The back garden is mainly what attracted us to the property. It had obvious potential. But, unknown to us, underneith the over-growth of trees was a wide variety of plants put there by the previous owner. The house had gone through a long period of neglect, but when the trees were trimmed back many different flowers began to returned annually. To these Mushka added many more and gradually the garden became what it is today--a favorate place to hang out.

The Patio and back garden

Even though the house is small, we have had two weddings here. The back patio provides a more open area for entertaining.

 

The fountain was a gift from a happy mural client. It's a perfect fit for our space and is popular with the many birds that visit the garden annually.

While building the large table, Mushka was reading to me an interesting account of the Bloomsbury group and their house in England (http://www.charleston.org.uk) and that formed the inspiration for the designs on the table (Mushka modelled for the sketches).

To soften the reflected light and make the patio concrete more visually tolerable, I stained it a terracotta brown (concrete stain), but the finish hasn't held up well. I'm now looking for a more durable solution.

There are no two worlds more different than summer and spring in the Pacific Northwest. In the winter life is indoors, but in the spring and summer you want to move your life into the garden as much as possible.

We use no weedkillers or pesticides and make no effort to create a perfect monoculture lawn. Our goal is variety and a safe place for our kids and a natural place for wildlife.