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Although this could very well be a picture of me finding a new treasure at a favorite nursery, it's actually an illustration by David Catrow for a children's book called Plantzilla.

Monday, September 28, 2015

The Garden of Deborah and Ralph Cheadle

Standing down by Commencement Bay watching the eclipse of the super moon last night in several layers of clothing, I certainly missed the warmth of summer!  Let's go back to a warm August first visit to the Bainbridge Island garden of Debora and Ralph Cheadle.  That should warm us up nicely. Of course, a nice hot beverage and a blanket will help so you may wish to have those handy as you read this.


"A bungalow garden on two acres on the south end of Bainbridge, developed over 38 years, combines the structure of clipped boxwoods and yew hedges with an organic flow of flagstone, brick, and stepping-stone paths, leading the visitor through carefully planted mixed borders."

One of the many things I admire about this garden is the spacious garden rooms that differ greatly in style while not seeming disjunct.  Instead, they flow effortlessly together forming an amazing and satisfying whole.

The sphere is a consistent element in the Cheadle garden. 


Rather than jumping out at you, the objects here are placed so that they must be discovered, sort of like an egg hunt for adults.  Unfortunately, it's poor form to bring a basket (or wheelbarrow) to an open garden and collect garden art to take home.  Fortunately, picture taking is usually not frowned upon and one can take away many ideas.

The areas nearest the house are planted in a more relaxed and intimate style. Can you find the sphere in this picture?

And more.

Thoughtfully-placed statuary is a highlight of the more formal areas of the garden. 

"A pond, installed in the mid 90's by Little and Lewis is overhung with a weeping Katsura"






"The intimacy of this bungalow garden doubles the surprise when one arrives at that long vista and park-like setting of lawn, mixed borders and towering firs at the back of the property."


One steps up from a  formal room with a yew hedge and grape arbor.  Can you see the giant spheres in the shadow?


Deborah told me that her garden was not a place where there were lots of cool plants but rather was all about vistas.  I both agree and disagree with her.  There are, indeed, many excellent vistas but there are also tons of cool plants!


Like this Azara microphylla variegata glowing in the sun.

Up the steps and through the arch one is treated to a huge expanse of lawn flanked by very deep mixed borders.

Approaching the Spheres.



Looking back at the house.


Mahonias have great evergreen foliage and  are always doing something interesting - blooming, fruiting, growing, A great group of plants!

At the end of the long lawn, the path becomes more rustic and leads into the forest. 

I never tire of seeing towering firs (and cedar and hemlock...Okay, I like a backdrop of tall conifers, probably because I don't have one in my own garden)


Aren't they lovely?





 Speaking of cool plants, how about this Itea ilicifolia?   Many of us fell in love with this plant at Bella Madrona where the specimen is grown as a shrub/small tree.  This treatment is quite effective as well.

"Arbors, statues, and years of plant acquisition, siting and editing combine to make entering this garden an experience that captures the visitor's attention and holds it for the duration."
Thank you so much Deborah and Ralph for opening your beautiful garden for so many of us to enjoy!

24 comments:

  1. A garden on 2 acres! I love big trees, pines, a sitting area is so tranquil. Thank for sharing Peter!

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    1. Thank you for reading, Nadzda! It is a very special garden!

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  2. What a pleasure it must have been to see this garden in person! Grand, mature, dignified - but with enough whimsy to keep vitality, energy and curiosity flowing.....

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    1. It was indeed a pleasure to visit this garden and you couldn't be more correct; ti's got a great balance of formal, informal, and whimsical elements.

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  3. Wonderful! I love all the spheres. You should be glad you don't have towering firs over your garden, they constantly drop debris.

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    1. Okay, but how about towering evergreens in the back 40 or a neighbors garden so you get the view but not the mess?

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  4. Ah Peter you made me (almost) spit out my coffee with that comment about the wheelbarrow. And I second Alison's comment about the towering firs. All I have is one and it makes a humongous mess.

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    1. So, I'll live without towering firs and their mess. Still love them in other people's gardens! Glad you didn't spit out your coffee; computers don't seem to like to drink it as much as we do.

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  5. My goodness. Now this is a truly special garden - the photos are incredible! I love it

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    1. Thank you. It was a joy to visit this garden in person!

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  6. There are some awesome vistas, and great plants. Our tour guide is the best.

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    1. Ah golly, you are too kind about the tour guide. Th garden was fab!

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  7. The back drop of tall trees is awesome! I love the Azara microphylla variegata catching the sun such a nice pop in a shady garden. And all the scattered balls are fun!

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    1. That Azara has become one of my favorite plants! The backdrop of towering evergreens was amazing. The spheres in various parts of the garden really created a unifying rhythm.

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  8. I can appreciate the use in this garden of native trees and plants as the bones of "enhancing nature". I like sweeps of lawn to set off borders and backdrops. This looks like a great garden to stroll in.
    We feel very honored to be the custodians of several magnificent cedars and firs. I hate it that so many trees have been removed around us.

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    1. The Cheadles were wise to keep so many of these treasures (or is that treesures?) I always admire your own evergreens when we visit your garden!

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  9. Peter - Thank you for your wonderful pictures of our garden. In spite of the harsh sun, you really captured the sense of intimacy and space that we've tried to achieve. I particularly like the photo of the glowing Azara in all it's raggedy shape - Deborah

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    1. Hi Deborah. The pleasure was mine. It's such a special thing for you to open your exceptional garden for the NPA tour! So glad I made it out there this year!

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  10. I liked this garden! It's interesting to see it through the lens of your camera. We caught different facets of the same garden. Thank you Peter!

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    1. Isn't it funny how two people can visit the same garden on the same day and notice different things?

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  11. I love the leafy greenness of this garden and the repetitive use of a garden element, spheres in this case, is an idea I may have to copy. I'm also now wondering if I "need" a Azara microphylla.

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    1. It's a great garden, well designed and edited over the years! You do need an azara microphylla!

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  12. I really love the huge tall trees, reminds me of my venerable giants! They have done really well to have such a beautiful garden with all the tree roots that there must be. Love all the spheres too!

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    1. The tree roots would create a challenge but they've overcome it beautifully!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I love to hear your thoughts.