Lavender Farm "Secret Garden"

As Bill Goff mentioned at the garden club meeting, he traveled to Traverse City, Michigan, last week and came across this lavender farm, called the Secret Garden.   It was a feast for the eye, the ear, (buzzing of bees)  and nose as well.  You’ll notice that many of these lavender are planted on a hillside, for better drainage.  The gardeners told me that they lost many plants the first few years because of poor drainage in the low areas.

This farm is located on the Mission Peninsula, just outside of Traverse City.  The billowy white flowers in the background are baby’s breath.  You could pick bouquets from the lavender and the perennials in back too.  This place served tea and scones on the patio overlooking these fields.

 I think this cultivar is lavender ‘Phenomenal’ which is relatively new to the market,

 so it is difficult to find.  Huge, fragrant plants. 

 Hydrangea do well all over this region….

Hollyhocks in front of an inn where we ate.

This was a main house on a wine estate.  Beautiful landscaping with hydrangeas and roses.

Submitted by:  Bill Goff


These photos of  the native orchid - Spotted coralroot and Featherfleece flowers
 have been submitted by Dianne Machesney

 

Special Fieldtrip - Two Local Gardens

On June 11th we toured two local gardens. First we visited Aggie and Bill Barontini's home, recognized as a "Garden of the Month" by the Ingomar Garden Club then on to Dot Sim's garden which was featured on last year's Shaler Garden Club tour. Dot is president of the Shaler Garden Club.

This first group of photos are from Aggie and Bill's garden.  This garden makes me think of a English Country garden with lots of roses, lavender and such!  These first photos are along the side and front of their house.

Starting here are photos on the other side of the house which is fenced in.  Don't know the name of this pretty blue plant but it sure is pretty.

Lots of beautiful roses Bill said they only plant continuous bloom roses which of course is an excellent idea.

This is at Dot's house completely different from the first garden but still very lovely!  These first photos are in the front of the house.

Sorry puppy I should have given you more privacy!!

Here are the photos in the back of the house which is very shady and has this wonderful waterfall and pond.

Some of our friends relaxing by the pond!

Sorry but I lost some of my photos of Dot's garden.  There where clematis the side of the house with ferns and other flowers.  I hope your have enjoyed the photos!