Whatcom Horticultural Society

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.

 

Tour Tickets

Prices:
Ticket Locations:

After June 1, tickets and directions are available at these Bellingham locations: A Lot of Flowers, Bakerview Nursery, The Garden Room, The Garden Spot, The Gardens at Padden Creek, Kent's Nursery, DeWilde's Nursery, and Whatcom Convention and Visitors Bureau.

County locations for tickets are: Cloud Mountain Nursery in Sumas, Hi Hoe Nursery and Vander Giessen Nursery in Lynden.

Tickets are also available on the days of the tour at the gardens. Driving directions are included on the tour tickets.

Additional Information:

Google Map to the Gardens
(opens in a new window)

• The Annual Tour of Private Gardens takes place over two days. You may visit each garden once, in any order, over the course of the two days.

• Please understand the need for children to remain with an adult at all times.

• No dogs are permitted into the gardens, except for service animals.

• Carpools are strongly encouraged. Private garden parking is limited.

• Not all gardens are wheelchair accessible. If you have difficulty walking, contact a volunteer staff member for parking and access information.

• We regret that there are no restrooms available at any of the gardens.

• The tour will be held rain or shine. Umbrellas and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Please be aware of personal safety at all times. Sponsors and garden owners are not responsible for personal injuries or the loss or damage to personal property.

• Garden owners have generously volunteered time for this event. Please respect opening and closing times: 11am – 5pm, Saturday and Sunday.

 

©2011 Whatcom Horticultural Society. Last update June 8, 2011
Site design & maintenance by Mark Turner of Turner Photographics, Bellingham, Washington