WILL RAK

The Orglers are an elderly couple living in a small lot on the east side. They have struggled with a wet yard for years, with a seep bubbling up from the east side of their backyard. Himalayan blackberry began to come up and threaten the native plants to the South, which they wanted to preserve for the wildlife. The Orglers sought a design that addressed these issues while also enhancing their living space.

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This design achieved the following:

• Japanese style design elements, like a pagoda-style gazebo, mugo pines, Japanese maples, and a vined arbor

• Dry riverbed running from the wet seep down the slope to the south end of the yard, where the water typically drains

• Moisture-loving plantings over the seep, with seasonal blooms and interest, like crimson flag and bloodtwig dogwood

• A raingarden at the end of the river bed, planted with natives and other plants well-suited to seasonal flooding and quick drainage

• Enhanced native planting under existing native conifers

• A meandering garden pathway, planned with careful attention to sight lines and views

• A vibrant perennial flower bed near the seating area