Embarking on a Garden Tour
Hello to everyone in the GPOD community!
I’m thrilled to launch a captivating garden tour series, showcasing some of North America’s most extraordinary gardens, with the generous contributions of Cherry Ong.
Alongside visits to stunning public gardens, Cherry has a special opportunity to explore the intimate worlds created by dedicated home gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
Recently, she spent a delightful afternoon in late October wandering through the gorgeous garden of Nancy Heckler in Indianola, Washington.
Nancy is a distinguished figure in the Puget Sound gardening scene, having served as the general manager of Heronswood Garden.
She is particularly celebrated for her extensive hydrangea collection, which exemplifies the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
A Sensory Delight
Stepping into Nancy Heckler’s garden for the first time felt like a rare gift, especially as I got to meet both her and her dog, Fergus.
Having followed her gardening endeavors through her engaging Facebook posts, I had gained a deep appreciation for her plant selections.
Experiencing the garden firsthand was a sensory delight that photographs simply cannot capture.
Not too long ago, I had asked Nancy about the possibility of her sharing wider views of her lush garden.
She humorously noted that this could prove difficult.
After wandering through her densely planted quarter-acre woodland oasis, I completely understood the challenge! However, I did my best to encapsulate the garden’s essence during my visit.
I am excited to share this collection of photographs with you, and I look forward to narrating my reflections and the joy I experienced amidst her vibrant spaces in future installments.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Nancy and her canine companion Fergus for their warm welcome—I hope these images do justice to the beauty they’ve nurtured.
Flora and Serenity
Nancy’s garden is home to an impressive selection of around 150 varieties of hydrangeas.
While these stunning blooms are certainly a focal point, they coexist beautifully with an eclectic mix of trees and shrubs that bring color and life, especially in the fall.
In a garden as enchanting as Nancy’s, you’ll find tranquil seating areas that invite you to pause and soak in the beauty that surrounds you.
The layers of foliage and flowers create an ambiance of serenity and solitude, providing a retreat like no other.
Selecting standout plants from the cornucopia of captivating specimens is a delightful challenge.
Beyond the lavish hydrangea flowers that catch the eye, this garden also offers fresh perspectives on diverse foliage plants.
Throughout her garden, you can discover every imaginable color and texture.
Even the smallest nooks are thoughtfully planted, allowing different growth forms to intertwine in a harmonious dance.
I want to extend my gratitude to Cherry for introducing us to yet another magnificent garden.
Additionally, a big thank you to Nancy for graciously allowing us access to her stunning green retreat.
Stay tuned for more enchanting chapters of this series in the coming weeks!
Source: Finegardening