Alchemy on Vashon Island; The Garden of Brian Fisher and Peter Chris

 

 

What wizzardry could turn this

into this? 

My friends Brian and Peter bought this uninhabitable shack in 1993.

It sits on five beautiful acres on Vashon Island.  Who wouldn't fall in love with pristine property that looked like this?

The first six images are property of Brian Fisher/Peter Chris and used with their permission.

 

Here is some interesting information provided by Peter and Brian:

 

"We bought this property in September 1993.  The advertisement caption in the Beachcomber [Vashon's local newspaper] read "This house is not without problems." In fact we bought the property as land because the structure though fairly well built could not legally be considered a house.  A hand dug well supplied water to an outside shower and a kitchen sink on the second floor.  I think there were two outhouses.

It was built as a garage and had tarp openings to a work bay at the front which is now my print studio and another opening which is now the kitchen and dining area.  A huge hoist hung off a column in that area.  There was also one of the biggest welders I have ever seen where the fireplace is now.  

The structure had no insulation and only three windows, although on the second floor there was a doorway that opened out onto air. It was heated by a huge steel handmade furnace.  We had to have someone in with a torch to cut it up into movable size chunks.  Things like that took forever.  The property was covered with metal.  I came to think of the man who had made this mess as a giant magnet.  He had quite a reputation as a mechanic and welder and I guess made many custom hot rods.  We hauled off; 24 cars, 2 busses, a Reo dump truck, two big boat trailers and a miscellany of chest freezers, barrels full of scrap metal and steel appliances.  Oh I forgot the 50's panel van with electric too it that stood about where the water feature is now and was fitted out as another little shop. There are still several cars with trees growing through them at the top of the property.  There were 100s of tires. 

It took a couple years to get the big stuff off but in that time we had the well dug and septic put in and started the remodel.  I think we finally moved here in September 1995 though we still did not have kitchen cabinets or sink.  I remember every week when I talked to my parents my father would ask. Do you have a sink yet?  How can you live without a sink?"

 

So, I guess the answer to the original  question is that a lot of hard work transformed this property!  Or did they simply get a box of "Shack Be Gone" and liberally apply it? Recently a friend and I visited what is now a gorgeous garden and home.  Here are some  current images.

 

 If you've attended the Vashon Island Tour of gardens or Vashon Island Artist Studio tours, this garden and home may look familliar to you.

 You are being watched!

You may remember an earlier post about Brian's stunning artwork here.  When walking the garden, you'll notice some of  his "Threshold Guardians."

 

 

 

To see much more of Brian's work, be sure to check out his website here and his blog here.

 

Every garden needs a fierce watchdog!  Be careful, you may be snuggled to death!

 

The elaborate pergola which you've no doubt been admiring was designed and built by Brian.  I don't think there is anything this man can't do.  I'm always in awe of his abilities.

 Our gracious hosts enjoying their morning coffee in their gorgeous garden. 

 

Faboo metal crows.

What could be sweeter than experiencing the summer sun's first warming rays in this peaceful setting, humming birds darting this way and that?

 

Much as I'm a fan of big metal yard art, I think this looks much better without the trucks, appliances,  and tires.  Am I right?  Peter for many years hauled the annual legal limit of used tires to Vashon's landfil, causing an attendant to advise him that commercial entities were not allowed this privilege. 

 

The more structured garden gently transitions into the lovely wooded acreage which, with it's paths and  hillside gullies, invites exploration.

I apologize for the bad quality of the following couple of pictures but I wanted to share these two pieces of Brian's work which are not present on his website.

 The interior of the home is also a visual delight.  I remember the creation of this amazing handrail.

The television's changing images become part of this work.  Brian has created many of these "Telemones."  For more images of these go here.

The bad news is that we had to leave, the good news is that we went to have brunch, view Brian's latest show and do some nursery shopping.   What a spendid way to spend a day!

 

Nature Repeats Itself?

Recently, while  visiting the garden of gifted artist and friend, Brian Fisher and his partner Peter,  this little furry guy seemed to appear from nowhere on the edge of the table at which we were sitting.

Have you any idea what kind of caterpillar this is?   He disappeared for a while but clearly wanted to come home with me as when I reached for my camera bag, he was on top of it.  I gently put him on a nearby plant as I didn't think he'd really enjoy the trip home.

A few days later, I was at Valley Nursery and found this Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea  which reminded me of my friends and the fun visit (look for a  post soon.)    Who could resist?  By the way, this is another gem from Fleetfoot & Foulweather.   

I'm wondering if this is just a happy coincidence or if the universe is trying to tell me something.  The mirror has already told me about gray hair so it's probably not that.   Hmmm.

Vashon Island act three; Of Cabbages, Kings, and a Corner (not in that order.)

Whenever I get off ther ferry in Vashon Island, I feel almost as if I'm going home to my home town in Alaska of 750 people who all knew each others business.  As you've seen in parts 1  & 2,there are many reasons to love Vashon.  Here are two more. 

First, the corner, Kathy's Corner, that is.

 

 I've been shopping at Kathy's place since she was selling plants up the road a bit in a much smaller venue.  "Come grow with us" is quite apt, as Kathy has grown her business to what could now be called Kathy's Several Acres All Crammed Full of Plants, Shrubs, Trees, and Just About Anything You Could Want to Put in the Ground (well, maybe not your mother-in-law.)  Of course that doesn't have quite the same ring to it, probably wouldn't all fit on the lovely sign, and might offend some mothers-in-law. But I digress.

 To say that Kathy's Corner is well stocked is a gross understatement.  This place is always full to overflowing with plants, common and unusual.

 

 This eryngium caught my eye but it decided to stay on the island.



This is a fraction of the shade offerings displayed beneath a pair of grand weeping willows. 

 Shrubby goodness

 Seems that our mild winter has gardeners wanting to give phormiums another go.  They sure seem to be present at nurseries in large numbers again.

 Hanging pots.  Kathy has beautiful begonias, mixed baskets, and a wide variety of fuchsias.  This place was carrying fuchsia 'Autumnale' long before it started showing up everywhere else.  In past years, I have found here such rarely offered plants as Chamaecyparis lawsonia 'Van Pelt's Blue'  and Photinia davidiana 'Palette' so do check every corner of the nursery! 

 Edibles galore.

 Kathy grows or grows on much of her stock and a peek into her growing houses, which contain mother plants, some of her personal collection, and a plethora of delights is truly a treat.  I didn't wander back this time, trying to avoid temptation so you'll just have to visit the nursery yourself to see. 

The stock of annuals at this nursery is abundant.  Stunning Salpiglossis!

 This eryngium 'Big Blue'  caught my eye and also caught a ride home with me.  Notice that even the stems are blue.  What's not to love?

Kathy is a hard worker, a grower, a gardener; personable, approachable and a downright nice person.  Her establishment, reflecting her personality,  is a welcoming place which is all about plants; there are a not a lot of doo dads, whirly gigs, whatchamacallits, furniture, or other garden accoutrements. Plants, pots, seeds, fertilizer.  Come on in, do some shopping,  and talk about plants with this down-to-earth woman; you'll be glad you did.

And Now Cabbages & Kings,  the title of one (there are many) of my favorite pieces by Vashon artist and friend Brian Fisher.  Read more about Brian's work, including his new cut steel "Threshold Guardians, garden art personifying myth and boundaries," on his website and blog.

 

Although print making, assemblages, and garden art comprise much of the work posted on his website & blog, he is a master of many media.  I've had the pleasure of seeing his work in oils and his watercolor, "communion" below greets me each day.  Sorry for the poor quality of this photograph.  The piece is stunning in person.

I met Brian along with Chris, also a talented artist, who has become a close friend, encourager, and nursery shopping partner, about twenty years ago.  I was rehearsing for a Cole Porter Revue and they had somehow been roped into creating sets.  It's funny how we connect with people. 

When chatting with Brian the other day to obtain  permission to use his work here, he extended an invitation to tour of his fabulous garden again, this time with camera in hand so stay tuned for a treat!  

I hope you've enjoyed this three-part voyage à l'île de Vashon, a place where all the women are strong, the men are good-looking, and the children are above average.  No wait, that's somewhere else entirely.  Sorry Mr. Keillor.  I meant, a place where weirdness is celebrated  (O.K. it makes Portlandia look staid.)  the folks are friendly, and creativity abounds!