The traditional method for transforming grass or weeds into a garden bed involves removing all the plants that are currently there, adding organic matter and nutrients, and then planting. Unfortunately, many grasses and weeds can rapidly regenerate themselves from tiny bits of roots that are inevitably left in the soil. There may also be a collection of weed seeds in the soil waiting for a good opportunity to sprout. Your beautiful new bed is quickly overrun by the same plants you just worked so hard to remove. Sheet mulching is an alternative method, in which layers of organic matter smother existing plants. This is a popular method in permaculture design. Not only are the old weeds ... Read More
Featured on Houzz
One of my projects was recently featured in an Ideabook on Houzz written by Annie Thornton, a staff writer. Check it out here: "How to Farm Your Parking Strip" ... Read More
Recent Install: Front Yard Retreat in North Seattle
This is a recent installation of one of my designs for a client in North Seattle, constructed by Greener Living Solutions. The client wanted space to hang out in the front yard for gathering, dining, and relaxing, so we designed a space just for that. Since its below street level, we included a Corten steel retaining wall to help create a level area for the new patio. The retaining wall ends up giving the space a nice sense of shelter and as the plants mature, it will be quite private. The patio materials are stained concrete and buff colored pebbles, and two benches will soon flank the concrete firepit. This picture was taken in the early evening, after we strung the Bistro lights. More ... Read More
Summer Growing- Raised Vegetable Beds
Here are some pictures of an install we did in early spring of this year, and now we can see it in full swing during Summer! It was in a planting strip in Wallingford, and the idea was to make it as friendly and welcoming as possible to passing neighbors, as well as protect the veggies from dogs and other disturbances near the ground. We used rough cut juniper which adds a nice rugged look, as well as being an affordable, rot resistant wood. (Its supposedly more rot resistant than cedar, but less than half the cost). Juniper is also considered an invasive species in Oregon, so it is touted as a sustainable wood because they are able to cull it from forests where it would otherwise take over. ... Read More
Featured in Magazine…
A couple of my landscape designs were recently featured in Landscape Hardscape Design Build Magazine. The article was about the versatility and "striking simplicity" of gravel. You can read the article on the magazine's digital edition. (Go to page 12.) Enjoy! ... Read More
Best Plant for Seattle Fall Color
This plant Continus obovatus 'Grace' (Smoke Tree) is a stunning plant for fall color in Seattle. The colors in these pictures almost look fake- but they are accurately portraying this plants amazing vibrancy. I noticed this plant during a walk and just had to document it. I've been wanting to use it in my designs, but haven't had the perfect spot for it yet. Now I'm going to be vying for it in yards that need a feature plant. This specimen has been well cared for, as you can see with its open shape. The leaves will soon be falling off, but in Spring there will be new growth that will be reddish green. The plant has pinkish blooms that also come out in Spring and are very fuzzy, which is ... Read More
San Diego Garden- in Bloom!
I was recently in San Diego visiting family and seeing gardens that have had a couple growing seasons since I designed them last year. Above is the Idlewild Garden, which used to be a really run-down grass area with a dilapidated patio. Its a rental unit and the owners wanted something very low maintenance and low water, but also something that provided enjoyment for the tenants. This garden was planted in November 2011, and since its in Southern California, with lots of sun (and supplemental water) it has grown incredibly! The picture below shows the yard before: BEFORE: We were able to reuse most if not all of the existing 6x12 concrete pavers, and set them into gravel. They look so ... Read More
Capitol Hill Garden Design- Complete!
We completed this installation on Capitol Hill last week amidst the incessant June rain! It was a couple of very muddy days, but it resulted in a wonderful shady oasis. As you can see from the before and after pictures (below) the garden already had some lovely mature Japanese Maples as well as numerous Hellebores and Sarcacocca. We tried to reuse as many plants as possible, and thin out the ones that were taking over. Another goal was to expose the beautiful stone wall along the front, so you could see its texture against the foliage. BEFORE: AFTER: BEFORE: AFTER: Here are a couple more photos to show you more angles of the project. Its always wonderful to work with mixture of ... Read More
South Seattle Garden Completed!
We completed the installation for a garden in South Seattle a couple weeks ago and we're ecstatic about the results! (See previous blog entry for the design sketch). The site was challenging in that it was completely covered in gravel, so in order to make space for planting beds, we had to move the gravel, but before doing that we had to remove the sod. You can see what the site looked like in the below Before and After photos: BEFORE: AFTER: BEFORE: AFTER: And below are more pictures of the back yard (I'll have to post the side yard later!). The water feature is a concrete bowl that my friend Jon Clarren made. It is basically passive water feature/birdbath, but could someday ... Read More
Sketch of the Week: South Seattle Garden
Above is a recent sketch I did for a garden design in South Seattle. Below you can see the existing site conditions: The idea behind this design is to get rid of the plain strip of lawn, create a seating area, and add some privacy planting. The lawn does not currently serve much of a purpose, except space for maybe throwing a ball, or a dog run. In addition, the house borders a couple parks, so this lawn space is not as desirable compared to the expanse of the parks. The builder of the house put gravel around every non-lawn surface in the yard, so re-using the existing gravel will be key to saving money and recycling a material that already exists on-site. Another aspect of this scheme ... Read More
