Annual tour showcases awe-inspiring gardens of North Idaho
In the summer, one of the favorite pastimes of Inland Northwest residents is peeking at other folks’ gardens.
Next Sunday, they’ll have an opportunity to do just that when the Coeur d’Alene Garden Club holds its 13th annual tour of six gardens in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Dalton Gardens.
One of the gardens – voted as one of the club’s “best of the best” – is owned by Dick and Judy Kurth. Located at 10743 Snowshoe Drive in Post Falls, this five-acre garden exudes tranquility.
In addition to the many flower beds filled with poppies, irises, daisies, ornamental grasses and other perennials, visitors will enjoy the appealing garden art – including totem poles – that Dick Kurth has made over the years.
Some of his artwork will be available for purchase during the tour.
“Dick has made all of the arbors, benches, birdhouses and fences from recycled materials,” Judy Kurth says. “We can’t throw anything away.”
A recurring theme throughout the garden is Dick’s wood-carved trout. That’s because the Kurths have two large trout ponds connected by a stream that the fish spawn in every year.
Other water gardens on the property contribute to the natural setting and the winding pathways make the garden fun to explore.
Judy has a natural ability for landscaping and was exposed to gardening early in her life.
“I learned gardening from my grandma,” she explains. “Her hands were always in the dirt.”
Originally part of the Coeur d’Alene garden tour in 1999, their garden has been evolving and continues to make the most of its natural surroundings.
While there are many scenic viewpoints on their property, Judy’s favorite view of the garden is from her back door.
“I just love looking from my sliding door because it encompasses the whole view,” she says. “It’s so serene and peaceful.”
The following gardens also are part of the tour:
• Larry and Marlene Martens, 3208 Lodgepole Road, Coeur d’Alene – The focal point of this one-acre garden is a large rock waterfall which spills into a koi pond below. The annuals, perennials, shrubs and fruit trees planted throughout enhance the beauty of this tranquil setting.
• Mike and Kim Normand, Shared Harvest Community Garden, 10th and Foster, Coeur d’Alene – A community garden that features 57 raised beds, a demonstration garden of drought-tolerant plants, an herb healing garden, a scented garden for the sight-impaired, berry patches and fruit trees. Established in 2009, this organically grown garden was built with recycled materials.
• Glen Pettit, 1009 E. Coeur d’Alene St., Coeur d’Alene – This garden features a deck, patio and grapevine-covered pergola for outdoor entertaining. The raised beds filled with bright flowers and three-tiered fountain attract birds and butterflies. The home is located in the Garden District and was originally built in 1937 for the mayor of Coeur d’Alene.
• Dave and Verlene Hansen, 1510 E. Jabbra Ave., Coeur d’Alene – The homeowners have invested six years in this garden and transformed it into an attractive setting. In addition to planting many annuals and perennials, they added a large wooden gazebo and an entertainment center so they could enjoy dining outdoors and the beauty of the surroundings.
• Ed and Tina Hood, 6048 N. 16th St., Dalton Gardens – Visitors to this garden will have much to look at: several water features including a large koi pond, 100 colorful birdhouses and bird feeders, a walk-in dollhouse, and extensive annual and perennial beds.
The homeowners also grow grapes, berries and tree fruits in a small orchard. Driftwood, old tree snags and rocks have been incorporated into the landscape. The garden has been certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.
Four of the gardens will have artisans and vendors on site. Proceeds from the tour will benefit local charities and scholarships at North Idaho College.