The Northwest Perennial Alliance
Border Renovation Project 2008 - 2010

The Northwest Perennial Alliance (NPA) has given new life to its famous NPA Border following a dramatic, two-year renovation. The Border, first created in 1991, has undergone a complete transformation. Its steep slope and inaccessible beds have given way to strolling paths and easy stairs, welcoming benches and new planting beds. Volunteers and visitors alike revel in the thousands of new perennials, shrubs, bulbs, evergreens and trees, which provide color, interest and beauty year round.

The Border renovation was the biggest project in NPA’s history, and was made possible through a partnership between NPA and BBG, the City of Bellevue Parks Planning and Resource Management divisions and the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society.  Representatives from these organizations formed a task force which worked together for two years, overseeing the project from start to finish.

The exciting new Border design was created by Glenn Withey and Charles Price, who also helped design the original Border in 1991.  They capitalized on the opportunity to update the plant collections and to feature plants desirable for Northwest gardens---not because they are rare, but because they are solid performers. The need for less demanding plants, as well as the desire for the Border to look good for visitors year round, was a driving force in plant selection and placement. Foliage plants were given a leading role, since they need less deadheading and just an occasional grooming to look their best.

The result is a glorious garden that is easier for the NPA volunteers to maintain. It is an education for home gardeners, who can see what works best in the Puget Sound area; a source of inspiration for horticulture students who want to learn new gardening skills; and an eden of relaxation for visitors of all ages. 

We welcome your participation in the Border!

There are a variety of ways you can become involved:

• Volunteer: You’ll be amazed how much you will learn from Border Supervisor George Lasch, while enjoying the company of other passionate garden enthusiasts.  Please contact Lisa Scott at 425-452-6826 for more information.

• Donate: Your generosity will help fund plants and on-going border maintenance.  For more information about donating to the project, please visit Northwest  Perennial Alliance

• Consider a tribute gift: Donating  benches and trees is a lovely way to honor a loved one.   Please contact Garden Manager, Nancy Kartes, 425-452-2749, if you would like to discuss tribute opportunities in the border or other areas of the Garden.

• Shop: Routine division of perennials results in extra Border plants, which are available for purchase from the perennials carts on the Visitor Center plaza in the spring and summer.  Proceeds from these sales support the Border project.  

• Learn: Discover the amazing world of plants via the BBGS Searchable Online Database.

Special thanks to Withey-Price Design, Tri-Falls Construction and Carlson Construction for their hard work and care on this project.