Before & After: A Private Garden Retreat Designed for Summer Living
The best outdoor spaces do not happen overnight. They begin months earlier with thoughtful planning, careful plant selection, and a clear vision for how the space will be used when the sun is shining.
This backyard started as a simple open space with limited structure and no defined zones for gathering, relaxing, or entertaining. The homeowners wanted something elevated and timeless. Their goal was a refined garden retreat centered around water, layered plantings, and outdoor living.
Before: Open Space Without Intention
Originally, the yard lacked a strong focal point, privacy layering, and purposeful seating areas. The potential was there, but it needed structure, plant depth, and a cohesive design plan to transform it into something special.
After: A Resort-Inspired Garden Sanctuary
Now the space feels like a private getaway.
A sleek plunge pool anchors the patio, surrounded by generous stone pavers and comfortable lounge seating. A custom garden structure creates a backdrop for entertaining, while umbrellas and layered plantings soften the hardscape and add intimacy.
The planting design brings texture, seasonal interest, and year-round structure:
Cornus florida rubra and Prunus ‘Ichiyo’ provide spring blossoms.
Amelanchier canadensis and Quercus garryana add architectural beauty and shade.
Hydrangea ‘Pee Wee’, Pieris ‘Little Heath’, and Camellia ‘Magnoliaeflora’ contribute evergreen presence and layered blooms.
Sweeps of Echinacea, Scabiosa ‘Black Knight’, Allium ‘Summer Beauty’, and Sesleria autumnalis create movement and pollinator-friendly color.
Native elements like Polystichum munitum, Iris douglasiana ‘Canyon Snow’, and Vaccinium ovatum ground the design in Pacific Northwest character.
The result is layered, intentional, and serene. It is a space designed for slow mornings, afternoon swims, and long summer evenings outdoors.
Why Design Now for Spring and Summer
Projects like this take time. From design development and material selection to plant sourcing and installation, starting in fall or winter ensures your landscape is ready to enjoy when warm weather arrives.
By beginning the design process now, you can:
Secure your spot on the spring installation schedule
Allow time for thoughtful planning and revisions
Ensure specialty plants and materials are available
Step into a finished space when the first warm days arrive
Spring and summer may feel far away, but the best gardens are already being designed.
If you are dreaming of a private retreat, a poolside patio, or a fully planted garden sanctuary, now is the time to begin. Let’s create a space that will be ready to enjoy when the sun returns.
