Front Yard Plan
We recommend adding more lilies and hellebores, as well as filling the space with more alyssum and other low growing plants such as creeping thyme or stonecrop, in order to keep weeds at bay. Also a layer of arborist chips should be placed after all the planting is done. The sod will need to be removed and carted away, either with the root slayer shovel or a sod cutter. Once the grass is gone, native such as Nootka rose, Oregon grape, starflower and a variety of ferns can be added in addition to more flowers to fill the space and add color for a cottage garden with West Seattle flair. Given their interest in growing herbs, a simple herb spiral would add character as well.
Gravel Paths & Metal Edging
We recommend using metal or other non-organic material for edging the paths in front, then installing a small (1/4” or less) sharp gravel on top of sand for the paths. Arborist chips are a good choice to save money, however they need to be replenished every year or so, whereas gravel will last for years before needing to be added again.
Watering
We recommend drip irrigation along with a water timer to automate watering and lessen the work of hand watering.
Front Yard
Budget Installation
The budget installation would include edging and arborist chips but omit the gravel paths. Plants could be obtained by digging and dividing, purchasing from home sales or other small scale sales over time, saving money but adding time to get everything filled up. Irrigation could also be omitted but hand watering would need to be done regularly. Arborist chips can be acquired for free but there is usually a wait of days or weeks. They can also be purchased in bulk from most soil suppliers, as well as other types of wood chips or bark that have been processed and sold especially for mulching.
Front Yard
Select Installation
This package includes removal of grass, edging and laying of new paths, new garden bed and soil prep, installation of drip irrigation, and the purchase and installation of plants.
Side Yard
Plan
The strawberries would be cleared of grass and the spot where the strawberries are dying out would have grass removed and miner’s lettuce and / or wintergreen put in its place. Miner’s lettuce is a beautiful Pacific Northwest native edible that does well in shade and spreads readily, making a pretty spring border or groundcover for an undisturbed spot. Wintergreen has evergreen foliage and red berries in winter. The dresser drawer raised bed would be replaced at a cost of between $400-$900, depending on design and materials selected.
The rose would be either removed entirely or transplanted to a more suitable spot where it isn’t taking up prime real estate for edible plants. There are a few spots in the back and front yard with plenty of sun where it could be placed near a path or window where its sight and scent could be enjoyed. If the rose is to be removed rather than transplanted.
Side Yard
Budget Installation
The budget package for the side yard includes installation of the raised bed in this photo with a trellis and plants, removal of the rose, planting of new edibles and renovation of the strawberry bed.
Side Yard
Select Installation
The Select package includes this raised bed design as well as the work included in the budget package.
Raised Bed Sketch
We propose two raised beds side by side, each 2x4 feet by 2 feet high, with a trellis for vining plants like zucchini or tomatoes. We can install this design for either the budget or select packages above.
Back Yard Plan
Zoe wants the space under the fig tree to remain without many edibles. It is already a lovely sitting area, and could be made much more welcoming with some pavers connecting it into the deck of the house and creating a line toward the bed on the east side of the garage. With the fig tree and the addition of the plum and cherry trees in the back yard, that space will become more shady as years pass, so the tree circles should be allowed to grow and the grass area can slowly shrink to accomodate the tree canopies. As in the front, some of the shrubs are a bit close to the building structures and need thinning and lightening in order to stay in excellent health. The grass pad on the south side of the pathway in back will remain as is, to accomodate the RV they plan to purchase.
Back Yard
Budget Installation
The budget installation includes edging existing beds, adding pavers for the seating area, and a new path from the seating area to the house and garage. We would trim the tall hedges adjacent to the future School Bus/RV pad. We would add mulch to the tree circles around the fig, cherry, and plum as well as chedk for tree health and pruning needs.
Back Yard
Select Installation
The backyard VIP package includes paths with gravel rather than wood chips, as well as everything else in the budget installation.
