High Elevation Gardening Web Log "Blog"

The gardens were designed with residents and family in mind, providing a large variety of plants, shrubs and trees to enjoy as well as food. The gazebo is a wonderful place to share memories of loved ones and offers a view of the rose garden, faerie garden and birdhouse trellis. The faerie garden, which is under construction, is designed for children or those who are young at heart. Some of the plants include sweet woodruff, coral bells, columbine and bleeding heart.

A series of sensory pots (touch, sight, taste, smell) packed with mint, rosemary, scented geranium and lily and a variety of other herbs, sit on the back pathway and are easily accessible for those with limited sensory input. Standing and sitting raised beds have been built for those residents who want to continue to garden but have limited mobility.

The garden has been certified as a “Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation. We have a large variety of birds, butterflies, bees, and mammals (deer, skunk, fox, raccoon, chipmunk, and ground and rock squirrels) that residents, family and staff enjoy.

This year we are celebrating the 5th year of operation for the home and garden. To help us celebrate, four wonderful members of the Artist’s Coalition - Roberta Rogers, Lynn Overend, Mary Swanson, and Catherine Sickafoose – have painted original watercolors that showcase the gardens. Their works will be raffled/auctioned off this weekend and they all agreed to let us make note cards from them for a continuing fundraiser.

These original works have inspired us to share the garden with others. On August 18th from 2:30 to 4:30pm, we will have a Tea in the garden. The Tea will be catered by Thornagers with music provided by harpist Jan Torney. Informal garden tours will be provided and a raffle and auction featuring the four original watercolor. Beside the watercolors many local businesses and artists have donated a variety of garden and art items for the auction.

Please come and join us for this special celebration in the garden. Tickets are available for $20 and can be purchased from Northland Hospice by calling 779-1227. Advanced purchase is required as tickets are limited due to the size of the home and garden, as well as parking. If you are unable to attend, you can support the garden by purchasing raffle tickets or original note cards made from the paintings. Raffle tickets are $3 each or 6 for $15 and the note cards are 4 for $10, and are available at Northland Hospice and Hodge Podge. All proceeds from the Tea Raffle/Auction will be use to benefit the gardens at Olivia White.

By Loni Shapiro
The author is a Master Gardener volunteer for Coconino County Cooperative Extension. If you have a gardening question, call 774-1868, Ext. 19 or visit our Web site: highelevationgardening.arizona.edu.