organic abundance

Teem “T.J.” Scarborough knows how to grow abundant edible crops and keep the deer from eating them. Those two valuable skills provide his family with healthy, delectable produce year-round.

A dentist on Spokane’s North Side, he lives with his wife and four children on about an acre at 2456 E. Mountain Vista in Coeur d’Alene. Their productive garden will be featured, along with five others of varying sizes and styles, during next Sunday’s Coeur d’Alene garden tour. Hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Garden Club, it runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Scarborough’s successes can be attributed to the fact that he started gardening at a very early age.

“I was a weird kid,” he said. “When I was very young, I asked my parents if I could turn an area of their yard into a garden. They said yes and bought me some seeds and fertilizer. My enjoyment of gardening grew from there.”

Because deer are abundant where he now lives, he studied their behavior and decided a fence would be the best way to keep them out of his garden. He’s found deer won’t jump over a solid fence if they can’t see what’s on the other side. He’s also learned that when deer can see through or over a fence, it doesn’t need to be exceptionally tall if you plant a wide bed of structural plants such as fruit trees, grapevines and berries next to it. That’s because it’s difficult for deer to jump high and wide at the same time.

Scarborough also grows hardy kiwis, goji berries, pawpaw trees, apples, pears, peaches, cherries, plums and apricots.

Visitors are sure to appreciate his attractive cedar raised beds, in which he’s growing every vegetable crop imaginable. There are also cold frames for growing heat-lovers such as melons and sweet potatoes. Everything is grown organically.

Scarborough and his wife, Emily, enjoy teaching their children about gardening. The two oldest kids have their own garden beds; the younger ones will get their own beds next year.

Despite his gardening successes, Scarborough is quick to point out that’s not always the case.

“I’m not a Master Gardener but rather, a master of failure. I learn from my mistakes,” he said.

The following gardens are also a part of the tour:

• Linda and Robert Whitehead, 1151 E. Warm Springs Ave., Post Falls – Delight in this charming cottage garden brimming with roses, clematis vines, irises, lilies, herbs, berry and tree fruits, and a raised-bed vegetable garden. Birdwatchers will enjoy the birdhouse tree and water features created for visiting birds.

• Mary and Dalen Gunn, 7260 N. Courcelles Parkway, Coeur d’Alene – Visitors will find many flowers in this colorful garden, along with vegetables grown in large cinder-block planters. There’s also a play area for the owners’ grandchildren, a splashing water feature that attracts birds, and a vine-covered porch.

• Bev and Ron Noble, 7535 Mount Carrol St., Dalton Gardens – This former goat farm has been transformed with a large garden with vegetables and berries, climbing roses growing on trellises and plenty of vibrant flower beds. Beautiful hanging baskets of tuberous begonias brighten the rear patio.

• Sarah and Jeff Owens, 4860 Cuprum Court, Coeur d’Alene – In addition to vegetables, fruit trees and seasonally changing plantings of flowers, visitors will take pleasure in the small garden tended by the owners’ children.

• Nancy Johnson, 959 Seventh St., Coeur d’Alene – This older home has been restored with a focus on the owner’s love of gardening and entertaining. Look for the raised vegetable and herb beds, fun garden art and beds overflowing with bright flowers.

There will be musicians as well as artisans and vendors selling garden-related items at most gardens. All proceeds from the tour benefit local charities including North Idaho College scholarships.