Gardens in tune with nature
A wonderful opportunity to see a water garden in its final stages of installation. Seven years ago this garden consisted of extensive lawns and formal flower beds that required constant weeding, pruning and watering, as well as a wild and unmanaged high bluff. When a slide on the waterfront bluff took down trees and vegetation two years ago, the Iversons hired geotechnical and civil engineers to develop a plan to stabilize and protect the property. They now capture rainwater run-off and redirect it to drainage pipes that carry it below the bluff and discharge it just before the breakwater to serve as a freshwater source for wildlife. Innovative Landscape Technologies is currently in the final stages of implementing this plan and has also redesigned the front yard to be more natural and maintenance free with a large rain garden in the largest open area of the front yard. Zones have been established across the front and side yards that relate to soil conditions and the amount of sun or shade a particular area receives. In addition, bluff reinforcement has been successfully planted, with deep rooting, moisture retaining plants and willows soaking up ground water. Backyard Wildlife Habitat garden tour this Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pick up a map at Camano Multipurpose Center, 141 NE Camano Dr. beginning at 9:30 a.m. Free to the public.
The Switzer garden began as a flat, dry, parcel of weeds and wild grass with forest bordering the back of the yard. Topsoil (100 yards) was added to provide a rich growing environment and the garden now consists of a small flowing lawn surrounded by mounds of deciduous shrubs, evergreens, naturalized perennials and a stone water feature that attracts a multitude of birds. Contrasting colors and textures provide year round interest. An irrigation system provides ecologically friendly, computercontrolled moisture during summer months. “This has become a paradise for us and for the wildlife as well,” said Sole and Dick.
Dubbed the “Webboretum,” this 2.5- acre lot has been evolving since 1994. Though Linda preserved several of the property’s native areas, she also made novice gardener mistakes, planting English Ivy, planting an enormous lawn and relying on black plastic for weed control. When Linda discovered the concept of Backyard Wildlife Habitat gardening in 2000, she decided to become a better steward and has since been steadily replacing portions of lawn with native plants and trees (the lawn mowing chore has been reduced from four hours to 40 minutes!). The garden is now a peaceful wildlife sanctuary that includes a butterfly hummingbird garden, fern, shade, xeric and native gardens, zone gardens, meadows, dry shade woodland and paths. “It’s amazing what beautiful, low maintenance vegetation sleeps underground eagerly awaiting a chance to flourish after grass, plastic and chemicals are removed,” said Linda, “A multitude of wildlife friends now spend time here, when years ago barely a bird flew in.”
When the Smiths decided to remodel their high bluff home in 1998; they decided to “remodel” their garden as well. Working in collaboration with Zsofia Pasztor of Innovative Landscape Technologies, they embarked on what can truly be called a labor of love, beginning with recording every plant larger than 1 inch in diameter, which resulted in a 9-foot long landscape drawing. When several rare native orchids were discovered during the beginning of removing blackberries from the woods, the decision was made to weed everything by hand. All lawns were removed and replaced with planted areas. The driveway was moved and a forest restored. The result is a miniature nature park with a delightful path wending its way through to the high bluff.
Protection and restoration of a wetland area overgrown with invasive species was part of the mitigation for this project. The site is now a protected wetland sanctuary for wildlife and is marked as such. Invasive species in the wetland were replaced with native plants to provide food and habitat for wildlife. The plantings around the townhomes and commercial space, which are drought resistant, low maintenance and emphasize year around interest and color, include more native plants that provide additional wildlife habitat. Landscape architect Scott Lankford worked directly with Designs Northwest Architects on this site. Rich Nord of RJN Construction is the developer of this project.
In a constant state of flux and expansion, this delightful garden includes an eclectic series of garden beds that please all the senses: a rose garden, water features, garden art, a new pergola and railings from the old Mark Clark bridge. Basil and Mary Margaret happily share fruit, berries, vegetables and herbs with resident and visiting wildlife in a semi-formal garden that provides enjoyment 12 months out of the year.
When the new Vista/Madrona Fire Station was dedicated in September 2010, Camano Island also gained a new Native Growth Protection Area and a new Backyard Wildlife Habitat! Development of the 10-acre site required protection of existing wetlands as well as establishment of a new wetland area. Stream, wetland and upland buffers were created to provide wildlife habitat and maintain water quality. In addition to the buffers, which include western red cedars, Douglas firs and other wildlife-friendly native trees and understory shrubs and plants, three separate storm and waste water capture, filter and drainage systems were created. Only dirt from the site was used and existing snags were carefully preserved. Freeland Industries developed the landscape plan and Vicki Cargile of VIC Associates, Inc. was the project manager and provides on-going oversight. PHOTO BY JEREMIAH OHAGAN
