Our club enjoyed an expanded picnic experience with a morning visit to Elandan Gardens in Bremerton, WA. It was overwhelming with the amazing plants, ancient trees, and artistry of the creator, Dan Robinson. Lovers of bonsai were bowled over by the trees. Some of us have seen Dan’s work at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle, but never before on this scale. It was stunning.
After we tore ourselves away from the gardens, we visited the home of club members Steve and Claudia in Gig Harbor, WA. They have their own amazing plants and trees, which we enjoyed looking at on a short tour of the property. Steve’s meticulous greenhouse was a treat, with so many unusual and hard to grow plants doing well with his customized growing style. Recently Steve has expanded his carnivorous plant collection, thanks to an accomodating neighbor, Scott Vergara at The Bogs of Doom at Woodland Gardens. Scott brought some plants for our club members to look over and purchase then was good enough to give a talk with some printed literature to increase the likelihood of survival.
Finally, getting to the picnic – a delicious lunch of Beecher’s Mac ‘n Cheese and homemade ice cream was served. These two dairy treats were augmented by the salads and side dishes contributed by attending members. Following the meal, sated members enjoyed strolling the property, peaking into corners of the greenhouse and the waterfront view from in front of their home.
Our annual picnic is always a highlight for our members. Days like this are what make summer in the Northwest worth waiting for.