Garden Design IdeasGarden Ideas, Photos and Tips for Gardening at Home

Seattle may not be known for the steep hills that San Francisco is famous for , but the terrain is no less unnerving . Scot Eckley ’s urban garden was no exception : the46 - by-100 - foundation lotwas prospicient and narrow with an spotty slope , making any sort of landscaping a challenge .

Eckley , a professional landscape designer ( Scot Eckley Inc. ) and his married woman Devin Fitzpatrick , an interior designer , compound their respective skills to conceptualize a space that would be extremely operable , yet comfortable and polished . “ I took the access that my client for this task was in reality my married woman , ” says Eckley .

Together , Eckley and Fitzpatrick brainstorm a wish list for their property :

Small Garden, Garden Fireplace
Scot Eckley Inc.
Seattle, WA

Their ultimate goal were to maximize the limited space of their small garden and to make a passive , secret refuge away from the urban bustle .

The garden evolved over several years . Quick - growing hedges ofx Cupressocyparis leylandii(Leyland cypress ) were installed on three sides to stick in the destiny . In front , aPrunus laurocerasus(English laurel wreath ) was pleached , a pruning proficiency that allowsprivacyyet is more open than a solid hedging .

In the back , three dissimilar story ofterracingwere reconstruct and sectioned into garden rooms , each with separate office . Pathways with acircuitous flowconnect the rooms , making the space feel declamatory . PleachedOlea europaea(olive trees ) andLagerstroemia‘Natchez ’ ( crape myrtles ) were planted between the rooms to help delineate the spaces . “ We wanted to produce trenchant address , for each area to be an experience in and of itself , ” says Eckley .

Small Garden, Garden Fireplace
Scot Eckley Inc.
Seattle, WA

Because their tiny , thirties Tudor - style home has limited animation outer space , the garden has become an extension of the residence . Traditional hardscape with strong , well-defined lines and courtly planting complement the habitation ’s exterior style .

Materials , including corrode steel edging , promiscuous - colored crushed rock , and bluestone pavers , invigorate the garden even on dreary winter days . “ I wanted the garden to be attractive year - circular , especially during the darkest clock time of year , ” articulate Eckley . The trim winter landscape comes to life in spring with extravagant layeredplantings selected for leaf , structure , and multi - season interestingness .

The garden was designed to stimulate all signified . A fountain adds the soothingsoundof water , drown out the noise of a nearby expressway . Scented plants such asgardeniaprovide sweetfragrance . Divergenttexturesof hardscape , fabric , and foliage are interesting to the soupcon . Visually pleasing sketch are discovered around every corner . And the potager — found with herbs , tomatoes , cucumbers , pea , and greens — add together fresh gustation to light summer meal .

Small Garden, Garden Fireplace
Scot Eckley Inc.
Seattle, WA

The finished landscape painting offers inspiration and spurs new idea for Eckley ’s clients . He share this advice : “ Even if your outside blank seems overwhelming , pick just one matter that you most desire to change . Something as dim-witted as an antique urn or a piece of article of furniture draw you in and give you something to lie with and be majestic of . ”

For Eckley and Fitzpatrick , their garden is now an built-in part of their home ; a cherished bema to be enjoyed in all season .

Small Garden, Garden Fireplace
Scot Eckley Inc.
Seattle, WA

Small Garden, Garden Fireplace
Scot Eckley Inc.
Seattle, WA

Small Garden, Garden Fireplace
Scot Eckley Inc.
Seattle, WA

Small Garden, Gravel Path
Scot Eckley Inc.
Seattle, WA