History of the Blanchard House Gardens

The gardens at Blanchard House have evolved over the last fifteen years from a wild landscape to one of the most visible and eye-pleasing attractions in the area, and a lure for all kinds of birds throughout the year.  The railroad tie structure was built first, and then filled in with new soil.  Various native plants and flowers were set out in gallon cans for a few days.  Whatever the deer didn’t eat was then planted in the ground.  Some plants needed to be moved a couple of times to find their happy home. Carole Freeman, a nearby Comptche resident, has been creating the landscape since the beginning at the inn. She and her ‘crew’ come by a few times each month to pamper the plants and encourage them to show off their best. Carole’s husband, James Sibbet, is an artist and minister. At one time, he married a couple on the guestroom balcony at sunset.  Several couples married by James have stayed at Blanchard House, returning to relive those cherished memories.

The gardens resemble an English garden, and the look changes from season to season and year to year.  Late May is the peak of the early blooms, and June is also one of the best months weather-wise. By Fall, a whole new palette of color appears. Even in the winter months there is something blooming, as the climate on the northern California coast is always mild.  There are several native varieties of rhododendron, and many flowering perennials, and more are planted every year.  Planned expansions include more spring bulbs along the driveway entrance, additional shrubs and tree plantings on the northern back property, and more ‘deer-proof’ plants along the hillside to the south.  Melody also tends a vegetable garden.