The Objective: To create a naturalistic garden to soften and complement a modern home. The Challenges: Shade from mature trees. Screening neighbors. Softening blocky building masses. Nestled in a pine woodland cul de sac this modern home meticulously renovated by architect Ben Trogdon suffered from a landscape with lack of definition and lack of imagination. . . . continue reading
Transformations
Watch how these outdoor spaces transform. I always love to see the Before & After views of my landscape & garden design projects.
The Objective: Integrate a prominent rocky knoll into a garden view. The Challenges: Scant soil, full sun. A natural focal point on a basalt terrace, this rock out-cropping was dusted in ash left by Mt St Helens. Building up soil into a few pockets and choosing plants adapted to a tough, full-sun location allowed this . . . continue reading
The Objective: To give an older mission-style home updated, welcoming entries. The Challenges: Awkward additions over the life of the house and a driveway up to the backdoor. Gracious entries create excitement and anticipation. This home’s corner lot allowed for a garden promenade to the entry, but modifications to the house left the front door . . . continue reading
Objective: Create a welcoming entry for dated building with worn landscape. Challenges: Multiple units requiring visability for security and views, narrow garden space bordering parking lot. Worn landscapes can give a blighted look to older buildings. These owners decided to invest in their homes by replacing their small lawn at the entrance to their condos . . . continue reading
The Objective: Optimize sunny spots in a shaded garden; incorporate owner’s perennial collection with new shade-loving additions. The Challenges: Crowded mature trees and uninspired rectangular lawn. First, existing trees were pruned and removed to allow for good health and appearance. Lawn was reshaped and a peninsula-shaped flower bed created to divide the square yard into . . . continue reading
The Objective: Create a serene meditation garden out of a shared, side-yard lawn. The Challenges: Exposed views to neighbor’s windows and patio, pass-through lawn and overgrown shrub border. So often lawn is used to fill up the garden where more thoughtful design could provide an inspired and engaging space. Carefully placed freestanding wood screens and . . . continue reading
The Objective: Create a welcoming entry reflecting the owners’ artistic sensibilities. The Challenges: Dated rock details, cracked paving and prominent driveway. Front entries dominated by garage and driveway are a common feature of many homes. Directing bands of stamped concrete and pavers help transition guests from driveway to entry and a generous arbor extending beyond . . . continue reading
The Objective: To provide inviting and memorable outdoor dining with a warm, neighborhood ambiance. The Challenges: Nearby street noise and neighboring gas station. An oversize arbor and beautifully detailed gate whisks guests form a busy intersection in the Gonzaga district to another world. A massive, overflowing pot fountain immediately welcomes with refreshing gurgles and splashes. . . . continue reading
