Halstead/Robinson Garden, first stop of the 2024 Fling

The first morning of the Puget Sound Garden Fling both buses boarded the Pt Defiance / Tahlequah ferry for the trip to Vashon Island. I've learned there are two kinds of people when it comes to a ferry trip; those that stay in their vehicle, and those that get out to experience the wind in their hair, smell the air, and generally make the most of it. Here Denise of A Growing Obsession and Tamara of Chickadee Gardens are sharing a moment. I love this photo of two of my favorite Garden Bloggers.More bloggers on the upper level of the ferry.
So the other bus went to the Carhart Garden first (I've yet to write about that one) and the first stop for my bus was the Halstead/Robinson Garden.
I was immediately drawn to this combination of Hebe buxifolia, heuchera (the flowers I think) and Persicaria ‘Brushstrokes’. 
I don't know why exactly it spoke to me so loudly, as none of these plants are ones I particularly care for on their own. It was definitely a case of the sum being more than the value of the parts. I felt better when Jerry also called out the combination in his blog post on the garden, here.

This half acre garden is in the historic town of Dockton on Quartermaster on Maury Island (connected to Vashon), a harbor where WW1 ships were built. The home was constructed in 1908 and the gardener, Anita, moved here in 2000. The garden description in our Fling booklet notes that "twenty plants were lost to the 10 degree weather this past winter" I feel your pain Anita, I really do.
There was a labyrinth...
And a chess board...
I was most taken with the view of the water. I wonder if they also own the lot across the street (to keep their view intact)?
Another angle on the chess board.
Contrasting acanthus foliage.
I love it when a painted fern looks this good! 
Gritting my teeth, walking on by (bishops weed, my nemesis).
Great restraint on the deck. Yes, I would have needed to add more containers.
Sexy dark sweet peas.


Back out front now and other shot of the driveway topiary, without as many people.
I wonder how many of my fellow Flingers spotted this large twiggy bird's nest? It was out near the street and easily missed.
Back towards the house.

Walking back to the bus (for some reason it didn't drive down the street to the garden, we had to hoof it a couple blocks) we passed what seemed to be part neighborhood park, part eccentric garden, and maybe a restaurant? This truck with it's custom hood ornament was parked out front.


And just like that we were off to the next garden! (which was wonderful and I'll write about someday)