MySecretGarden

U.S.A., Washington State. USDA zone 8b. Sunset climate zone 5

Charming and Exciting Garden of Rudell and Jay


The garden I want to show you became one of my all time favorites. I visited it twice during our city garden tour in 2006 and 2014. I liked it when I saw it the first time, and I fell in love with it when I saw it last June.
What amazes me the most is how two people could create such a lush, exquisite, intimate space on a not so big lot in a residential area.



Further in the post, wherever I cite the Garden Tour program, I''ll  use quotation marks.
"This is truly a 'garden-lover's garden'! 
With tender loving care, Rudell and Jay Hegnes have created a place for plant enthusiasts
 to stroll, explore, and relax.
When you walk along the path on the side of the house toward the gate, you realize immediately that you have a treat in store.
The crushed granite paths provide the proper 'crunchy'sound of a real English country garden.
The use of vertical structures and plants creates the intimate feeling of separate garden rooms as you stroll through, making this suburb back yard feel much larger than it actually is".






I love this 'checkerboard'


and the bench. Don't you love this bench?


"It is hard to believe that such a wide variety of excellent trees, including Japanese maples, katsura,
 and species evergreens can be found in a garden of this size".


"Each area is packed with a profusion of healthy, beautifully maintained beds of colorful perennials and shrubs.
The shady areas are full of hostas and astilbes but there are also sunny spots for vegetables and a functional greenhouse".


6 by 6 foot greenhouse helps to overwinter tender tropicals and succulents.
I like how the owners surrounded it with plants turning it into an organic part of the garden.




















The lawn is small, but is large enough to provide a rest for the eyes, excited by the engaging beauty 
of the plant beds and borders.


"As if the lush borders weren't enough, the containers of flowering plants and
many clever water features add the icing to this wedding-cake of a garden!"


I personally  love to plant perennials, shrubs and small trees into containers.
In this garden, all the container plants looked healthy and happy. 
Besides the plants, I admired the containers themselves. 
Made from different materials, of different sizes and colors, they were artfully combined and provided a great addition to the garden.



The garden accessories and decor were plentiful, but tastefully located, tucked in nooks and corners,
they didn't look overwhelming.




The guests of the garden had a special treat as a part of a garage was turned into a garden shed.
Seasonal garden decorations, collections, tools, garden tours memorabilia, etc. were perfectly organized
and displayed to please the eye.








The large patio framed by two cedar arbors is in the center of the back yard.
Surrounded by pots with trees, roses and annuals, it surely makes a statement!






Colorful  borders were tightly planted with reliable
 perennials suitable for the local climate.






There are several bird baths, feeders and basins providing water and food for songbirds.
I especially loved this simple but elegant bowl surrounded by verbena bonariensis:


Firstly, I missed the part of the shade garden along the back fence.
Someone told me to go check it, and I was glad I did.
The narrow space behind the trees felt like a piece of wonderland.



Isn't it great?




The owners turned a slope into a showcase for a variety of trees wonderfully combining 
the foliage texture and color.


Looking at the pictures, you can tell that I made several rounds in the garden, trying to see what I missed previously.
There were so many interest points and details which you don't want to miss!


I consider these two pictures, above and below, as a good illustration for a skillful use of different materials in the garden.
It's very easy to create clashing combinations that can ruin the harmony of the space. 
Here, cobblestone,  river rocks and crushed granite are playing together thanks to their similar texture and color, and even a birdbath and a cute pig go along with them.





Lovely vignettes were multiple in the garden!









I can imagine that this garden looks great and provides a sense of enclosure and serenity in all seasons.
It has good bones, nice structure, great plant combinations, repetition of garden features, wonderful layers 
 and tasteful accessories. 
I want to thank Rudell and Jay for a wonderful opportunity to see what two hardworking people, in love with nature and gardening, could create on their own. 
I personally was greatly inspired by their charming, impeccable and exciting place!
***

Just to give you an idea of the tremendous job Rudell and Jay have done in 8 years between two garden tours, these are several pictures of their backyard in 2006.
Click pictures to enlarge.



***

This garden has been featured in 'Fine Gardening' and 'Country Gardens' magazines.

***Copyright 2014 TatyanaS

24 comments:

  1. What a lush and lovely garden, so neat and orderly too. Thanks for the tour!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lorraine, I'm glad you enjoyed the garden! Neat and orderly, and very harmonious! Thank you!

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  2. What a fabulous garden Tatyana!

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    Replies
    1. Mark and Gaz, it was a pleasure to see it! Thanks!

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  3. Oh, what a fabulous garden! Have they been on the Gig Harbor Garden Tour in the past? I've only been twice to that, so I must have missed this one. I'm sorry now that I did. You got some wonderful photos. This looks like the kind of garden where you see a new vignette around every corner, practically at every step. I love every little touch of garden art.

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    Replies
    1. Alison, in 2006 and 2014. I'm sorry you missed it! You are so right about a new vignette around every corner. This is exactly how it is! Thanks!

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  4. Fabulous! I think that is one of my favorites, as well! Did they design it themselves, or did someone else? I agree, I bet it looks lovely in all seasons.

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    Replies
    1. Heather, thank you! As I understand, the owners did all the design. I remember reading that Jay likes photography, and photos help to see what plant would fit any particular spot.

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  5. That is one spectacular place! I can see why it's a favorite. Was the checkerboard made out of moss? Wow, I'm just overwhelmed by the beauty!

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    Replies
    1. Beth, I'd guess it's Irish moss and/or Scotch moss (they look similar). I was overwhelmed too!
      Thanks!

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  6. Tatayana... I love it when you share the gardens you visit and this one is exquisite! Oh the conifers.... I am really going to study all the marvelous design techniques shown her... Thanks so much for sharing! Larry

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    Replies
    1. Larry, I am so happy that you loved it! The owners did an outstanding job and were very generous sharing their garden with public!

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  7. A truly amazing garden, it is all so tidy, so green, so......I don't know but I should like to visit this one, was not it so far away.

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  8. What a totally gorgeous garden! So many wonderful photos to drool over, thanks for posting them.

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  9. Wow! I am so happy I get to visit this stunning garden with you! The foliage is glorious, the flowers are pretty and the garden decor is very tasteful! Amazing garden!

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  10. Tatyana, I spent a long time on your blog tonight going through the photos over and over and studying them. What a fabulous garden. I enjoyed every second of it. You have an incredible knack for picture-taking! Hugs, my friend.

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    Replies
    1. Grace, thank you! The owners of this garden are talented, creative, hard working and very friendly people. There are so many great ideas here, and I, the same as you, spent tons of time looking at the pictures!

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  11. Charming, impeccable, and exciting are good descriptions of this spectacular garden. Everything looks so perfect! Each plant is so happy and healthy and the combination of plants is amazing. The hardscape and all of the decorative items are wonderful. Thank you so much for posting pictures of this garden! There are lots of lessons for me in these pictures!

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    Replies
    1. Peter, thank you! This garden became my textbook! I agree with everything what you said about it. Even if it's not everyone's style, there are so many features to like here!

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  12. What a SPECTACULAR tour, Tatyana! Thank you!
    And boy, as gardeners, we KNOW how much work (and love) goes into creating such a beautiful space!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by and for your comment! I appreciate your time! See you soon on your blog!

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