June 10 Column: Spokane in Bloom Preview
I hereby declare garden tour season open! It officially begins with the Spokane in Bloom garden tour, hosted by the Inland Empire Gardeners. The tour takes place this Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here is a link to my column, which is a preview of the tour. Spokane in Bloom tour features north side gardens. (you can also read my column lower in this post)
I had the pleasure of visiting with Anita Skinner, whose beautiful garden is located at 13315 W. Meadowview Lane. She is a delightful lady who lives with her husband, Gary, on three acres perched above Lake Spokane. Anita told me ahead of time that she has created a garden on “only” one of those acres!
This week’s video:
In this week’s “Everyone Can Grow a Garden” video, I answer questions from readers and followers.
Before I add in the video below, I wanted to tell you my tale of woe! I was about 70 percent finished with shooting the video and, all of a sudden, the audio stopped working. Argh! My husband and I tried everything we could to get it working again. Apparently the fitting where my microphone’s receiver plugs into the video camera has failed. And it would cost more than the cost of my camera to repair.
I was able to finish the video by standing next to the camera. I spoke into the built-in mike. This wasn’t a great solution because it picks up more background noise than I’d like. But it was better than nothing, right? I’ve had to order a new camera. Sigh. Hopefully I’ll be back in business next week!
OK, so here is the video, with apologies for the audio near the end:
Spokane in Bloom garden tour column:
By Susan Mulvihill
Going on a garden tour is such an enjoyable activity. It’s a unique opportunity to share the joy of gardening with other like-minded folks. And we can take home ideas to use in our own gardens.
Garden tour season begins on Saturday, June 16, with Spokane in Bloom, hosted by the Inland Empire Gardeners. Featuring seven gardens in the Nine Mile Falls area, it runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Meet gardener Anita Skinner:
It’s pretty hard to top the beautiful view of Lake Spokane behind Anita and Gary Skinner’s home. It’s located at 13315 W. Meadowview Lane. The sparkling water and towering pines provide a lovely backdrop to Anita Skinner’s garden. It got off to a rocky start, however.
“I thought I was a terrible gardener. It turned out I’d purchased soil that had been contaminated (with herbicides) so nothing would grow,” she admitted. “I started over with new soil and then began to make progress.”
Eager to learn how to be a successful gardener, Skinner joined the Inland Empire Gardeners. She also has read many garden books to get ideas.
“I had a plan, more or less, in my head,” she said. “I would sit and plan during the winter, deciding what I was going to do next. Of course, things don’t always turn out the way you’d planned.”
Her first project was the creation of a large island bed filled with lush plantings of perennials and shrubs. Then she started tackling the areas on either side of their long driveway.
“I like to choose flowers that have a long season of bloom. And I like those that are beneficial to bees and butterflies,” she explained. “I learned a lot about color when I did Japanese needlework and that carries over to my garden.
“I especially like to incorporate chartreuse in the garden. It’s very dramatic, especially where there’s a lot of shade,” she continued. “It’s like adding a bit of sunshine.”
Skinner chose Revelation and Golden Rocket barberry, Lemon Lace elderberry (Sambucus), and Golden Spirit smoke bush (Cotinus). Two other favorites are Ogon spirea and golden hops vine. They contrast beautifully with the many peonies, lavender, iris, clematis vines and catmint (Nepeta).
Birds are attracted to berry-producing shrubs as well as birdhouses located throughout the garden.
“Gardening brings me a lot of peace and I like using my creative abilities,” Skinner said. “But the best thing about gardening is that it makes me feel closer to God.”
The following gardens are also on the tour:
Annie and Rick Nunes, 6178 Moriah Dr. _ Home of Lavender Lady Farm, the owners have over 1,300 lavender plants, a Victorian rose garden, lilac hedge, extensive herb garden, and colorful flower beds.
Gabrielle and Ron Tilley, 17310 N. West Shore Rd. _ This collector’s garden features a wide variety of plants the owner couldn’t pass up at local plant sales, along with garden art, a raised bed garden, drought-tolerant plantings, and creatively repurposed materials.
Carol Holter and Larry Vail, 17420 N. West Shore Rd. _ Enhanced by a view of Lake Spokane, the bountifully-planted island beds and secret garden will appeal to visitors. Attractive sitting areas to make this an enjoyable garden to relax in.
Diane and Del Morissette, 12405 N. Nine Mile Rd. _ With the Spokane River bordering this property, the owners enjoy watching wildlife such as waterfowl, moose, eagles and ospreys. Their garden is planted with shrubs, perennials and annuals.
Betsy Jewett and Rick Gill, 12205 N. Nine Mile Rd. _ Also located along the banks of the Spokane River, this 4-acre property features 200 apple trees, terraced beds containing flowering trees and perennials, a secret garden area with two playhouses, and vegetable and berry gardens.
Ginger and Dave Blaisdell, 8625 N. Seigle Ct. _ Visitors will enjoy the two water features, deer- and moose-resistant landscaping, old growth pines and many interesting plant features.
Tour-goers can enter to win a $100 gift card at Judy’s Enchanted Garden, 2628 W. Northwest Blvd.
IF YOU GO ON THE SPOKANE IN BLOOM GARDEN TOUR
When: Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: Tour features seven gardens, with each hosting garden-related vendors and musicians. Tickets can be purchased for $10 at any of the gardens on the day of the tour. Or ahead of time on The Inland Empire Gardeners’ website at tieg.org, or at the following Spokane nurseries:
- Blue Moon Garden & Nursery, 1732 S. Inland Empire Way
- Gibson’s Nursery, 1401 S. Pines Rd
- Judy’s Enchanted Garden, 2628 W. Northwest Blvd.
- Northwest Seed & Pet, 7302 N. Division St. and 2422 E. Sprague Ave.
- Tower Perennial Gardens, 4010 E. Jamieson Rd.