This pole, standing at our original entrance, marks the beginning of the new era at Heronswood. The garden was purchased by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe (PGST) in 2012, and the land is now in Tribal trust, so its title is held by the U.S. Department of the Interior for the benefit of the PGST community. The pole was installed after the garden’s acquisition as a clear statement of change of ownership. These ornamental poles, often referred to as ‘totem poles’ by other tribes and the wider population, are referred to by the S’Klallam by different names depending on their purpose. This pole is a Welcome Pole, but Story Poles, Memorial Poles, and others also exist.

Photos show S'Klallam artist Brian Perry working on the Heronswood welcome pole, pole delivery, and PGST Tribal Chairman Jeromy Sullivan at the pole's installation ceremony. Some photos by Tiffany Royal/NWIFC.

The heron and the tree frog became the icons of Heronswood during its time as a nursery. It’s said that when Dan Hinkley and Robert Jones first entered the property after buying the land in 1987, they disturbed a great blue heron that was feeding in what is now the Renaissance Garden. Thus, the garden’s name. Tree frogs are common residents in the garden and especially in greenhouses, where they enjoy the warmer climate and plentiful insect food. The areas both north and south of this pole were historically the sites of greenhouses where staff propagated the many plants Dan brought back from his far-flung travels. As a mail order nursery, Heronswood issued an annual catalog and for many years, the covers were illustrated by botanical artist Jean Emmons. A heron and a tree frog would always be included in her artwork, and they now feature prominently on this pole.

Carved from the wood of the sacred western red cedar (Thuja plicata), a tree that cannot be removed from Tribal land without consent from the Tribe’s Culture Department, our pole was the first pole created by PGST artist Brian Perry. He took inspiration from Heronswood’s original street sign with its heron logo designed by Robert and worked with accomplished Northwest carver David Franklin. The 12’ pole also features a S’Klallam face and two paddles, as raised paddles are a traditional gesture of welcome. The face looks south across the garden as the Tribe now oversees Heronswood’s future.