Garden Tours
25th Annual Tour of Private Gardens
June 18 & 19, 2011
Tour splendid city and country gardens from 11 am to 5 pm on June 18 and 19.
Karri and David Street
6059 Barr Rd., Ferndale
Have you ever lost something, done some cleaning, and found it again? Well, imagine that on a huge scale. A little over 6 years ago, Karri and David purchased a 5 acre parcel of land that had been completely neglected for at least 12 years. They began diligently eradicating blackberries, forming new flower beds, pruning trees and low and behold, they unearthed an entire orchard that had been engulfed in blackberries. They now have plum, snow apple, pear, cherry, and nut trees all saying "Thanks" to the Streets by providing them with an abundance of fruit. During all of their spare time (Ha-ha) they are also prolific artists who create mosaics and fresco painting to decorate their garden. You will see their work as you explore the garden: embellishing arbors which David also made, stepping stones and paintings on the house. What an inspiration to know that 2 hardworking, creative and industrious people have, from an overgrown mess, carved out a piece of paradise for themselves... and invited us to enjoy it too!
DIRECTIONS (From I-5)
Take I-5 to Main St/Axton Rd. (Exit 262) in Ferndale. Turn West toward City Center. Stay on Axton/Main as it turns into Mountain View Rd. heading out of town. Turn right at the Barr Rd. The Street's home is on the left.
Russ & Sheri Lambert
373 W. Hemmi Rd., Bellingham
It's no wonder that the Lamberts stay in exceptional shape. They are the sole caretakers of several beautifully manicured acres. A few years ago, Russ decided to sell his wholesale nursery. This gave them more free time so they expanded their gardens. There is a lot to discover in this peaceful setting including a diverse plant selection. An entry road lined with towering cedars invites you in. As you walk along the lane enjoy the expansive woodland beds of cyclamen, hostas, bleeding hearts, trillium and ferns. Few entire gardens equal the size of just the planting border that surrounds their front lawn. Their perennial collection will introduce you to some plants you likely have not seen before. In a secluded area around back a mountain stream and pond entices you to stay for a while. Behind the enclosed swimming pool is an elaborate collection of berries and vegetables. There's more.... Sheri's succulents fill the greenhouse and add accent to the borders. Sheri says she hardly ever leaves and now you know why. What a wonderful place!
DIRECTIONS (from Street's) Head back towards the freeway but stay on the Axton Road as it crosses over the freeway heading east. At Aldrich Rd., turn left and then right at Hemmi Rd. Just short of a mile turn right at a marked driveway. You will be on a single lane drive. Be on the lookout for oncoming cars. Follow the signs to park.
Teresa Dalton
375 W. Hemmi Rd., Bellingham
With a housing compound named the Chicken Hilton, you would expect that the poultry at Teresa's Dalton's place are living the good life. Look for a very clever bathtub setup for the ducks that provides nutrients for the garden beds as well. The colorful Benn Mann artwork is no doubt enjoyed by both the human and feathered residents. Teresa's garden is a place for both the real and whimsical. The Beatles "Yellow Submarine" graphics appear carefully painted on her propane tank. She has strategically placed large metal sculptures and blown glass shapes throughout this flowered- filled, lush garden. Don't miss one of the big cats, a very large rooster, a dinosaur and a turtle. Her vegetable garden is centered with an elaborate, colorful whirly gig. The gated swimming pool area has a small hillside garden filled with succulents. The cement patio inside radiates warmth making it a great place to relax. You are sure to enjoy this art-filled oasis.
DIRECTIONS (from Lambert's)
Walk next door. You'll encounter several clever pathways throughout the Dalton and Lambert gardens. For a delightful crunch, find a hazelnut walkway. Or take a stroll on Russ's international path of used coffee bean bags. Look for a sign that guides you to Teresa Dalton's garden via a path made of granite sink cutouts from a nearby stonework company.
Carolyn & Warren Gibbons
430 Park Ridge Rd., Bellingham
When the city subdivided the lots in this part of Bellingham, they were feeling generous. Not only do most of the houses have gorgeous views but the space! Carolyn and Warren started to carve out different garden spaces 21 years ago. They are now rewarded with several levels of gardens and an impressive collection of well-selected shrubs and trees. These provide color, fragrance, and form year-round. The garden has four terraced levels, all pointed toward the view and each with its own distinct features. On a lower level you'll find a charming cabin that Carolyn recreated from a similar one that she slept in, years prior, in Skagway, Alaska. It evolved with their family from sleeping loft to playhouse for kids, and is currently undergoing a transformation to a painting studio. In the lowest terrace there is a formal garden with an unusually sheared boxwood ring and other carefully manicured features. Enjoy the setting and lay-out of this mature garden.
DIRECTIONS (from Dalton's & Lambert's)
Take a right onto Hemmi, then right at Guide Meridian. (To avoid the Guide, continue on Hemmi to take a right at Hannegan Rd., then right at Sunset). Take I-5 south from Guide Meridian or Sunset. Exit at Old Fairhaven Parkway (#250) Turn left at 12th St. and continue on through the light. You are now on Park Ridge Rd. Parking is limited so there is a shuttle from Fairhaven Middle School. The Gibbon's is .3 miles further up. Do not park on anyone's lawn.
Susann & Gale Schwiesow
615 Bayside Rd., Bellingham
Be prepared for a sublime experience in this elegant garden where fragrance and beauty lead you from one area to the next. As you view Susann's work, you will be surprised how many distinct "rooms" she has developed within a 3/4 acre lot. Each is filled with unique and rare plant varieties that you likely haven't seen before. In a protected area at the center of the house and garden, an inviting swimming pool and large, tropical looking plantings combine to evoke a modernist feel. Just east of the pool you'll encounter the influence of English, French, and Italian gardens, in the formal hedges and pathways. Notes of the formal elements are repeated throughout the entire garden making it cohesive. A collection of potted plants provides more depth and enhances each area with subtle texture. At the very back there is a natural area with very large trees. Here, oxalis is allowed to roam free and provides a lush groundcover. In the front yard Susann has created a stunning garden that combines form, texture and color with year round interest. Enjoy this multi-sensory experience.
DIRECTIONS (from Gibbon's)
From Park Ridge, turn left onto Underhill, then take an immediate left onto Hawthorne. Take a right at Bayside Rd. and continue on as it curves around. The Schwiesow's home is on the left.
Pam & David Willett
432 15th St., Bellingham
What lies behind the established boxwood hedge surrounding Pam and David's city lot only a few have had the pleasure of experiencing. As you pass through the garden gate you will be presented with the vista of a most beautiful and peaceful garden. There is much to see. On your right is a formal knot garden with Ilex cones in each quadrant surrounded by alliums of white and purple. To your left you will be led along a generous path of lawn past an allee of Styrax Japonica trees. These are under planted with a gorgeous palette of colorful shrubs and perennials. Soon you will come upon a circular patio with a tiny, picturesque log house on one side and a courtyard entrance on the other. Large sandstone steps continue on to the alley below. The generous courtyard patio and ipe wood deck made by David provide ample room for great summertime parties. The courtyard is surrounded by an intriguing sunken garden. Also note the beautiful iron urn - an auction score! While looking around, keep in mind that this garden was completely transformed to its current state only 1 year ago! This is truly a gardener's garden.
DIRECTIONS (from Schwiesow's)
Take Bayside back toward Fairhaven and turn left onto 12th St. Take a right at Mill and then left onto 15th St. The Willet's home is just past Garden St. on the left.