Hi GPODers!

Today we’re switching to island time and visiting Pamela Roats on Fidalgo Island in Washington. We’ve seen her gardens a couple of times in the past, first when she was living in the nearby San Juan Islands (A Plant Happy Climate) and then again shortly after she moved to her current home (Pamela’s New Garden on Fidalgo Island). Located in the Pacific Northwest, just a stone’s throw from Canada, Fidalgo Island is not the tropical oasis that the word “island” first brings to mind, but Pamela is still able to create a lush landscape with the help of lots and lots of pots.

My name is Pamela Roats. I garden on Fidalgo Island right next to the San Juan Islands in Washington State.

I have many containers in my garden. A lot of them frame a patio and make an intimate and private space for entertaining. I have lunch and dinner in the garden during the wonderful summer days.

I plant anything I like with lavender, roses, cosmos and fuchsia’s to tie it all together. I also have maples and evergreens in pots. Most are common plants from the northwest and I may add something unusual if I see something I like. I plant in individual pots of all kinds and in big planter boxes built in the garden. The best thing about pots is you can move around easily to highlight different areas. Trees in pots eventually go in the ground around the property.

I add local garden art and hanging lanterns with lights for evening ambience. The tree with the lanterns is an apple tree, which has been on the property for over 50 years. The placement of this tree makes the garden special.

Hope you enjoy the garden.

Some of the plants: Love and Wishes™ salvia (Salvia ‘Ser-Wish’, Zones 9–11), ‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’ fuchsia (Fuchsia ‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’, Zones 9–10), ‘Elfin Gold’ coreopsis (Coreopsis auriculata ‘Elfin Gold’, Zones 4–9), isis Fuchsia (A fav), coral bells, ‘Million Suns’ sanvitalia (Sanvitalia speciosa ‘Million Suns’, Zones 9–11), ‘Tom Thumb’ fuchsia (Fuchsia ‘Tom Thumb’, Zones 7–9), Olivia Austin® rose (Rosa ‘AUSmixture’, Zones 5–11).

Our first look at those incredible lanterns Pamela mentioned, and the special apple tree that is a highlight of the garden. I’m always highly impressed by a garden that looks as good at night as it does during the day.

Pamela also does a stellar job at connecting her plants to the decor and hardscaping in the garden. We’ve already seen the emphasis of red in the lanterns above, but the hot color theme continues in various elements seen below, and is reflected perfectly in the various tropical shades of this spectacular rose.

But it’s not all just reds, oranges, and yellows in Pamela’s garden. Another fabulous rose variety is sporting more peachy-pink shades, but still complimented beautifully by a red accent.

And our first taste of Pamela’s wonderful containers. While many stress over their container combinations and finding the perfect pairings to plant up, a single plant in a beautiful pot should never be underestimated.

More pots and some of the vibrant garden art I mentioned above. From the fascinating selection of plants to the inspired color and decor choices, Pamela’s personality and clear point of view are on display all over the garden.

Many shy away from bright reds and yellows, but Pamela isn’t afraid of a bold focal point. Lot of greenery from the various potted plants give the eyes somewhere cool to settle, while complimentary plants like that stunning ‘Elfin Gold’ coreopsis help tie it all together.

An adorable gardening pal also approves of Pamela’s work, particularly the patch of shade created from these gorgeous, towering lilies.

While Pamela’s eclectic taste is definitely on display, there are plenty of very classic elements to her garden. From her love of classic flowers like roses and lilies, to this beautiful, floral garden border.

Reminder that raised beds aren’t just for veggies! The bright pink cosmos in this bed might not be nutritious, but are undoubtably delicious.

And on the opposite side of this sensational tree,  small shade garden.

Containers large, small, and everywhere in between! I also love the mix of plants here, from annuals and perennials to various woodies and even a succulent tucked away in the lower right corner. And, of course, the master of focal points has an incredible frog statue brings a little shine to the space.

So much garden beauty packed into this space, a true curator of plants and art!

Thanks so much for the update on your garden, Pamela! No matter the temperatures, it’s still a lush island oasis.

Have a garden you’d like to share?

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening!

Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability. Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.

Buy at Amazon

Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade, Trenching Shovel

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone's hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.

Buy at Amazon

Spear & Jackson 4930FZ Razorsharp Telescopic Tree Pruner

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Telescopic tree pruner with SK5 carbon steel blade which stays sharper for longer. Variable length telescopic handle extends up to 92 Inch (2340mm). Lopper for cutting branches up to 1.2" (30mm). 13 inch (330mm) saw is ideal for cutting thicker branches. Supplied with a long cord and pull-action handle. Part of the Razorsharp Advantage collection, the obvious choice for gardeners who demand and expect precise, powerful performance. "Grow Your Own" Great British Growing 2020 Award Winners.

Buy at Amazon