EARLY EDITION!
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! We are open this weekend AND on Memorial Day – Hours: 10am to 6pm
Summer goes into its full glory on June 21st, and Falling Water Designs and Falling Water Gardens are ready for their beauty! We want to make sure you know about our Father’s Day Weekender on June 19th AND 20th. See the “What’s Happening in June” for full details!
In this issue, we introduce you to our newly completed labyrinth, talk about pond preparations for summertime and highlight some of our fabulous gift shop and nursery items.
What’s Happening at Falling Water Gardens
Join us Saturday, June 19th AND Sunday, June 20th for Father’s Day Weekend! We will have special sales on nursery and garden items. Plus Dad’s get to take home a free fish!
Featured Installation
This month this beautiful installation inspires!
Waterfalls create that focal point within a landscape. It is delightful to drive up to a home or a business with a “statement” garden water feature. The investment for ponds and waterfalls not only improves the value of the property but improves the quality of an individual’s interaction with nature.
Now, let’s see another fabulous project!
As you can see below, our pond installations are intensive. We take the time to dig and reinforce spaces, place boulders, in addition to the incorporation of existing features. While it can look messy at first, the end results are magical.
Contact us today to start your consultation process!
Featured Koi: Ogon
The Ogon koi is a metallic appearing single solid color. Ogon koi are very popular, because of their unique and attractive coloring. The rarest are the cream-based Ogon, yet the most popular are bright yellow (Yamabuki Ogon) as are the Platinum (Purachina Ogon).
Although Ogon koi do not have the decorative patterns of other koi varieties they are striking because of the simplicity they offer within their appearance. This simplicity adds balance to the other pattern complexities of their koi compatriots and boosts the brightness of other koi while standing out on its own.
Keeping Your Koi Happy
Keeping your koi happy comes down to a healthy aquatic environment. We often get questions about the quality of water and how to maintain that quality. We have discussed in past newsletters different products you can use to test your water quality, as well as different types of pumps. This month we want to discuss filters.
A bead filter cleans water by pumping it through a plastic, bead-filled chamber, where the floating balls in the chamber foster bacteria growth on their surfaces.
Biofiltration from the bead filter uses beneficial bacteria to break down debris from both fish and plants. A bead filter fosters a healthy population of natural, water-cleaning bacteria that process organic materials, well fish waste. As fish contribute their waste to water, the water’s ammonia level increases. A bead filter helps keeps the ammonia level down and the overall pond ecosystem healthy.
In our Gift Shop, we have a great selection of EasyPro & Pond Max filters, and a sales team to help you select the right filter for the size of your aquatic feature.
Pond Preparations for Summer Time!
Here is your checklist for June on preparing your pond for the summertime.
- Clean your Skimmer – Read our Article on “How to clean your skimmer“
- Check your ammonia levels – Read here on why!
- Also, you will want to address any issues with your pump (Read More)
You should also reference our article on common misconceptions and myths about ponds and pond planting during the summer months.
The Labyrinth at Falling Water Gardens
What is a Labyrinth?
A labyrinth is a singular curving path leading to a center. Labyrinths are an ancient feature that dates back 4,000 years (possibly more). They are used symbolically, most commonly as a walking meditation. Sometimes they are used for choreographed dances or places for rituals and ceremonies.
In Greek mythology, a Labyrinth was an elaborate, confusing structure designed and built by the legendary artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos. The function of the labyrinth was to hold the Minotaur, the monster eventually killed by the hero Theseus.
Labyrinths appear in many churches. One of the most famous is in the Chartres Cathedral near Paris France. The labyrinth in Chartres was built around the year 1200. In churches, the labyrinth sometimes represents a symbolic pilgrimage or repentance.
The difference between a labyrinth and a maze in modern times is that there are no wrong turns in a labyrinth, only a single winding path to the center. Most labyrinths are created as a flat pattern on the ground that is easy to follow whereas a maze usually has a high hedge so you can’t see where you are going.
Today Labyrinths are used as a tool for personal, psychological, and spiritual transformation, and they are thought to enhance right-brain activity. Further, Labyrinths evoke metaphors, usage of sacred geometry, focused spiritual pilgrimage, religious practice, mindfulness, environmental art, and community building. Some people simply walk a labyrinth to relax or have fun.
How to Walk a Labyrinth
While there is no formal way to walk a labyrinth, the basic advice is to enter the labyrinth slowly, clearing and calming your mind. Some people will do this by repeating prayer or chant.
You want to open your senses and focus on taking slow and intentional steps, leading to the center of the labyrinth. When you reach the center of the labyrinth you may choose to pause and reflect, perhaps pray or even listen to the universe for deeper revelations.
Then to return, you retrace your steps while reflecting or praying. When you exit, you will want to absorb the energy with continued reflection, prayer, or journaling.
About Our Labyrinth
The labyrinth at Falling Water Gardens is a large 7 circuit, classic, left winding labyrinth. We dug the labyrinth down into the earth about 4’ below the existing grade to provide privacy while walking the path. The labyrinth is aligned with the earth’s poles. Approximately 76 tons of granite were installed to create the walls holding the soil back. 1100 feet of path was laid down.
At the center of the labyrinth is a water feature composed of small basalt columns and water geysers. Eventually, the basalt columns will be engraved with the names of our relatives who have passed before us as a memorial to them. Within the labyrinth area, we have installed benches to relax and enjoy the space. The plant material surrounding the labyrinth has been chosen to provide scent and enhance the experience of the walk. Carnation with the scent of clove, Rosemary, Lavender, and Thyme are some of the plants used in the design.
We encourage you to visit our labyrinth during our normal operating hours. Relax, de-stress, meditate or just get your steps in! You can check our operating hours at www.FallingWaterGardens.com – Currently 10am to 6pm daily.
Plants of the Month
Violicious Water Lily: Now Introducing to you the Violicious Water Lily! This lily is a hybrid lily by Mike Giles where he crossed a tropical and hardy water lily. A prolific bloomer with petals colors of blueberry, amethyst and even a beautiful magenta! There is also a burst of bright yellow at the center with a light sweet scent. Disease-resistant hardy water lily is easy to care for and will winter over.
Chinese Primrose: With a unique looking flower spike that doesn’t quite belong on a primrose, Chinese pagoda primrose shows off red buds that open to violet-pink flowers in a cluster shaped like a rocket.
‘Charming Billy’ Iris Sibirica: A fabulous looking, long displaying easy to grow, low maintenance iris. It features a gorgeous blue, purple, red-violet flower. They are spectacular in large groupings and can grow to a height of 2 to 4 feet! They bloom from late spring to early summer. While they are easy to grown, they do best in full sun or part shade, in average, medium to wet soils. They are also drought-tolerant, even though they prefer moisture.
Verbena Canadensis ‘Homestead Purple’: Large, fragrant flower clusters top ground hugging stems with attractive toothed foliage. Excellent colorful dense groundcover or foreground plant. Blooms over long period. Perennial.
Snapdragon: This spring and fall bedding plant offers bushy and compact plants,with uniform habits and unique colours. Full flower spikes in a full range of colours. Strong landscape performance in cool conditions. They perform best in cool weather. Occasional deadheading will promote more flowering. They also attract Bees, Attracts Hummingbirds, are fragrant., low maintenance, and frost tolerant.
Gift Shop & Nursery Items!
You know us, we have a fabulous variety of fish, plants, garden decor, and gift items. Here is this month’s special featured collection! Including some great ideas for Father’s Day!
NOT SURE WHAT TO GET DAD? We also have Gift Cards available for purchase at any amount!
Weddings & Events at Falling Water Gardens
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Sunken Garden at Falling Water Gardens, Monroe WA – Photo credit, Markie Jones Photography
It is almost officially wedding season, and we can’t wait! Did you know that our sunken garden was constructed in 2019, and only TWO couples were married in the new space! Due to the pandemic, we were unable to host more last year so this will be the first year that the formal space is being utilized.
The 10,000 square-foot space boasts a perfectly manicured lawn, a circular dance floor, electricity, dreamy lighting for the perfect ambiance, and is ADA accessible. When in full bloom, white flowers border the perimeter with accents of soft lavender. Imagine all the possibilities to transform the garden into a celebration that reflects your style and love as you dance the night away under the open sky. We can’t wait to see what our 2021 couples do with the garden.
Contact our wedding team today to schedule your tour
weddings@fallingwatergardens.com
We’re Hiring!
Do you have students home from college? Perhaps your high school student is looking for a summer job? Or maybe you are a retiree looking for something to fill your days with your passion for gardening? We are looking for both Nursery Sales Associates and Gardners!
Nursery Sales Position
Garden center and plant nursery, located in Monroe, Washington.
Our company has an immediate need for FULL OR PART-TIME SEASONAL nursery workers.
Enjoy working outside while developing your nursery skills and growing with a great, well-known company in Monroe, Washington.
Applicants who can demonstrate previous retail experience and/or plant knowledge are preferred. Previous retail sales experience is required.
This position assists the Nursery Manager in maintaining the plant material, surrounding gardens, and fish tanks. This is a very physical job requiring frequent lifting of 50 lbs. You must be able to work outside in rain or shine, cold or hot.
Tasks include:
- Assisting customers with purchases
- Stocking the benches and gift shop
- Digging, Edging, Mowing, Pruning, Planting, and Watering the nursery
Our nursery is open 7 days a week, from 10am till 6pm. You will be required to work AT LEAST ONE WEEKEND DAY per week.
Interested applicants should respond to this email with a resume and must answer the questions at the end of this ad. Please mention the Nursery Sales Position in your email. Please, no phone inquiries.
The position pays DOE. Nursery Sales $15-$17 per hour.
Applications without the following questions answered will not be considered.
Question #1: What applicable experience have you gained at previous jobs that you think will be helpful to our company?
Question #2: What has been your most physical job to date, or why do you think you will be able to handle a job as physical as this one?
Please answer the questions above and send your resume to info@fallingwaterdesigns.com.
Gardener Position
We are a destination nursery located in Monroe, Washington with many established garden beds and turf. Our company has an immediate need for PART-TIME or FULL-TIME SEASONAL gardeners.
Enjoy working outside while developing your nursery skills and growing with a great, well-known company in Monroe, Washington.
This position assists the Nursery Manager in maintaining the surrounding gardens, turf, and fish tanks. This is a very physical job requiring frequent lifting of 50 lbs. You must be able to work outside in rain or shine, cold or hot.
This position is primarily responsible for weeding, pruning, and planting new and established garden display beds throughout our nursery as well as maintaining the turf. This position requires frequent stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, and twisting. This position requires an individual who can work without direct supervision and who can take initiative and keep busy.
Tasks include:
Digging, Weeding, Edging, Mowing, Pruning, Planting, Watering, Occasionally assisting customers with loading.
Our nursery is open 7 days a week, from 10am till 6pm. You will be required to work AT LEAST ONE WEEKEND DAY per week.
Interested applicants should respond to this email with a resume and must answer the questions at the end of this ad. Please mention the “Gardening Crew” position in your email. Please, no phone inquiries.
The position pays DOE. Gardening Crew $14-$16 per hour.
Applications without the following questions answered will not be considered.
Question #1: What applicable experience have you gained at previous jobs that you think will be helpful to our company?
Question #2: What has been your most physical job to date, or why do you think you will be able to handle a job as physical as this one?
