08/30/2026
The newest bench in the Terrace Garden at Sequim's Carrie Blake Park/Water Demonstration Site was donated by her husband in memory of Donni Hatlestad. Donni was instrumental in the formation of a group of Master Gardeners who shared a vision with the City of Sequim for demonstration gardens to be created on the acres adjoining Carie Blake Park. Donni was on the leadership board which formed in 2007, designing the proposed Garden. Over almost twenty years, she was also a dedicated volunteer, putting in many hours of physical labor where her bench now sits—planting, weeding, putting in water lines, creating walkways, giving demonstrations and talks about the Garden plants, sharing her knowledge of horticulture and garden design. Her heritage, of an organization that maintains the Garden today, inspiring many local gardeners and sharing the beauty of flowers and gardens, is a mirror of her generous, creative, sparkling, loving self. Thank you, Donni and Bob.