Septic drainfields can be tricky places to landscape over and around. There are a few things that you should be sure not to do over your drain field and you’ll likely have heard that you should steer away from anything except lawn over your drainfield. While this is true, there are plants that can actually…
Tag: Garden Design
Pollinator Friendly PNW Native Plants
Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds all depend on various native plants for food and shelter. Planting native plants throughout your garden will not only attract pollinators but will also cut down on maintenance as these plants are well adapted to our climate so they can handle the changes in seasons, animals, and soil…
The Landscape Design Process
Each designer has their own process and when choosing a landscape designer, it’s an important topic to ask about. This will help you find the best fit for your project, and you’ll know exactly what you’re going to get throughout the process. Initial Consultation After having a phone consultation to learn about our design process…
Plant Selection and the Hardiness Scale
The USDA plant hardiness map is the go-to resource for gardeners, designers, and growers to help them determine which plants will thrive in a specific location. This map uses the average minimum winter temperatures which is then broken down into 10 degree zones and 5 degree half zones. They’re numbered 1-13 and are followed by…
Project Spotlight: Woodland Estate
This wooded property is surrounded by thick evergreen trees and has a peekaboo view of Swartz Lake. The homeowner was in the process of building their custom home when they contacted us to do the design of their landscape. Because this was a new custom home, the landscape was starting from a blank slate and…
Low Maintenance Gardening
It’s rare that we find a client that doesn’t want a low maintenance garden. Many people think low maintenance means no maintenance, which is typically not the case in most gardens. In general, a low maintenance garden would be one that you wouldn’t need to fuss with more than 1-2 times a year although everyone’s…
Favorite Ornamental Grasses
Whether you need a plant for a container, to block an unsightly view, or to make a statement in the garden, ornamental grasses can do it. With so many options, this category of plants is so versatile and they really show their value this time of year and into fall. These are some of our…
Project Spotlight – Backyard Pool
The backyard of this Lake Stevens home started as a mostly blank slate with a long slope and the front yard had a few drainage issues that needed addressing. The homeowner wanted a place to relax and entertain along with a pool for the whole family to enjoy and plenty of room for kiddos to…
Designing for Wildlife
Sometimes our busy lives overshadow our attention to the abundance of natural life around us. The PNW is awash in numerous animal species that also call our urban spaces home. You’ll be amazed by the wildlife activity you can welcome and encourage in your own backyard by providing these easy to incorporate elements. Element 1:…
Raised Planters
Although this spring has been slow to start, we promise it’ll come along in full force soon enough and then it’ll be a scramble to get your garden growing! Raised planters are not only great for veggie gardens but also for herb and cut flower gardens along with shrubs, perennials, and even trees. They can…