A worker-owned design, build, and maintenance cooperative
15 Nov 2024

Tigerwood, oh my!

A tigerwood fence brings brilliant color to this small back patio. It encompasses a small cozy area to sit by the fire, with dark-stained panels making a private entrance to the area.

15 Nov 2024

Corner Garden

A retaining wall built with Techo Bloc G-Force units with a new cedar fence atop it create a private corner garden area.

04 Oct 2024

West Seattle Remodel

This West Seattle home went through a complete remodel, which resulted in the entire landscape being removed with the exception of a few Japanese maples. With a blank slate there were many possibilities in the design to add function and beauty. Back patios were built to expand the living space of the home and create a fantastic location for outdoor dining and enjoying the view. Below a new retaining wall filled with lush hydrangeas is a meadow with drifts of grasses and flowering herbaceous perennials. A carefully placed granite boulder provides a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy the garden with grandchildren.

A small front patio next to the kitchen allows easy access to the grill and bin corral. The cedar bin corral hides the bins from view while still maintaining easy access. Gorgeous granite stepping stones lead to the front door and through the garden. A cedar lattice fence supports climbing hydrangeas and star jasmine to create a lush privacy barrier. The living driveway is a beautiful feature to be used occasionally to charge an electric car. Plantings of shrubs, ground covers, and perennials throughout will fill into lush garden spaces all around the house.

24 Sep 2024

Inner City Oasis

After years of a garden gone wild, these clients wanted to create a usable outdoor space to host parties and enjoy the garden with privacy from new construction next door. An extensive bluestone patio, large enough for tables and chairs and more, steps right off the deck. It is surrounded by several large trees that will grow over and around it to create a natural backyard oasis. All of the garden is irrigated with drip irrigation which is time and water efficient. A new cedar fence lines the property, while a freshly build entry gate matches its old counterpart to welcome people into the space. The basalt bird bath rock creates a welcome spot to enjoy wildlife.

23 May 2017

Wooden It Be Lovely?

THE CHALLENGE
These clients had an aging, custom made landscape including timber walls, fences and a gate that were in serious disrepair. They liked the original look and how it fit with the house, so they wanted it restored to its previous glory.

THE RESTORATION
We used long lasting cedar to re-create the original style of fences and gates. All carpentry is custom throughout. We installed vapor barrier behind the new timber walls to keep the water from rotting the wood a second time, dutifully testing to ensure there was no leaking. The structures and trim were carefully re-shingled to match the spacing and pattern of the house. The small pavers embedded in the timber steps were recycled and reused to keep the original look. Careful attention was paid to ensure the intricate pattern of the patio pavers was maintained and no damage occurred when it was removed and reinstalled along the edges. We salvaged as many plants as possible to be replanted in the landscape, and recycled all debris generated throughout the project.

If you have a space you’d like to see lovingly restored, don’t hesitate to Contact Us for a consultation.

22 Jul 2015
Mortared stone patio after

Rebuilding Memories

THE CHALLENGE

Our client came to us in dire need of a rebuild for their once glorious terraced yard. The clients wanted the stone preserved, as it had been specifically chosen and had special meaning. The original wood used to build the terracing was rotting away, and the gate with its custom built arch had suffered severe water damage as well. The deck was rugged and splintered, with sections that needed to be replaced.

THE REBUILD

We were quite delicate with the demolition, as we wanted to ensure there wasn’t any erosion of the site. Everything was re-graded as needed to ensure proper water drainage. We preserved as much of the special stone as possible by chipping off the mortar. Some of the stone we were able to lay set in gravel, as is our usual method, but by client request we mortared portions of the stones in front and back. We brought in durable lumber and rebuilt the terraces section-by-section. The gate and arch were crafted by our own employee, over a weekend. He built them to match the original shape. The deck was stripped down, with any rotten wood removed and repaired. Everything was repainted and waterproofed.

With a combination of stone working, carpentry, masonry, and above all, respect for our client’s emotional connection to their land, we rebuilt this garden to last. If you have a garden in need of rehabilitation, don’t hesitate to Contact Us for a consultation.