Hosts – Sandy Olson, Sarah Slovensky & Mary Fisher
Saturday July 16th 2022
1 pm – 5 pm
Tea, Coffee, Selection of Treats ( includes gluten & sugar free options )
39.00 – Half of proceeds goes to W.I.N. – Whidbey Island Nourishes
The mother daughter team of Sandy Olson and Sarah Slovensky are both avid gardeners with a wide mixture of gorgeous plants in their gardens. When I found out, much to my surprise, they were related I thought it would make for a fascinating small garden tour. Seeing a 30 year old garden with large specimens contrasted with an ambitious three year old house and garden – primarily done during the pandemic.
Sandy and Mike Olson were delightful nursery customers for many years and I always enjoyed their process of choosing plants. I knew they had two children but never met them. As Sandy said, they were not interested in gardening at all.
Sarah Slovensky became interested in gardening when she and her husband Will rented their first home. Now, many years latter, they have built a home on Whidbey off Crawford road, situated on a slope. They have ambitiously created many beds, expansive areas with a mixture of trees and shrubs, as well as terraced beds to work with the steep slope in some areas. They have a large collection of plants procured both locally and afar. The wide front porch is grounded by a large grouping of planted pots. 
She has a sharp eye for picking out great new plants – one of the latest passions is the genus grevillia. Although her garden is young you’ll find many inspiring plants!
I find it fascinating to see the influence and differences in their approach to gardening, and the bond they have over plants.
We will enjoy an afternoon, first at the older garden of Sandy and Mike just outside Langley, then onto Sarah and Will’s home where tea, coffee, pie, and gluten/sugar free options will be served in their hand made ceramics.
You’ll also get to see some of Sarahs other art work and see how the plants influence her art.
Sarah is also an artist doing embroidery, paintings and ceramics. She has a series of beds designated for cut flowers only, which she regularly brings into the house as inspiration for her paintings and patterns she draws for the embroidery kits she sells.
Bring your camera and notebook to record new plant ideas and lovely flowers, and all the questions you might have. I will be able to offer my perspective on the plants and elements of design from my 30 plus years of growing and designing gardens. The perspective to gardening can change over many years as one works with early ambitions. I believe we can all learn something from viewing both perspectives. It will be a fun filled afternoon.
Half of the proceeds will go to Whidbey Island Nourishes – W.I.N. – a local non-profit providing nutritious food to the kids and families on South Whidbey.