Lakewold Gardens, my final Study Weekend 2022 stop

Like Powellswood (my second Study Weekend stop), Lakewold is an estate garden I'd long been aware of, but never visited—even though I frequently drive just miles away on I-5 to and from Seattle. I was thrilled to finally have the push to visit.From our event booklet: "Lakewold Gardens provides intentional encounters with the life-changing power of nature, fostering peace, creativity and healing in our communities. A national Historic Landmark with a Georgian-style mansion on a 10-acre estate. The collections, amassed over a 112-year period, include: rhododendrons, Japanese maples, magnolias, camellias and hardy ferns. There are 8 Washington State 'Champion Trees' on site."
Much of the site's landscape was designed by Thomas Church, who stressed the importance of drawing people out into the garden where they would interact with nature. 
I explored the more formal garden areas around the home before dropping down into the natural part of the landscape.






The home itself was full of activity as there appeared to be an event that folks were setting up for. I was pleased they allowed visitors to use the restrooms.
I wish I had a room like this in my home that brings the outside in, in such a dramatic way.
Back outside...

Love this bloom color!
Two pools in a row! (there was a pool in the garden I stopped at before this one).

Looking back towards the house.
Now I'm in the wilder part of the garden—not that you needed me to tell you that!

I'd love to know the story behind how these came to by lying here.
This table and benches were simply wonderful...
So much character!


A crevice garden in the works perhaps?

I'm back up by the visitors center now. I could have explored for a couple more hours but I needed to get back on the road.
What a well-stocked garden shop, wow!
Lots of temptations...
I somehow managed to not add to my plant stash in the car. 
A note for those of you who might attend the 2024 Puget Sound Area Fling—lead planner Camille Paulsen says Lakewold will be one of the gardens we'll be visiting, if I remember correctly we'll be having an event there, yay!