Friends of Lakewold

I first visited Lakewold Gardens about a year ago. What a surprise! It's in Tacoma and I live in Seattle and I couldn't believe I'd never gone before. It's so beautiful and peaceful, with even a neat little garden shop on the premises. The grounds are gorgeous with so many beautiful plants and trees. My friend and I decided that we wanted to come back to Lakewold in all seasons as we knew it would offer year round pleasure.

Lakewold Garden is a beautiful public garden located 1.3 miles off the free way in the city of Lakewold. This makes Lakewold easy to get to for busy individuals. The real magic happens as you drive in the garden estate. You immediately begin to feel relaxed. The design really functions as a retreat. It’s located on a small lake. It’s peaceful and quite. The staff is both helpful and kind. The garden boasts a magnificent Rhododendron collection with nearly 900 rhodies. They have state champion trees, a knot garden, and have been home to the blue poppy. The garden is meticulously maintained. It’s the perfect spot for a wedding or just a picnic with your special someone. They offer classes, tours and fantastic events.

Lakewold’s mission is “to preserve and enhance Lakewold Gardens as a historic estate garden of world class distinction, offering each visitor an inspirational experience through growth and learning in a profoundly unique setting.” From my experience they live up to this statement.

Lakewold was blessed with the establishment of an endowment when they first opened. These funds have helped Lakewold keep low admissions and membership fees but only offset roughly 50% of the gardens annual operating budget. Lakewold is also blessed with some very enthusiastic volunteers who help keep the garden in award winning condition as well as keep costs down. Lakewold has been historically self sustaining; however the recent economic down turn has reduced the value of the endowment and reduced the level of individual gifting that they historically enjoyed. While admissions and membership is on the rise it’s not enough to offset the decline in the endowment and individual gifting. Lakewold is a relaxing oasis in a hectic world. I truly hope that Lakewold is able to win this prize. It is a very deserving organization.

Lakewold Gardens is a Lakewood treasure. A piece of history just around the corner. Care is taken to enhance its natural beauty and preserve its structures. One visit and you're sure you've come home.

Through a member of our organization Tahoma Fuchsia Society had a coversation with Stephanie at a Home and Garden Show. Upon that conversation we had a meeting with Lakewold. We were enthused to have an event at Lakewold. They have been so helpful in helping us along the way. It has evolved in more than our individual society to involving the NW Fuchsia Society of 13 clubs. We will putting on an educational event to show fuchsias through the decades. It means fuchsia from the 1800's to present. Lakewold has given us guidence from the beginning. Lakewold has helped us in advertising the event and helping by doing a special ticket on the web site to give a small amount of money for a fund raiser for our organization when they sign people for admittance that weekend. It will be held on September 9-11,2011, Donna Fellows

In this hectic, urban, workaday world of ours we yearn for an oasis, a retreat where we can listen to nature, collect our thoughts and bring back some balance into our lives. We wish there was a place where we could take a leisurely walk amidst various types of foliage, tall and graceful trees, bubbling fountains, manicured lawns, rustic trails, gurgling brooks and perhaps suddenly end up at the water's edge of a quiet lake. Perhaps it would be utopian to expect this idyllic spot to be in our neck of the woods.

Believe it or not, there is such a paradise in the heart of Lakewood on the shores of Gravelly Lake itself. It is called Lakewold Gardens and it is indeed one of Lakewood’s hidden gems. In keeping with its mission, this ten acre historic nonprofit garden estate offers each visitor an inspirational experience through growth and learning in a profoundly unique setting. Its core values include Education and Environmental Awareness, Preservation, Community Commitment and Fiscal Stewardship.

In this day and age with the advent of the Web, you can whet your appetite by checking out the website at www.lakewoldgardens.org. But just as a picture is better than a thousand words, the visit itself will take your breath away.

Our family is so thankful for Lakewold Gardens. The peace & serenity the Garden provides has been a life-saver on more than one occasion. We've enjoyed visiting the Garden for several years now. My favorite times to visit are spring, summer and fall. Actually, any time is fun - the garden is always beautiful & shows different aspects each season. The children enjoy being able to explore and play while Mom & Dad enjoy the quiet.

Lakwold Garden is one of my favorite spots to wander. I can forget my worries and concerns and just let my senses revel in the spaces. I'm able to learn plant care tips from the friendly staff and get ideas for my own tiny garden. After a quick short visit I am rejuvinated. After a lengthy relaxing visit I am calmed and my mind is quieted. Love Lalkwold.

Lakewold Gardens is a serene beautiful place in the middle of a busy town and a very busy life. It is a community treasure. It is a piece of community history because it shows a time when Lakewood had many such estates. Now the old estates are broken up and many houses are crammed onto the old lots. It is a piece of horticultural history also. It was built with painstaking care by a famous garden architect an the private owners over many years. It is right that now a non-profit organization honors the original owners gift to the community by keeping it alive with beauty all year long. I love this house and garden. Where else in this country could I buy a membership to an old estate for such a reasonable yearly fee and pretend that I am an heiress reading the Sunday paper paper in her sun porch? I am a preschool teacher. I take care of 17 children everyday of the week. I love visiting Lakewold on the weekends because It give me a feeling of peace. It is local and easy to get to so I gives me time to dream close to home. It also gives me inspiration for my own garden. The lady who runs the garden shop is really friendly and knowledgeable. The garden shop carries unique things that I cannot find anywhere else. It would be great if Lakewold won the $5,000 award to keep this wonderful place up and running and inspiring future generations.

First off, that Lakewold Gardens is now open to the Public and can be enjoyed by all is such a blessing and a Northwest treasure. I first becme aquaired with Lakewold throughj it's owner. Her niece Heartie Ann Look was my long-time friend and flower teacher in Santa Barabra. Her Mother was Croyden Wagner's sister. When my wife, Dorothy, and I moved up here from Santa Barbara in 1983, Heart Ann would come up to visit Aunt Eullie and we would have wonderful Ikebana Flower classes in Aunt
Eullie's Capitol Hill residence and then down to Lakewold. So it has been such joy for Dorothy and me to be able to come down to Gravely Lake Drive and visit Lakewold Gardens. Not only to, once again, take-in the unadulirated beauty of the grounds but to so enjoy all of the wonderful persons that work and volunteer here. We were last down to Lakewold to participate in the annual Christmas event, and while we were there commented, once again, how great a gift the Wagner's have left for all to enjoy and enrich our lives. I wlll be forever greatful for all my wonderful memories of Lakewold and my friend Heartie Ann for introducing us to the Wagner's up here in the Northwest. Jeffrey P. Angwin

The grounds for Lakewold Gardens are beautiful and inspiring to all gardeners in the area and they have created a wonderful place for members of the public to experience many different types of plants and gardens. Lakewold Gardens has varied learning tools for both young and old and is an inspiration to all who discover it's peaceful, tranquil charm.

I discoved Lakewlod Gardens by way for taking my dear Mother to a Mother's Day event there a few years ago. Since then I have enjoyed becoming a senior member and supporter of Lakewold. I try to visit at least once a yera and find it just like going to a home that my family may have once lived in. I tour the gardens and take visitors there and find myself to be proud to be a part of the rich history and beauty of the place.

Tom ~ Seattle

I love volunteering at Lakewold. I can count on having an experience that is meaningful and interesting. The gardens are peaceful and inviting. Every season gives one a different perspective of the lake and the gardens. There are many mini-gardens within that each offer a different feeling. Spring is my favorite time at Lakewold because of the many rhododendrons and other flowering trees and flowers.

I first discovered Lakewold when I moved to the Pacific NW in 2000. The gardens were lovely then, but watching them further mature has been wonderful. I specially enjoy the new landscaping and artistic grace of the garden staff. The gift shop is the best one for gardeners and garden lovers. I always come away with something for my friends and something for me. I also find great and unusual plants for my yard.
It is a lovely place for a picnic or a quiet afternoon with a dear friend. So peaceful and full of flora and fauna.

My mother was an avid gardener in Lakewood for 46 years. When she passed away in 1993, I was delighted to learn that Lakewold had been established and was looking for donors. I can think of no more fitting a tribute to Marge McCulloch than the Lion Fountain from Thornewood Castle, set among the Loderi rhododendrons. Those who knew her can appreciate the significance of those things coming together in one fabulous garden! Ever since we made her memorial at Lakewold, we have enjoyed the gardens, the events and mostly just showing off our "hidden" treasure to all of our friends and visitors. The Wagners created wondrous gardens and we are all so lucky that we get to enjoy them!
Kai and Cal Kushen

I have enjoyed Lakewold on many occasions, most recently taking out-of- town guests to enjoy a touch of beauty and tranquility nestled in the midst of our small city. In the spring, the magnificent rhododendrons burst forth with color amidst the stately firs and other specimen trees. The elegant old home, herb garden, gazebo and octofoil pool add interesting touches. After strolling the gardens, one can purchase unique gift and garden items in the small, quaint shop.

Lakewold Gardens is one of the treasures of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. It is a well-loved icon. A place of peace and pleasure amid a bustling suburban location! The staff is incredible, the grounds impeccable, and the experience incredible!

Nature and gardens stimulate all our senses with colors, order, scenes in constant flow of change. Opportunity arises to experience feelings of rest and renewal. Lakewold Gardens presents that to each one who seeks delight in the wandering of her pathways.

The entire staff at Lakewold Gardens create and maintain lovingly
the garden's "offering" to others. There is a strong respect for the beginnings of the gardens, and this, too, is part of its overall beauty.
That is my experience.

Karen

It is a lovely, peaceful oasis that should be visited by more people. Well cared for by both the operations and management teams. I wish I was able to visit more often.

Lakewold Garden has provided me so many opportunities to enjoy the nature of the NW and to share that with my family. My sisters and I have had a great time walking the grounds and then eating our lunch by the pool. I love the quiet, solutide the grounds offer as well as the wonderful gift shop. It is a beautiful park. The staff have always been very friendly and accommodating/helpful.

Lakewold offers landscape architecture by Thomas Church surrounded by rare and native plants, State Champion trees, over 900 rhododendrons, 30 Japanese maples and stunning statuary. Lakewold's Georgian-style mansion and historic architecture complete the 10 acres where visitors can step back in time to an elegant past or enjoy a relaxing moment to contemplate the future.

This gem of a waterfront Garden is precious in that it gives the public an
opportunity to experience the great Northwest outdoors at a time when there are fewer and fewer places to do this. It is a place of quiet and beauty, something that is in short supply these days as more and more such places are being paved over and developed.

Lakewold Gardens is a beautiful garden within a city that provides a great setting for learning, tranquility and appreciating nature. Not only does it provide a look back to the past with its history, but a look forward as to how gardens maintain and enhance our environment.
Lakewold Gardens is also a center for learning and community events. It is a multi-purpose venue. It is a treasure to be shared.

Lakewold Gardens is a unique estate that is open to the public. It's relaxed and quiet atmosphere is a wonderful venue for meditation and serenity as one makes his way through the native growths of flora and of natural feeling meandering paths. All of this makes for a relaxing change from a busy and hyper little city that surrounds.

The estate gives venue to other non profit organizations for meetings and fundraisers in the area. This being a supportive setting for the community to gain the a gift of quiet contemplation as would a retreat for meetings and cooperation.

Lakewold Gardends is a lush garden with many NW plants throughout the gardens. Many Rhododendrons, fir trees, bushes during the year.
It has many beautiful spring flowers like azaleas. It is a lovely, serene, quiet and peaceful place to walk thfough the year. There is a scienic lake to look out on near the house. The estate house is lovely and holds many events likde weddings and other events for the Lakewood community and surrouding communitires. I look forward to the table decoration event each November. There is also a lovely gift shop. The volunteers are always very helpful and knowledgeable. Summer walks are cool and comfortable under the trees. There are also many colorful flowers.

Lakewold Gardens is truly an amazing place. It includes a large and well preserved home that can be used for speical events and beautiful lawn and gardens overlooking the lake. It is especially enjoyable in the spring when the many rodies and other flowering plants are in full bloom. A visit to Lakewold is well worth your time and an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

This garden is truly a community treasure. It's a heavenly place where anyone can enjoy the simpleness of life.

Lakewold is a community treasure. Nestled among towering Pacific Northwest firs and among meticulously maintained gardens, my family has visted numerous times over the years. Besides many guided tours of the gardens, we've attended weddings, Community Foundation grant receptions and our business has conducted a fun, creative and unique event pairing Northwest wines and cheeses with an estate planning event on the subject of philanthropy. What better setting and storied history for such conversations?

I am a past member of the Lakewold Gardens. I totally support this garden and its mission of preserving and enhancing a historic estate garden while offering each visitor an inspirational experience through growth and learning in a profoundly unique setting.

The Northwest is very fortunate to have such a garden and located in a major metropolitan area. These types of spaces are very limited. A peaceful stroll through the very old rhododendrons when in bloom gives one a sense and appreciation of time and space. It reminds one that many things are more appreciated in aging and begs the question “what are the memories held in those plants?” What did they see from another time and what would they share if they could?”

As the rapacity of urban development continues to disregard the time it takes for plants to grow, Lakewold becomes more and more of a treasure to be honored, protected and appreciated.
In staying with its goal of being a place of learning, the multiple examples of garden rooms not only provide a horticultural education but also soul’s education. These different rooms ask the soul to become engaged with the textures, colours and structure or non-structure of them. In this time of technology, here is a sanctuary that says come and partake of the truly living, feel the energy of the plants and their arrangement. Let them offer their wisdom on the whispers of the surrounding wind.

A great place to just hang and stand in amazement of what can be accomplishment through collaboration of owners, gardeners, landscapers and preservationists, Lakewold present a working model for the future.

We were first introduced to Lakewold Garden by a family friend. Once we visited it, we fell in love with the Garden. We became members for many years and have enjoyed the beauty that many gardeners have brought to us as well as the mother nature. We have also appreciated the many elegant events that are hosted on the property.

I was a member of Lakewold for many years, before becomming a board member. Lakewold is a very special place. It is beautiful, has an abundance of unusual and rare plants and trees, but it's much more. It's a place to connect with nature, and invigorate your soul.
The gardens are lovely any time of year, but spring is terrific with all the plants, flowers and trees opening their sleepy heads to greet the new season.
Lakewold experience is further enhanced by the knowledge, stewardship, and care and concern of the employees. It is an experience to be savored...like a fine wine, it just gets better with age.
If you are anywhere near the Lakewood area, please stop by and see what I'm talking about, you will be glad you did.

Lakewold Gardens is one of my favorite escapes to peaceful, natural surroundings -- critical today in our rushed, stressful world. We spent my first Mother's Day there. I cherish a photo taken that day on the front lawn in front of a towering wall of rhododendrons with my late mother, my sister, and me holding the family's first grandchild. The gardens and the mansion have a magical quality -- a place where special memories are made.

Lakewold Gardens is an awesome place to enjoy beautiful gardens; as well as, hold a private event. The gardens beautify a wedding, corporate retreat, or family reunion. The layout provides for covered events up to 150 guests; and the grounds could hold up to about 750. I have catered several events at Lakewold Gardens and the staff is always very knowledgeable, attentive, and professional. The kitchen area is fully equiped to do simple; as well as, gourmet food. The load in is very easy. I would consider Lakewold Gardens whenever one is planning an event in the greater Tacoma area....Two thumbs up...

Wonderful communnity treasure. We enjoy the seasonal beauty and ever changing landscape. Lakewold is a special place and provides a rare glimpse of natural beauty in an unban area.

I love Lakewold Gardens. It provides a beautiful, relaxing and peaceful setting and helps inspire me to keep working in my garden. The woodland gardens, the ferns, the perennials are exquisite and well kept. It is a gem and provides a serene and tranqui atmosphere that gives me such joy. The Japanese maples are stunning and impressive. Overall, such a great garden that deserves accolades.

Lakewold Gardens preserves historical estate gardening and also offers beautiful garden walks for locals and guests. It provides both an historical perspective on gardening and estate life in the area, as well as an opportunity to experience the seasonal beauty of local flowers, trees, and birds....so many birds! In addition, it is an information resource for local gardeners. I used to visit only occasionally, but now that I live nearby, I visit two or three times each week. I often bring friends to enjoy a walk and occasionally a sack lunch in view of the lake. It's an important and unique offering to the community.

Lakewold Gardens is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit. The volunteers are very polite and helpful. We look forward to Spring when all the flowers start to bloom.

Great people and a great historical place. It is great to see a non-profit like Lakewold.