FINDING MIDDLE GROUND

Ideally, every garden strikes a balance between surface structure and its environmental impact. In this West Coast Washington garden, Land Morphology was tasked with being particularly sensitive to the ratio of hardscape to permeable surface in a landscape abutting a waterway. The proximity to the lake was a godsend—the property was certified as having the right to pump irrigation from the water source. “That’s worth a mint,” says homeowner Ruth Lipscomb. “I actually framed the certification document.” But the water proximity also came with environmental concerns. As a result, the layout of the landscape was a careful give-and-take between hardscape and permeable surface. The creative solution was to stripe a second driveway using granite slabs set apart by planted bands of various creeping sedums.

“Necessity is the mother of invention,” Ruth says. In the landscape layout, each impervious poured-concrete stepping stone in the shade garden is offset within a generous framework of groundcovers, while crushed stone and wood chips were used on many paths. The result handily solves the give and take of environmental challenges. As Ruth says of the stitching between design and eco-friendly issues, “Richard was able to thread that needle so well.” her former garden—saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) and Japanese maple—were on the wish list. Richard’s imaginative contributions included dwarf lilacs that combine the iconic fragrant flower spires with a shapely, compact growth habit, as well as Itoh peonies that feature prolific and magnificent flowers in a neat format.

As Ruth and Richard continued to work together, the ideas kept flowing. The property overlooks a waterway, prompting Ruth to make the most of the placid view. She had always wanted a covered patio, and Richard delivered outdoor seating/dining areas that were both covered and open to the elements. He also added a gas fire feature. A steel, raisedbed vegetable garden echoes the modern house and makes harvest a snap without stoop labor, and winding pathways link all parts of the garden. But unlike most neighboring properties, the plantings are not confined to the backyard—the front features vegetation syncopated by textural grasses that help soften cement walls. And throughout the front and back spaces, Richard adhered to his goal of nonstop color, consistency, and density.

While working on the project, Ruth says she grew as a gardener while her tastes evolved. One of her biggest takeaways was discovering that multiples were the way to go for continuity—and that the concept was not just about perennials. Shrubs planted in groups of 3, 5, or 7 keep the garden from presenting as a mishmash. Ruth also realized that curbing her impulse to be a collector led to more harmony. “I learned so much from collaborating with Richard,” she says. “I like to say we are co-conspirators.” And the results confirm that their mission was accomplished.