Finn Slough

A few weeks ago we visited Finn's Slough for the first time.  Infact I was only alerted about this special space the week previous.  Finn's Slough is located in the South of Richmond along the Fraser River.  It's a very unique community of people that have moved into fishing homes that were originally inhabited by early Finnish fisherman.  The houses were in disrepair but have been renovated and kept up by these residents.  You cross a rather intimidating wooden passenger bridge and eventually lead to a series of other boardwalks that lead to these homes.  The wooden boardwalks are surrounded by salmonberry and other naturalized plant material.  The slough has wetland plants and animals that are native in Richmond, but very few examples exist anywhere else in the city. The city of Richmond is threatening to remove these homes.  That would be an incredible shame.  It's a magical place.  Here's some pictures of our little tour.

Coral Reef Garden

I went on a bit of a plant shopping spree today. It was my inaugural visit to W.I.G. (Western Independent Growers).  It's hidden behind the construction of Marine Drive and at the southern tip of Burnaby. Just remember the acronym  B.M.W.  If you are driving in from Vancouver, turn left onto Byrne Road, right on Marine, and a second right onto Willard.  Assuming you remember that, then you likely won't get lost like I did.



shopping trip loot





Let's just say that it was worth the unexpected road trip. Upon my delayed arrival I was met with the most extravagant selection of succulents, echeverias, and aeoniums.  Warmer climate plants that work outside over the summer and can be brought inside to a sunny windowsill over winter. These plants are very surreal and remind me of coral reefs and underwater plants.   Beautiful shapes, colours and textures.  The prices were extremely low too.  I purchased two poly resin planters and the selection of plants in these pictures for around $80.   I also purchased a 3' pinot noir bell pepper plant for $12.  The plant is already presenting seven peppers on it.



beautiful varieties of succulents



succulents



I spoke to one of the owners (one of two brothers) and he explained that he actually imported all these exotic plants in from Australia and cut and propagated them before building up this collection.  It took many years.  The owner also got extra points because he's a proud East Vancouver resident and he turned down an opportunity to be on the Martha Stewart show because he wanted only local plant lovers to buy his product rather that overseas and mail order buyers. His passion and integrity is obvious. 





second finished container



W.I.G. also boasts an extensive selection of alpine, sedum and annual plants as well.  Throughout the nursery the plant stock was very healthy and they have some unique cultivars. I was really impressed with the Rex Begonias with there silver and burgundy foliage and  the large range of coleous. So worth the trip out there.  If my bank card allows it, I'll be back very soon!

My Vegetable Garden in June



Carrots




Mesculin Greens




Espalier Apple Tree




Jerusalem Artichoke




Gourmet Blend




Baby January King Cabbage



Cilantro

Gooseberry

Allium

Climbing Rose

My Vegetable Garden in March




Went a little too crazy when ordering my seeds- seeds to share with friends though!

 



Bare garden with bark mulch paths and welcome paver

 


Blueberry bush in winter




Brave bulbs




Climbing Rose budding out





Espalier apple tree budding out





Name tags



Bare branches of goji berry and thornless blackberry

A Moon Garden

We recently had a request from an elderly women to design and install a memorial garden for her departed love ones. It was a space in her urban "back 40" underneath a giant horse chestnut tree. It's a full shade property boxed in with large laurel hedges. She was inspired by moon gardens. A historical concept developed to enjoy ones garden under the moonlight (before the invention of outdoor lighting). Flowers and foliage in shades of white and silver quietly reflect the moon's presence. It's an advantageous idea because most of the shade plants available showcase white blooms or are hybridized to have variegation in golds, silver or shades of white. We were inspired by the idea of a lost garden. We incorporated intricitly stamped ornate planters. They look like they were aged by time. Some bronze and copper shades were brought in so that the garden has more depth in the afternoon as well. Marmalade and copper coral bells, japanese painted ferns, and bronzy ornamental grasses were brought in for colour and texture. The gentle foliage of ostrich fern obscures the base of the central planter. Trilliums, heucherellas, variegated hostas, astilbe, solomons' seal and various other white blooming perennials anchor the perimeter. White annual impatiens were peppered throughout the naturalized moss floor. A pocket of sunlight above the back fence is the perfect place for a bronze foliaged clematis to wind its way up the large limbs of the chestnut tree. Underneath the display is a small moss covered stone gurgler obscuring the sound of traffic. A definite place for reflection.

Healing Garden

This was just a patch of lawn that was destroyed by the chafer beetle. The homeowners called us in to install some edible perennials in it. We planted an Asian pear tree, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb, rainbow chard, herbs, and edible greens. We filled the centre with beautiful butterfly and bee attracting perennials and red and yellow twigged dogwood shrubs around the perimeter for winter interest and to attract birds.

We found out after the installation that the homeowners son had passed away and it was to be a memorial garden. The father worked in First Nations social work and was very knowledgeable about First Nations culture. He was very happy that the garden represented a healing garden with an area of space in the centre to visit with the spirits of loved ones and to provide offerings. He said the centre bark mulch path seemed to always be filled with light. What a lovely thought.