Here’s a sneak peek at 2026 OIGC Tour Gardens

||| FROM PERRI GIBBONS for ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB |||

Garden A: Warm Valley Farm
If you think you know this farm from the many times driving by it to the ferry…. think again!! You will be amazed by the creative energy on display beyond the gates. Joel and Anna have worked hard to energize the property while staying true to the property’s long history, including early days as bulb growers, the orchard and the barn. I can’t wait to visit Shawna’s “scent garden.” Come swoon for yourself!

Garden B: Sat 4th Seed Farm
Ewe, Me and Tea? You know sheep and goats. You know yarn. Suzanne knows both and will share the process with us, including shearing, dying and processing. And if wool isn’t your bag, maybe you’d prefer a teabag. Under produced in this country, Roger is testing different varieties to find tea plants most suitable for our climate. If you’ve been curious about the old log cabin, close to the road, this will be your opportunity to take a peek inside.

Garden B Sunday: The Friendship Garden
Here’s a hidden treasure right in the heart of Eastsound! If you love colorful, cottage gardening, this one is a must see. Leith’s friendship garden with the emphasis on the many gifted plants from her treasured family members and friends makes it special. You will appreciate the possibility of how beautiful flowers and bushes can spark memories of loves ones.

Garden C: West Beach Farm
How encouraging to experience a family farm in today’s world! The Averna’s picture perfect working farm has everything you imagine … vegetables, flowers, and pasture raised meat. You can feel things growing and thriving…cows, sheep, chicken, ducks, kids (not goats, the human kind), and a big garden. Bonus experience, if you find and meet Champ, their bunny!

Garden D :Kiwi Base Camp
With the natural features, grasses and sedges, you might be forgiven for daydreaming of the mountain meadows, which OIGC member, Hillary Willis, designed for the owner. But then, you might be distracted by the open spaces which encourage fun and play. Relaxation or celebration? You decide! This property with an emphasis on low maintenance, deer and drought resistant landscaping, will be of special interest to local gardeners.

Garden E: Wikstrom Garden
The steep property overlooking Buck Bay might not seem like an ideal place to garden, but to a creative (she might say stubborn) woman, it’s a delightful challenge. Jo has carved out mini-gardens, or “rooms” which feature different themes. It’s an explosion of color which Jo uses to invite pollinators and to craft her lovely flower arrangements. You won’t be able to resist the invitation to sit and soak in the artistic ambience.

Garden F : Wise Owl Wellness Farm
It’s a joy to meet someone as passionate about her mission as Jule. She believes in and demonstrates the principles of growing food to achieve healthy diet and lifestyle. The sheer variety of pIants grown -vegetables, herbs, flowers, camas bulbs, berries, fruit and nut trees will encourage guests to consider the many ways plants enhance our lives. You will feel more grounded and connected just visiting Wise Owl Farm.