Long Live the Bird Tree Garden

The Farley Garden

Anchoring the front yard, a bare Madrona bird tree may appear dead, but it's alive with activity. Birds feed upon resident insects; woodpeckers pound out messages upon its sculpted limbs; high branches are lookout perches. This bird tree is a beloved asset to this obsessive plant collector's garden. Once this gardener gets attached to plants, she "can't let them go." The bird tree stands as testament to her respect for survivors.

The garden has been a work in progress for over 25 years; an eclectic collection of trees, shrubs and perennials have found rapport. Over 50 roses thread their way front and back and climb into a tree fort. The owner is a professional landscape designer, and she uses her own space as a test garden. If a plant doesn't make it here, it won't appear in a client's garden.

Walk up the driveway, pass under a laurel arbor to your left, and enter the shade foliage garden. Follow the circular path to the sunnier "golden foliage" garden. A water feature, hidden next to the house, provides soothing sound effects.

On the south side of the house, further up the driveway, is the "hotspot" so "everything is tough as nails." The driveway containers, filled with veggies and coral or orange flowers are "my playground." Peek into the artist's studio on your right behind the garage. From here on, garden themes change every ten feet. A native plant bed yields to a Japanese bed. The owner-designed fountain resembles a tree trunk with streaming roots. Walk around it to change the viewpoint. The largely ignored lawn provides the next theme - a shady sitting spot while viewing the perennial borders.

From the east corner, moving around to the north, the color theme morphs from golden to variegated, white and light pink into hot colors. The umbrella of a variegated Aralia tree is the focus of the back garden. Sculptures contain elements from the gardener's work projects; six granite benches stashed here and there invite observers to rest and enjoy the changes in the light.

Note the Campanula 'Dixon's Gold' before exiting on the north side of the house and pass seven rain barrels, a worm bin and plant propagation area. A living wall, created from recycled stone, is in progress on your right by the gate.

There is no doubt that this gardener loves plants, from anywhere, and needs to possess and arrange them. Obsessions are like that.

NOTE: Wheelchair access limited to driveway. Uneven paths in front.