Mark Henry's Garden

"In'town 'Italian-style' garden found behind privet hedge and entered by gothic gate."  

Even though there was a green NPA Open sign on the gate, I felt almost as if I were trespassing into someone's tightly-held secret garden.  The gate creaked open and many wonders unfurled one after another.

It never ceases to amaze me that a simple hedge can separate a busy street from a garden of solace and relaxation; that a garden can surround us with beauty, quiet,  peace, and fun in the midst of  the city's bustle.

Do you suppose a gardener lives here? 

"Explore  the many rooms, each distinctive, but with similar emphasis on colored -foliage plants."

What a magnificent porch!

"There is a formal area around the Little and Lewis fountain that features hybrid lilies.  The fountain contains a collection of antique Japanese glass balls."   Mark joked that if he found one of anything that he liked, he soon created a collection.  I'd met another kindred spirit in Snohomish.

"The garden has been featured in many publications, including Thomas Hobbs' book, The Jewel Box Garden."

A Wardian case nestled among foliage.  There are treasures to be found at every turn in this garden of someone who clearly enjoys collecting plants as much as objects.

Zingy bright orange Alstroemeria.

So many happy and healthy plants!

I was already smitten with this garden when the sight of this potted aloe deepened my affection. 

"The chicken house is gone, and an English greehouse is in its place."

"Other formal elements are found in a boxwood knot garden."

On the other end of the greenhouse is this collection of agaves and other succulents. 

An enclosed dining area lies behind the succulent collection. 

Here's Mark sharing stories about his garden and collections. 

Another look at that cool dining area.

 Back around the other side of the house.

Mr. Henry pulled out all the stops in his exuberant garden.  Ornamental pipes from an organ removed from a church where Mark had sung in the choir are repurposed  here as a support for a climbing hydrangea.

Had to circle around to the side garden once again to get a shot of this bust that looks as if it fell from the broken column. Had the Visigoths sacked Snohomish as well?

I would have loved to stay in this garden all day.

Too soon it was time to say goodbye to this magical world.  

Thank you, Mark, for opening your garden for so many to enjoy!