Visiting a garden for charity

Renowned container designer Tina Dixon asked me to publicize an event she's holding in her garden in Bothell. While I've been getting a little tired of these endless request to promote all these various events (there's really WAY too many, it's not that I don't want to!!), the cause was one that I am quite familiar with. With Val Easton already posting something on her blog, I figured I'd just cut and paste the details here:


"Tinus herbivorous." A garden art piece made of powder-coated metal by artist Wil Case.


"Here's your chance to help out a worthy charity while hanging out in one of the Northwest's finest gardens....Tina Dixon and Paul Stredwick are hosting a garden tour and party at their Bothell garden on Sunday, August 15, 2010. Both events are fundraisers for Hopelink, a regional non-profit which provides vital services, including housing, daycare, food and transportation for people going through especially difficult and transitional times in their lives.

You can tour the garden from noon - 5 p.m. for a donation of $50 per person. Knowledgeable docents will be on hand to answer questions; be sure and allow plenty of time because the garden is filled with work from local artists, unusual plants, and the gorgeous containers Dixon is known for.

The evening event is a casual party from 6 PM – 8 PM, and will include catered hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and live music by the Chromatics. The donation for the evening party is $150 per person. Every dime from both events will go directly to Hopelink.

Register or donate online or by calling 425-897-3703. The Dixon/Stredwick garden is located at 22433 Meridian Ave. S. in Bothell; parking is one block away at Frank Love Elementary School, 303 224th St. S.W., with a shuttle bus for the evening party. No on-site parking."


Now, not everyone can afford $50 just to see a garden, but I hope people can still make a small contribution to organizations, such as Hopelink, that helped my family when we first arrived to the USA over 20 years ago. Starting a new life in a new country was very difficult for us as so much went on that, to this day, I don't really understand. But, amidst the turmoil and chaos around me as a little kid, I would go with my mom or sister to get a bag of canned goods, bread, some produce and the occasional sweet treat or plush toy for me. I didn't think much of it until I learned what these organizations were for and what they tried to do for the community.

So, Tina is preparing for, what I hope, will be a large turn-out of supporters. Her work and whimsical garden is certainly a treat, but what an awesome way to support an organization you truly care about and THE BEST PART is 100% of everything raised will go directly to Hopelink! Way to go, Tina!

Now, it's things like this that give me motivation and inspire me to be a better gardener; the fact that I can create something that people will enjoy and also create awareness towards a cause/causes that personally mean a lot to me is tremendous!

Private Gardens are meant to be private, but special occasions such as this call for an open gate, a few refreshments, some pretty awesome plants, and a kind, generous and giving heart.

Do contribute and take part if you can! I promise I'll have a most kick-ass garden where I would absolutely do the same thing by giving back to a cause that helped us get to where we are and will continue to do so for thousands of other individuals and families in need.



R

Putting the Garden in the Playgarden!

It's taken me awhile to post this because I'm getting constant reminders about this event from all my peers and I really wanted to be sure that I only post events I, personally, care about and aim to fully support.

My friend, colleague, and garden/container design extraordinaire, Wendy Welch, introduced me to this project a few months ago and explained her involvement with the Seattle Children's Playgarden. Being developed in a neighborhood that hasn't always had the best reputation, I was amazed at the progress they've made in developing a space where children can feel safe and engaged with the multitude of potential activities the garden will offer.



Now, in encouraging the next generation of gardeners, this is definitely a great place to get them started or at the very least, peak their interest so their awareness of the community and environment is nurtured properly. For this very reason, I feel like I have to offer my support and contribute somehow.



On May 22nd, they are holding an auction to help raise money for the garden. I was asked to design two small container plantings and a selection of VERY RARE PLANTS from my nursery to be auctioned off that night. I hope people take notice, place a high bid on the wonderful items they're offering, such as:

* Lunch with renowned plant explorer, Dan Hinkley, at his garden, Windcliff.
* Wine with Ciscoe in his garden along with a tour of his plant collection.
* A chicken coop with chicks — and an expert to help
* Pots designed by Seattle’s hottest garden designers (including Wendy and moi!)
* Spas — Restaurants — Events for kids
* Private flight to Vashon Island for wine tasting

See, there's lots of wine involved. You should totally go! heehehe

Visit the Seattle Children's Playgarden website for way more information and details about the auction.


I sincerely hope they get enough attendees for the auction. It's $65 a pop and money's really tight for most everyone. They have about 70 people signed up to attended, but their goal was 150. Now, they're aiming for at least 100 people to attend.

Visit their website to find out more about the auction and the garden itself and please find a way to make a contribution! It just feels good knowing that the next generations of gardeners have a solid foundation and they have you to thank.