Natural Plant Scape

The strong lines of this modern steel and glass home inspired the landscape designer to nestle it into the landscape with soft flowing forms. An inviting entry surrounded by native plants and grasses, a permeable driveway, and bamboo and steel planters achieve this goal.

Photo by Nancy Wilcox

Three ‘Little Gem’ vine maples set the mood for a garden of northwest native plants mingled with striking garden perennials. On either side of the front entry walk find concrete planters displaying varying textures and colors. Lavenders and black mondo grass surround red twig dogwoods. Japanese forest grass separates the walk from the planter. Orange New Zealand sedge contrasts beautifully with the ‘Midnight Blue’ agapanthus. The wall of dark green Irish yews sets off the bright green of the ‘Jade Butterfly’ ginkgo trees.

‘Sky Pencil’ Japanese holly lines the walkway toward the front door, where a water feature gurgles next to a sculptured privet. A little garden sits behind a planter/wall of golden bamboo.

Hellebores, black mondo grass and boxwood line the pathway to the back garden. Three ‘Midwinter Fire’ dogwoods border the east side with another maple tree at the corner. Beyond the firepit find a winter blooming white camellia with deer fern below. This garden blends house and cityscape views with grace and harmony.