Got Shade? Get Texture!
One of the fun things about garden design is going back and visiting the site a few years later. Our West Seattle garden clients live on the edge of a greenbelt with big trees (yea!) but sun is limited. We designed bluestone paths and main patio and planted this garden 5 years ago. They’ve done…
Read MoreSummer color and site visits underway!
Time to refresh these colorful glazed pots and make a site visit to our entry renovation in Blueridge. Loving these Abbotsford dominion pavers in the trio blend. We’re keeping the bunnies out of the new rabbit resistant plantings with exclosure fencing for this year so they can get established. Putting key colorful ‘tasty’ plants into…
Read MoreBig Time Fig time!
Love ’em or hate ’em…that’s how people seem to feel about fresh figs. There’s a limited window of time that figs are ripe in Seattle, and if you are fig lover you should plant ‘Desert King’ Fig to add to your edible landscape . This is a semi-cold tolerant green skinned fig that has pink flesh…
Read MoreCan you add that new garage or nice covered kitchen?
Here in Seattle, I’ve been spending some time downtown reviewing Land Use and Permit code questions for our clients at the newly renamed Department of Construction and Inspections (formally known as DPD).Question: What’s the code on adding that new outdoor covered kitchen area, or new garages? Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you…
Read MoreU of Washington Cherry Bloom–Showtime!
Its time! Take the annual pilgrimage to U of Washington Quad to see the 80 year old Yoshino Cherries/ Prunus Yeodensis in bloom. They are in max bloom now…’snow’ should be starting! The campus Landscape Architect & horticulturists keep this loved tree tradition going by growing replacement trees in a Skagit nursery, so as the old…
Read MoreFeel the heat! Outdoor fire pits 101
We love the idea of year round outdoor living, but lets face it, its damn chilly here in Seattle at nights until July 5th or later. My sister just moved here from Philly, and I advised her recently not to put away winter clothes…ever. In the last couple years, I’ve gotten more calls…
Read MoreMeet us at the 2016 PNA Home Design & Remodel Fair
Smaller Living…Larger life…Starts tomorrow! Find out how at the Home Design & Remodel Fair. Phinney Neighborhood Center. 11-4pm. Ideas for Tiny Houses, Backyard Cottages. Drop by and say hi!
Read MoreLove the rusted steel planters
Houzz user poyskyj asked us: Would you have any idea of the price of one similar to the smaller one and 10-15′ long. Thanks. Answer: Hi….the planters are custom fabricated. Pricing depends on how much can be cut out of specific steel sheets, which required a bid. 10-15′ is long so it would have seams in it and…
Read MoreCan you tell me how you got this color? I am about to start my pool decking. Thanks!
Houzz user heidihjorth asked us about our concrete-finishing techniques. Answer: Thanks! This is an integral color ‘tan’ concrete with a Scofield Lithochrome Chemstain finish ‘Antique Amber’ I believe. I’d suggest having your concrete contractor make you a sample so you are sure. The linear joints are sawcut, which gives a sharper look.
Read MoreLove the stone color. Where did you get it. What is the name of it?
Question: Houzz visitor jillmassey asked us about the stone in this installation Answer: Thank you. Its called Ocean Pearl Natural. Its a true stone veneer (not a manufactured concrete). In Seattle region, supplier is Marenakos Rock Center. There are regional names for stone, so suggest you look at your local suppliers for a match.
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