As we rolled into co-planner Camille Paulsen‘s Puyallup, Washington, neighborhood at the Puget Sound Fling last month, my bus was invited to tour a couple of her neighbors’ gardens while the other busload of Flingers worked their way into Camille’s garden first. I was charmed that Camille’s neighbors were willing to host us in their gardens as well. What a great gardening neighborhood!

Sage-Richards Garden

I started at the home of Erica Sage and Aaron Richards, where a fenced vegetable garden (above) takes advantage of a sunny and level spot. From there, the garden drops down into the shady backyard.

A waterfall spills down a ferny slope…

…into a reflective pool. A stone bench beside the pond offers a cool spot to enjoy the water…

…and a temple bell.

I spotted Laura Wills from Wisconsin and Janet Davis from Ontario taking a rest here.

Lushly planted and peaceful…

…with light-catching Japanese maples.

One more maple. Up on the deck…

…you catch a great view of regal Mount Rainier.

A gardening neighbor

Next door, a shapely Japanese maple frames a bench by the front porch.

A lovely welcome

Another Japanese maple adds shaggy texture in a terraced bed.

And another holds court in the front beds.

A carved Buddha and stone vessels draw the eye along a path.

A circular patio offers a pleasant spot to sit, with more seating above on the deck…

…where once again there’s a stunning mountain view.

Up next: Fling co-planner Camille Paulsen’s glorious garden. For a look back at nursery stop VanLierop Garden Market, click here.

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Digging Deeper

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