BCGA Garden Tour fetes area's special creations
On Sunday, July 15, the Bonner County Gardeners will again host their popular Garden Tour, allowing area residents to visit and enjoy the creations of six outstanding local families as well as the lovely Bonner General Hospital Healing Garden.
Area enthusiasts are urged to get a carload of like-minded friends together to visit and enjoy the ambiance of each unique landscape, all located in Sandpoint. Tickets are $15, which may be purchased at the first garden you visit or obtain online at www.bcghgardeners.org.
The Healing Garden: Several years ago, outgoing BGH CEO Gene Tomt set into motion the creation of a garden on the Brown House section of hospital grounds. His retirement dream was to create a place of beauty and contemplation for patients of the hospital, Hospice, or their families/visitors, to find peace and solace in beautiful surroundings. His beginning brought about the stunning result at 530 North Third Ave. Begun and created by area gardeners and volunteers, the lush landscape offers a plethora of plants, flowers, rockwork, a small Chapel and a gazebo overlooking Sand Creek — all held together by a network of strolling paths complete with convenient benches for rest and introspection.
Rimar’s Retreat: Bonnie Rimar’s garden at 720 Whiskey Jack Circle, beckons one with a lovely landscape that offers a sense of calm and relaxation. A dry stream bed, soothing lawn and trees at the front of the house and a large patio area in back say “stay awhile and relax.” Enjoy the flower beds and vining plants which frame a view of lake and mountains. Look for interesting garden art among the plantings.
The Serenity Forest Garden: Bob Baker’s garden at 624 Whiskey Jack Road offers a dramatic entry of an attractive curved brick wall and verdant rhododendrons in this well-tender “bachelor’s garden.” A “contemplation hut” surrounded by plantings provides a point of interest. Follow the wooden walkway to the back yard where a terraced slope adorned with apple trees and Mugho pines leads the eye to the water’s edge. Whimsical art pieces provide pleasant surprises throughout, and inviting deck areas are great for wildlife viewing along the slough.
A Casual Country Garden: At 10624 W. Pine St., Joyce Spiller’s gardens begin with a circular drive which presents a view of the front of this comfortable home with large rock features and ornamental plantings. Enter the private area of the landscape through a gate to find a charming fairy garden and ferny grotto. A small pond exudes a cool ambiance and a child’s playhouse speaks of laughter and fun times. A second gate leads down an aspen lane to a peaceful memorial garden and pond with a gazebo where one can rest and take in the surroundings.
New Beginnings: At Ann Keiser’s gardens at 122 Woodview Road, tall conifers greet visitors to this beautiful place. The stately trees frame a shaded retreat, framed by lawn areas and native rock accents surrounding colorful flower beds. Raspberries grow abundantly on one side of the house with shrubs and perennial flowers brightening the yard. A new large vegetable garden and orchard area promise to provide bountiful food and a future of plenty of produce to preserve or share.
Serenity Place: Alex Grey’s garden at 145 Serenity Place, is nestled in a forest environment of tall trees and shady glens. An abundance of shrubs and perennials boast many textures and colors; sun-loving plants peek out from under trees, and surprisingly, a couple of cacti have found homes in the landscape as well. Rocks are featured, from natural outcroppings to imported boulders and in meandering dry stream beds with round stones in pale colors. A flagstone fireplace adorns the back patio, and a tree house and bike course provide entertainment for the family.
Don’t miss this happy chance to view some of Sandpoint’s loveliest gardens and meet their talented creators.
Valle Novak contributed to this story.