Open Skies

Situated in a vast open meadow, this site was an exciting opportunity in so many ways. Whipped by intense winter winds, and deeply saturated by rains, planning and execution of this landscape was critical for an effective and successful design.

My clients wanted an attractive and naturalistic open meadow and pond that was a haven for wildlife. ‘Wildlife’ included not only the ever present deer, rabbits, birds, bees and butterflies, but also the puppy, and resident bald eagles (see below!) The landscape needed to be easy to care for, with tidy edges, and sit naturally into the overall plateau.

A pond and water feature, cascading through various falls, incorporates a biofilter and boggy area, with a winding area of open water framed by blasted stone and beachy shores. This provides the focal point and beating heart of the garden, viewed from multiple areas; a broad patio off the house, a curved patio set into the edge of the pond, and a raised mound with seating to overlook the landscape.

The plantings are a blend of deer resistant native and ornamental species. Some proved to be more deer resistant than others, a common theme when managing deer buffets! The stand of garry oak trees was protected during construction, and the native camas that colonized the meadow is returning after construction disruption.

Subsurface drainage was added to manage excess soil saturation, combined with berm mounds for some plantings, and rain gardens with plants that tolerate wet soil. Wind was address with the addition of a glass barrier surrounding the project, to buffer and baffle the intense winter storms and constant summer coastal breeze.