Gardens take names from TV
The Spokane in Bloom Garden Tour Saturday features six gardens in North Spokane, each named after a popular daytime television program. The gardens will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $7 each and will be on sale at any of the garden locations. Proceeds go toward community service programs.
For more information, including directions to the gardens, contact Chris Sheppard at (509) 535-8434.
“Passions”
Lisa and Ken Burns, 15720 N. Gleneden
Lisa Burns gardens with “rooms” in mind. Her six-year-old garden features a vegetable patch, a dragonfly garden and a space she framed with old windows and calls her “rust garden.”
Burns culled ideas from other gardeners and gardening magazines to design the layout of her garden space. It features roses and a rose arbor, as well as a meandering stream and a mini waterfall. Annuals are planted in pots and interesting containers.
“As the World Turns”
Shirley and Don Mitchell, 412 W. Hazard Road
The Mitchell property runs along the Little Spokane River. More than 500 Hosta varieties and other perennials are planted to give the garden, which sits on more than one acre, a cool and tranquil feeling. The Mitchell’s collection of bronze statuary, most of which was purchased at estate auctions in Arizona, is interspersed throughout the gardens.
The Babbling Brook Cafe, featuring Loren’s Deli & Espresso, will be selling $6 box lunches at the “As the World Turns” Garden.
“Days of Our Lives”
Pam and Brad Wolfrum, 16008 N. Cirrus Court
The Wolfrums have carved out several small and intimate gardens from their four-acre wooded property. Pam Wolfrum likes a natural look so she focuses on native plants and perennials. Interesting features include a pond and waterfall.
The Wolfrums designed their gardens to provide a greenbelt around their log cabin to reduce the danger from wildfires. A fire safety specialist will be on hand during the tour.
“Guiding Light”
Bruce and Ann Dentler, 7711 N. Panorama Drive
Bruce Dentler’s fascination with container gardening fills more than 100 colorful ceramic containers, oak barrels and hanging baskets with a variety of plants, vegetables and small trees. The jewel of this garden is a large piece of stained glass, originally framed in the front door of his parents’ house, which now hangs in the pergola.
“Bold and Beautiful”
Julia and David Marcyes, 8615 N. Northview Court
This 6-year-old hillside garden boasts a big view and big numbers. More than 1,000 feet of flowerbeds hold thousands of annuals and more than 500 varieties of perennials. The 17-zone sprinkler system can be accessed by remote control for easy maintenance.
A 20-foot waterfall and two ponds add interest to what Julia Marcyes says is one of the biggest displays of amaranthas in Spokane.
“Young and Restless”
Colleen and Al England, 8721 N. Kensington Drive
This four -year-old garden is a work in progress. Planted in the rich Five Mile prairie soil, the garden is in bloom from early spring to late fall. Described as a “border” garden, the beds of both annual and perennial plants surround a center grassy lawn. Water features, whimsical surprises and a variety of bird feeders add to this charming garden.