Lucy’s Garden is Ridgefield’s wedding garden wonderland

Tucked away on a small side road in Ridgefield is one of Clark County’s most beautiful and quaint wedding and reception venues. It’s also one, that while only available for two years, is becoming an extremely popular place for brides and grooms in Southwest Washington.

The small red house and its adjoining crimson “barn” are surrounded by lush gardens, with streams and small bridges meandering through the blossoms and greenery making the gardens a perfect place for weddings, receptions, anniversaries, corporate dinners and retreats, fundraisers, crafting classes and just about any gathering.

Owners Ralph and Cindy Greear opened the property to public functions two years ago after a succession of family and friends’ weddings convinced them the idea would be successful. First, they fixed up the place so their son could hold his wedding at the site. Then, a neighbor asked if she could get married in their garden, then a niece, and then it snowballed.

Cindy, an avid gardener, has turned brush and pasture into verdant and luxurious gardens that are a rainbow of color in the spring and summer, and clever plantings ensure fall and winter plants provide their own colorful glow to the place. Previously, she owned her own housecleaning business in the area.

Ralph, who worked in food retail for 20-plus years, began his career at AdCo in Battle Ground, then shifted to Thriftway, and then to Woodland’s Thriftway before moving to wholesale food companies in Portland.

“We sort of began this as a hedge against retirement,” he said, “But it’s taking off and we love it.

“I have to say the folks at the county were extremely helpful in our getting started,” he says smiling. “There’s a new winery ordinance in place where the country is very proactive in helping new businesses, especially those affiliated with wineries and hospitality, in getting through the various permit processes.”

Because of the notorious damp and “liquid sunshine” of the Pacific Northwest, they built a large barn next to their home, a building which can easily hold 200-plus guests. They have added a large (30’ x 60’) canopy tent in the driveway for larger parties. The barn floor is stained and also functions as a dance floor. They’ve just added two large propane heaters so the barn is cozy and warm even in the chilliest storm.

The parking lot can hold 50 cars on a gravel section, and 75 more on fields that are clearly marked for parking.

“We just rent the facility, which does not include our home though,” Ralph said. “Guests arrange their own caterers, music providers, photographers, florists, and co-ordinators, but there are several in each category we’ve worked with and heartily recommend to anyone who asks.’’

To date, their biggest event was hosting the “Girl’s Night Out” fundraiser for the local CAMEO (Cathy Anna Mayer Encouraging Others) group, formed after the death of the namesake founder because of her love of young children. The Greears said they had more than 400 ladies for that event.

The owners encourage people to give them a call and then come out and look over the barn, gardens and grounds.

“We want people to know everything there is here and we are usually available to give them a tour,” Ralph said.

To read more about Lucy’s Garden, go to their blog: http://lucysgardenwashington.blogspot.com/ or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/lucysgardenwashington.

For those who are curious, Lucy isn’t the Greears’ daughter, sister, cousin or other relative. Lucy is their cute-as-a-bugs-ear Lhasa-Shitsu mix dog.