The Olympic Peninsula Master Gardeners are stepping up the pace on their demonstration garden.

Moving on to phase two of the 4.5-acre project, volunteers are adding two stone stairways and a rose garden in and near the rock infrastructure adjacent to the James Center for Performing Arts.

"It will be a fantastic asset for the city and venue for the people to come and see," said Master Gardener Stu Hemstreet.

Planning for the demonstration area began January 2008 but progress was dependent on incoming funds, said Master Gardener president Bill Wrobel.

He said $15,000 has been invested so far and about $7,500 is needed for the remainder of this phase.

On Aug. 27, Wrobel and several volunteers from the Master Gardeners and Friends of the Garden set stones, installed and pruned plants and smoothed soil for the future rose garden.

More than 100 yards of soil was brought in to fix a dip in the ground where the roses will be planted, Hemstreet said.

The completed rose garden will be in three semi-circles with a walkway through the middle.

Volunteers said they hope to plant roses during the dormant period this fall.

Master Gardener Donna Marie Tetiva said the planting project goes beyond roses as it includes perennials and plants that grow in the winter.

"This (project) is also about companion gardening," she said.

Plans are in place for an Americans with Disability Act compliant pathway connecting both ends of the rock garden. Electrical and irrigation work must be done for future lighting and infrastructure, Wrobel said.

The gardeners had plan-ned to build a classroom facility but a July ruling by the Clallam County Department of Ecology has forced them and the James Center for Performing Arts’ concert hall steering committee to reconsider their respective building projects.

Different infrastructure alternatives are being discussed by the groups.

For the garden to expand, the Master Gardeners have established a fund for people to sponsor such things as rose bushes, pergolas, arbors, benches or acreage in their own or a loved one’s name.

Those interested in donating, sponsoring and/or volunteering can contact Wrobel at 504-1146 or ventureres@olypen.com.

Send checks to the Master Gardeners Foundation of the Olympic Peninsula at P.O. Box 1596, Sequim, WA 98382.

Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.