Planting a Garden

Above all, it is the inherent dynamic qualities of plants – the living, ever-changing aspect of garden spaces – that distinguishes gardens from more static structures like houses.

Richard HartlageMarch 21, 2024Comment

An Iterative Process

The iterative process of modifying and evolving the design is an important reminder to not get too attached to any one design.

Audrey McLaneJanuary 12, 2024 Comment

Another Perfect Plant: Japanese Anemones

With blossoms rising several feet above a dense mass of basal foliage, Japanese anemones offer both seasonal interest and ground cover.

Alanna MattesonDecember 13, 2023Comment

Evolution of a New Water Feature at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

In our initial design concepts for the central water feature, we show a simplified reflecting pool that creates a balancing element in the gathering space near the Castle

Greg DahlkeNovember 7, 2023Comment

Seattle Waterfront Perennials

It’s mid-June on the Seattle Waterfront, and the newly planted perennials have relaxed into the easy-breezy verdancy of early summer. If you take a walk, here’s what you might see.

Alanna MattesonJune 23, 2023 Comment

Seattle's New Waterfront Trees

While there is still much more to look forward to being planted along the western corridor, the presence of the trees along the road is beginning to define what one day soon will be a wonderful tree-lined corridor with gardens, parks, developed public spaces, the aquarium, and much more.

Page CrutcherMay 4, 2023Comment

Another Perfect Plant: Sasanqua camellias

They light up the garden from October through January, a time of year when many other flowering plants are dormant. Graceful and upright in form, they look great in a variety of settings: in a large pot by a front door, espaliered against a wall, or planted in mass and maintained as an informal hedge.

Alanna MattesonDecember 15, 2022Comment

Teaching Gardens

Botanic gardens lend themselves to teaching because of their inherent relationship to the land and plants, locations based in populated areas, expert staff, and institutional memory.

Greg DahlkeNovember 7, 2022Comment

Resilient Planting Design

Plant communities have evolved over time to recover from and thrive in the wake of all kinds of disturbances including drought, fire, grazing, floods and landslides. By studying the resilience of natural ecologies, we can create gardens with dynamic and enduring beauty.

Alanna MattesonAugust 18, 2022Comment

Climate Positive Design – Materials for Pathways

Material choices can make a big impact on the sustainability of your project, without needing to change the broader design features.

Meghan JamesJuly 28, 2022Comment

Another Perfect Plant: Itoh Peonies

While certainly handsome foliage plants, Itoh peonies are true showstoppers when in bloom. From late spring to early summer, they grace the garden with a profusion of gorgeous blossoms coming in a wide range of colors, including blends of white, pink, red, and apricot as well as some really beautiful, pure yellows.

Alanna MattesonJune 22, 2022Comment

On Earth Day: Considering Soil

Soil is a living system and vital for healthy, beautiful landscapes. When we design a new garden or renovate an existing one, maintaining and protecting the existing soil is highly important and is one of the first site resources to consider.

Renee FreierApril 22, 2022Comment

Celebrating One Year

As the one-year anniversary of Leach Botanical Garden’s reopening approaches, we’re revisiting our favorite features of the re-envisioned garden.

Christine NackMarch 14, 2022Comment

Another Perfect Plant: Iris pseudata

Iris pseudata is the result of an unusual species cross between Iris pseudacorus and Iris ensata.

Alanna MattesonFebruary 10, 2022Comment

Water in the Garden: Energy and Ambiance

A water feature can change the atmosphere of a space, adding positive energy and ambiance. As in every design, there are key aspects to consider when designing a water feature: location, size, sound, materials, and light.

Tristan FieldsJanuary 13, 2022Comment

Another Perfect Plant:

This beautiful broadleaf evergreen has proven to be quite hardy in the Puget Sound region, provided that it is sheltered from icy winds while it is young.

Alanna MattesonNovember 24, 2021Comment

Planning Your Next Outdoor Gathering Space

A successful gathering area should be designed in a way that utilizes available space, creates novel refuge from the indoors, and encourages reflection on the curated land that surrounds us.

Dylan CrawfordOctober 28, 2021Comment