Coupeville fern garden open July 10

Published 7:00 pm Wednesday, June 30, 2004

Saturday, July 10, John Mello will open his fern garden to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $5 admission donation.

He is doing it to help raise funds to reconstruct the original mule barn at Admiralty Head Lighthouse.

Mello grows 130 varieties of ferns in his yard on Redwood Drive, east of Coupeville. Turn east on Kineth Point Place off Parker Road.

Ferns are Mello’s passion and the ancient plants thrive in his mostly shady setting. But they must also be tough to withstand several hours of direct sunlight daily at this time of year. Mello is a member of Hardy Fern Foundation and Coupeville Garden Club. He obtains ferns through the foundation and other sources, and has also gathered spores and propagated a few of his own. His garden is a living experiment to see which varieties do well and which don’t. About 80 have passed his test, he said.

July 10, Mello will share printed information, personal advice, ideas and inspiration with visitors who may wish to do more with ferns and companion plants in their own yards. Some may just wish to try out the tranquility.

Driving from south and central Whidbey on Highway 20, visitors should turn north at Parker Road, near the old Coupeville game farm, and drive nine-tenths of a mile to Kineth Point, then turn left on Redwood Drive. Mello‚s house is the last on the left at the end of the block — 441 Redwood Drive. Parking will be available on street, and signs will be posted on the day of the tour.

Proceeds from the open garden will help Admiralty Head Lighthouse reconstruct the original mule barn.