5 story brick building with a 1 acre footprint, surrounding land is 1.5 acres of parking lot 1/2 community gardens. and the balance is open space, gardens and facilities for outdoor events such as formal gatherings, field sports, Tilth Association harvest fair and plant sale, Childrens garden, and much to do about horticulture given the site had the expertise of Gil Schieber and his passion for gr
owing and introducing plants to the NW. Unfortunately, the gardens have were not maintained to the caliber that Gil provided over the 25 year development during the transition from being 'released' to the replacement gardener-Tara. As gardener and plantsman for 25 years, a keen collector and plant purveyor, the Historic Seattle Board showed no regard or respect to this part of history, a shameful event as an appeal produced nothing but "sorry, thank you" as they fired one after another Employees with no reason-as they are allowed. As a History is in the making, we discount the ugly and color the remains as worthy of mention. Regardless, the collection continues to inspire and educate those that appreciate the diversity (over 1000 remaining varieties) of woody and perennial plant material that dress the stark buildings' facade. With a mission to create a niche of Plant Guild's in every conceivable location, Gil Schieber propagated thousands of plants and traveled to Europe numerous times bringing back thousands of dollars worth (personal $) of thousands of species of new plants. With quarantines and USDA applications, Western Washington climate has benefited from Mr. Schiebers introductions, many of which can be viewed at the Good Shepherd Center gardens.
