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December 2006

 
 
 
Agua Mansa - Calm Waters Newsletter

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. --Margaret Mead
 

The chance to save a garden . . .
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
This year, several significant experiences are teaching the lesson that major loss, or the threat of it, can motivate one to prioritize what’s important and to act accordingly.

When Heronswood closed, as a former student, employee and docent, I knew I would never be able to live with myself if I didn’t at least try to help preserve its gardens. In June, I didn't know how that would happen, but I joined a group of former docents to create a non-profit organization to attempt to purchase the property and turn it into a horticultural education and research center. I believe we have a very good chance of succeeding. This issue of the Agua Mansa – Calm Waters newsletter gives more details, plus describes some ways that you can also participate.

--G. Maria Carlos, Certified Professional Horticulturist, Garden Consultant & Designer

 

Hope for the Future of Heronswood:
The Pacific Northwest Horticultural Conservancy
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Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
It is obvious that I loved Heronswood. As a docent for over 10 years, I enjoyed helping visitors discover the garden. I was honored to serve as office manager of the nursery for 2 years. I frequently referred clients and friends to the nursery for plants and to the garden for inspiration. Most of all, I have always loved the garden. The possibility of losing it is what motivated me to join with other former docents to help create the Pacific Northwest Horticultural Conservancy (PNHC).

PNHC’s mission is to acquire, maintain, support and perpetuate the world class, one-of-a-kind botanical garden and plant collections at Heronswood for the benefit of scientists, scholars, students, gardeners, and the public gardens and communities of the Pacific Northwest. The goals and plans include opening the garden to the public, sponsoring educational and research programs, and partnering with other botanic gardens and educational institutions throughout the Northwest.

The Board of Directors includes gardeners who are former docents, nursery owners, garden writers, garden designers, and horticulturists from throughout the Pacific Northwest. The Advisory Board includes garden writers, nursery owners, and horticulturists from around the world.

We have had several discussions with the property owner, and are exploring the Kitsap County regulations that will affect our efforts to turn the property into an education and research center. We've garnered support from local government and business, as well as gardeners from around the world. We are beginning the fundraising process.

More details about PNHC can be found on our web- site: www.weloveplants.org.

 

How You Can Help
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Several friends have asked how they can help preserve the gardens at Heronswood. There are opportunities for fundraising right now, and possibilities for volunteering in the future.

Last month, an anonymous donor pledged to contribute up to $25,000 in a "match challenge" to endow our efforts to preserve Heronswood Garden. This offer was made through the Kitsap Community Foundation where a “Friends of Pacific Northwest Horticultural Conservancy Fund” has been established to receive contributions to match this offer. You can support our efforts by making a donation, no matter the amount, by December 31, 2006. A printable donation form with the address of the Kitsap Community Foundation is available at our web-site (see link above.)

Your donation to the Kitsap Community Foundation will fund an endowment that will support the ongoing operations of PNHC. If you prefer to donate to the purchase of the property, you may mail your donation directly to the Pacific Northwest Horticultural Conservancy at our address on the web-site (see link above.)

If you would like to help with a donation of time or hosting a fundraising event, visit the web-site and click on “contact us” to send a message with your offer. If you’d like to help, but don’t yet know how, feel free to contact me.

 

In the Garden in 2007
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
With a whole year of gardening ahead, now is the time to resolve that 2007 be the year that you really enjoy your garden. Resolve to do at least 3 of the following this year:

  • Plant snowdrops where they will greet you on a cold February morning.
  • Start old-fashioned annuals from seed.
  • Spend at least 1 full day at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show, Feb 14-18, 2007.
  • Buy at least 1 new garden book by a local author, such as Val Easton.
  • Visit and support a private botanical garden, such as Bloedel Reserve or the Dunn Garden.
  • Attend at least 2 of the monthly lectures sponsored by the Northwest Horticultural Society.
  • Tour neighborhood gardens at any of this summer's garden tours.
  • Place a garden bench where you can sit at day's end with a glass of wine or tea and enjoy the scent and activity of your garden.
  • Plant lilies where they will waft over you in your garden bench on a warm August night.

May 2007 bring peace and beauty in your garden.

phone: 360.394.3734
Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. This is our last newsletter. I have returned to full- time work in public health, so Dusty can work part- time. I've appreciated every client. I've learned a lot from you and from helping you achieve your dream garden. Thank you for supporting our business. May your garden continue to provide you with beauty and peace. --Maria

 

 

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