Just the first look at this garden told me that it was worth it to drive all the way to Bainbridge Island to attend the 29th 'Bainbridge in Bloom' Garden Tour.
It's not easy to beat the beauty of a mature garden set among towering majestic Douglas fir trees.
It's the Fletcher Bay Gardens, whose owners created a tranquil oasis, starting in 1986 on a two-acre lot covered by blackberries and scotch broom.
If to choose just several words to describe the garden, it'll be lush, healthy, authentic, inviting and meticulously maintained.
I loved everything here: huge variety of plants, mass plantings, mature trees covered with moss, restricted, smart use of hardscaping materials, peaceful atmosphere.
All this evoked excitement, a sense of mystery and a great appreciation of all the time and hard work involved in creating and maintaining this garden.
Smart vegetable garden and fabulous greenhouse (more pictures of it we'll see later).
The pictures follow the walk that we made through the garden.
Lupins were everyone's favorites. Just look at their colors!
And alliums were fabulous too!
Rhody, Australian Shepherd, welcomed guests and was very friendly.
I liked this pergola combining a charm of the old world with a modern twist.
Seeing masses of perennials made me want to return to the garden when they are in bloom.
Clumps of healthy looking, generous size Hosta in different parts of the garden attracted attention.
The garden design creates expectations of something special along the whole walk toward the house.
The side path leads to a quiet, peaceful spot with a water feature.
On the top of the property, there is a studio with a B&B loft upstairs.
Charming!
Inviting spot on the porch... Just imagine sitting there in the morning with a cup of coffee...
Dense plantings and, again, stunning variety of plants ensures a garden interest throughout the year.
Doll House with a swing nearby, and that wonderful, luxurious Hosta...
Fairyland...
A gardener's dream...
The greenhouse reminds me of a museum...
Gorgeous garden, friendly, knowledgeable gardeners... It was a pleasure visiting Fletcher Bay Gardens.
Thank you, Marj and Nick, for opening your garden for us.
It became one of my favorite northwest gardens.
