Issaquah Highlands Undressed

Pea Patch Paradise in Issaquah Highlands

Were you one of the lucky ones to get a pea patch in the first phase in Issaquah Highlands? I knew they were up here but I just found them on one of my walks on the many trails we have. When I first saw them I thought  “people have worked very hard on this project.” A couple of those people are my friends. I wanted to know more, plus, I noticed that on Highlands Day there was a fund raising effort for the gardens.

The land the gardens are on belong to Burlington Northern. They allow the Highlands to use them. Many other things worked to make them possible. A water source was already there placed by landscape contractors that used it for their plants as the Highlands were developing.

Raised beds had to be built (cedar), then it took a whole lot of dirt and work to fill the beds. Fences had to be contructed to keep our wildlife friends from snacking. The deer are still tempted because there is no top rail and some adventurous ones think they can get over it! All this before any gardening could begin.

At present, the gardens consist of 33 separate beds, 5′ x 20′ and cost $55.00 per year per patch. But unfortunately they are all spoken for and there is a long waiting list. Land is available for more beds but funds need to be aquired by donations, grants or fund raisers.

Workers and materials are gladly accepted.

Everyone I have talked to that has a pea patch enjoys it and all seem to have different reasons why. Among them are fresh organic produce that you grow yourself, others like the excuse to be outdoors. Working together as neighbors and becoming friends is high on the list. Hopefully it won’t be too long before Issaquah Highlands has Pea Patch #2.

Thank you to T. K. Panni for his input for this article.