Oemleria cerasiformis (Skunk bush) is a tough, early spring flowering shrub native to the Pacific Northwest. Offering multiple seasons of interest, Skunk bush provides flowers in the spring, edible fruit during the summer, and yellow fall color.
Read MoreA native to most of the United States, this plant can take a variety of conditions but does well in a moist, sunny environment where it can sucker freely.
Read MoreGiant Snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii) is one of the most beautiful, persistent harbingers of spring
Read MoreThis is a show stopping plant in full sun and can be better appreciated with a darker backdrop to highlight the form.
Read MoreA fine tree for a tight space in full sun or part shade, Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Slender Silhouette’ is a narrow gem of tree, growing up to 60’ tall, but only 3-4’ wide.
Read MoreCallicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’ is one of many cultivars and species of Callicarpa, but this one seems to do the best in the Pacific Northwest.
Read MorePolystichum polyblepharum (Japanese Tassel Fern) is an evergreen fern native to Japan. Staying smaller than some of its counterparts, P. polyblepharum eventually grows to about 2’ wide with more spreading than upright habitat and can grow in dense shade, though prefers a dappled shade location.
Read MoreFothergilla gardenii is one of two species of Fothergilla. Native to the Southeastern United States, F. gardenii is stunning in all seasons.
Read MoreErythronium ‘Pagoda’ is a vigorous hybrid between two western North American species: Erythronium tuolumnense and Erythronium revolutum.
Read MoreA beautiful cultivar of a Pacific Northwest native, Camassia leichtlinii ‘Sacajawea’ is a white flowered form of the traditionally blue flowered plant. As an added bonus the leaves are edged in white, creating a lovely variegated effect when the leaves are present.
Read MoreSequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum' is an old cultivar of one of the largest and oldest trees in the world. Interest in the large tree prompted European growers to try to mass produce the species for their landscapes. Found in France in the 1860's, no two trees of this cultivar are the same. The cultivar is extremely variable, forming contorted, twisted shapes over time.
Read MoreI recently had the opportunity to hear my friend and nationally-renowned interior designer, Thomas Jayne, speak here in Seattle for the Northwest Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA). Thomas is noted for incorporating modern elements into traditional interiors in provocative and dynamic ways. He is also a master of color. What struck me during his lecture was his deep appreciation of history, an encyclopedic knowledge of period furniture, and the playfulness with which he approached his projects.
Read MoreHebe pinguifolia 'Sutherlandii', like most hebes, originally comes from New Zealand. Although hebes are generally not considered to be very cold hardy, 'Sutherlandii' is one of the most hardy, withstanding lows down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. This short, rounded, well-kept shrub will grow to about 18" to 20" tall, forming half-spheres in the landscape
Read MoreFor many projects, we stay involved in the management of garden maintenance for years – adapting, adding detail, and growing the garden. We do not see landscapes as static. We are intentional about guiding change in the garden. My fellow principal Richard, as a horticulturist, is not limited by the same rules that constrain landscape architects. It has been refreshing to explore our different approaches. He learned plants, garden history, and the art of cultivating gardens. He has the horticultural self-confidence to select species that will thrive and to take calculated risks and introduce the unusual. Deep knowledge of plants means he can confidently create remarkable color and texture combinations.
Read MoreMy livelihood has been working as a landscape architect; primarily on public and institutional projects. I have planned and designed diverse projects at a variety of scales, in multiple geographies, and in consultancies spanning from a small private practice to public service and as a principal in a global consultancy. My work has been local and global.
Read MoreNot for the inexperienced gardener, Cypripedium tibeticum is a gorgeous, if finicky, orchid. Native to the mountain regions of China, Tibet, and perhaps India, it is fairly widespread, but affected by orchid hunters, habitat loss through deforestation, and hikers, who trample over their delicate roots. Live species collection is a growing concern, but this orchid (and others) can be propagated synthetically in agar, lessening the need for wild collection and potential species depletion in the wild.
Read MoreOriginally bred by the venerable English seed company, Thompson & Morgan, Apricot Sprite Agastache is a dwarf hybrid between Agastache coccinea and Agastache aurantiaca. Growing up to 24" high, this Agastache will mix well with other perennials and shrubs and will bloom profusely throughout the end of the summer and into the fall.
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