Dearborn House Healing Garden Project

Project Mission

Historic Seattle is striving to create a space for community to connect with nature and learn about plants, as well as appreciate the First People and their descendants who understand and connect with these plants through medicine, storytelling, food, and much more.

Healing Garden Renovation

At Historic Seattle, our focus is often on buildings and the stories that echo through them. But let us not forget about the stories that the land around each building tells. As a preservation organization, we have neglected to extend our mission of saving meaningful places that foster lively communities to Indigenous communities. This project is an initial step in honoring the culture of the Coast Salish peoples and shining a light on their contributions to the lively communities of the past, the present, and the future.

We are excited to partner with Tahoma Peaks Solutions’ Valerie Segrest to provide a more complete and transparent historic narrative of the land of the Coast Salish peoples upon which the Dearborn House was built in 1907. Through the use of plants and interpretative signage, the Healing Garden will help to teach visitors about the land’s original stewards’ history of medicine, cuisine, and culture.

Our Consultant

Valerie Segrest is co-founder of Tahoma Peaks Solutions, a Muckleshoot Tribe member, and a Food Security Advocate who has extensive knowledge in plant and human relationships. Her recent work includes design of the native plant gardens that are a feature of the current redevelopment of the Seattle waterfront. Her experience and knowledge are invaluable resources for planning this garden renovation project at the Dearborn House. Equally valuable is her unique ability to communicate and demonstrate the plant-human synergy that is foundational to the Coast Salish people.

Funders

This project funded by generous individuals, a Neighborhood Matching Fund award from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, the Northwest Horticultural Society, and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.

Progress

As of Spring 2024, changes are visible at the Dearborn House. Look out for:
-Removal of overgrown and neglected shrubs
-Reconfiguration of planting areas to support an immersive flow of the outdoor space
-Soil amendments
-First round of planting

Phase one of the new healing garden is taking place Spring/Summer 2024 . Stay tuned for updates and plans on phase two!

December, 2024 – Update

Our landscape at the Dearborn House has changed drastically over the last year. Today, what you find surrounding the house is a closer representation of what might have existed many years ago. The grounds are full of young, pacific northwest native plants. Although things might look sparse, these plants will eventually grow to be immersive gardens full of biodiversity. Each plant brings its own magic to the landscape, whether it’s birds feeding on berries or a key host plant for a pollinators lifecycle.

Last Fall, Historic Seattle partnered with Seattle University’s Dr. Rob Efird’s Nature and Culture class to plant the garden and begin creating a winding footpath. We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to Dr. Rob Efird and his students for such a beautiful partnership in establishing this new garden. Not only did students help plant, they also helped to conceptualize what future signage might look like for visitors.

What is still to come:

Signage displaying plant nomenclature and Lushootseed translation
Corresponding webpage development with Healing components of each plant
Soil amendments and gradual lawn replacement with native ground cover

Plants included in the second phase Fall planting were:

Salmonberry

Thimbleberry

False Lily-of-the-valley

Devil’s Club

Saskatoon Serviceberry

Tall Oregon Grape Holly

Blue Elderberry

Kinnikinnick

Wood Sorrel

Nootka Rose

Goatsbeard

Yarrow

Wild Ginger

Woodland Strawberry

Stinging Nettle

Special thanks to Valerie Segrest for providing detailed information on each plant, and to Rose Davis, a Lushootseed language speaker, for translating and recording the accompanying audio files.

COMMON NAME	LUSHOOTSEED	BOTANICAL NAME	DETAILS
Mock Orange	sqʷasəb	Philadelphus lewisii	Mock Orange wood has long been cherished for crafting digging sticks, while its fragrant blossoms are a beautiful herald of the summer season.
Red Osier Dogwood	pəx̌pəqi	Cornus stolinifera	The branches of Red Osier Dogwood are traditionally used for fish traps and basket rims, while its bark, a blood purifier, also strengthens lungs, addresses stomach issues, and creates a bright-yellow dye when boiled. Additionally, its “seeds” can be harvested for food, either eaten whole or ground into a meal.
Saskatoon Serviceberry	q̓ʷəlastəb	Amalanchier alnifolia	Saskatoon berries are a vital food source for Coast Salish peoples. They can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked in a variety of dishes. Beyond their culinary use, they hold medicinal, ceremonial, and spiritual significance, and their rich purple juice served as a natural dye for fabrics and crafts.
Western Sword Fern	sx̌əx̌ulč	Polystichum munitum	Sword fern serves as a protective layer in traditional pit ovens, as flooring and bedding material, and for crafting various tools and implements.
Vanilla Leaf	k̓aʔk̓adaliłəd	Achlys triphylla	Vanilla leaf holds medicine that treats skin irritations and respiratory ailments. In smudging ceremonies, it’s valued for purification and its natural fragrance. The plant’s long stems are crafted into baskets and other items.
Evergreen Huckleberry	q̓ʷq̓ʷəl	Vaccinium ovatum	Evergreen huckleberry, known for its rich, dark berries, has long been cherished by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. These berries are a staple food and are integral to traditional dishes and community gatherings. Beyond their nutritional value, huckleberries hold medicinal properties, with leaves brewed into teas for ailments.
Yarrow	sqiqdᶻuhap	Achillea millefolium	Yarrow, cherished by the Coast Salish people, is a powerful plant known for its healing properties. It stops bleeding, heals wounds, and soothes digestive and respiratory issues.
Maidenhair Fern	cabcəb	Adiantum aleuticum	The maidenhair fern is a perennial favorite. Used to strengthen hair, treat respiratory and digestive ailments, and play a vital role in purification rituals. This fern is valued for its strength and flexibility. The fern’s stems are woven into baskets, while its delicate fronds adorn cultural artifacts. Additionally, the maidenhair fern supports local ecosystems, making it an integral part of traditional practices and natural harmony.
Nettle	sc̓ədᶻx̌	Urtica dioica	Nettle, treasured by the Coast Salish people, is a powerhouse of nutrition and healing. It’s used to nourish the body, relieve pain, and purify the blood. In purification rituals, nettle cleanses and protects, symbolizing strength and resilience. Its fibers are crafted into strong cordage and nets, and it provides natural dyes.
Devil’s Club	čičačəlwi	Oplopanax horridus	Devil’s club is a powerful plant used for its medicinal, spiritual, and practical benefits. Its inner bark alleviates pain and treats respiratory issues, while also helping to manage blood sugar levels. Devil’s club offers protection and strength, symbolizing resilience. The plant’s sturdy stems are crafted into tools, and its natural compounds are used for dyes.
Ironwood	qəcagʷac	Holodiscus discolor	Oceanspray or Ironwood is a plant of remarkable utility and cultural importance for the Coast Salish people. Its hard, durable wood is crafted into tools, weapons, and weaving implements, while its leaves and bark are used to treat pain and digestive issues.
Sorrel	kʷədᶻapdup	Oxalis oregana	Sorrel leaves are rich in vitamins and used to treat digestive issues, boosting overall health. Fresh sorrel adds a tangy flavor to salads and soups.
Wild Strawberry	t̓ilaq	Fragaria vesca	Wild strawberries are a symbol of abundance and renewal and are cherished by Coast Salish people. The sweet berries are enjoyed fresh and dried, while teas made from the leaves and roots treat digestive issues and soothe sore throats. Rich in vitamins, wild strawberries support overall health and well-being.
Wild Ginger	xʷalcƛ̓	Asarum caudatum	Wild ginger roots soothe digestive issues, reduce inflammation, and treat respiratory ailments, while also adding a spicy flavor to traditional dishes. Additionally, it provides natural dyes and serves as an insect repellent.
Red Flowering Currant	p̓uq	Ribes sanguineum	The berries and bark are used to treat colds and inflammation, while the berries provide nourishment in fresh and preserved forms. This plant, also called “rainbush” by Coast Salish people, symbolizes renewal and protection. Its sturdy wood is crafted into tools, and it offers natural dyes.

Questions about the project? Contact Horticulture Manager, Megan Stanek at [email protected]

Garden plan: Megan Stanek