Saturday, June 15, 2024
9am-5pm
Ticket - $15 (non-refundable)
“Happy Days Are Here Again!”
The theme for Bloom Tour will be sustainable gardening, what is old is new again. A mixture of classic older gardens and new funky modern gardens would be great. From the historical past to the sustainable future--celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Expo 1974.
Looks like we have all the gardens we need for Spokane in Bloom Garden Tour June 15, 2024. The theme will be “Happy Days are Here Again! We have an exciting blend of beautiful old established gardens of historical homes to new sustainable, cutting edge gardens.
. For Bloom 2025 looks like we will be heading up north. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.
Ticket - $15 (non-refundable)
Tickets $15 available the day of the tour at the *gardens or starting in late May at Blue Moon Nursery, Gibson’s Nursery, Judy's Enchanted Garden, NW Seed and Pet, & Barn & Blossom Garden Nursery or on-line will call using PayPal/credit card, small service fee applied.
50th Anniversary of Expo ‘74
Spokane in Bloom is proud to be partnering with 50th Anniversary of Expo ’74. The theme for Bloom Tour will be sustainable gardening, what is old is new again. A mixture of classic older gardens and new funky modern gardens, native plant gardens and gardens designed for water conservation. From the historical past to the sustainable future--celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Expo 1974. We are very excited to be included in this once-in-a-lifetime citywide party.
In 1974, Spokane became the smallest city in history to host the World’s Fair. As an environmentally focused event, the Spokane World’s Fair sparked a transformation in the heart of our city that became the catalyst for sustainable growth in our region. The Spokane area is planning to recognize 50th anniversary of Expo ‘74 to celebrate the legacy of creativity, community, and environmental stewardship that drives Spokane to this day from May 4 - July 4, 2024.
Purchase your ticket(s) online each one individually using PayPal/credit card for $15 plus $1.50 credit c ard service fee. You will receive an email payment confirmation which you can either print out or show on your phone to WILL CALL the day of the tour--get your hard copy ticket(s) at the * gardens.
Our garden was designed and landscaped by Richard Lambert of Garden Landscapes here in Spokane. We took advantage of the City of Spokane Spokanescape rebate program that offered a water rebate for changing a percentage of our lawn into sustainable and water efficient plants. We knew we wanted to get rid of our lawn and have a pollinator garden as well as something that was filled with local and drought resistant plants, so we gave our wish list to Richard and he designed the beautiful garden we have today. The centerpiece of our yard is our lavender that provides color and fragrance throughout the spring, summer, and fall. It is surrounded by some native grasses, Russian sage, cat mint, and several other flowering plants whose names I do not have memorized. The color scheme includes purple, orange, yellow, and green and is popular with the pollinators as well as the neighbors. We get compliments on our yard from everyone who walks by and we are able to enjoy our afternoons looking out over it from our front porch.
We transformed the front yard of our 1911 house to xeriscaping (dry landscape) for its 100th birthday in 2011. We even had a birthday party! The new plants came from the woods and from friends and neighbors. Bricks for the pathways were placed here and there. We'd planted the catalpa tree in 1996, so it didn't need special watering by 2011. The rhododendrons near the house, the bleeding heart, and the fern leaf maple, get watered regularly. Other than that, the front yard, extending across the driveway to the black pine and including the rock garden parking strip, doesn't get watered. In the area beside the driveway, we have arbor vitae, a flowering plum, a crabapple, a cinquefoil, and groundcover plants, including Japanese lanterns--fun but rather invasive. The willow near the carport--our 6-year-old neighbor calls it a "dancing tree"--needs attentive pruning. These areas get watered about once a week. The west side of the yard, with the catalpa and the river birch is in transition. We’re adding drought-tolerant plants, conceding to the grass's disinclination to grow there. The back yard has several garden spots around our approximation of lawn. We plant some vegetables each year, but we mostly have perennials and volunteers. Every year we get lots of tulips, then daisies and poppies, then sunflowers and amaranth. And in the very back of the yard, under the magnolia tree, we have fall-blooming crocus and saffron, lovage, comfrey and rhubarb, among other things. All these garden spots get watered regularly. The hazelnuts lining the back fence are self-sufficient, water-wise. Our yard is a delight and a demand and a surprise throughout the year. Who knows what it will be like 100 years from now?
The Koerner house built in 1910 is a national and local register historical house. Built in the Swiss Chalet style, it has been lovingly cared for by the 5 families who have lived here. Originally situated surrounded by apple orchards, the Koerners started the landscaping in 1915. Nearly 700 feet of basalt walls, large wooden gates, 14 stone columns, haystack basalt out-croppings, with about 30 feet of elevation change, all contribute to a classic arts and crafts landscape. At Mr. Koerner passing his son left a letter, read at his service describing living here in the early years. In it he names many trees, shrubs, and perennial flowers planted on the property during his youth. We maintain many of them today. By the 1990’s the yard had become dominated by large spruce, pine, and fir trees, and overgrown lilac gardens, Oregon grape, and hedge rows gone wild! Along with the north facing slope, the shade of the yard made it a full shade yard except for a few spots. The pond, made in the shape of an arrowhead was buried in 5' of tree debris. The big Ice storm in the mid 90's took dozens of trees down, and caused lots of damage. However it opened up the yard-the same summer we bought the house-and that began the now 28 year process of recreating what you see. The yard is .5 acres, fully irrigated, and a never ending labor of love. We currently have numerous projects to both the house and yard, including reducing the hardest plant to grow we have-grass. Enjoy and we look forward to your visit.
I would define my garden as a cottage garden 10 years in the making. In 2014 I began to slowly create small borders around the house and added to the existing borders. My garden has been enhanced by observing and learning from all the fabulous gardens and parks in my neighborhood which inspire me and which I’m constantly indebted to. Truth be told, I make my garden designs up as I go along. I have a general idea each year but I’m never afraid to change things up in the moment. When I learn something new, I apply it. An example of this strategy is when I learned about no-dig gardening techniques; I covered huge swaths of lawn with cardboard, planting soil and mulch! My borders are filled with a mix of trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, herbs, strawberries; anything that’ll do well in zone 6b. I’ve a mix of perennials, annuals, bushes, trees, a wildlife-supporting dead hedge, yard art, and water bubblers. I have a strong preference for easy, robust, and common plants. Last year I began introducing native plant species. My garden is a fun, easy, colorful, relaxing, and wildlife-friendly space. I’ve created pathways with lovely views where one can stand or sit and enjoy the colors, textures, scents, and sounds throughout my cottage garden.
Our garden is primarily perennials with some annuals blooming in containers. We love roses and have more than 80 bushes, and irises which hopefully will still be blooming during the tour. Our yard is mostly informal, with some trellises and arbors for structure. There are unique pieces of sculpture and garden art for fun. Feel free to wander around and enjoy the plantings, full of healthy, green plants and foliage. A peaceful and calming experience. It is the kind of place where everything is beautiful.
We are fortunate to be the current residents of this Kirtland Cutter home on the local and national historic registry built from 1912-1914. The lot is adjacent to Cliff Park and was built on a huge basalt rock outcropping. The backyard sits a story above the street which gives it a very private feel. There are many garden beds built among the basalt formations. Plantings include bearded iris, ladies mantle, snowberry bushes, grape leaf anemone, lilies, hydrangea, roses, stonecrop, rockcress, and lily of the valley. Trees include cherry, pear, maples and Japanese maples, dogwood, chestnut, Guelder-rose, and a huge catalpa. There are 16 raised vegetable beds with various herbs, fruits, and vegetables. We enjoy starting plants indoors from seed, taking cuttings from friends and neighbors, and also buy plants from local nurseries. At harvest time, we make jams, tinctures, dehydrate, freeze, and can our produce. Come garden with us! We’d love to trade seeds, seedlings, advice and the sun and dirt. We look forward to your visit to our garden.
Our home is a Queen Ann Victorian located in historic Browne’s Addition. The home was built in 1899 for a doctor who relocated to helped Spokane after the great fire. He lived in the home and later his daughter did until we moved in 2006. After a 3-year home renovation, we set out to transform the property into a peaceful, tranquil oasis. We hired a landscaping company in 2010 that spent months creating our vision. We began with changing a sloped yard into a terraced lawn with defined boarders and anchored by flowering bushes and large trees. Native rock was use for the steps and large boulders to further enhance the transition. A weathered trellis leads you further into the property. From here you enter the entertainment area featuring a large paver patio defined by a custom cut in boarder. A quaint shed defines one corner with hostas, pine trees, and a roof covering flowering trumpet plant. The outdoor dining area is showcased by a large timbered pergola and edged by a dry creek bed featuring aged metal cattails. The sound of cascading water fills the air as the babbling brook flows over the precipice into the lagoon pool. Large pine trees, a Japanese maple, and countless flowering plants complete this view. A flagstone path leads further around the home to a rustic farm. An ornate chicken coop greets you along with 3 very loving hens. Passing through the gated trellis you find raised garden beds and a bubbling fountain. A swinging metal bench gives you a place to reflect and watch your flock. This concludes the tour.
In December of 2020, after months of searching, we bought our first home together, and immediately began dreaming of how we could transform our simple lawn into a water-wise, life sustaining habitat. Aesthetics were definitely a consideration, but we also prioritized the necessity to conserve resources, and provide food, water, and shelter to our pollinators. Our first task was to survey our current space and create a plan detailing what we wanted our front and side yards to look like and what they should provide. We incorporated the plants and trees that were already established and built from there. We created depth and dimension by adding paths, a dry river bed, a small retaining wall and more trees. We continue to add as many drought tolerant plants as possible, while also including favorites such as sunflowers, echinacea, black-eyed susan’s, anemones, poppies and grasses. No matter what we plan, we have discovered that our garden has plans of its own. We take that into consideration and just go with the flow. Some plants thrive immediately where planted, others need time or a new location to be happy and healthy. This spring will be the fourth at our new home, and although we have come a long way, there is always more to do. Each year brings different challenges and we’re always thinking of new ways to make our garden more inviting for our plant and animal friends. We cherish our time together in this ever changing garden, and love to watch our plans and hard work gradually transform this space into one we will care for and cherish for a lifetime. It’s really about the journey, not the destination, so go out there and get your hands dirty!
Our home, the Chamberlin House built in 1906, looks like an enchanted storybook cottage complete with cobblestone pillars and Tudor style trim. It was the builder’s own home when the Sherwood Addition was developed as a neighborhood of affordable middleclass homes. The yard is relatively small, but we have filled it with perennial flowers and shrubs of every kind. We have also built gravel pathways and flower beds defined by cobblestones. ShandaI is an artist who enjoys pottery, painting, and landscaping so those interests are reflected in two murals in the backyard that incorporate pottery flowers. She has also done some welded art reflected in her garden gate. We’ve tried to create a small oasis of birdsong, fountains, flowers, and art that reflects the cottage lifestyle.
The Mad Seeder - I began growing my flowers from seed 8 years ago in the basement of our old house. It started with one grow light. It quickly became 6 lights. I only get wider eyed, and bushier tailed with every approaching spring. Last year I grew 1,000 flowers from seed. I gave many away, peddled a few from my curb and pirate planted the remaining in my friends and family's yards. This year I am experimenting with a new (to me) growing method. Part of the fun is learning new things and experimenting with new ideas. Each Failure/mistake only makes the garden better each year. No Regrets Gardening Approach - I call myself a whimsical gardener. I kind of just feel it out and try what feels right. A few of my approaches to gardening are: No Regrets. Try, try, die, try again, grow. You can never have too many plants (let them be wild)! Leave the leaves for the birds and the bees. No poisons. Change is inevitable so don't be a stick in the mud and my favorite: work is fun! Motivation Behind the Madness - There is no obvious order or straight lines in my gardens. My goal is to bring the birds, bugs, spiders, bats, hawks, woodpeckers, bunnies, yes even the snakes and mice, all of it back. To give the small bit of space that I have back to the outsiders who actually live outside. It is quite a feeling to have so much life buzzing right outside your front door. Some consider a garden’s beauty to be measured by how big and bright the blooms grow. I think the best part of growing a garden is getting the show to come to you! The enormity of life in just a small space is incredible and so beautiful. Wherever I go I will leave a trail of gardens behind me.
Stay tuned.
Spokane in Bloom garden tour is scheduled for Saturday, June 15, 2024 and will be in the City of Spokane from 10am-5pm. Presented by The Inland Empire Gardeners - 509-535-8434 - tieg@comcast.net
Spokane in Bloom Garden Tour is a single day, self-guided event, showcasing outstanding gardens in the Spokane area. It is one of the premier gardening tours in the Inland Northwest area.
The locations of the gardens and a map are provided in the ticket/program. Look for directional signs.
The tour is run completely by volunteers. Proceeds are donated to garden programs and charity organizations in the local area.
The tour is in its 24th year, started by The Inland Empire Gardeners, a not-for-profit 501(c)(7) organization.
The tour is held annually the 3rd Saturday in June. To suggest a garden for a future Spokane in Bloom, please call 509-535-8434 or email tieg@comcast.net.
Garden Selection Committee: Chris Sheppard, Verlaine Ford, Della Meyer, Trish Van Leuven
Email us if you have a suggestion for how we can improve the tour please email tieg@comcast.net
Who Are We?
The Spokane in Bloom is sponsored by The Inland Empire Gardeners, an all-volunteer, nonprofit group established in 1994.
How Many Gardens Are on the Tour?
Each year, the garden tour board selects a minimum of 5 of Spokane's finest gardens representing a variety of styles, sizes, and design concepts. Our tour is highly regarded for the quality and diversity of the gardens it showcases. Over the years, more than 50 private gardens have been opened to the public for the tour and many of the owners have also continued to participate by serving as volunteers in various roles.
How Many People Attend the Tour?
The number of tickets, each of which is numbered and controlled, is limited to 1,000. We make every effort to make this a thoroughly enjoyable and safe event for both the garden owners and the tour patrons. We station our trained volunteers at each garden to direct parking, control access, manage traffic flow, and provide information. Areas off limits to the tour for safety and/or privacy reasons are clearly indicated.
I received my program but where is my ticket?
ANSWER: Your program is your ticket to the Spokane in Bloom Garden Tour.
Are children allowed? Are children admitted free?
ANSWER: It is our policy that children are welcome to come to the garden tour, under the age of 12 is free. Over 12 each must have a paid ticket. The tour is not recommended for children under 5. Infants carried on a front pack or back pack are permitted free. No strollers are allowed.
Is the tour handicap accessible?
ANSWER: The tour is not handicap accessible. Walkers and wheelchairs are not advised. Many of the garden paths are made up of gravel and rock making it difficult to maneuver walkers and wheelchairs. Some gardens may have stairs and a slope to them. Individuals need to decide for themselves if the garden is accessible for them.
How many gardens are on the 2024 tour?
10
Where are the gardens?
ANSWER: The locations of the gardens and a map are provided on this website.
Do you offer senior discounts?
ANSWER: There are no senior discounts offered. Your ticket does include the tour of the gardens.
Don't miss Spokane when it's Blooming!
Calling all gardening enthusiasts: The Inland Empire Gardeners is seeking private gardens to feature in future Spokane in Bloom Garden Tours. The tour isn’t a garden competition but an event in which to share the beauty of local gardens. Gardens can be formal or informal, big or small. Plant combinations can be designed by you, nature or a professional landscaper.
Does your garden have a nice water feature, lots of growing vegetables, a cozy patio surrounded by native plants or a nice view? Maybe an outdoor kitchen might be what makes your space come alive. Or maybe you’ve always preferred a peaceful retreat in your yard.
Is yours an English cottage garden, a butterfly garden or simply tall trees with hostas in the shade? The possibilities are endless. The club will be previewing gardens in and around Spokane a year before the event in search of ones to feature.
Why so early? Selecting tour locations a year before allows time for local gardeners to be inspired by the gardens in which they are showcased.
If you’d like your garden featured in future tours, please call 509-535-8434 or email tieg@comcast.net
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