New Patio

Outside Redmond proper the landscape rapidly turns to gently rolling land dotted wtih farms and residential neighborhoods. This home is off a cul-de-sac with a long driveway that drops off sharply. Behind the house the decline continues, revealing a wooded ravine that will never be developed. This quiet house offers the perfect escape for a woodland garden and bird habitat. These "before" pictures were taken at the height of spring; for the first time in over 25 years, the cherry tree was in magnificent bloom. But it was covered in lichen and because it was overshadowed by firs and cedars, it never got enough light to bloom annually. It wasn't until the summer of 2009 (when summer started in May) that it got enough light to pop out blooms for 2010--just in time for these photos. That is a long explanation to say that this yard was looking over the top for the first time in a long time.The owners were not fooled.

The front landscape near the entry is shaded much of the year from the tall trees. The only time the sun is visible is in the summer, late in the  afternoon. And, because of the hillside and lack of heat, it never really dried out the closer we got to the house. You may see in the "before" photo bottom right that a tangle of shrubs was growing in front of the bay window. This is a wet area, and algae growing on the home's siding was revealed when the shrubs were removed.  So--what are we seeing here? The bay windows were begging for a view; we needed a way to shunt water away from the house; the hillside was unattractive and the homeowners wanted a place where they could enjoy some sun in the summer. The answer came in the form of a patio outside the bay window complete with a decorative but functional retaining wall.

We saved as many plants as we could including the weeping Bloodgood Japanese Maple that graced the entry, the camellia near the garage, the upright Japanese maple clinging to the house, all of the hydrangeas and sword ferns and the Pieris that were part of the tangle of shrubs below the bay window.

Drainage was built in under the patio and we connected it to the downspout which led to the back. It was a neat, handy solution. We also added lighting to the patio, setting in lights that were flush with the surface and also uplighting the wall. The Japanese Maples were uplit and a downlight was installed from a tall cedar.

The wall is constructed largely of concrete block and is faced with a cultured stone veneer. This approach creates a retaining wall that appears to be stone, in the pallette that you prefer. Colors include tans and browns, grays and charcoals, reddish-browns and cocoas. There is a tone to coordinate with your home. This home, like so many in this area, has aggregate concrete walkways. We picked up a color from the walkway and stained the patio to match, stamping with a texture that is non-slip. The same color was put in bands where the rotting wooden expanders were in the path, as well as capping the new wall. In this way we are tying the wall, patio and walkway together through color.

Landscaping included a mix of natives, native cultivars and hardy trees, shrubs and groundcovers that wildlife and people will both find appealing. Hardy fuchsias were included to attract hummingbirds. Native shrubby dogwoods were included for stem color in winter months. Perennials and some grasses were included for summer and fall interest across from the bay window. Where there is a window, consider the view!

This landscape is brand new. With close to 50 cubic yards of soil in the front yard alone, plants should pop. And the weeds would, too, but we put down over 20 cubic yards of bark mulch. A copper fire bowl is in the works as well as some patio furniture. This page will be updated this summer, 2011 so stay tuned!

View Past Projects
Birders Delight
Craftsman Renovation
No Grass!
Boggy Garden
Modern Garden
The Rockery
Cottage Garden
Roof Garden
Native Mix Garden
Woodland Garden