Frequently Asked Questions

How Old Is the House?

The Victorian – style farmhouse was built by my husband Tom. He started it in 1984and it’s been a gradual process towards finishing. Since he followed old building styles, many people think it’s really an old home. He built it all – even the windows!

How Do People Find Us?

Ah yes – many first time customers ask this – especially…men. It’s understandable since we are on an island, off the highway by 4 miles, and down a 1/2 mile driveway – hence no drive - by visibility. Our customer base is from word of mouth, advertising in local papers and visitors guides. Over the years we have been blessed by coverage in various magazine and newspaper articles as well as mentioned in three gardening books. Stephanie Feeney’s books and enthusiastic writing on the nursery was a great boon.

What Are Those Vines on the Walk?

Actually they are apple trees grown in a very old tecnique called espalier – and no I did not invent it (much to many peoples surpri se) I love to tell them it’s also in the gardens at Monticello and Mt. Vernon.

How Do You Decide What Plants to Carry?

I base it on my likes. One thing that is very important to me in this nursery is to educate and inspire novice or professional gardeners. So it’s important for me to be very familiar with the plant material and know that I can recommend it. The list is always evolving as gardens do.

How Did You Start This Business?

After moving to Whidbey Island in 1984 I needed to work but we had three young children and I didn’t want them to be latch key kids. My parents were willing to help me get started with a loan. I began setting up and being open part time while I did other odd jobs. The nursery officially opened in 1986, However the hours were minimal until 1990.

Do You Do This All By Yourself?

For the past 8 years I’ve been incredibly blessed to have Christina working with me. She’s an integral part of the operation and become my right and left hand women. I have over the years had many wonderful people help me in trade for plants – usually women. We call ourselves the Dirt Pile Gang and have had many theraputic hours in the dirt while we pot up plants. Now I have an amazing retired principal who we fondly refer to as ‘ the human backhoe’. So things get done in a variety of ways. My eldest daughter , Leah , worked with me for years and that was incredible. Luckily she’s back on the scene doing design jobs now. Both of my daughters have grown up helping with wedding flowers and they still come work when we have biggerjobs to do.