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Greetings!
The month of May brings a wide array of blooming color in the Gardens with a mix of early April blooms still showing off and the start of the June bloom. Most of the April flowers will still be in bloom in the early part of May. Flowers already blooming in the shade of evergreen trees will include white trillium (Trillium ovatum), false Solomon's seal (Smilacina stellata), pink and purple wild violets and periwinkle (Vinca minor). On the Gardens' sunny, rocky hillsides, patches of basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis), pink and blue creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), blue-purple bugleweed (Ajuga pyramidalis), creamy Dryas octopetala, white candytuft (Iberis), and pink thrift (Armeria maritima) will still be flowering. At the same time, lady ferns (Athyrium felix-femina) and northern maidenhair ferns (Adiantum pedatum) will begin unfolding their delicate fronds. We have added fourteen new varieties of fern including shiny holly (Polystichum neolobatum) and deer (Blechrum spicant).
From the middle to the end of May the first wave of color gradually fades as the garden readies itself for the next period of intense bloom. The June bloom starts in late May with mauve creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), numerous varieties of sedums such as Sedum divergens, Sedum sexangulare, coral carpet (Sedum album), Sedum rupestre, Sedum spurium 'dragon's blood', and Sedum spathulifolium appear, accompanied by drifts of maiden pinks (Dianthus deltoides), alpine dianthus (Dianthus alwoodii alpinus), and soapwort (Saponaria). During this same phase, some of the Gardens' steep hillsides look as though they are swathed in clouds of yellow creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia).
The rare Wenatchee Mountains native Lewisa tweedyi displays salmon-pink or pale yellow and blooms in early May, while by the middle of the month, Lewisia cotyledon blooms in the cracks of large outcrops in a kaleidoscopic mix of magenta, orange, yellow and pink.
This man-made wonder was started over 80 years ago but will still enchant visitors today in whichever season you choose to view it. Season's Passes are the best value giving individuals and families unlimited visits to the Gardens for one year from the date of purchase. Then you can experience the transition of color from April through October!
Be sure to bring Mom up to the Mother's Day tea on May 9th from 12:00pm - 4:00pm. This year we have the pleasure of the featuring Chef Richard from the Ivy Wild Inn & Catering providing the tasty treats. Get a professional photo of Mom and the family by Michael's Photography while you're here on Mother's Day. Michael has a great package available that includes photos and admission to the Gardens.
Sincerely,
Mike Short
Garden Administrator
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| Ohme Gardens Friends' Society Updates | |
The Friends' are an active group that raises money for special projects for the Gardens. We are looking for new board members. If you are interested in joining the organization, attend our next meeting and get acquainted to see where your talents can be used to help the Gardens. The next meeting is Wednesday, May 19th at 4:00pm at 400 Washington Street. The meeting room is on the lower level in the WSU Extension Offices. We would love to meet you.
POT -PAINT- PLANT
Our first June activity is Saturday, June 5th from 10:00am-2:00pm. Pot-Paint- Plant is a project designed by Ginger Spice. Bring a favorite planting container and learn the two-stroke painting process that will decorate the pot. Then the Dirt Diva, Bonnie Orr, will help you plant the pot from a selection of Ohme Gardens' plants. You can take a bit of Ohme Gardens home with you to keep you company until your next visit to our special place on the hill. See even information below for cost information.
Tea in the Gardens
Another June activity is Sunday, June 13th from 1:00pm- 3:00pm. Hyla Nelson has designed this first annual elegant garden tea. In the secluded sunken lawn next to the new water fall, enjoy an afternoon tea party. Brewed tea and special sweets will make this an occasion you will want to share with special people. Music will be provided by All Strings Considered. We encourage you to dress up and be sure to remember your hats. Reservations are required. There are three seatings at 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm. Your ticket for the tea includes a tour of the Gardens. Call Ohme Gardens with your credit card number or send a check by June 10th. Cost for this event is $20 per person.
4th of July Raffle
On the Fourth of July, you can be the lucky winner of a catered dinner for 10 and exclusive use of the Gardens for watching the fireworks. Even better than last year, which was a huge success, this year's winner and nine guests get a private guided tour of the pyrotechnic display at Walla Walla Point Park before dinner. What a treat! $5 provides your chance and supports the Friends' efforts to raise funds for evening lighting of the Gardens' trails. Get your tickets from the Gardens, Eastmont Pharmacy or the Kitchen Sync. You must purchase your tickets by June 1st. |
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Herman and Ruth Ohme
In 1929 Herman Ohme and his bride Ruth purchased forty acres of land for an orchard. Included was a craggy, dry, desolate, rock-strewn bluff with a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains and the shimmering Columbia River valley. The Ohmes loved to stand on the bluff and dream of flourishing alpine meadows, shimmering pools and shady evergreen pathways where the hot, relentless summer sun allowed only sage and scrub desert growth. They set their minds on achieving that dream. |
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High under the dome of heaven, where jewel fingered stars, caress the earth in blessing, the moon smiles through filmy bars.
On a spot akin to Eden, so ethereal it seems; where one man stopped to ponder, and fashion his dearest dreams.
There's a flower bordered stairway, where the strains of "Oh promise me", are made holy by the presence you can feel but cannot see.
There are shady nooks, moss covered stones, a pool and wishing well. A vista house on the highest point with pictures no one may sell.
This spot of joy and beauty, the loveliest in the land, is the handiwork of a mortal, but it's God that guides the hand.
Bertha Whitely Graham
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May Events
Mother's Day Tea Sunday, May 9th
12:00pm-4:00pm Mother's Day Tea will be featuring The Ivy Wild Inn Catering. They will have fresh baked scones, muffins, chocolate dipped strawberries and bite sized desserts. Refreshments will include coffee, tea, ice-tea and strawberry lemonade. So bring Mom to an afternoon in the garden and enjoy a tea party on her special day. Tea time is 12:00pm-4:00pm. Mothers will receive a complimentary plant courtesy of Ohme Gardens. Additional plants will be on display for sale.
Take the perfect Mother's Day Family Photo by Michael's Photography. Special discount entrance/photo packages include: 1 custom 8x10 enlargement & 2 custom 5x7 prints with special discounts for additional prints. Couples $35 entrance & photos included, Family (up to 5) $40 entrance & photos included additional family members $2 child/$4 adult Michael will be taking photos between 10:00am-3:00pm. No appointment necessary. |
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Upcoming June Events
Paint-Plant-Pot
Saturday, June 5th
10:00am-2:00pm
Turn your old discarded pots into beautiful planters. Grab'em, paint'em and plant'em at Ohme Gardens. Ginger Spice, Mike Short and Bonnie Orr (the Dirt Diva) will be available to teach you the painting skills, provide plants for potting and give plant care advice for your new planters. Fees for this session are $30 per family, $15 per person or a $12 per person special for Season's Pass holders.
Tea in the Gardens Sunday, June 13th 1:00pm-3:00pm Enjoy a relaxing afternoon, lavishing in the secluded sunken lawn and admiring the brand-new cascading waterfall feature this summer at Ohme Gardens. Participants will enjoy superb tea and delicious treats. "All Strings Considered" will be performing throughout the afternoon. There will be three separate seatings at 1:00pm, 2:00pm & 3:00pm. An award will be presented each hour for the most amazing hat, be sure to put on your Sunday best ladies! Cost for this event is $20 per person. By reservation only, deadline to reserve is June 10th. Seating is limited and must be paid in advance. Please call Ohme Gardens at 509.662.5785 to make your reservation today. Visit http://allstringsconsideredmusic.com to listen to their music and learn more about the group. |
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Art Class: Garden Treasures Note-cards
Tuesday and Wednesday, June 22nd & 23rd
9:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Kelly Olson. Make a set of note-cards from rubbings, leaves and flowers incorporated into hand produce paper. $50 for two sessions at the Gardens. Remember to wear walking shoes and pack a sack lunch.
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 Art Class: Pastel Floral Painting Tuesday and Wednesday, June 29th & 30th
9:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Mickie Files. Walk the Gardens and choose your favorite type of flowers. Paint picturesque scenes from the Gardens and take home your original art. $50 fortwo sessions at the Gardens. Remember to wear walking shoes and pack a sack lunch.
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Ohme Gardens
PLANT SALE
Ohme Gardens now has a wide selection of perennials to choose from for your own personal garden. Dianthus, Delosperma, Aster, Thyme, Geraniums, Myosotis, Veronica, Papaver Poppy, Campanula, and much more!
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2010 Bridal Premier
During the 2010 Bridal Premier, Ohme Gardens held a drawing for prizes. The winners for the 2010 eNewsletter drawing are:
Chelsie Hamilton
Niki Baird
JJ Carlson & McMahon
Thanks to Todd at Kenaston Music Productions for selecting this year's winners.
Please call Ohme Gardens at 509.662.5785 to claim your prize. |
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Ohme Gardens Sponsors
80th Anniversary Sponsors
Cara E. Schroeder, EdM, DDS, PS
Collins Gifts & Women's Fashions
Columbia Family Photo
Denny's Shop: Dennis & Sharon Cockrum
Derby Canyon Natives
Eigenvector Research Inc.: Barry Wise
Elizabeth Ann Tinics EA
Gellatly Agency, Inc.
Graafstra Family
Innovative Solutions: Juris Vagners
Martin's Market Place
Read It Again
Sunset Veterinary Clinic
The Steel Magnolia
Weed, Graafstra and Benson, INC., P.S.
Washington Harvest
Washington Trust Bank
William J. McDowell PS
Ohme Special Sponsors
Gail Cerenzia
Kile Tree Service: Randy Kile
Douglas Fir Sponsors
Al Piecka Photography: Al Piecka
Cascade Analytical, Inc.
Dreamscapes Cabinet Sales & Design: Jean Schweitzer
Lewis V. Davis DDS
Stemilt Growers, Inc.
Western Fir Sponsors
Star Rentals |
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Ohme Gardens Season's Pass
Remember to renew or purchase your 2010 Season's Pass for Ohme Gardens. Season's Passes provide excellent benefits for you, and enduring benefits for Ohme Gardens. As a self-supporting, not for profit venue, we count on the generous support of pass holders for the essential funds we need to care for and enhance the Gardens.
Benefits include: Unlimited Gardens admission throughout the season. Guest discounts: $2 off for adults and $1 for youth accompanied by a pass holder. Bonus Music Series discounts
Gardens Only with Music Series
Youth (6-17) $15 $33
Individual $30 $57
Family $60 $100
(parents/guardians & children 18 & under)
Family Plus $95 $135
(Family pass plus 10 single visit passes)
Go online to www.ohmegardens.com or come visit the Gardens and SIGN UP TODAY!!
Thank you for your support! |
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 Weddings at Ohme Gardens Your Perfect Outdoor Wedding Since 1940
Ohme Gardens offers a unique and memorable setting for your special day. This pristine alpine garden provides a beautiful setting for weddings, anniversaries or special occasions. If you or someone you know is getting married, remember to think Ohme Gardens. Dates book up fast so don't hesitate to call us at 509.662.5785 for more information today! Wedding site visits are still available during the closed season, call to schedule a visitation with the Garden Administrator. We now have an amazing new pond and waterfall in the sunken wedding lawn for daytime weddings!
Due to cancellations, evening wedding dates are now available:
June 12th & 26th & July 17th. |
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May Gardening Tips
Garden Maintenance
Remove spent blooms on tulips, daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs. The plant will put all of its energy into growing new bulbs. The leaves are needed to form new bulbs so leave them until they die.
Install plant supports for peonies, delphiniums and other tall, floppy plants before the plants get too tall.
Hummingbirds and orioles return to northern states. Clean and refill feeders to attract these colorful birds to your backyard.
Watering is very important for newly seeded lawn areas; new flowers, trees, shrubs, containers, and hanging baskets. Even established planting and lawns need watering.
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Featured Bloom of the Month
ARMERIA Sea Pink, Thrift
 Looking like small tufts of evergreen grass, Armeria is a sweet little perennial that is tougher than it looks. It tolerates seaside conditions and thrives in rockeries. Flower clusters are dainty balls of color on tall stems. Ideal conditions include full sun and moist, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil. |
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 Find Ohme Gardens
on Facebook! |
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Contact Us
Ohme Gardens
3327 Ohme Road
Wenatchee, Wa 98801
509-662-5785
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"The grounds are quiet, restful, and not dependent on formal floral displays... Breathtaking views of the Columbia River Valley below can be seen through cedar and fir trees, now more than 70 years old... It is a photographer's paradise." ~ Northwest Travel Magazine |
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