A Tropical Oasis

Inspired by Mediterranean landscapes and their winters living in Mexico, Ivy and Jamie wanted to replicate that vibe in their West Seattle garden. The property was formerly a sand pit with little water retention capability and very little shade, a difficult site for typical northwest-style plantings. In 2005 the transformation began with removal of older, water-loving plants, new hardscaping and a focus on lower maintenance and drought tolerant plants. Their waterfront home “went from an urban wasteland to paradise with an ocean view.”

The entry garden combines Japanese maple, low growing pine, sedum, and beach gravel with a driftwood flourish. Walk along the west side of the house to the high-bank waterfront garden where they have created their tropical oasis. The hardscaping here is reflective of the southwest exposure to sun, wind and water.

A large, airy pergola creates summer shelter from the sun; a Balinese-style hut (aka ‘Club Med’) is a little waterside retreat to view the diverse Mediterranean-style plantings, Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains. Take time along the sculptured paths as they wind around small gardens and seating areas. Find calm in the Zen garden. Stroll by the cactus garden planted with prickly pear (Opuntia) (a former houseplant), agave, sedum, and yucca. Palm trees, a 15-year old olive tree, bamboo, and agapanthus fill additional beds. 

“Over time, we created the back yard in zones which continue to change and evolve. We designed and did most of the work ourselves. Many sun-loving plants did not survive and there was a lot of trial and error and trips to the nursery. A lot of plants got tossed. It’s all a learning process. We love to share our space with our family and friends, and they fuel our passion,” state Ivy and Jamie.