The Garden of Chick Stamschror and Rick Guttu

Chick and Rick's Bellevue garden was open for the Northwest Perennial Alliance earlier this month.  Little did I know that this garden was near Tom's childhood home.  On the way to the garden we visited his elementary school,  the church his family attended in his early years,  and other neighborhood points of interest. 

"I started gardening about 23 years ago when Rick and I moved to Bellevue from Seattle.  I started by removing overgrown shrubs.  The prior owners had very few perennials planted so I started going to nurseries to add color and texture and continued adding plants every year. It didn't take long to realize I was hooked on my garden."

 "My garden is a mix of things I like with no formal plan.  I have a home business and people who come over ask if they can have a tour and say they enjoy my garden." 

My jaw dropped when encountering this bistro set that is exactly the same color as the Astilbe blooms.  Chick said it was a happy accident.  She saw the bistro set at a grocery store at an end of the season sale one year and decided it needed to come home with her. 

You may have noticed that Chick is fond of  purple.   "My side yard is mostly shaded with a purple bench ariea I call my Secret Garden." 

Glass butterflies exploring a tree. 

Surprises abound. 

Did I mention purple?   This repetition of color creates a rhythm about the garden that is soothing and still fun.

"My back patio area gets morning sun and evening shade."

And what color are the doors?  You guessed it!  Love this.

Two glass floats and a matching bowling ball.  How fun is that? 

Thank you so much Chick and Rick for opening your lovely garden for so many of us to enjoy!