Here it comes, Bainbridge in Bloom. One of the best garden tours around. I love going to garden tours, they never fail to show me something new. Sometimes plant combinations, different paving ideas and specialty gardens. Bainbridge in Bloom is a garden tour that benefits a non-profit on the island, Arts and Humanities. It has been done in many different ways over the years. The first year I went I was just a beginning gardener. I traveled a good distance and had a map that was stamped as you went into each garden. I met some great people and saw some amazing gardens. It was then when I realized how great a place Bainbridge would be to start a garden design business. Once I became fully immersed in the garden culture of Bainbridge I began to covet the thrill of having one of my gardens on the tour.
I have now had several gardens featured on the tour. This year one of my client’s garden is being featured. Just a few short weeks ago it was the scene of a beautiful wedding for their son. Since everything would be in such pristine condition she decided to do the ‘Bloom’ just after it. She is a wonderful gardener with good plant knowledge and great skills in growing what is planted.
I first started working with her in 2006 and became involved again 2 years ago. The plantings benefit from the warm microclimate at the south end of the island. Tropical plants flourish here and dahlias stay in the ground year round. Gingers and Canna also overwinter and rustios thrive.
Last year my client wanted a retaining wall that would help with the slope without being a place for snakes to hide. (she hates snakes). I designed a metal wall that works great and is so beautiful. This is kept in place with rebar stakes behind it and connected in the back with wire between the panels.
This garden also has some beautiful quiet places with small plantings and ground covers. Mature trees support the rest of the garden and many special gifts from family are tucked in here and there. One tree, from her husband, is a Magnolia ‘baby grand’ to honor her granddaughter Magnolia.
Other areas include a raised vegetable garden that is made with galvanized stock tanks, (a custom outdoor sink stands nearby), flagstone sitting area with large pieces in lawn and a mini Birch walk with white birch and ground covers. Everything about this garden from the new gate by Jim Honold from Home and Garden Art, to the deer proof entry that is lovely in all seasons speaks to gardeners and non gardeners alike.
It is not too late to get tickets for this tour and see all the gardens on the tour. It is more relaxed this year with the self guided tour of old replacing the busses from previous years.
