Submitted by Westport Winery Garden Resort
Westport Winery Garden Resort has just completed its 2016 Garden of the Year with the unveiling of the new Tapestry Garden. According to winery co-owner Kim Roberts, “In our effort to become the Butchart Gardens of Washington we design and open a new garden in the resort every year.” This year’s Tapestry Garden is a patchwork quilt of thyme near one of the winery’s two wedding locations. A sign, hand-painted by Roberts on the gazebo, says it best, “Never Enough Thyme.”
Her husband Blain Roberts said, “Nine years ago Don Tapio, our WSU County Extension Agent, told to us plant a vineyard and open a winery. Later he urged us to create a sculpture in the garden of a teddy bear having a picnic. It took us awhile, but we’ve finally accomplished his second suggestion.
A bear picnicking on berries, seated on the tapestry of thyme, commemorates the wine Little Wild Blackberry Riesling. The mixed media wood and metal sculpture was created several years ago by South Bend artist Warren Heathers. Each of Westport’s 37 wines is highlighted by a sculpture in its honor amongst the resort’s 15-acres of display gardens. Additionally, there are dozens of other sculptures paired with the various garden designs throughout the public art display.
Perfectly situated next to a raised picnic gazebo the Tapestry Garden can be viewed from above to truly enjoy the texture of the thyme quilt made from plants available in the resort’s nursery. Kim said, “We focus on using and selling easy-care plants, especially those that are deer and drought-resistant while at the same time meeting the needs of bees, birds and butterflies.” In fact, the 2014 Garden of the Year is the Bees, Birds, and Butterfly Border.
Each of Westport’s wines benefits a different local charity. Fittingly, a portion of the proceeds from Little Wild Blackberry Riesling benefits the Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties Master Gardener program previously coordinated by Don Tapio.
Westport Winery Garden Resort is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road halfway between Aberdeen and Westport. The winery (including the restaurant, bakery, nursery and gardens) is open daily and offers lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
