This is the story of Dick Bosch and his dream of a garden in the forest.
It started 50+ years ago when he bought the acreage and begin clearing part of it. Life got in the way. Raising a family. Working.
He kept at it though. Little by little he has created a magical kingdom in the middle of an evergreen forest. Complete with places to stop and sit. Or swing on a swing suspended from giant trees. It's not everyday you get to experience that.
Dick told us about the coal mine and lumber mill that used to be on the property and the Old Mt. Baker Highway that used to run through it.
They had the most amazing begonias EVER there.
There are many types of gardens here. All unique. Individual. With a touch of quirkiness. Which I, as a gardener, appreciate greatly. Beautiful flowers are one thing. Beauty with a sense of the person who created it is quite another.
I was smiling the whole time we were there. Who wouldn't love to be strolling through the forest and come out into an English garden and see a little cottage with white curtains?
At the conclusion of our time in the garden, Dick told us about the panflute. About how he heard it and decided he must learn to play it. So of course he did.
It's not everyday you can cross a body of water in a ferry, enter a city, find a forest garden, and enjoy a concert by the head gardener.
Mr. Bosch lives next door to the garden. These are his sheep. Sister tried to get them to come and talk with her, but they were very busy.
Do yourself a favor, if you live in the area, or are anyplace close to Bellingham, go for a visit. Go see Dick. Tell him we sent you.
Oh my -- thank you for sharing this wonderful place. It would be too long of a flight from Maryland to there for a weekend trip but it looks like a little slice of heaven.
Posted by: Claire | 08/04/2017 at 06:45 AM
So cute ! and so lovely man ! thank you for sharing this peacefull land with us - please, if you go back another time, ask the gardener what is the secret for such begonias !
Posted by: isabelledj | 08/04/2017 at 07:41 AM
Just Wonderful! Next best to really being there!
I have copied this in my journal and credited you ... "Beautiful flowers are one thing. Beauty with a sense of the person who created it is quite another."
Thanks Carol.
Posted by: jacki long | 08/04/2017 at 02:54 PM
Beautiful! And what a treat to have the creator/artist of the garden share it with you.
Posted by: Amy in Texas | 08/04/2017 at 10:30 PM
How wonderful and so beautiful. I especially love his little pagoda made of branches. We had to cut down lots of frees to put in our garden in the forest, so it could get sun, but it's nothing like this. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Diana | 08/05/2017 at 09:30 AM
wait. why are you calling him george? i thought his name was dick bosch...
Posted by: sisterrrrr | 08/06/2017 at 12:48 PM
He told me (in private) his friends called him George. I guess he didn't tell you?
Posted by: Carol | 08/06/2017 at 12:55 PM