Cathie's Entry & Back Landscape

Cathie's Entry & Back Landscape Completed by: Gardens ALIVE Design Located in the lovely community of Bellevue, the 'Cathie's Entry & Back Landscape' exemplifies the artistry and skill of Gardens ALIVE Design. This landscaping provided the homeowner of Cathie's property with an interactive and practical landscape for their back and entry. Features: This began with a holistic design plan focused on elevating curb appeal and outdoor space enjoyment. The front entry showcases a beautiful collection of native plants, including bright rhododendrons and ferns that will provide year-round interest and support local ecology. A meandering stone pathway, made from locally sourced flagstone, also helps navigate guests from street-side to the welcoming entry and is also flanked by carefully placed landscape lighting to draw visitors in while making the entrance safe at night. The backyard space has a challenging steep slope, which we addressed via the use of nicely terraced garden beds built from durable cedar timber. Not only did this allow usable space, but it also added dimensionality to the landscape. Each terrace has its own collections of perennials and ornamentals, which bloom over varying time frames, such that there is an ongoing display of color throughout the growing season. Finally, there is a simple and elegant fire pit space, with custom note design seating that pipes the nature aesthetic into a perfect website for family and friends to come together. Materials & Quality: Throughout this we focus on selecting quality sustainable materials. In addition, we noted the questions of sewage and selected permeable pavers, for the patio, to manage drainage and minimize runoff. Choices for eco-friendly mulch and organic amendment contributed to growing sustainable soil, with less environmental impact. No detail went unnoticed! Our team focused on detail at every turn, from the installation of stonework to the placement of each hand-planted plant. Challenges Overcome: One notable challenge was managing existing drainage issues located on the property. Our experts prepared and designed drainage solutions (drainage! drain appliances) that simultaneously diverted excess water and diverted the overall design of landscape drainage. We worked with Cathie’s preferences alongside the design and adjusted plans, as her preferences needed to be prioritized. Final Result: Cathie's now-complete landscape is a lovely oasis and example of catered design wrapped in practical application. The greenery, pathways, and accents all have become a centerpiece for family enjoyment. Once we completed the , Cathie shared with us her thoughts of the quality craftsmanship of the initial thought process and decision-making related to design decisions blessed our work together! She communicated, “the turned out to be the best reflection of me and improved the value of my home.” Here at Gardens ALIVE Design, we have been committed to delivering great landscaping solutions that elevate and energize our clients’ dreams and the character of their site; serving families and communities throughout the greater Seattle area: Kirkland, Mercer Island, and Woodinville, we do it all.