Project Team: Julia Watson

Client: Tishman Speyer

The winter 2023 Channel Gardens were inspired by the Bloedel Reserve in Washington and the Asticou Azalea Garden in Massachusetts.

From the traditional to the contemporary, the Channel Gardens vision for 2023 was inspired by some of the most beautiful gardens in their pinnacle seasons from across the USA. The 150 acres of woodlands and gardens at Bloedel Reserve are characterized by conservation, creative horticulture, and an emphasis on how nature is inextricably tied to mental well-being. In 1951, Virginia and Prentice Bloedel purchased the property that became Bloedel Reserve, through the Suquamish People, People of the Clear Salt Water. The Reserve’s guiding vision is, “to provide refreshment and tranquility in the presence of natural beauty.” It is composed of an Arrival Garden, Buxton Bird Marsh and Pollinator Meadow, Japanese Garden, Japanese Guest House, Jurassic Garden, Moss Garden, Reflection Pool, Rhododendron Glen, Sand and Stone Garden, and Trestle Bridge. Species in the reserve include ferns, red currants, dogwood, trilliums, evergreen, blue bean trees, rhododendron, florida lilies, and more.

Located in Northeast Harbor, the Asticou Azalea Garden is part of a land and garden preserve with limited openings to the public. The garden was planted in 1957 by Charles K. Savage, inspired by his vision of azaleas along the shores of a pond, with the doubling effect of blossoms reflected in the water’s edge. The Garden’s design combines the best natural features of Mount Desert Island with design elements inspired by classic Japanese gardens. Azaleas, smoke bushes, rhododendrons, irises, and water lilies are a few of many species in the garden.