June 9 Column: Spokane in Bloom Garden Tour Preview
I hereby declare the garden tour season officially open! Or at least, it will be on Saturday (June 15) when the Spokane in Bloom garden tour takes place. Learn all about it in my garden column in today’s edition of The Spokesman-Review: Spokane in Bloom kicks off garden tour season.
Or you can read it below (don’t miss this week’s video underneath it!).
Spokane in Bloom garden tour column:
The garden tour season officially starts on Saturday (June 15) with Spokane in Bloom. This year’s tour features nine South-side gardens, carefully selected by The Inland Empire Gardeners of Spokane. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Spokane in Bloom garden tour: Caputo garden (featured)
The peaceful garden of Nancy Caputo and Jim Jackson is located at 1122 E. 20th Ave. It is the result of a joyful collaboration between the homeowners and a team of landscape professionals.
After moving into the home in September 2015, Caputo and Jackson sensed that the existing landscape needed some special attention.
“It was more or less just a long sloped lot,” Jackson related. “A huge tree came down during the windstorm of 2017. We realized the heavy equipment that would remove it would destroy the lawn anyway. So we might as well take advantage of that as an opportunity to make some big changes.”
They initially planned on adding three terraces but, before they knew it, ended up with a total of nine. Each has a very different character.
Spokane in Bloom garden tour: Garden design plans
“My initial goal was to have several peaceful, tranquil retreats where you could read a book or meditate,” Caputo explained.
Added Jim, “That was our plan. But the way it happened was kind of like pulling up a chair and asking the yard what it wanted. We now have a lot of nooks and crannies to enjoy.”
What visitors will find are pleasing sitting areas punctuated with the soothing sound of splashing water and soaring firs. Caputo and Jackson refer to the area as “the cathedral.” It features attractive container plantings, shade gardens, and a memorial garden to remember family members and friends who have passed. There are also the many different terraces that capture beautiful vistas.
“I hope people will take a little time to let the land wash over them,” Caputo said. “This is a very sacred spot.”
The following gardens are also on the Spokane in Bloom garden tour:
Sue and Greg Plummer, 21 W. 33rd Ave. _ Easy garden maintenance and colorful, pollinator-attracting flowers are the order of the day at this lovely garden. Guests will enjoy the roses, hardy perennials, native plants and container-grown vegetables.
Lori and Brian Scott, 6310 S. Pittsburg _ The Scotts have created a garden filled with plants that remind them of their travel adventures. They also remember the family members who have shared many plants over the years. The design includes private outdoor living spaces that bring a sense of calm.
Jane and Harold Stormfeltz, 8225 S. Regal Rd. _ This 8-acre property incorporates the elements of an English country garden. There are ornamental and edible plants growing together in a charming combination.
Mary and Larry Weathers, 6921 E. Jamieson Rd. _ Visitors will find a colorful garden featuring deer-resistant perennials, trees and shrubs. These are punctuated by fun metal art pieces and pottery created by Larry Weathers.
Ann Ostendorf and Richard Lambert, 223 W. 21st Ave. _ Discover how beautiful low-maintenance and water-wise landscaping can be. Designer/landscaper Richard Lambert chose attractive, resilient plants and allows them to grow naturally. Other points of interest include trellises, benches, a pergola and sculptures.
Sara and Russ Weaver-Lundberg, 1329 E. Overbluff Rd. _ There is much to explore here. This stop includes formal garden areas, a fairy garden and a secret garden filled with whimsical surprises.
Lisa and John Stone, 712 E. 19th Ave. _ With a lovely 1910 home as the backdrop, the garden provides interest year-round. The main goals of the flower beds are to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Jane and Sam Joseph, 1910 S. Upper Terrace Rd. _ Following a landscape redesign in 2010, the Josephs’ garden has come into its own. It features low-maintenance heucheras and hostas, both prized for their attractive foliage. Look for the formality and structure of yews and boxwoods as well as colorful hydrangeas.
Bonus stops on the Spokane in Bloom garden tour:
There will also be a bonus stop at Snapdragon Flower Farm, 6130 E. Jamieson Rd. If you aren’t familiar with this wonderful small farm, check out the profile of owner Beth Mort that ran in The Spokesman-Review on May 26, 2019. Lunch is available for purchase at the Stormfeltz garden. Tour-goers will find garden-related vendors and musicians at most of the gardens.
Ticket information:
Tickets can be purchased for $15 at any of the above gardens on the day of the tour. You can buy tickets ahead of time on the Inland Empire Gardeners’ website, 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.
This week’s video:
For this week’s “Everyone Can Grow a Garden” video, the topic is growing cherries organically. Yes, I know: last week’s video was about apples. I’m on a fruit kick right now! This is the time of year to be dealing with apple and cherry issues. And doing this organically is truly the way to go! Take a look:
OK, here are photos from the Jackson/Caputo garden
