About Dee:
Dee Blair is a writer, gardener, designer, and musician, as well as a vocalist and songwriter, and has recorded and produced several albums of music. She wrote a column for the local newspaper, the Traverse City Record- Eagle, for 6 years before resigning for professional reasons. She continues to write a weekly Sunday column, distributed via her emailing-list, and on this website.
About Sunnybank:
Sunnybank, a private residence, was built in 1894, and is now lovingly restored. Its English-style Victorian secret garden began to take shape over 18 years ago. Everything - including brick walls, fences, doors, and door art - has been handcrafted by us. The garden is usually open every day from around Memorial Day to early October, closing whenever the weather decides, Hours are from around 9 to around 5-6 o'clock or so. It's closed in really hot weather, as watering is necessary. Some days we close for about three hours, due to functions in the garden, or appointments elsewhere. Check the sign as you drive by. If you're planning a trip here, and want to be sure, please ring 231-929-4351.
There is no charge to visit the garden. Children must be in hand, and no strollers or pets are allowed. Please notify us ahead of time if a wheelchair is to be used. Always ring the bell, which is located at the east (and only) entrance to the garden, to let us know we have visitors.
The house is not open to the public except by personal appointment.
Sunnybank's garden has been featured in the April '99 issue of Midwest Living Magazine, and in the May/June 2003 issue of Northern Home.
