Northwest Garden Tours - Your Favorite?

I have been to the Vashon & Bainbridge tours in the past (2004 & 2005) and I absolutely loved it! Vashon offered many delights. I love Vashon, and maybe someday we can afford a property there. :)

My memories today are on Bainbridge Island - most notably - Linda Cochran's garden and of course, Little & Louis. What an inspiration these gardens provided. One on acres, and one on 1/4 acre. I remember getting home and all I could think or talk about (for days) is what I'm going to do in my own garden!

Not to mention the other private gardeners on both islands who most generously opened up their private gardens to all of us. I gathered inspiration from them ALL. I can only hope to achieve the almost perfection I saw.

So, here is the question - your favorite garden tour in the PNW? Oregon gardens included, please! I really want to spend a large chunk of 2007 touring. I missed 2006 due to other commitments, so I'm ready and raring to go! Private, public.......all of em.

I hope to be on a tour ...............someday. Nothing better than meeting other garden enthusiasts! This photo is the beginning of Linda's tour - 2005 - It's just a taste of her fabulous space!

My all time favorite garden tour is the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC. I can also recommend Portland, Oregon's Rose Garden in Washington Park and the nearby Japanese Gardens there.

Absolutely, I have fallen in love with Butchart. In fact, after living here in WA for almost 14 years, I'm ashamed to say we toured Butchart for the first time last fall. What fun! We took the Victoria Clipper (A large catamaran) and enjoyed the views on the way (note to those who are going to "clipper" get there early, cuz if you want to sit next to your husband than you need to get there early! - (open seating) -Oh and also, they have onboard breakfast fare (contential fare) and champange for us early morning toasters!) The trip was most enjoyable! I met several "new friends!" LOL)

At Butchart - We had lunch in the original Butchart home and it was such a treat.

I think I need to re-visit again and again to "understand" the garden vision. When I was there it was a "rushed, hurry up and neurotic" atmosphere, that I don't think I got the full effect. Of course, the first canyon view, I will never forget! WOW is all I can say about that! :

Thanks for your reply Lettuceman! I will checkout the Portland Rose Garden, for sure.

I've never been on the Vashon or Bainbridge tour but really want to go. Hopefully this year. I usually go on the Whidbey tour every year, given I live here. Some of those gardens are wonderful, some not so much. Last year I joined the NPA and they have a lot of garden tours. I only went on one last year but hope to go on more this year. I'm also kicking around a garden tour of England in my mind - the BIG dream.

We got to Butchart a couple years ago and that was pretty impressive. A bit overwhelming for one day.

We vacation ever year in central Oregon on the McKenzie River and recently discovered that the hot springs near McKenzie Bridge have opened (so far still free) incredible garden spaces to wander around on. I highly recommend seeing that if you can.

Gwen

I am a tree and shrub guy and I love the Arboretum. Not as much color but lots of area to go and sit and read, study plant types, see the large size that the specimens I plant will grow to. Buchart is also wonderful but not as private.

The Bloedel gardens on Bainbridge are wonderful! They give you quided tour and it's so peaceful. Seeing all the wild flowers of Pacific NW, and native trees. Swans, ducks, geese,swimming on ponds.
Than they take you to the house(mansion) and let you tour there.
Another place is Schreiner's Iris Garden in Salem,Oregon. Oh my!! It was the most informative and lovely gardens I've ever seen. Here's a picture.
Take care,
Kathy

another picture of iris garden in Salem,Or.

another picture

and another. Ok, last one. :)

Gwendalou - Vashon Allied Arts http://www.vashonalliedarts.org/ hosts the annual garden tours. The link currently has the 2006 tour still listed, but you can get on their mailing list for the 2007 tour. And (yeah!), Bainbridge in Bloom 2007 is up already http://www.gardentour.info/ . I have made a note of the McKenzie River area (always looking for a new place to visit). - Thanks!!!

Soferdig - gosh, I have yet to visit the Arboretum. Can you believe that? Thanks for the reminder.

Doxiesmom, I'm putting Bloedel on the calendar. I absolutely can't wait to see this property!!!

Another thing that popped into my head as I am typing this is the West Seattle Garden tour, and the Snohomish Garden tour. I've been to the Snohomish about 3 years ago, but never the West Seattle.

OK now that I live in Montana I will give you the best natural garden tour that is quite unique. When you go up to LaConner you pass a fruit and nick nack stand. That is just past the road to the Skagit Flats Trumpter Swan habitat. At the end of that road you can park and it is a 1/2 mile hike through grasslands and tidal pools to the rock that sits on the flats. Climb up and experience an entire huge mix of mosses, bushes, Trees, grasses, wildflowers, and ferns. All this is placed in a rock garden mode that when high tide the water touches the island. When the tide is out there is another blessing of clamming, long hikes over flat tidal surges. Watch out cause it comes in fast in the neap tides. Please visit but tell no one. LOL Steve.

Butchart Gardens just north of Victoria is incomparable. We were there last summer and it is incredible. The plants are so different from ours. The USDA plant zone must be 7 there and we have 3b to 5b here depending on specific location. With shade and shelter from the winter wind we can get Rhododendrons to survive but they never thrive. In some areas the soil is so dry ... our yucca transplants died. I got the yucca to thrive in another location. We have 2.5 acres of turf grass and it is a chore to mow ..... but a labor of love.

My all time favorite garden tour in the Northwest was at the Japanese Garden in Portland. I was totally enamored by every level of detail in the materials used, like the bricks and roof tiles, laid like small rivulets of water beside some of the paths, the plants and how well they were cared for, and how it feels so large and how it wraps around into itself with different levels. It gave me a feeling that I had never had before, an appreciation of the simplicity and the complexity of the garden. I felt it was the most sublime garden I have ever seen, and that it was sublime in all its elements and use of materials. It is also known to be so authentic, that his Excellency Ambassador Kunihiko Saito exclaimed, "I believe this garden to be the most authentic Japanese garden, including those in Japan." It does involve some hill walking and I did it when it was over 100 degrees in the surrounding area, but it felt much cooler there. I took the tour twice with different tour guides to learn more.

If there's an interest in touring VanDusen Botanical Gardens, UBC Botanical Gardens, Butchart Gardens - let me know and maybe I can arrange something. I probably could talk to some friends that work at downtown Vancouver hotels and see if I can get a group rate and see if there's such a thing as a group rate on the ferries or just rent a van for the day. I'd love to play "tour guide" for a weekend. There is also a very nice Japanese garden at UBC called Nitobe Memorial Garden.

I'd love to do a tour in the Seattle area, that is if I can find a place to stay thats cheap or park my travel trailer somewhere.

growin, what a generous offer! I would love to do such a tour. Not sure the bod's up to it though. lol

Passports? I'm guessing that you both have them...can't get into Canada without em anymore!

My all time favorite garden is the one in Eugene OR. Northwest Garden Nursery. Not just a nursery but a wonderful garden with lots of plant combinations that are to die for. They just do an excellent job with their garden. Plant prices are quite reasonable, too.

Does everyone know about the NPA (Northwest Perennial Alliance) which along with their sister organization in Portland OR (The Hardy Plant Society of Oregon) are sponsoring a "study weekend" in June. They are held each June and rotate between Vancouver/Victoria, Seattle, Portland and Eugene with other sister hort organizations.

They fill up fast and probably by this late date are filled. Joining these organizations opens up a whole other gardening world.

Growin, I would love to take a trip to Vancouver sometime with my family, though this Spring is extraordinarily busy and I couldn't get away. I'm not sure Summer is any better this year, as I am going to Michigan to scatter my dad's ashes in the place he requested. But if a group voyage were organized I would have to ponder the possibility. Vashon wouldn't be exactly the best place to base yourself to tour Seattle gardens, as you would have to pay the ferry fee every time you went off to go somewhere in the larger area. However, if you ever wish to check out Colvos Creek in person you could park at my place overnight, or if you wanted a more upscale vacation there are some nice bed and breakfast places nearby.

Thanks mauryhillfarm! I visited Colvos Creek a few years ago and bought a truck load of plants. Vashon Island is very, very nice and I haven't got the picture of those exercise bicycles on the beach where the island narrows out of my mind. It certainly looks like a nice place to live but, of course, I had to catch the ferry back before too late in the day. Although I don't have a property or house, I can certainly host a tour here.

As far as I know, you can drive across to Canada still with only your birth cert. The passport requirement is currently for people flying in. does anyone have different info on this? I thought it was mandatory across the line but then was told not.

I would definitely be interested in a group trip to BC.

Gwen

My understanding is that you don't need your passport, just drivers license, birth cert and something else. I also thought you needed a passport but that is only for flying to/through/in the US. Next year it changes to driving into/out of.

I also talked to a neighbour who runs a lovely b&b: http://www.bbcanada.com/ashbyhouse and is an avid gardener just down the street from me. She suggested Abkhazi gardens in Victoria (http://www.conservancy.bc.ca/content.asp?sectionack=abkhazi) and another one in Surrey here if I can figure out which one it is. Sometimes I shy away from the big show gardens as some real treasures can be found in smaller unique gardens IMO.

If there is enough interest for a BC trip, let me know and I can start the planning. Remember you can always stop for the tulip show near Mt. Vernon at the right time of year.

The tulips in Mt Vernon are not that exciting! LOL I live fairly close and was not all that impressed. Just masses of red and yellow tulips. You have to pay to get into everything. No thanks.

I'd rather come to BC later in the year when more things are blooming besides just spring bulbs. I want to come when the roses are in bloom! But if there's a group plan, I'll happily come whenever everyone else does.

Gwen

Gwen did you get one of the Tulip Festival guides with all the stops on it? Last time I went there were several very nice display gardens with all kinds of plants & trees (very heavy in tulips of course). We enjoyed it very much. Also one of the best places to take family/kid pictures. :^)

There is secret gem of a garden tour in the summer sponsored by Russel Water Gardens in Redmond. Many (most I think) of their former customers open up their gardens one day a year for public viewing. Most are on the east side, but there are some all over Puget Sound. These people each spent 10 to 20K or more on a water feature, so they tend to be gardeners with big budgets & lots of space. Some really outstanding gardens.

We also enjoy the Snohomish garden tour every summer. Beautiful cottage gardens at nice old Victorian houses.

The Russell Waer Gardens one sounds interesting! And the Snohomish one sounds right up my alley as that's the kind of garden (and house) I love. Let me know when/if you find out the dates for this year.

Gwen

Last summer my wife and I and the kids toured Butchart Gardens. My wife spotted a few terrific rose bushes and found several that are really nice smelling. We looked for ones that are Zone 4 just to be safe. We researched several kinds and came up with a list of nearly 30. This past Saturday afternoon we found one on the list. Its name is Tiffany and cost $4 at K-Mart. How could we lose. We bought 2. My wife's pleased as punch to get such a deal; as am I.

Hello, I live on the Olympic Peninsula. Our most spectacular garden is Wasell Gardens, in Brinnon on Hood Canal. Hwy 101 (not on the coast) to Dosewallips River Rd, left onto Schoolhouse Rd. Close the gate behind you to keep out deer and elk. They have 5 densely packed acres with enormous cherry trees (blooming now), thousands of rhodies and azaleas, and an unmatched collection of Japanese maples. They've been called the Buchart of Hood Canal. Garden clubs regularly go there, and it's popular for family portraits. Lots of seating, level land.

In the same town is Whitney Gardens, & they are a retail site also. They have a tour garden also, located at Hwy 101 in "downtown" Brinnon. They have catalogs of the rhododendrons they've cultivated, sold all over the world. Beautiful right now, as well.

Both the rose and rhodie are sooooo pretty!

Gwen

I have always enjoyed Point Defiance gardens in the park. Thematic gardens, including a Japanese Garden, Rose Garden and Northwest Native Garden, Dahlia Trial Garden , Fuchsia Garden, Iris Garden and Rhododendron Gardens

http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=24
is a good site for directions to the park and the second link is a virtual tour of the gardens

http://www.vrseattle.com/pages/browse.php?cat_id=58

I'm no longer a PNW'er BUT will be in Portland this summer. I'm 'dropping off' my dh at the Waterfront Blues Festival then I'll be going to Joy Creek Nursery in Scappose, OR.- just across the river from Washington State. It's a stunner. The hosta walk is amazing and I'm sure it's just gotten better over time (It's been 7 years since I was there).

Another must-see is Heirloom Roses in St. Paul, Oregon. Go there in June when roses are at their peak. It's MUCH, MUCH more interesting and beautiful than the Portland rose gardens IMO. The bonus is that you can buy the roses there too. They have a covered walk that's at least 100 feet long and 15 feet high and wide that's covered in various varieties of roses. Stunning.

I just got Vashon's 2007 tour info. Lot's of goodies! I could not find a web address, and I can't remember if they ever had one. (?) But phone number is at the bottom of this post. They take credit on the phone.

Here I will quote:

Friday June 23 - 24 The Garden Tour

The 17th annual Garden Tour features a mix of established, new and award-winning gardens. Four gardens incorporate water views:three reside on acreage that affords both sun and shade:two are long-established with both mature and new trees, plants and shrubs; two demonstrate what can happen in your garden in a relatively short period of time; and one is a garden in process, incorporating new hardscaping and a presentation demonstrating how remaining acreage and orchard will be developed. Weekend admission is $25 or $20 if purchased by May 15.

Your garden Tour experience will be further enhanced by sweet strains of live harp music, poetry readings and a Garden Market of treasures. Several Island artists will display their works in the gardens.

Doesn't it sound great? What I love about this tour, is that you can drive your own car to each location at will.

Other Events:

June 22, 1 - 4 PM

Secrets of the Garden

Garden connoissuers who want to dig more deeply are invited to spend time at the elbows of islanders who devote every day to their gardens - gardens that have appeared in Pacific magazine, Fine Gardening, Garden Design, and Sunset. DIG owners Sylvia Matlock and Ross Johnson invite you to learn how 17 years of gardening have been reinforced by a striking new exterior on their home. Cindy and Steve Stockett take you through beautifully designed garden rooms and water features. Plant lists from each garden will be included, with light refreshments at DIG.
Limited enrollment.

Also on June 22 - 7 - 10 PM

Celebrate one of the longest days of the year in the enchanting Dockton garden of Whit and Mary Carhart, with elegant food, wine and live music. Gala guests will have the opportunity to view and bid on the entire collection of artfully embellished watering cans. Complimentary Garden Tour ticket included.

June 23 - June 24

Free Seminars! Have questions about garden design? Need plant suggestions? Attend seminars by Terry Hershey, landscape designer and author of Soul Gardening and Sacred Necessities and renowned plantsman, Michael Lee of Colvos Creek Nursery, Seminars take place at Blue Heron Art Center.

Pricing:

Secrets Of The Garden $55 per person. With Sat/Sun Garden Tour $70 per person

Sunset Garden Gala: $100 per person (includes Sat/Sun Garden tour tickets)

The Garden Tour: $25 per person (purchase before May 15 and save $5)

Charge by phone: 206-463-5131 Tues - Fri 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM & Sat - noon - 5:00 PM

Also: Tickets are available at the Blue Heron Art Center, Heron's Nest and DIG Floral & Garden.

And I've also got wind of the Bainbride Island tour!!! Check it out for yourself : http://www.gardentour.info/

I'm just looking forward to going. Perhaps I should wear a button on my hat that says "Dave's Garden" LOL, I hope you all find this info useful!!

I'm hyperventilating right now. That stupid Vashon one is on the *worst* weekend. It's the same weekend as the Whidbey garden tour and also the same weekend that I want to be in the Bay Area for a Big Green Egg 'fest'. I wanted to pull my two highschoolers out of school a couple days early (they get out that Fri) and head down to Calif for the eggfest and then continue on for our college tour for the junior. He doesn't want to go, says the first days of summer are when all the fun happens (translate to all the parties with drugs and alcohol I'd prefer he miss), so I'm battling that. Now I wanna go to the Vashon thing. Darn! They really should make sure they don't overlap with other garden tours!

Gwen

Gwen, I completely understand. I've got two teenage boys - 17 & 19. It's all about the social life. I remember. I was the same way! Gosh, if I could just *schedule* some time with them now and then. But, having teenagers is as old as.....old.

LOL!!

What is the Big Green Egg 'fest'? I'm curious!

About the overlapping tours, I suspect it is to take advantage of our gardens best moments, after the annuals/perennials have flushed out and are looking good. Before it gets so darn hot that all we do is water and trim brown leaves. For the life of me, I can't remember last July now, but something in the back of my noggin says it was hot.

Of course, I'm not saying anything that everyone doesn't know already, maybe just thinking out loud while I type! :-D

I do remember doing the Snohomish tour a few years back, and boy was it hot. The vegetable gardens (saw a couple) were spectacular though.

I do love a beautiful veggie garden too. Now to get mine in shape.............

OFFTOPIC: I mowed for the first time today in WEEKS. Wow, good thing I waited until 2:00 PM to do it. It was still wet under it all. Dandelion city too. I've been so busy with the beds that I've neglected the lawn. Many grubs this year. I did find some Dursban at Lowe's. (I posted about finding it./if it was still safe elsewhere on DG). I'm trying to decide to Dursban first or Weed and Feed First.

My husband was very pleased that the lawn was mowed. Brownie points.

The Big Green Egg fest is for people who use or are interested in the Big Green Egg ceramic bbq. It's a kamado style bbq that using lump charcoal to cook with. (Not a gas bbq.)

They have 'fests' all across the country and a couple years ago they started one in the Calif bay area.

www.biggreenegg.com

Gwen

I went to Joy Creek Nursery yesterday because I had read about it so much on DG and I was in the area. It was nice but really not what I was expecting from the rave reviews here. And it was very costly. $18.50 for three plants, 2 of which did not have the healthiest leaves I've ever seen on a plant and one which was very small.

I will say, on some plants, they had zillions of varieties, like hardy geranium comes to mind

The staff was really nice.

I give it a 7 on a scale of 1-10, but only because of the variety of plants they carry and the fact that it's always nice when a nursery has 'demo' gardens. My biggest complaint is the high prices. (I expected better from Oregon!)

Gwen