will find arresting painted walls, artistic downspouts and unique fountains. You will be inspired and intrigued by the unique materials that have been brought together for this garden above the city.

 

The Garden of Antje Iris and Marcel Cote

1664 Hillsdale Road, Bellingham

An elegant multi-tiered rock garden greets you at the Cote home. When you reach the top of the rock garden, turn and take in the fabulous 180 degree view of Lake Whatcom, and beyond. Wow! It has been 7 years since Antje and Marcel began working this 2 acre sloping property that includes a babbling creek and an eclectic mix of open woodland with native shrubs and trees. Being new to the Northwest, Antje quickly had to learn to deal with deer, rabbits, slugs and unpredictable weather. Using some of the previous owners groundwork and her own design abilities, she re-planted the rock garden, created a shade garden, kitchen garden, cutting garden and a small fruit orchard. Marcel, self-professed "non-gardener," provides the technical support, has installed an extensive drip system and built several garden structures. Walk the perimeter of the property and rest on the strategically placed seating to enjoy the expansive views from the Cote's hillside garden.

 

The Garden of Joyce and Daniel Cheney

2195 North Shore Road, Bellingham

Sounds of water greet you as you pass under the arching cherry tree branches at the entry of Joyce and Daniel Cheney's garden. You may wonder what you’ve come upon, a retreat? Twin Japanese maples act as ushers to greet and direct visitors to the front of the house past a lush border of epimediums, boldly textured rhodgersia, lilies, roses and other enticing perennials and shrubs. Nothing in this meditative garden feels rushed or hurried. Blue star creeper softens the path edges with an inviting stream of green. Look up into the petals of Magnolia sieboldii as you round the corner and come upon the pond and waterfall which evoke a calming effect of peace and tranquility. Continuing on there is a change of ambiance as the garden opens up to the big sky and water of Lake Whatcom. Lawn, rhodies and massive hostas await, bringing you back into the world again. The Cheney garden is a full experience in its ability to affect the senses and the spirit.

 

Garden Gallery Art Sale in the Satushek Garden

Part of the Annual Tour of Private Gardens
At the Satushek Garden
1235 Marine Drive, Bellingham

Saturday & Sunday, June 20 & 21, 11 AM-5PM

Tour of Private Garden Ticket Holders and volunteers enter at no charge, non-ticket holders: $3.00

Directions to Garden Art Gallery: Take I-5 to Bakerview/Airport Drive (Exit-258). Take a left onto Airport Drive and stay on road until you reach a 'T" at Marine Dr.. Go right onto Marine Dr. for mile. Cross over the bridge by Smith Gardens and take an immediate turn left onto entry road. (look for signs). Please drive slowly on gravel driveway.

The creative and amazing Satushek garden is the showcase for the Garden Gallery Art Sale. Enjoy viewing their personal collection of outdoor art while experiencing the sights and sounds of this 8 acre hidden sanctuary. A wide variety of garden art will be offered for sale.

Ben Mann
Hand painted terra cotta pots and welcome signs
www.mann-alive.com

Jean Mann
Eco-groovy colorful recycled glass lights!
http://www.jeanmann.com/lights.htm

Sandra & Carl Bryant
Mosaic panels, tables, birdbaths and commissioned pieces
www.showcasemosaics.com

Kim Groff-Harrington
Home, garden and yard art created from recycled materials
www.kimgroffharrington.com

Harold Niven
Large mixed-fabric banners

Allison Hoagland
Hand blown glass sculptures, glass floats and butterfly feeders
www.Alisglassdesigns.etsy.com

Patricia Morse
Hand-built stoneware, rain basins, birdbaths, garden plaques, round forest path vessels, heron tiles

Steve Satushek
Photographs, abstract paintings
www.stevesatushek.com

Don Anderson
Steel sculptures: free-standing large and small scale abstract designs fabricated from steel and
stainless steel plate and pipe

Susanne Averre
Cement sculptures: whimsical, sand-cast concrete sculptures

Lonnie Schang & Jasmin Liepa
Garden pots, planters, vases concrete birds-flowers etc.

Shirley Cilley
Hand painted garden stones with inspirational words in Chinese characters, flowers, other designs

Annie Houston
Metal flowers 3-4 ft. with fused glass centers, metal wild women 13-18", hanging angels made from recycled wood with fused glass

Dave Lobdell
Basalt columns and basins, steel windmills with compressors