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

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.

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.