In the Garden: CdA Garden Tour features a visit to the Hagadone estate on Casco Bay

If you enjoy visiting other people’s gardens, you are in for a treat July 30. The Coeur d’Alene Garden Club is pulling out all the stops for their 20th annual garden tour with three beautiful gardens. The highlight of the tour is Duane and Lola Hagadone’s garden, which includes a pleasant boat ride across Lake Coeur d’Alene to get there.

Duane Hagadone has lived in Coeur d’Alene all of his life. He is publisher of the Coeur d’Alene Press and newspapers throughout Idaho and Montana, and founder of the Coeur d’Alene Resort and Golf Course.

Their garden is located in a beautiful setting on Casco Bay, with a breathtaking view of the lake.

“I own 500 acres here, 15 of which are landscaped and surrounded by a 10-foot-tall fence to keep the deer from the garden,” Hagadone said.

His goal for the design of the garden was to tie it into the house, which he calls a “tree house.” Its many windows provide views of the lake, surrounding pine forests and attractive landscape.

A lifelong gardener, Hagadone began his career mowing lawns.

“I bought my first car – a 1931 Plymouth – with $60 of my gardening money,” he said.

He and his wife have taken an active role in the development of their garden. Eight full-time gardeners help them realize their vision.

“Every night, Lola and I walk through the garden,” he said. “It’s a very different garden, with paths all over. I love a large expanse of green grass because it’s very peaceful and beautiful. A garden is a work-in-progress and our goal is to always make it better.”

Visitors will enjoy exploring the many waterfalls, pools containing koi carp, lush plantings and immaculately tended landscape.

Estate manager Luke Forsmann has worked for the Hagadones for 12 years and appreciates their involvement with the garden.

“This is all their vision,” he said. “They want to try new things which I find very enjoyable.”

Forsmann’s favorite spot is a shady pool with waterfalls. He hopes visitors will walk up past the house to see it and everything else the landscape has to offer.

Tour-goers can catch the boat to the Hagadones’ garden at Independence Point, adjacent to the city park at 105 Northwest Blvd. The first boat loads at 10:30 a.m. and departs at 11 a.m., with boats leaving every half-hour through 2:30 p.m.

“I hope visitors will enjoy the boat ride over and seeing this beautiful lake in the background,” Hagadone said. “It’s a tradition of mine to greet everyone as they step off the boat. We appreciate them and want them to feel welcome.”

The following gardens are also on the tour:

Steve and Nancy Heffter, 5975 N. 16th St., Dalton Gardens – As visitors pass through the gate into this 1-acre garden, they will be treated to a shade garden, beds overflowing with vegetables and berries, and many colorful plantings of perennials, dahlias and roses. The natural beauty is complemented with metal arbors, trellises and garden art created by Steve Heffter.

Bob Bloem and Claudia Lowry, 8538 Loch Wood Court, Hayden –Highlights include waterfalls and pools, meandering trails leading to sitting areas and vistas, and beds planted with a pleasing mix of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. The newly-added forest garden incorporates more waterfalls, a contemplation garden and a tea house perched upon a rocky ledge.

There will be live music and vendors at the above two gardens. Proceeds of the Coeur d’Alene garden tour will benefit local charities and the North Idaho College Dual Enrollment Scholarships.