A Welcoming View

Every garden needs updating at some point. Plants may be in their last stages of vibrancy; lifestyles change; and ideas evolve about what a garden should be. That is where Nancy and Bill found themselves five years ago when they decided to “start with a clean slate to create a yard as lovely as our view”. 

With help from a landscape professional and a new hardscape plan, they were ready to choose plants to complement the design. Many ‘research’ trips to area nurseries later, plant selection was finalized. Assisted by a very kind and knowledgeable neighbor, new plants were appropriately sited.

The front garden features a cool palette of big bold plantings including Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ mixed with large cultivars of hosta, calla lily and tall, slender Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis.) A Japanese maple and a bit of green lawn provide a shady respite on a hot afternoon and the comforting hum of honeybees can be heard in the Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ and Sedum ‘Autumn Joy' from July through September.

Follow the front walk to the backyard where a set of wide stone stairs lead to an inviting patio and sweeping views of Puget Sound. A variety of small deciduous trees frames the view to the west and provides privacy to the north and south. 

Nancy “loves the ‘Pokey’s Pink’ flowering currant, one of the first shrubs to bloom in early spring. It makes me happy and hopeful.” Looking back on this project, “Some of the plants initially selected didn’t make it, while others were intentionally removed. A great piece of neighborly advice: if you don’t like a plant, take it out! We set out to create something to welcome us back after being away and to enjoy while at home. It’s lovely to look out on whatever time of year.”