About

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The Lim Garden is a private 1-acre residential garden and micro-nursery in the Cottage Lake area of Woodinville, WA. It focuses on rare and uncommonly seen plants, with an emphasis on species suited to woodland shade and understory conditions.

What started in 2017 as a simple idea—digging a BBQ pit in the backyard of my childhood home—quickly turned into a full immersion in horticulture.

An intense fascination with plants and a drive to create a personal sanctuary quickly snowballed. Starting with land that had been wild woodland since logging came through in the 1890s (and remained relatively untouched over the 40 years my family lived there), I spent nearly two years laboring on the bones of the garden alone. To fill the space, plant lust took over, and endless scouring of every plant sale and far-flung nursery consumed my time.  The next natural step was a deep dive into propagation and growing, leading to the establishment of the nursery in 2022.

Today, the garden contains approximately 2,800 species and cultivars, including many rare and newly introduced plants. The focus is on foliage, structure, and natural density. Flowers serve as seasonal accents rather than the primary design driver. Notable collections include Aucuba, Ligularia, Aspidistra, Polygonatum, Disporum, ferns, and broadleaf evergreens.

The varied topography creates a range of microclimates and light conditions. Mature cedars and firs present both constraints and opportunities, shaping what can be grown within a Pacific Northwest woodland environment.

The garden is young but evolving and maturing with each passing season.  It reflects my rapid journey in horticulture and continues to be an experiment and personal expression.  I hope to contribute to a community of passionate gardeners and share the joy my garden has brought me.

Hope to see you in the garden soon!

Alex Lim