In My Garden:
Justin Henderson
Justin Henderson, Federal Way, WA
Preservation Partner: PowellsWood Garden
Justin Henderson has been Garden Director at PowellsWood Garden since 2017. Growing up in the rural Pacific Northwest, he spent most of his childhood exploring the woods and making friends with woodland creatures. Gardening first captivated his imagination when he started a food bank community garden in 2013. Since then, he has been on a horticultural rollercoaster. His ultimate passion is inviting others to experience the exquisite pleasures that only gardens can offer.
PowellsWood is a member of the Garden Conservancy Northwest Network, a member-supported association of public gardens, parks, and horticultural organizations dedicated to connecting people and gardens, creating engaging educational programming, fostering an appreciation of plants, and preserving gardens as vital cultural assets. Learn more about PowellsWood Garden.
In My Garden, October 26, 2021
"Autumn is a bittersweet time here at PowellsWood," says Justin. "We say goodbye to the summer annuals and clean the beds for winter. Many plants are brought indoors and the mulch floor is once again revealed. As we mourn the departure of many plants, we also welcome the vivid arrangements of orange, yellow, and red. The autumn leaves are truly the gardener's reward for yet another successful gardening season."
In My Garden, August 31, 2021
This week, Justin highlights late summer standouts in the plant life and wildlife at PowellsWood.
Left, above: "Anemone tomentosa 'Robustissima' delivers on the promise of late season attractiveness. If only all of us could have that same guarantee in life." Right, above: "Just in time for the autumn rains, the lawns have finally fully recovered from last year's winter lights show!"
"The tropical plantings in the patio garden have absorbed this summer's record temps with ease. Try getting back in there to deadhead the flowers." 
"One of my greatest pleasures in the garden is observing the flowers and the pollinators that delight in them. They find cleome (above, left) irresistible," says Justin. Above, right: "We seem to have been selected by the local mole society as a top buffet this year. Removal of the freshly aerated soil has become a daily routine around here."
In My Garden, August 3, 2021
The summer border above (top photo) is "where I drink my cup of coffee each morning," says Justin. "The caffeine combined with all of this visual stimulation seems to get me energized for the day! I absolutely adore lilies (above, left). A common issue with common plants is that we treat them as common and fail to admire their pristine beauty, which makes them common. Don't tell anyone, but our lawns here at PowellsWood are mostly clover and buttercup," Justin tell us. "A side benefit to slacking off on the mowing is that the bunnies here (above, right) fill their bellies on clover before they attack the treasured plants...at least that's what I tell myself."
The shade oasis (above, left), is one of Justin's favorite areas of the garden. "It requires almost no maintenance and it is peaceful in every way." According to Justin, one of the best parts about working in any garden is having the opportunity to interact with the wildlife. Recently, he spotted a Cooper's hawk at PowellsWood. Click here to hear the story.
In My Garden, July 6, 2021
Justin reports on recent highlights at PowellsWood, including the moss garden (above). "Historically, we have tried to keep the floor of the woodland garden free of vegetation. Last summer, we also embraced the mosses. After hand pulling each grass blade, we began watering. Nature took its course… and, ta da,… moss garden!"
There's plenty of color at PowellsWood, too. Above, left: "Attracting pollinators comes easily for Verbascum nigrum. You can practically feel the envy from the neighboring flowers. Competition is healthy, right?" Middle: "A gift from my friends at Old Goat Farm, cleome ‘Cherry Queen’ provides a touch of elegance in the house garden. My one complaint is their vanity. They seem to get really upset if I fail to admire them, camera in hand." Right: dahlia ‘Mystic Enchantment’—"Probably the only thing that lasts longer than the blooms of dahlia Mystic Series is my gratitude towards Dr. Ken Hammett for developing them. Season-long pop, year after year. True garden gems."
Above, left: Clematis viticella 'Etoile violette'—"This clematis-covered arbor is perhaps the most pleasant little retreat at PowellsWood. Record-breaking heat in the Pacific Northwest has made shaded nooks like this even more vital." Right: "A morning visit from a great blue heron was a reminder that this garden is an oasis for more than just humans. The crows, meanwhile, were not as enthusiastic about this visitor. They cawed obnoxiously until the heron finally flew away. I get it. I have been in similar social settings and wished I had a pair of wings, too."
In My Garden, June 8, 2021
Justin reports that summer annuals are in at PowellsWood. "This garden bed (above, left) transforms dramatically from spring into summer as the 'cramscaping' of plants along the arching lawn takes full effect. The next step will be thinning the abundance of foliage throughout the summer months. I used to refer to this section (above, right) as the 'Stairway to Heaven'. Now I feel that this spot is simply heaven. Life is about the journey, not the destination," he says.
"One of the many planting combinations (above, left) is anchored by a cardoon (Cynara cardunculus). We try to imagine the patio garden as one giant planting container, mixing colors and textures to create the feel of a refreshing oasis. Allium blooms are popping up throughout the garden. The bees have been eagerly awaiting their arrival."
"Every winter a pair of mallard ducks makes our pond area their home (above, left). Each year they are unsuccessful in hatching ducklings...until now! You can imagine the rush of excitement I felt when I happened upon mama with ten little babies! Another reminder that we share this garden space with local wildlife. And hostas are as large as a head (above, right), or maybe I just have a small head. Either way, this Hosta x 'Eola Sapphire' is quite an enticing treat for both the visitor and the local slug population."
