The Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Association raised more than $4,000 for programs and activities at its 6th annual garden tour on Sunday, Sept. 9, when 10 homes were featured, all on 4th and 6th avenues northwest.

Host gardeners and their pampered plants got some nice direct sunlight on the hot day. So did over 400 visitors, who came to marvel at the manicured gardens and water features, and gather information, as well as inspiration, for their own garden plans.

Walter Gray bought his house in Greenwood last year and said he took the garden tour to get ideas.

"Our backyard needs to be shaped and we may turn our garage into a studio," said Gray, a cellist for the Seattle Symphony. He said he was struck with the third house on the tour.

"I am impressed with the multilevel structure of the backyard and its water feature," Gray said.

The owners, Brad Cole and Jennifer Fairley, took advantage of their sloped yard and installed a waterfall and plantings for a tiered look between their upper and lower patios.

Gray continued, "Their two quaking aspens are not normal around here." He liked the sound they make when hit by a breeze.

"The leaves twist and turn in an interesting manor and make a nice effect," he observed.

Said Cole, "I have been told quaking aspens grow best in higher altitudes, and that they prefer colder winters than we get here. But these two guys have been doing great for five years."

A hydroponics garden hugs the side of the house. A waist-high grid of PVC pipes, hoses, and an ongoing supply of water yield lettuce, basil, parsley, and other greens, including catnip for their pet cats.

"People make tea with catnip," said Cole. "If you do it yourself, it's a really nice-smelling leaf.

A narrow, picturesque walkway separates the homemade aquatic science project from another, the self-watering cherry tomato garden. The vines climb a wooden, adjustable trellis and the plants are rooted in 18-gallon Rubbermaid containers with built-in water reservoirs.

"You can make these yourself," said Cole, who directs people interested in this system to look up online "Earthbox" and "urban gardens" for plans. "They are usually permitted on apartment roofs, and can fit into tight living quarters."