The NPA Open Gardens book called this tour "A Veritable Variety: The Vashon Gardens Tour" and whoever selected these gardens did a terrific job in choosing gardens which were each so different from one another and all so marvelous!
Alison, my partner in horticultural trespassing, posted about this garden here. We knew we were in for a special experience at this garden when this was the parking area! Do you see the face in the clouds? Quite an impressive security guard!
This informal and gorgeous shrubbery provides privacy for a side garden.
Are we still in Washington? Just beyond is this large dracaena in full bloom, a fairly unusual sight in these parts!
Approaching the front garden.
Phormiums not bothered by the Phormium killing winters but that were chopped way back a few years ago because they had gotten too big.
At half an acre, this was the smallest garden on the tour but oh my gosh, there are so many great plants and interesting features in this space that it took us as long to enjoy this one as it did to take in the larger gardens! They say that it's not the size that matters but how one uses it. That's certainly true in this gorgeous and imaginative garden!
So much to love!
Here we are along the paver and gravel labyrinth.
Arriving at the center of the same.
A garden is incomplete without at least one dog and or cat! This little guy is doing a great job of keeping the sheep in a nice orderly herd. (Lambs ears edging the circular bed, get it?)
There are several mosaic pieces throughout the garden. They get so much fan mail here that they need a separate mail box just for them. Pretty special I'd say!
There is something hidden in every corner of this garden!
The view from the front garden is pretty sweet, too!
Love this! Finally something to do with all those broken off bottle tops left from baroom brawls!
I visited this garden a few years ago with friends when it was part of another tour. We were all quite taken with the generous use of Baby's Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) in several areas. It's so very green and happy looking!
Which path to choose?
Gratuitous plant sex image. The plant in this case is an oriental poppy.
A colorful glazed ceramic pole.
Imaginative reuse of all sorts of items can be found in abundance here!
Behind the house is a delightful dining area.
Further along the garden path.
On the porch looking out. Notice the human look of the emerging bloom spike of the yucca.
You have been warned!
Looking out over the giant chess set.
On the shady side of the house.
Back around the front we pass the giant phormiums which are preparing to bloom.
Like Alison, I found the cone mulched bed interesting.
After touring the final garden, we did some shopping in town and had a delicious dinner at The Hardware Store, a restaurant located in Vashon's oldest commercial building that had operated as a hardware store for most of its 121 years of existence. In addition to the fun story, delightful ambience, and art gallery space, they serve great food!
After dinner it was time to catch the ferry home. You'll notice that the sky, very grey this morning, is now blue, the sun shining golden on the madrona branches. Boarding the ferry, we end another Lassie and Outlaw Adventure. Thanks for coming along with us on this trip to one of my favorite places!
