MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — A trip to England inspired Irene and Ralf Sandoy to dig up their old garden area in front of their Mountlake Terrace condo and create a hidden, colorful garden that captured the attention of judges for the Molbak’s Nursery quarterly garden contest.
The Sandoys were recently chosen as finalists in the Woodinville store’s quarterly garden contest which focused on front yards in the fall.
“The Sandoy’s garden stuck out amongst others,” said Amy Randolph, “because the garden welcomes guests with bright and cheery colors. Tropical oranges, yellows and purples adorn the garden along with many potted combinations,” Randolph said. “The Sandoys also added a waterfall and garden lighting to enhance the ambience of the delightful fall garden.”
The Sandoys received a $100 gift certificate to the store for the prize.
The Sandoys, who have lived in Mountlake Terrace for 15 years, said they have loved changing and expanding their garden in the back yard of their condo, which has a creek running through it and is very private.
“When we were in England last year we saw some new exotic gardens there … my husband and I loved it, it really struck us, so we did the backyard like that and it carried over to the front,” Irene Sandoy said. “My family is from England and Scotland — maybe I got my blood for gardening from there.”
She added, “We have won awards for our photography before but never for our gardening.”
The Sandoys, now retired, are also owners of the photo note card business called S &S Creations. Their garden, among other things, has been the model for many of their photo note cards, she said.
According to Randolph, garden enthusiasts in King, Snohomish, Pierce, Kitsap and Skagit counties were invited to participate in the quarterly garden contest. Entrants were asked to submit an entry form and photos of their garden. Molbak’s staff then critiqued the gardens based on style, inspirations, plant combinations and welcoming curb appeal. One grand prize-winner was awarded a $500 gift certificate and two finalists each received $100 gift certificates to the store.
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