Mercer Island · Planting, water and paths · Sample project for this demo
The Mercer Island shade garden
The problem
A lot under tall firs where lawn would not grow, bark beds that washed onto the path every winter, and a stream that ran only when it rained.
The decisions
- Lawn replaced with moss, sword fern and woodland groundcover
- The rain-season stream turned into a stone runnel that carries the water on purpose
- Stepping stones set on a gravel base so the path stays firm when wet
- Existing firs protected through construction with root zones fenced
The result
A garden that looks best in the wet months and needs a few hours of care a month.
From sketch to finished
Stock photos stand in for the owner's own project photography. Concept sketches are labelled as concepts.
Next project: The Clyde Hill fire terrace
Thinking about the yard before next summer?
Start with one conversation. A designer walks the property with you for about an hour. You leave knowing what is possible, roughly what it costs, and how long design and build take.