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!