From Our Backyard to Yours
January 2023 — Your “virtual visit” to Bloedel Reserve
Learn more about what is happening behind the scenes and around the grounds at Bloedel Reserve. Use the links below to explore Bloedel Reserve from wherever you happen to be. And be sure to check back regularly for new stories throughout the month.
To read the full newsletter, click here.
WINTER OF WONDER EVENT
December 1, 2022-January 8, 2023
As weather turns chilly and solstice approaches, experience the restorative joy of being outside during our upcoming holiday event, Winter of Wonder. Find handcrafted woodland creatures along your walk and enjoy an all-ages scavenger hunt designed to create wonder at every turn!
More events to enjoy:
- Gratitude Day, December 3
- Creativity Day with KidiMU, December 10
- Solstice Walks, December 19-21
Visit the event page here.
HORTICULTURE & DESIGN
December in the Gardens
Take a stroll to experience nature’s more introverted season, still replete with color, texture, and as always, full of excitement.
Download this Garden Guide for your walk through the gardens.
HORTICULTURE & DESIGN
The Plant of the Month: Typha latifolia
Native to wetlands across North America, Europe and Asia, this aggressive spreader provides favorable habitat and cover for wildlife including blackbirds, wrens, waterfowl, and muskrats. Read more!
To see all of our 2022 plant picks, click here.
The Serenity Trail
A new section of path now links the trail around the Japanese pond, allowing visitors to circumnavigate the water, bringing the experience into better alignment with a more traditional Japanese garden design aesthetic.
The Residence
Before it opened to the public in 1988, Bloedel Reserve was the private residence of Virginia and Prentice Bloedel—and it wasn’t always known as the Reserve. Prior to setting the property aside for public benefit and handing it over to the University of Washington, the Bloedels called their property Agate Point Farm. However, what was then known as Agate Point Farm was originally called Collinswood.
In 1904, Angela Collins—the wife of prolific businessman and 5th Mayor of Seattle, John Collins—purchased 45 acres of Agate Point looking to build a weekend and summer retreat away from the city. With the help of Seattle architect J. Lister Holmes, the Collins designed and constructed the 18th-century French Country-style home which would later become the Bloedel’s permanent residence.
After purchasing the land and property, the Bloedels began renovations—calling on the original architect, J. Lister Holmes—to expand the residence, adding a garage and furnace to heat the home. Timber magnate turned environmentalist, Prentice Bloedel with his wife Virginia, used their land to explore the relationship between people and nature. For more than 30 years, the Bloedels called Agate Point Farm home.
Today books, furniture, and family photos keep alive the spirit of the Bloedels as guests visit the Reserve and tour the Residence. The picturesque home provides a place to rest, take in views of Puget Sound from the bluff, and reflect on one’s experience thus far at the Reserve.
CREATIVITY & INSPIRATION
PUZZLE ME THIS
Bright berries spice up the gardens and make perfect holiday decorations!
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