hamel goof: At the Base of Mt. Adams, a Garden Tour ? An Artist's Garden

July 29, 2012

Saturday was an exceptionally lovely day in the Trout Lake Valley with blue skies framing a majestic Mt. Adams. ?My gardening mentor, Miriam invited me to join her on a self-guided tour of five Trout Lake gardens and I jumped at the chance, always looking for inspiration in another?s garden vision. ?We picked up our mutual friend Jan whose garden could easily have been on this tour and headed out in Miriam?s convertible to enjoy the day.

Peck?s Perennial and Vegetable Garden was our first stop with the most amazing giant vegetable garden I?ve seen in a long time. ?They plant continually for a constant source of fresh produce and it feeds their family all year. ?Angela made me want to plant vegetables again while giving us a personal tour of her organic garden.

From the flyer: ?The Peck Garden is seven years old and was designed by Angela. ?The whole family pitches in to help with the yard work and harvest. ?The perennial garden is a great space for family and friends while the vegetable garden is flourishing. ?They use organic manure as fertilizer, but the manure had been composted, resulting in fewer weeds and more produce. ?They also have a variety of fruit trees in the vegetable garden area and a hedge of raspberries. ?They have a beautiful selection of roses, and rhododendrons dominate the front of the house. ?This garden has a welcoming and friendly appearance reflecting the characteristics of the family that cares for it.

Tiffan?s Perennial Garden was our next stop and I must admit it was my favorite because of Donna?s colorful garden art and hand painted birdhouses throughout the garden. ?We have similar tastes in plant material and she gave me ?pink columbine seeds; PLUS offered LAVA ROCKS for my current project! ?I?ll be back soon to pick up those rocks!!

From the flyer: ?The Tiffan Family Garden was designed by Donna six years ago. ?The garden has a fairly high maintenance level and the whole family works in the yard. ?It is a perennial garden designed to attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. ?There is also a vegetable garden, chicken coop and a variety of berries and fruit trees. ?The layout of the garden was meant to be expanded over time; the oldest beds are the ones closest to the house and the rest were added later. ?The vegetable garden is the newest section; it was added this year. ?In the future they would like to add a gazebo and a pond.

Pearson?s Organic Garden and Orchard was our mid-way point and although it was wonderful, the fruit tower offered to guests was amazing! ?As were the sunflowers and hollyhocks! ?Laura was a delightful host and it felt spiritual standing in her 114 year old garden.

From the flyer: ?The Pearson Garden is the oldest garden on the tour. ?Started in 1898, it is still in use today. ?Laura Pearson designed the vegetable garden and works very hard to keep up with the work. ?She is the third generation gardener at the house, and the plants are flourishing. ?She grows all of her potatoes, carrots, beets and many other vegetables. ?Her orchard produces apples, pears, cherries, plums and Asian pears. ?She stores her potatoes and apples in her fruit cellar which is under the house. ?They also have a cider press in the cellar to make fresh apple cider all year long. ?In the future, they would like to have a better composting system in the vegetable garden, to improve growth and cut down on weeds.

Allen?s Indoor Garden captured my heart with the whimsical touches added for Sharon?s grandchildren. ?At this point we realized time was running out, and although we didn?t want to rush we didn?t spend as much time here as at the other gardens. ? I loved how the horses came out and posed for me while we perused the garden.

From the flyer: ?The four year old Allen Garden is every unique. ?The main garden is actually indoors. ?The house plants add color and fresh scent to the house and pool and are creative living decorations. ? In the back of the house there is a children?s garden complete with a beanpole teepee, meandering paths and vibrant scents, perfect for the grandkids. ?Both the garden and houseplants are cared for by Sharon Allen. ?Eventually Sharon would like to have a whole yard landscaped for a natural look, with wildflower meadows and dry creek beds. ?The goal is for a low maintenance garden with native plants and flowers.

Lambert?s Riverside Garden was our last stop with only thirty minutes left in the tour. ?Char was so engaging and let us stay beyond the close of the tour, enjoying her river view, charming home and colorful, fragrant garden. ?It was the perfect end to a perfect day of garden touring in the Trout Lake Valley.

From the flyer: ?The Lambert Garden is nine years old and numerous people have had influence over the design. ?The layout was planned by Brooks Heard, and a gentleman from Underwood made plant suggestions. ?Lucinda Guilderhouse also made plant suggestions, but Char made all the final decisions. ?The garden work is done by Char and her husband Jim, who work hard to keep their yard pristine. ?This garden is one for relaxation and family. ?The fragrant blooms attract bees and the lights create a magical feeling at night. ?In the future Char would like to add a permanent greenhouse, raspberries and raised beds in a vegetable garden area.