Revisiting the Garden of Julie King and Paul Smith

You may recognize this garden from a visit last year.  You can see that post here.  When I saw that it was on the list of open gardens last weekend, I decided to have another look at this wonderful space.

A new crevice garden is being created in this parking stirp.

Eryngium giganteum 'Miss Willmott's Ghost'

You never know who you'll run into in this garden.

"Paul and I have influenced each other's plant choices for over 20 years, and now we are creating an exuberant garden together.  When Paul sold his house in 2015, we combined our gardens on Julie's small Seattle lot. Editing made room for Paul's collection of choice plants, such as Pseudopanax and Schefflera which complement Julie's artistic sense of design and color.

This time of year, it seems we're always watering.

My clivia always blooms in late winter but just look at this.  Paul says that they bloom  whenever they want to.

Last year, a grove of bamboo was being removed. In it's place is this colorful building.  "This spring, a garden shed in a corner of the backyard incorporates art glass and recycled materials."

Oh, that begonia.  

While the outer garden is visible from the street, this inner area allows privacy.  Yes, that's a tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica) on the left.

 On the other side of the wall from the dining/seating area.

 Itea ilicifolia

The garden has  many areas to sit and enjoy the views. 

And oh what views there are!

"A hogwire fence has added a friendly perimeter, encouraging passersby to enjoy the views into the garden."

The towering Cardiocrinum seedpods echo the steeple down the street. 

Tropaeolum tuberosum

Bromeliad in bloom.

Sinopanax formosanus.

Artemisia versicolor  'Seafoam' is never  seen in nurseries here although it's available through High Country Gardens.  I was lucky enough to snag a couple at a specialty plant sale last year. For some reason this plant makes me smile.

Will the collection of objects on the fence continue to grow? 

Cool finials on the fence posts. 

This well designed and impeccably maintained space appeals to foliage fiend and flower floozie alike.

The fence at the front of the house is new.  Last year, only the posts were in place.  A marvelous tapestry of hardy and tender succulents has been added between the public and private sidewalks.  I wonder if the tender ones might make it here?  This garden is so full of wonder that nothing would surprise me!

Thanks again Julie and Paul for sharing your garden!  

Have a great weekend all!