Arthur Lee Jacobson, tree elf, plant expert, arborist, gardener, author, teacher, and life-long Montlake resident/treasure shared his love of plants with visitors to his Open Garden last Sunday.
His lush multi-level garden on Blaine welcomed neighbors for a peek at more than 500 kinds of plants from towering trees to exotics to weeds. The plants are amazing, but Arthur is the real show. Ask him a question about a plant and he will be off on a delightful ramble about where it comes from, how tall it grows, what nutrients it needs, what it smells and tastes like. Lately, it seems Arthur’s become really interested in the tasting part. He can (and will) tell you how to cook, not just your ordinary vegetable parts, but all the things you usually take to the compost bin. He says, “Why not try cooking radish greens, carrot tops, or sweet potato leaves? They’re tasty and good for you too.” Arthur says a lot more too, but you’ve got to be there for the full effect.
And you CAN get the full effect even if you missed the Open Garden. You’ve got some chances to learn from this elfin plant expert in the next couple weeks. Jacobson has scheduled to lead three Seattle Tree Tours in early May.
Sunday, May 4th in Volunteer Park, 10:00 to noon
Sunday, May 11 at Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park, 2:00-3:30
Saturday, May 17, Washington Park Arboretum, 3:00-5:00
Group size is limited; Cost $10. For information or to register, email alj@consultant.com or phone 206-328-8733. Check out the website www.ArthurLeeJ.com to order books on wild plants and trees or read tons of articles on all kinds of plant topics. Watch for the next Open Garden later in the summer too. Blaine Street doesn’t just have big bunnies and the Halloween House. It has a full-sized tree elf too!
Arthur Lee Jacobson says
Everyone will be welcome to visit the garden on the Montlake Garden Tour, Sunday afternoon, June 22nd.
Chris says
What an amazing looking garden, I’d love to visit it someday! Do you have any more images of it?