A Mediterranean-Inspired Garden on Puget Sound
Set against sweeping views of Puget Sound, this garden had beautiful bones but had become fragmented over time. Terraced lawns, struggling plants, over-pruned shrubs and trees, and disconnected garden spaces obscured the potential of the property.
We transformed the landscape into a series of connected garden rooms, replacing much of the lawn with generous, drought-tolerant planting inspired by Mediterranean and California gardens. Existing paths and hardscapes were unified where possible, while large cedar arbors brought structure and balance to the terraces.
The finished garden combines multiple patios and seating areas, a greenhouse, a bocce court, and abundant planting with a strong sense of movement throughout the property. The result is a lush, colorful garden that works with the site's sunny, dry conditions and frames the spectacular views beyond.
Overgrown shrubs and expansive lawn were replaced with a more generous and layered planting scheme.
The project began with a simple recommendation: design a patio to frame the greenhouse.
The original white concrete stairs competed with the surrounding landscape.
New flagstone through the garden pulled all the garden rooms together.
Rather than replace the stairs, we darkened the concrete to better integrate them with the garden.
A series of cedar arbors adds structure and balance across the terraces.
Plants flank and soften the space.
Layered planting creates glimpses into the garden and draws the eye through the space.
Multi-trunk olive trees provide a strong Mediterranean focal point while remaining well suited to the site's sunny, dry conditions and height restrictions.
A pineapple guava hedge provides privacy while adding silvery foliage.