ABOUT

• Where we started: The client brought a magazine photo and a landscape architect’s drawing to the first meeting at the construction site of his new home.

• With the exception of the entry planting, the majority of this garden was to be a fairly typical Northwest style garden. Native plants and drought-tolerant ornamentals would be used over much of the nearly 3-acre site. Very little turf grass would be installed and primarily for the use of their grandchildren.

• A new upper pond with a stream above would overflow when necessary into the lower natural pond.

PROJECT GOALS

• Create a tropical looking entry with a central medallion set into the concrete driveway to welcome guests
  

• Place any water-thirsty plants in the limited front garden; the remaining garden would be drought-tolerant plants

• Create a living terrace for the owners to enjoy being outdoors, including a swim spa for exercise

DESIGN CONCEPTS

• We developed a plan where the owner’s beloved tropical plants and dramatic hardscape would lead visitors to the entry.

• We added a meandering stream with waterfalls leading to a large pond that could overflow during winter into the existing natural pond.

• During summer, grandchildren enjoy a large playground while the adjacent ravine will have a future tree house and zip-line

• For adults, a terrace with a swim spa and a large fire-pit below, still allows them to see the children at play, the wildflower meadows, and massed, drought-tolerant plantings beyond.

• A massive stone wall retains the slope above and defines the firepit. Gravel paths and stone steps lead through the garden from the colored and stamped concrete terrace.