Justin Galicic's Fourth annual Normandy Park Garden Festival

Justin Galicic is a talented, brilliant, and  energetic plantsman and gardener who blogs here.  For the last four years, Justin and his family have sponsored a garden festival in his awesome garden. There is a full schedule of events including an elaborate lunch served at noon, Starbucks cart,  refreshments available throughout the day, and a guest speaker. (Dan Hinkley, Kelly Dodson, Graham Kerr, and this year, Ciscoe Morris.)  It's quite an undertaking and Justin gets help and support from dedicated volunteers to help him present this free event.

Proceeds from the plant sale and donations help defray the cost of the event.  There are always some seriously fine plants at the sale!

There are activities for non gardeners 

of all ages.

My favorite part of the garden is the "tropical jungle," complete with a 3000 gallon koi pond and roaring waterfalls. What makes this space even more special is the fact that Justin built the entire thing himself!

The edge of one of the many tables of fabulous food can barely be seen in the bottom left.  Next year, I'll photograph the food which was quite photogenic!

Can you imagine having this jungle just outside your kitchen?

I wouldn't want to leave!

Great canna foliage, crinum in bloom, and Cussonia paniculata.  

In case you were wondering, this is what the back side of the jungle looks like.  Lucky neighbors who get to drive past this on the way home!

You never know who you'll meet in the jungle!

So much great foliage!  The acacia makes a green waterfall to echo the one beneath.

Begonia luxurians putting on a fireworks show.

Moving along.

The density of planting is outstanding and causes one to stop and admire each specimen.  

Magnolia macrophylla with a well-trained clematis on its branches.  

Oriental lilies and clematis together, another great pairing. 

Next, we pass through a sunny Mediterranean border.

Cute miniature village.

Handsome Butia capitata

 Artichokes and echinops.

Can't get too much of that Cussonia paniculata!

As we round the corner, we find ourselves "engulfed in a densely shaded woodland.  As you meander through the labyrinth of cobblestone pathways, you'll encounter over 2,000 taxa of plants, many of which are rare or endangered."

 Aralia cordata 'Sun King' brightens a shady spot.

Wollemia nobilis is looking very happy in this protected spot!

This is a garden designed for living and enjoyment.  Throughout the various gardens are large seating areas and even an expanse of lawn of lawn for games, audiences for guest speakers, etc.

Loved the lanterns in several of the trees which add an a festive touch.

Ooh that red monarda is gorgeous!

"The stunningly ornamental vegetable garden, where every plant in sight is either edible or medicinal."

 Pot ghetto (Yea) and outdoor sink just across from the greenhouse.

One of many astounding things about this garden is that every single plant looks healthy and happy.  (I checked the greenhouse, he's not hiding any sickies in there.) With the exception of some slugs dining on  some very healthy cabbage in an outer area, there was no evidence of pest damage, heat stress, or an other possible ailment.  Justin is a plant wizard who keeps everything looking pristine.

Here's Justin thanking the volunteers and introducing Ciscoe.  Thanks, Justin for another year of this spectacular event in your outstanding garden.  This was the first year that Justin added this event to the NPA garden tours, a seriously cool thing to do.  Make sure to check out Justin's blog for information about next year's Normandy Park Garden Festival.