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Bloedel Reserve
Bloedel Reserve Bainbridge Island
Tucked away on the north end of the island, lies a botanical treasure called Bloedel Reserve. It continues to amaze me year after year, season after season that this spectacular Nature Reserve is right here in my little community.
The History
Purchased by Prentice and Virginia Bloedel in 1951, the 150-acre property overlooks Puget Sound. In 1986 the Bloedel family gifted this incredible property to the community, and in 1988 the property was opened to the public.
When Mr. Bloedel retired, he immersed himself into the land and collaborated with many famous landscape architects, to create each different garden space on the property.
“Nature can do without man, but man cannot do without nature.”– Prentice Bloedel
The Gardens
This award-winning public garden on Bainbridge Island features 150 acres of natural woodlands and beautifully landscaped gardens, including a Japanese Garden, a Moss Garden, and Reflection Pool, and the Bloedels’ former estate home.
The property is a beautiful collection of unique areas to visit and view with winding paths through the woods and open meadows leading you on. Every season is a jewel; spring blooms, fall colors, and the occasional snow – my favorite time to visit.
Seattle Garden Designer Fujitaro Kubota was hired to create the Japanese Garden in 1956. It was an organic process with no pre-set plans and has twice been named one of the top ten Japanese Gardens in the US by the Journal of Japanese Gardening.
The Reflection Pool is another favorite place for me. A simple rectangular pool framed by sculpted hedge with a backdrop of magnificent trees. Take your time in this peaceful place.
“One of this country’s most original and ambitious gardens.” New York Times
Visit
Bloedel Reserve a fine steward of the environment with expert lectures, summer concerts, guided horticultural tours, special seasonal events. It is open all year round and every season is a wonder.
The Bloedel family home is now a welcome center where a docent can give you a tour of the home and seasonal art exhibits. Visit the moss gardens and the pond near the original Bloedel home, wander the meadows and visit the gift shop.
Easy Landscaping Tips for Curb Appeal – and Perhaps a Quick Sale
Easy Landscaping Ideas
Landscaping is the first thing buyers see when they consider purchasing your home. It extends either an invitation or a warning. If the outside of your home is neat and well maintained, it is safe to assume that the inside of the house will reflect that same care. Conversely if the outside is unkempt, buyers will assume that maintenance of the house has been neglected. Take any or all of these five measures to spruce up for that crucial first impression.
Outside areas are key to drawing buyers inside.
Trim, Groom and Rake
In the Northwest we love our rhododendrons, but they should not be blocking the windows. Trim all shrubbery and trees and rake out old leaves from the visible base of all hedges and plants.
Pressure Wash
We get an abundance of unwelcome moss over the winter. I recommend a good pressure wash over all hard landscape surfaces.
Edge
Use an edger to define plant beds, lawn and sidewalks. A good edging will give buyers a clear path to the front door. It’s better than a welcome mat.
Pop the Color
Place seasonal annuals in the front for interest and a bit of whimsy. Place potted plants for visual interest near the front door. Nothing says “come in!” like a friendly display of impatiens.
Clean and colorful edges lure buyers to your front door.
Cover Up
Use brown mulch under all the plants to cover dirt. This is quick, simple and cleans up the look of your front yard dramatically.
Fertilize
We get a lot of rain in the Northwest. Since you are already sprucing things up, add some fertilizer so essential nutrients are replenished and not washed away. This will ensure a fresh and healthy look for your landscaping, as well as the promise of a bright future.
A cozy seating area extends an invitation to stay.
Get Cozy
Outdoor “rooms” can be so appealing. Gather a few chairs with comfortable, colorful cushions and place them around a fire pit. Don’t have a fire pit? They start around $50, and you will probably get some use out of it yourself before the “SOLD” sign goes up.
Don’t sweat the details, but don’t skip them either. Survey your property with an objective eye, and get help if needed. Your realtor can assist you with landscaping recommendations that will save or even make you money in the long run.
