The Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour and Plant Sale -- Thanks to everyone who made it a great success

From the Garden Tour Committee

What a success! The Lake Forest Park Garden Tour last Saturday included 6 fabulous gardens, 22 plant and garden art vendors in the Town Center, 41 beaming children who potted marigolds for their fathers, and at least 440 attendees.   

Many, many thanks go to the more than 50 gracious volunteers in addition to the 15-member steering committee, and 6 very generous and loyal sponsors who made this event possible. 

Businesses that have supported this event for many years include Phoenix Construction, George and Betsy Piano, owners; Jeff Johnson Auto Repair; LFP Town Center this year with new owners, Merlone Geier Partners; the LFP Rotary Club; Seattle Tree Preservation; and the Lake Forest Bar and Grill. We hope you will thank them for participating in the community in this way next time you see them or stop in at their businesses.

In addition to being a fine, fun community event, the Secret Gardens of LFP provides landscaping inspiration to attendees, and is a fundraiser for 4 local nonprofits and public art. Third Place Commons, the LFP Garden Club, The Shoreline-LFP Arts Council and the LFP Stewardship Foundation put their allocations back into the community through local programming such as music events and habitat restoration.  

An equal or even larger share of the profits is banked for public art. In 2012, a major commission resulted in the stunning metal sculpture in front of LFP City Hall by local artist, Rodger Squirrell. The Tour’s art fund is growing again for another commission in a few years.

Last, but certainly not least, we want to thank the garden owners who opened their private oases for this event and the 440 attendees who purchased tickets, oohed and aahed as they wandered through sun and shade enjoying the restfulness of bamboo and bordered lawns, the beauty of colorful roses, the surprises of varied garden art and unique landscaping features, and the expertise of Master Gardeners, garden volunteers, Ciscoe Morris and the homeowners themselves.

Mark the date now for the 14th annual LFP Garden Tour on June 18, 2016!