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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.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Justin Galicic's Fourth annual Normandy Park Garden Festival

Justin Galicic is a talented, brilliant, and  energetic plantsman and gardener who blogs here.  For the last four years, Justin and his family have sponsored a garden festival in his awesome garden. There is a full schedule of events including an elaborate lunch served at noon, Starbucks cart,  refreshments available throughout the day, and a guest speaker. (Dan Hinkley, Kelly Dodson, Graham Kerr, and this year, Ciscoe Morris.)  It's quite an undertaking and Justin gets help and support from dedicated volunteers to help him present this free event.

Proceeds from the plant sale and donations help defray the cost of the event.  There are always some seriously fine plants at the sale!

There are activities for non gardeners 

of all ages.


My favorite part of the garden is the "tropical jungle," complete with a 3000 gallon koi pond and roaring waterfalls. What makes this space even more special is the fact that Justin built the entire thing himself!

The edge of one of the many tables of fabulous food can barely be seen in the bottom left.  Next year, I'll photograph the food which was quite photogenic!

Can you imagine having this jungle just outside your kitchen?

I wouldn't want to leave!

Great canna foliage, crinum in bloom, and Cussonia paniculata.  

In case you were wondering, this is what the back side of the jungle looks like.  Lucky neighbors who get to drive past this on the way home!

You never know who you'll meet in the jungle!

So much great foliage!  The acacia makes a green waterfall to echo the one beneath.

Begonia luxurians putting on a fireworks show.

Moving along.

The density of planting is outstanding and causes one to stop and admire each specimen.  


Magnolia macrophylla with a well-trained clematis on its branches.  


Oriental lilies and clematis together, another great pairing. 

Next, we pass through a sunny Mediterranean border.


Cute miniature village.

Handsome Butia capitata
 Artichokes and echinops.


Can't get too much of that Cussonia paniculata!

As we round the corner, we find ourselves "engulfed in a densely shaded woodland.  As you meander through the labyrinth of cobblestone pathways, you'll encounter over 2,000 taxa of plants, many of which are rare or endangered."

 Aralia cordata 'Sun King' brightens a shady spot.





Wollemia nobilis is looking very happy in this protected spot!

This is a garden designed for living and enjoyment.  Throughout the various gardens are large seating areas and even an expanse of lawn of lawn for games, audiences for guest speakers, etc.


Loved the lanterns in several of the trees which add an a festive touch.

Ooh that red monarda is gorgeous!

"The stunningly ornamental vegetable garden, where every plant in sight is either edible or medicinal."


 Pot ghetto (Yea) and outdoor sink just across from the greenhouse.

One of many astounding things about this garden is that every single plant looks healthy and happy.  (I checked the greenhouse, he's not hiding any sickies in there.) With the exception of some slugs dining on  some very healthy cabbage in an outer area, there was no evidence of pest damage, heat stress, or an other possible ailment.  Justin is a plant wizard who keeps everything looking pristine.

Here's Justin thanking the volunteers and introducing Ciscoe.  Thanks, Justin for another year of this spectacular event in your outstanding garden.  This was the first year that Justin added this event to the NPA garden tours, a seriously cool thing to do.  Make sure to check out Justin's blog for information about next year's Normandy Park Garden Festival.



19 comments:

  1. I was truly amazed to see that there was not a single leaf in his garden with a crispy edge from the heat. Everything was so well-cared for, pristine and lush. It's mind-boggling, considering the summer we've had.

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  2. What a beautiful garden, and such a cool event!

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    1. It's very kind of Justin and his family to host this magical event each year!

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  3. It's beautiful. What a great idea to have a sink complete with sprayer right in the middle. Fantastic edges on every bed. It looks so cool there.

    Thanks for the link. I took a peek. The second thing I saw was yet another take on the Garden show, one of my criteria for a person's photos -- did they look at what I like to see?

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    1. It truly is beautiful and so restful (well at least for visitors.)

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  4. Excellent! Thank you for the coverage. I really thought this was going to be the year I made it up for Justin's festival, but it was not to be since it was the only weekend a good friend could make it for her annual visit. Oh well, maybe next year!

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    1. There's always next year and this is a garden worth seeing!

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  5. His garden is fabulous! Looks like a lovely property somewhere tropical like Singapore etc.

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    1. I agree! It's hard to believe that Justin created and maintains this garden all by himself!

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  6. Imagine accomplishing all that and having energy left over to throw a big part every year! Well, I'm sure he wants to share the results...lucky for you.

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    1. The energy of youth! I am lucky to be able to enjoy seeing the results of his efforts!

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  7. The sad part about having my garden open on the same NPA tour is that I didn't get to go to this. I have visited his garden before, though, and you have shown it off well, Peter.

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    1. I've always thought it sad that the owners of the NPR open gardens that are closest to each other don't get to see each others' gardens. I remember seeing Justin's garden on your blog. Such a special place and a talented young man!

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  8. Okay, that's it. I'm going to mount a full-blown campaign to get a vacation house in the PNW just so I can attend spring-summer garden events like this up there. Maybe I can get one of those tiny houses HGTV is currently pushing and plunk it down on my brother-in-law's property on Vashon. In the meantime, please see if you can get the summer heat up there turned down a notch.

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    1. The air conditioning is fixed and we're back in the seventies so you can bring your tiny house to Vashon any time now!

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  9. I love that tropical part as well. And those garden paths! So lush and green. Thank you for sharing this, Peter!

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  10. What a wonderous place. Around each corner is another surprise. Especially like how veggies and flowers were intermingled. Have tried this at home, but does not have the same look. Will keep trying though. Catherine Colby

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