Thursday, May 21, 2009

Gardening On Whidbey Island

Four years ago this May our family cabin construction was complete. This new structure replaced an old cabin that the family had owned for forty years but that dated back to 1928.
That summer of 2005 Tom and I, being the family gardeners, began the landscaping process. We moved and hauled dirt, built retaining walls and a boardwalk, and began collecting plants from our home garden.
Since the soil is mostly sand, and the water is limited, we looked at Mediterranean style plants as well as what we could get free from our Seattle garden. In the late fall and early winter we planted. But because we used plants and compost from our own garden, things showed up that we didn't expect. Other things have seeded from first bloom. The result is that we are always pleasantly surprised by what we find each time we visit.
This pacific coast iris is doing much better here than at home.
We brought up old tulip bulbs that don't perform more than one year in our Seattle garden, but like the sand and low water here. We're not sure where the double orange poppy came from.
Foliage contrast is a feature here too, since flowers are short lived.
This is a garden for sitting and enjoying, and we get lots of compliments from the other beach folk as they stroll by.
Driftwood adds texture and form. This old stump was completely buried in ivy in the old cabin yard.
Columbine flowers are so exotic, and seem to thrive here. You never know what you'll get when they seed themselves.
A front corner is reserved for our sedum tapestry, an idea we saw in a book called "Shocking Beauty". It's coming along.
The back yard is just planted in grass and clover, with a fire circle. It's where the action is, on the shore of Deer Lagoon.
And of course Sunlight Beach on Useless Bay is just across the road.

11 comments:

  1. Did you two have a landscaping company or something? Your gardens are amazing!

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  2. Maya, thanks. No company, just a passion we have been fortunate to be able to indulge. Kinda took the place of parenting after the kids were grown, I guess.

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  3. how great that you share the same passion-you both certainly have a green thumb-just beautiful flowers and foliage and a lovely garden...

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  4. I'm amazed at your gardening skills. Are you Master Gardners? Have you taken landscape design classes?

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  5. yes, wonderful garden! You have inspired me beyond measure!

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  6. You have two beautiful gardens. I'm amazed that you can maintain both so beautifully. I have trouble keeping up one.

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  7. Wow Linda...all the texture and the use of the driftwood..amazing. I would love to come and sit there...

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  8. Linda,
    What beautiful gardens and photos.

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  9. Linda, I couldn't find a place to email you so I'll ask my question here. How do you like your mini-laptop? What kind do you have? What was your purpose in getting it? Are you able to get a signal at most places you'd like to use it.

    I have a regular size laptop but I like to sit in my recliner and read a lot and find the large one cumbersome. I also have time to kill while waiting for Bob in different doctors' offices and the hospital. Am I likely to be able to get a signal there?

    Would you recommend the mini-laptop?

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  10. Linda, I have responded to your question via email, and have added an email link to my profile. Thanks for asking.

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  11. Your header photo of your garden is too incredible to be believed! Wow! I am heartily impressed. And now I see your Whidbey Island garden is also a showcase. Wow! Wow!

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