-

-
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.

Thursday, August 16, 2018

The Garden of Rick Main and Kim Brewer

It's been nearly a month already since we set out for Yakima to visit gardens in the central desert part of our state.  Today we'll tour the last of the gardens we visited, that of Rick Main and Kim Brewer.

"Sage Bluff Heights: Inspired by a four-week trip wandering the Greek islands, Kim and Rick returned to Yakima, sold their home with its extensive 'Seattle' styled gardens, and built a Mediterranean-styled home out on a sagebrush-covered hillside."



"The steep slopes provided the ideal site for their new gardens, featuring a variety of native and drought-tolerant plantings."


"Gravel pathways meander around the 2-acre grounds, leading to a variety of seating areas and garden spots."



"A recently-added Bocce ball court provides the perfect spot to appreciate the garden's spectacular panoramic views of the mountains."




"Structures throughout the property have been created utilizing recycled and repurposed materials."   This was the second garden we toured in Yakima that had one of these wind turbine ventilators, in fact, this garden had two. 


The dessert truly is beautiful and in this area, the valley floor is greener than the surroundings because of the river that runs through it.  I was surprised to see Arundo donax thriving on the dry hill as I've always thought of as a water-loving plant.

We were lucky to have a guided tour with Rick who answered my many questions about the garden and area. 


The screen doors were carved just for the house.  Aren't they fabulous?


House jacks and a grate table. 




Kim's work. 


Garden greeters. 

Metal milk crates from a local dairy that closed make great gabion walls. 



That's Rick's reflection in the window. 

We also had the privilege of touring the inside of the art -filled  house.  The interior was as well done as the garden.



Although we arrived fifteen minutes before the closing time of the tour, we were welcomed and given a leisurely guided tour full of interesting stories of house and garden construction.

I could have stayed forever but it was time to go.  
Thanks, Rick and Kim, for opening your garden for us to enjoy.

That's the end of our day trip to central Washington.  Carmen's trunk contained a little bit of Yakima as we headed back over the mountain to the rainy (in the winter, not now!) side of the state.

Cacti and cactus fruit from Hillside Desert Botanical Gardens, a case of just-picked local peaches, some  rocks (the green bag is full of them too,) and a wind turbine ventilator found at a produce market/antique store on the way into town.

13 comments:

  1. Thank you for the virtual tour of these wonderful art filled gardens. I enjoyed the owner's whimsical use of recycled materials throughout the space to create such interest and am happy for you that you made it in time so that you could share this wonderful place!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a great view, and you know how much I love creative repurposing! Those metal milk crates make great gabions.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What fun it must have been to walk around that garden. And what fun it is for me to now have two of those cactus here in my garden! (not planted, yet).

    ReplyDelete
  4. the garden is lovely but it is all those extras like the carved screen doors and the milk cartons that really make it memorable.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Where to begin? That view is outstanding; they created a perfect Mediterranean style garden with the gravel meandering paths and plants. I LOVE those front door screens! The creative gate, the grape vines. I don't much like sun exposure, but I'll move right now if I can have such a dwelling!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I fell in love with the beauty of Yakima and am always tempted to move to the dry side of the state when visiting in the summer. However, reports of snow and cold in the winter make me think twice.

      Delete
  6. Wind turbines, gabions, house jacks -- my kin people!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Another inspiring post from a climate tougher than my own. It's a good reminder that there's always a way to create a great garden. I loved the metalwork too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. They have a terrific view to go with their gorgeous garden!

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a view! The garden melds right into that gorgeous view. I was wondering where they go for shade?? The one patio by the house but all that sun! I guess I am just a shade lover. Does it get as hot as it looks??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is quite hot in the summer. This day was a cool 90 degrees but it's often in the hundreds there.

      Delete
  10. Oh yeah, that view is indeed incredible! I really appreciate these gardens that are true to their surroundings. I'm trying to do more and more of that, too--with touches of whimsy here and there, as these gardeners have so creatively done. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. That is a wonderful garden, so suited to its location and climate.
    Quite a trunk full of goodies too.

    ReplyDelete

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