Garden Tours Coming Up - Lake Forest Park, Whidbey, the Highlands and Bainbridge

From the Dunn Garden benefit that gets you through the gates of the exclusive Highlands, to the tree-lined lanes of Lake Forest Park, and our two most opposite of islands, it's garden tour time.  Each tour has the distinct flavor of its locale, from formal to farms.

First up is The Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park this coming Saturday, June 16 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can pick up a ticket online for $12, or on the day of the tour for $15 at Lake Forest Park Town Center - details are on the web page. You'll find booths selling plants and garden art, along with Ciscoe broadcasting from the Town Center....Did you know that from an airplane, LFP is clearly the most heavily treed area in the county? If you garden in the shade, this is the tour for you....

The next Saturday, June 23, hop a ferry to Whidbey Island, which, believe me, is full of creative and dedicated gardeners. I can't tell you how many weeks our yoga classes end up in gardening discussions ..... .and it isn't just me talking plants, it's most everyone.

From a misty farm above the water (left) to a smaller property that is approaching year-round food production, a Tuscan-esque garden to a compact, colorful cottage garden, every property sounds not only worth a visit but packed with gardening lessons. Get an early start so you can stop by a few island treasures, like  Bayview Farmer's Market, Bayview Farm and Garden, Cultus Bay Nursery and Chocolate Flower Farm to soak up a bit more rural flavor and plant expertise. You might want to drive at least a station wagon for all the plants you'll want to haul back to the mainland.

The next Sunday afternoon, June 24,  is the Dunn Gardens tour of four historic Highlands estates. Believe me, these gardens are usually kept sealed behind locked gates...the tour is kept small so the cost is higher ($100) and includes music, refreshments, and a chance to chat with Dunn Garden curators Glenn Withey and Charles Price, which is always a lively experience.

The gardens are diverse in style and age, with one recently remodeled, and another designed in 1923 by the Olmsted Brothers. An Italianate woodland garden has fountains and garden art, another is more naturalistic. By spending a pleasant afternoon visiting some of the grandest gardens in Seattle you'll be supporting the very worthy Dunn Gardens.

Tickets are limited so be sure and buy in advance;  contact the Dunn Gardens or call 206-362-0933, or email info@dunngardens.org for tickets. Here's a sneak preview of a couple of the gardens on this year's tour...

 

I recently got an email from David Lewis on Bainbridge Island, who wrote "George and I have agreed to be on the tour this year and show off our budding new garden. What makes the experience unique is that the new owners of our old garden have agreed to open up as well, so the " old" and " new" Little and Lewis garden will be open. It is the first time we have opened the new space to the public." That alone is reason to hop the ferry to Bainbridge for the July 13 - 15 tour...also the food, music, and local arts and crafts that turn Bainbridge In Bloom into one big party. Six gardens, $30, tickets available online. There's also a less expensive biking option, and a more expensive gala event track.

Take a look at Little & Lewis's new garden, right next door to their old garden...both will be open...

 

Comments

[Robin]

So many garden tours...so little time! I may have to squeeze in the Bainbridge one this year though. I've never managed it & have always wanted to go!

One more tour: Saturday, June 23 10am-12pm is the Sustainable Ballard edible garden tour. Lots of inspiring gardens created by weekend warriors and pro's to inspire. See sustanableballard.org gardenhelp.org for details.

Thanks Val!

[Janell Patterson]

You just filled my early summer calendar. Off to Whidbey Island I go for a gardening adventure.
Thank you for sharing!