Behind the Fences 

Weeping cherries frame the wisteria-covered front gate that opens into this haven of vines, trees and shrubs. Color and texture abound all year. The faux grass, chosen for aesthetics and low maintenance, provides stable footing to view the surrounding plants: coral bark maple, baby’s breath spirea, fragrant Mexican orange (Choisya ternata), Japanese andromeda (Pieris japonica), European olive and a fig tree. 

A variety of vines outlines the gardens and cloaks the archways. Pipestem clematis, jasmine, wisteria, European ivy and two kinds of honeysuckle enclose the front yard. Virginia creeper (Clematis virginiana) and sweet autumn clematis grace fences and archways in the backyard.

Shaded by a large Japanese maple, the backyard is a place of beauty for entertaining. The small deck is handy to the kitchen for a summer breakfast; the patio offers Adirondack chairs for a popcorn snack in the afternoon with friends; and the garden room, which you are welcome to enter, can be a more formal space for dinner, or a casual book club meeting.

The view from any of the entertaining spaces is shady green with a variety of plants that thrive in the northwest. The rhododendrons have been pruned up to reveal their sculptural trunks. Along the driveway, looking like miniature daisies, notice the cheerful Santa Barbara daisies beneath the espaliered pear tree. Perennials and a thornless raspberry in planters line the driveway as you exit this enchanting garden.