2004 The Dashiell Garden -- Robert Dashiell

When I found this private, quiet 4.8 acres situated between the Grand Forest and a seasonal wetland, I knew it would serve my purpose as both a residence and a creative retreat for photography and my other creative interests. When I purchased the property in 1999, it was
clearly in fixer-up condition, but had the basic elements (water features, forested entry, farm fences) that made it appealing. The house, originally built in the mid 1940’s and added onto five times, is in a long-term process of being remodeled. A small red barn with Island character, but also with advanced decay and a home to various wildlife, largely rodents, was located where a new studio is now situated. The barn was too far gone to save (little tear here please).

I searched most of the West Coast for three years for a property that had some privacy, room to do some gardening, and sufficient size to construct a creative space. I wanted essentially a get-away retreat nearby... close enough so I could keep an eye on the property, yet not have a long drive to get to it. Wish fulfilled-- it takes about a minute, depending on the walking pace, to get the studio. Although not yet completely finished, the ground floor garden room is open today.

The property features rockwork that has been built during the last two years. I enjoy collecting rocks and fossils on my journeys... so a rock facade on the studio that turned out well led to a series of additional walls, stairs and arches. These were constructed by a local stone artist with some assist from me. Most of the stones are hand picked from local quarries, beaches, rivers and rock piles from Canada to Mexico.

Placing a stone structure, be it a wall or an arch, adds permanence to a garden. The stone arch to the entry many be in place centuries from now. And individual stones can be a visually interesting... it’s rather delightful to study some of the rocks... many show their true colors
when they are wet—a lovely benefit for the Northwest. Feel free to water down a stone structure (a docent can do this if you ask)... will be pleasantly surprised with color and character of many of the stones. Some of the garden art structures have been built by me... the cedar and
copper arbor at the front pond, the tree section with copper zig- zags near the house deck, the cedar boxed low voltage path lights to the studio, the copper arbor to the deer fenced raised bed garden, the machinery gear sunflowers, and a rebar birds feeder are examples.

Other than the stonework, this garden is built and maintained by me. It’s a low budget garden ... the majority of plantings are from end of season plant sales or given to me by friends. There is also a bed of plants once grown my mother. Other garden art placed on the property is
either of found objects or made of inexpensive items.

The garden is still very young and very much a work in progress... but that’s part of the interest of gardening... the next inspiration of creativity!