CLASS REVIEWS

August 8, 2008
DUTCH COLONIAL MEETS MODERN ARCHITECTURE
by Daniel Lowery, APLD

How refreshing! Just the opposite of cramming four townhomes on an infill city lot, this development created a gathering space. Room to breathe was given to the family and the neighborhood with large lushly planted gardens, both private and public. A sitting/play area was created by designing and joining the parking strip, city sidewalk and part of the front garden and offering it to the neighborhood. While in the back garden, a terrace joined the new and restored portions of construction with ample room for the dozen of us in both the morning and afternoon sessions to enjoy the design lessons. Richard Hartlage of AHBL partnered with the plant-savvy owner to design the plantings and created features including a water rill, fountains and an arbor shaped like a Carpinus leaf. A most remarkable new resin-based product called Chroma was used to reflect light at the outdoor fireplace, at the back of a fountain and a cover/screen for utilities area. These tours are a thrilling benefit of NHS membership!

April 17, 2008
ALPINE CONTAINERS WITH RICHIE STEFFEN
by Sue Braff

To begin our class on creating alpine containers, Richie Steffen, Special Collections Curator, led us out to the full-size Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden. There, under the mature Douglas fir and cedar, he used several intentional compositions of wood, stone and plant that he and Greg Graves, head gardener, have created in the garden. These illustrate the endless combinations of plant texture, size, and color with rocks and/or logs or downed branches that appear natural but are the result of deliberate techniques and choices. Along the way, being gardeners with access to a knowledgeable, experienced and humorous gardener, we had the luxury of answers to many plant identification questions, growing procedures and history.

When we looked at existing plantings in stone troughs, Richie pointed out the same classical principles of design in the miniature realm of alpine plants. Although most plants were the dwarf varieties, he showed us other plants that can combine well in stone troughs. The soil requirements are unusual and the handouts described several recipes for planting mixes that are used at the Miller Garden.

In a final tour de force, Richie created an alpine planting from scratch, demonstrating the artistry to which many of us aspire.

In addition to the informative lecture, sources for the hard-to-find plant species and schedules for upcoming horticultural events are the unexpected bonuses for such a class. I would recommend this beneficial NHS class without reservation.

March 27, 2008
AN INTRODUCTION TO BOTANICAL LATIN WITH DANIEL SPARLER
by Jackie White

Have you ever struggled to correctly pronounce the botanical name for your favorite plant? Well, the cold snowy day of March 27th, Daniel not only introduced his eager students to this vast subject of botanical Latin but he made it clear how botanical Latin was far more than just Latin. And, it became quickly apparent that today's class was just the very beginning of this enormous and complex subject. We were in for a treat as Daniel briefly guided us through the history of taxonomy followed by a short synopsis of how plants are named. Much of the class was spent on pronunciation. The vowel sounds of Latin were practiced and discussion was had on Academic Latin vs. English Latin. A wonderful slide show of plants was presented with each picture having the botanical name, the meaning of each element of the name, and the language origin. A thorough handout, listing resources for further exploration of botanical Latin was provided for every student. Upon completion of the class, Daniel invited us all to tour his artistic garden and home and his neighbor and NHS member, Delores Ranhofer, treated us to delectable refreshments.

Thank you Daniel, for not only sharing your knowledge so expertly and opening our minds to the discovery of botanical Latin but giving me hope with practice and perhaps time that I too can correctly pronounce the botanical name for any plant.

February 5, 2008
SMALL GARDEN DESIGN WITH GLENN WITHEY & CHARLES PRICE
by Kathy Yerke

Charles Price and Glenn Withey, curators of the Dunn Garden in Seattle, included NWH members in the challenge of re-landscaping a single-story, 1940's home with lots of potential for design improvements. What to do with little curb appeal, dated concrete porches and pathways, small outdoors spaces, and neighboring eye-sores?

With the help of our knowledgeable instructors and their step-by-step handout, this daunting task was tackled by each student as Charles and Glenn assured us there was no exact science to the process. We were given numerous photos of the sight, a bird's-eye view of the exact dimensions, proper pencils, and lots of tracing paper.

After breaking for lunch, it was obvious the majority cried "Uncle!" and our design experts explained some of the improvements they felt necessary. Emphasis was placed on the importance of hardscape when thinking about design, and they talked extensively on different paving materials, esthetics, and safety issues. We were entertained by some of our instructors past experiences with difficult clients and contractors, followed by a period of questions and answers.

Before you knew it only a few minutes remained. Charles graciously escorted us around the grounds of the Dunn Gardens, pointing out elements of design and the newly emerging Snowdrops, Hellebores and Cyclamen — a perfect ending to an entertaining and worthwhile class.

January 12, 2008
GARDEN WRITING WITH STEVE LORTON
by Suzanne Ferris

Fifteen NHS members met with Steve Lorton at Alison Andrews' home in the Highlands. Her garden and its surrounding forest and beach provided inspiration for us to write using the tools Steve taught us. He told us that much horticultural writing about the garden falls into three categories: articles about a particular species of plant; a particular garden; or person associated with that garden. Other topics included knowing your audience, discovering your true voice, and knowing how to structure your topic. We shared some of our favorite excerpts from gardening magazines as well as responded to each other's efforts. Some of the participants curate or manage large public gardens; some of us are private designers, but all felt that good writing skills help us promote our various causes. A special thanks to Alison for her hospitality! We tasted the most delightful chocolate cookies, enjoyed the five grandfather clocks chiming noon as we departed from this two hour writing workshop. Alison Andrews' terraced garden with its view of the Olympics and her collection of landscape paintings provided us with the perfect setting for creative writing. Steve has edited for Sunset Magazine and other publications, and will be teaching another garden writing workshop at Edmonds Community College this spring. Don't miss it!

July 12, 2007
TOUR OF SNOHOMISH NURSERIES WITH MARK HENRY
by Melody Hooper

Taking my own advice, I never miss a chance to visit Mark Henry's garden. I signed up for NHS's Tour of Snohomish Nurseries with Mark Henry. I'm glad I did.

Early on a Thursday morning — a perfect summer day sandwiched between those hot days in July and all the rainy ones that followed, NHS members entered Mark's secret garden through a Gothic gate set into a large hedge. Charming rooms filled with clipped boxwoods, exuberantly planted containers, quirky artwork, and cozy sitting areas opened up to us, immediately setting the tone for a delightful day.

After admiring Mark's garden, we piled into cars and headed to the first of four nurseries. Organizer Kate Poole kindly provided a truck to catch the plant overflow as we shopped, and boy was it needed. I did my part, making two purchases at our first stop: After paying for the first batch of plants, I spotted Mark carrying plants to the register I hadn't seen; turned out I missed the greenhouse area Sunnyside Nursery owner had opened exclusively to NHS members. With the 5-minute exit warning already in place, I sprinted to the greenhouse, grabbed everything I'd seen in Mark's hands, and ran back to the register.

We had just as much fun at Machias Nursery, buying plants, comparing experiences, admiring each other's finds, before returning to Mark's garden for lunch and more conversation. Stomachs full, we headed back out to the final two nurseries: Swans Trail Gardens, and McAuliffe Valley Nursery.

I live in Woodinville, but I had not been to three of these nurseries before -- they are all worth a visit. Thanks, Mark, for sharing these finds with us. And, remember, if you ever get a chance to visit Mark Henry's garden, snap it up.

June 20, 2007
REVIVE, REPLACE, INVIGORATE WITH RICHIE STEFFEN
by Jean Hanson

This was probably the most useful NHS class I've taken.

Richie began with an overview of the elements of design as well as layers — groundcovers, mid- [visual-] level, and low, mid- and high canopy — then led us into the gardens for a discussion of specific areas. Overall visual elements included extensive use of rock and wood (including fallen branches and logs) along pathways to draw the eye and lead you along, as well in beds to accent plant material.

He talked about the planning necessary when removing a too-large plant, suggesting acquiring and growing on the new shrub a year or two before replacement so its size is more in balance with the rest of the bed. He suggested that winterkill or dieback could be an opportunity to consider a redesign rather than simply replacing the lost plant. He also talked about the 3-5 year process of renovation or reviving a garden, from removals, hardscape and prominent plant placement in the first year to evaluation and filling gaps in successive years.

Richie also discussed deciding which season(s) the bed or yard needs to look fabulous. When do your visitors see the yard, when do you spend time in particular parts of the garden, and when is a bed really never seen? At the Miller Garden, the main focus is on summer, when most visitors see it. Also consider the "off season" for plants -- when you cut back for a second flush of growth, what does the bed look like while waiting for that second flush? The Miller Garden's evergreen to deciduous ratio includes about 50-75% evergreen, which gives the gardens focus and structural elements throughout the year.

The process of design is ongoing, with beds constantly being evaluated for repetition, plant performance and seasonal gaps. I would take this class again!

May 30, 2007
BOTANICAL TOUR OF THE WOODLAND PARK ZOO
by Sue Nevler

For those who skipped this NHS class thinking "Ah, child's play," you will rue the day you missed this one. Our expected tour guides were changed as we discovered the zoo staff members were on their own fieldtrip, but what an adventure we had. Allen Howard, the lead horticulturalist gave us a trip that was not lightweight. Our point of departure was the African savannah and as we admired foreign fauna (how can you not?) Allen laid out the zoo's philosophy of planting tropical flora look-alikes to simulate the animals' native habitats; Lonicera standishii, Eleagnus, Escallonias, Berberis. Sounds simple, but factor in climate, poisonous versus comestible, and view lines and we quickly realized the depth of research and intent that went into this varied and exciting planting (much credit to Sue Nicol's tenure).

We traipsed through hot sun, ducked liana like vines, dodged viperous looking red thorned roses and drank in Allen's deeply knowledgeable and enthusiastic discourse.

We gaped at Catalpa, Cladastris, Paulownia as flocks of kids were squealing wide eyed at the elephants. I've spent ten years chasing my boys through the zoo, and have always admired the animal inhabitants. My eyes were reopened to the grey-green foliage of Australasia and the sweet fragrances that blew by the kookaburras. What a trip!

We replenished ourselves in the shade (thanks Nita Jo!) and then topped off our foray with a blissfully aromatic amble through the Rose Garden.Don't discount this local treasure next time!

May 2, 2007
HOT PLANTS WITH RICHIE STEFFEN
by Barbara Chilcote

As we gathered in the charming glass porch at the Miller Garden, a big gust of spring wind made all the windows shudder. No worries, we were there to learn about Hot plants and it was just the kind of day when Hot was wanted. What are the hot new botanical wonders that are just now hitting specialty markets? How do we find them? If we are lucky enough to find them, will they grow in our northwest gardens?

Richie provided the answers with knowledge and enthusiasm beginning with a spirited walk through the upper and lower gardens. In the garden we saw several varieties of Rodgersia, and their bronziness warmed us up along with their Hot varietal names: 'Fireworks', 'Irish Bronze' and 'Rotlaub'. When the sun came out mid tour, we were able to see the light bouncing off Puget Sound

We ended our tour on the porch where Richie showed us all the glamorous Hot young stuff in pots, provided us with a list of all their names, and a list of plant sources. There was Magnolia dianica, a shrub with a gorgeous oval leaf and creamy lemon scented blooms; a Menziesia ciliicalyx with a blue leaf, small purple bell flowers, and beautiful deciduous fall color; and a variegated Acanthus mollis 'Tasmanian Angel' that seems like it would give off a lovely glow in a woodland. All of these treasures are available from various specialty nurseries. But even if you can find them and your budget is unlimited, these babies will fly out the door fast because they are Hot, Hot Hot!

April 5, 2007
SPRING EPHEMERALS WITH GREG GRAVES
by Linda Stangeland

Erythronium hendersonii, Trillium sessile, Arum dioscoridis, Epimedium sagittatum, Podophyllum pleianthum, Cardamine enneaphylla, Cyclamen hederifolium, Arisarum proboscideum, Petasites frigidus var. palmatus. This was just one of many spring ephemeral tapestries enjoyed at the Miller Garden April 5th. The weather cooperated: it was clear and sunny as we strolled the paths of the property working our way from top to bottom through its diverse planting

Sun dappled NW woodlands, areas of deeper and lighter shade, open sunny areas next to mown lawn, a steep, sunny gravel mulched slope, the Malus sargentii bed of purples and greens. Are images coming to mind? So imagine then all those different areas covered in spring's glory and realize that all of us who were there received a 7-page handout of the plants and plant combinations we were touring through. Yahoo! (I don't know about you, but a plant list always helps anchor the picture in my mind's eye.) Commentary on the plants, their merits, care, and culture was non-stop. Greg Graves shared his wealth of practical hands-on gardening knowledge and garden history freely. Thank you, Greg.

Ephemeral, by definition, is something lasting a very short time. Something transitory or short lived. More specifically, Greg explained, spring ephemerals are those plants that appear in early spring and disappear back into dormancy by mid to late summer. Truly, all of the Miller Garden was filled with these beauties. Layers and layers of plants, woven in and through all that was winter. It is winter no more! Spring has definitely sprung.

We ended our tour back up the hill at the stone landing, in what was now very warm sunshine. Our group was really chatty. All seemed happy and inspired by what we had just seen. And if that wasn't enough, Richie Steffen was there with Paeonia veichii 'Alba' seedlings for each and every one of us. Thanks to all who organized such a lovely and educational event.

March 13, 2007
SUCCULENTS WITH PETER GAMMARANO
by Mary Palmer

Those fortunate enough to have attended "Succulents with Peter Gammerano" met an exceptional individual. Peter lives life with gusto and has roamed the world in pursuit of the sharp and prickly. Peter began the class by showing us a few winter hardy Agaves and cactus that had survived in the ground with no overhead protection. They had obviously prospered, as healthy pups had developed. Of course sharp drainage is a prime consideration when positioning these foreigners in our wet and cold NW winters. Although some are extremely cold hardy all bets are off if drainage is inadequate.

Upon entering Peter's house, we were dazzled by staggering quantities of heat and sun loving treasures. Most were perched on narrow shelves of a two story glass walled sunroom. Exquisite botanical drawings of succulents and cactus from around the world decorated the walls. His prize painting was of a Euphorbia he discovered in Namibia which now bears his name Euphorbia gammaranii 'G. Williamson', a delight for any plant collector! We soon settled down and Peter shared a wealth of information on cultural conditions and potting mediums as well as favored products for pest control and fertilization. Peter's unpretentious knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject was well received. We will look forward to seeing him at Sky Nursery's exotic plant sale the weekend after Labor Day!

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