Enchanting Finds from a Collector’s Oasis in Indianola, Washington
As we embrace the year 2025, I hope your New Year is off to a wonderful start.
To inspire you as we move into this new year, let’s revisit the exquisite garden of Nancy Heckler.
If you recall, we followed Cherry Ong’s autumn tour last year.
Tucked away in Indianola, Washington, Nancy’s garden is a vibrant tapestry of greenery and blossoms, meticulously curated with an artist’s touch.
For those who may have missed our earlier installments in this series, I highly recommend catching up with Parts 1 and 2 to truly appreciate the beauty we are discussing.
Nancy’s Hideaway and Unique Features
In this edition, we’re heading into a special nook of the garden known affectionately as Nancy’s Hideaway.
This enchanting area is characterized by winding paths, inviting exploration from all angles—whether you glance to the left, right, above, or below.
One of the standout features here is a whimsical fern table, inspired by the videos of Richie Steffen, which I dream of replicating in my own outdoor space someday.
Rejoining our adventure, let’s follow Brocc as our guide.
Nancy’s talent shines through in her diverse array of foliage, ranging from the softest pastels to the boldest jewel tones.
Each plant contributes a distinct texture and color, ensuring that every corner of her garden is visually arresting.
A charming garden bed, framed by a beautifully crafted woven branch fence, captures attention effortlessly.
Another vibrant display combines various plants into a harmonious showcase.
While their hues and sheen blend seamlessly, the differences in texture add an exciting visual contrast that keeps the eye moving.
As Cherry discovered, Nancy’s Hideaway is brimming with captivating details.
Every inch reflects her dedication to design and emotion.
Noteworthy elements include a carefully stacked driftwood arrangement, a vintage watering can, and a striking red water pump that pops against the greenery.
Sentimental Touches and Visual Delights
Nancy shared a poignant story about a sentimental piece in her garden, crafted by a dear friend lost to cancer, which infuses her garden with deeper meaning and narrative.
The fern table stands as a delightful focal point.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of creating your own version, Richie Steffen’s video offers great guidance.
Strolling further along another picturesque pathway reveals stepping stones artfully blanketed by a vibrant layer of fallen leaves—this touch enhances the garden’s natural charm.
Nancy’s garden echoes the enchanting hiking trails of the Pacific Northwest, filled with rich plant diversity and serene woodlands.
It celebrates the local landscape’s beauty while showcasing the flair of a devoted gardener.
One of the garden’s highlights is undoubtedly Nancy’s glossy rhododendron foliage, which commands attention even when devoid of blooms.
While Nancy excels in crafting stunning arrangements of container plants, she also shines in her standalone pot designs.
She manages to create stunning displays without the use of flowers, showcasing a magnificent blend of colors and textures.
Whimsical Touches and Community Invitation
A particular standout of Nancy’s collection lies in her impressive assortment of containers.
Each piece adds architectural interest, elevating the visual impact of the lush surrounding plants.
Finally, we come across yet another delightful example of Nancy’s whimsical garden art.
Earlier discussions featured her charming bird sculptures adorning the garden gates, but this time, we encounter a trio of moss-covered skunks—adding a playful nod to the wildlife that inhabits her outdoor sanctuary.
A heartfelt thank you to Cherry for sharing her experiences during her visit to Nancy’s enchanting garden! Exploring this mesmerizing space has been a true pleasure, and we eagerly anticipate the final chapter in our series.
SHARE YOUR GARDEN WITH US! We want to see your gardening creativity! If you have photos of your own garden, a cherished plant collection, or a remarkable garden you’ve visited, please send 5 to 10 images to [email protected].
Along with your photos, include a short description of the plants and where the images were taken.
We’re eager to hear about your gardening journey—how long you’ve been nurturing your plants, your victories or challenges, your dreams for future projects, favorite species, or even some lighthearted gardening anecdotes.
Source: Finegardening