Urban Retreats - Landscaping Design and Consultations in Seattle, North Beach and Blue Ridge Areas

Lake Union View

Rebecca — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:26:58 +0000

These containers complement each other in color and shape without monotony

Annuals can be replaced seasonally to keep the container looking fresh

Container gardening is physically easier than traditional gardening. Containers need not be identical to coordinate and come in many shapes, colors and styles. Larger containers accommodate trees and mid to large size shrubs. Privacy and year round interest can be achieved through proper planning.

Capital Hill Oasis

Rebecca — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:44:16 +0000

A typical rectangular space is made interesting by creating geometric shapes with the plantings

The parking strip allows easy access from vehicle to the home's front entry

This Capital Hill garden is in the heart of the city. It is an oasis for the owner, who works long hours and enjoys coming home to a formal entry garden and an informal, lush back garden designed to maximize entertaining and relaxation areas.

This tree fern can be grown in USDA zone 8 and adds a tropical look

Queen Anne Woodland Escape

Rebecca — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 03:38:52 +0000

This woodland garden was designed to highlight the impressive presence of an existing Magnolia tree. When the homeowners return from work, they park in the alley and enjoy the views on their way through the garden to the back door. The patio maximizes available sunlight and affords plenty of space for entertaining and relaxing. The stairs off the patio lead to an upper sitting area that is partially hidden in the summer, drawing you to the final destination, a comfortable, shady reading nook. Shade-loving plants were chosen to create a woodland look. In the sunny area near to the back door, blueberries and strawberries were planted to take advantage of the sun. Plants are low maintenance and do not require much water once established. Plantings provide for seasonal color, including of Agapanthus, which highlights the blue in the house. The low wall acts both as a retaining wall and a seating wall. An efficient and practical use of space, it is especially useful in this sunnier portion of the garden.

Sunny Front Entry

Rebecca — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 21:54:41 +0000

Sunny Front Entry

Rebecca — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:58:56 +0000

This walkway complements the brick house and provides a welcoming entry leading both to the front door and to the back garden. A retaining wall is practical and adds interest by providing some varying height. The sunny, cheerful garden welcomes family and guests with colorful and textural appeal throughout the year. We also designed attractive, convenient storage space for yard waste containers.

Sunny Front Entry

Rebecca — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:48:35 +0000

Bare branches can provide structural interest even in winter.

Herbs

Rebecca — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:37:34 +0000

Herbs provide color and culinary usefulness.

Design Solutions

Rebecca — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:32:43 +0000

Trellises and climbing plants can screen unsightly elements.

Sustainable landscaping calls for using drought-tolerant and hardy plants. Using evergreen shrubs such as Viburnum tinus ‘Spring Bouquet’ provides long-lasting interest with early spring flowers followed by blue berries, as well as attractive year-round foliage.

Utility areas can be screened so they are pleasing to the eye and also functional.

Trash and recycling can be disposed of conveniently and attractively

Blue Ridge Slope

Rebecca — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:46:14 +0000

This “green” home’s sunny, low-maintenance entry garden is situated on a tricky slope. The design features drought-tolerant plants that provide interesting texture and year-round color. Cotoneaster dammeri is used as ground cover to help prevent weeds. The homeowner will not need to spend time pruning, weeding and watering.

Blue Ridge Slope

Rebecca — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:43:33 +0000