I added these containers at the home entryway to anchor the eye, unite the end of the azaleas and start of bamboo and hostas, and create multi season interest. |
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As an artist: a professional photographer, landscape designer, and a painter, it's so interesting how each discipline informs the other. Composition, layering, foreground and background, points of interest, texture interplay, and containment are overlapping techniques within each discipline. This is what I try to bring to each and every garden that I design. A flow throughout the seasons that create a sensation - and a desire to stay in nature longer. Below are a few elements that I consider in design, just for fun. Scroll further for: - Floating Home Project Completion - Root and Rise - A full day herbal, gardening and yoga retreat - June and July Garden Tasks - Photography For Landscape Designers Lots in this newsletter, as always! Please pass this along if this would be of interest to anyone you know, and if you're considering a garden design/redesign for 2026, now is the time to get in touch to be ready for fall installation! |
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Layers of plants with a select color weaving through can create depth and intrigue - this is mimicked by my lens and eye as I select what to place in the foreground of my images - which gathers the eye and draws it to a specific focal point. |
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Incorporating this wooly thyme in between flagstone pavers has created a soft, inviting texture for bare feet, as it leads up to the cutting flower portion of the garden. Surrounded by hakonechloa, a visual line is drawn, inviting you down the path. |
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I almost always incorporate some surprise into the garden, such as food or herbs that can be eaten or just enjoyed as nteresting specimens. Or a piece of art, driftwood or stone that's special to the client. Above is myoga ginger within the moist shade garden. Below - a shell that a neighbor (yet to be identified!) carefully placed in my garden on the cul-de-sac. Two other neighbors followed suit and added another shell and rose quartz. |
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Floating Home - A Rooftop Oasis What a project! This three story floating home was brand new to the client, and she wanted to create a rooftop oasis. We designed three decks - the kitchen and bedroom decks simply offer gorgeous and soft scents, and a little shade from the mid-day sun. But the rooftop is the real show, with about 28 containers, a dining area, three lounging areas and two firepits. We anchored each space with soft grasses, hardy evergreen shrubs and dramatic small trees. Blueberries, cherry tomatoes and herbs (chocolate mint, sage, rosemary, lavender and basil) round out the plantings. Our color scheme of grays, deep greens, and purples offset the white patio furniture and wood decking. The overall impact is Just a stunning landscape, with a view of Gas Works Park, no less. |
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The overall sketch to help me think about irrigation flow, color balance, and walking paths. |
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My favorite section is at the top of the stairs, just as you arrive to the rooftop. Lavender (two varieties/two tones of purple) step down to a low, wide basin container that contains a dwarf olive with silver artemesia and salvia. This area is a nod to the clients' time living in the south of France, and offers an elegant and serene sensory experience as you arrive. Hang a right off the stairs to pick cherry tomatoes and basil, or head straight to the dining area and firepit. |
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Professional photos forthcoming :) These were quick images post installation with my phone. |
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Join me for a nature walk and herbal workshop at our immersive yoga/gardening full day retreat. With a healthful lunch, time on a gorgeous property for writing, yoga and creating, you're sure to meet new friends and emerge from the day with new knowledge and deep restoration. Click the link above for details and registration. |
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To Do's For June and July: Mulch if you did not yet already this season. It really, really helps keep moisture in, builds soil, and reduces weeds. Mulching needs will be reduced as a connected garden grows in. Water deeply, regularly and early in the morning. And as you do appreciate what's beautiful about your space and what you've done to help it come along. Take pictures and notes. Be patient. Trim spent flowers and yellowed, brown or diseased leaves: This will make the plant tidier, and reduce the amount of energy it needs to do to try and repair those pieces of the plant that will never come back. Resist the temptation to make changes to your garden. I know, I know. It's hard to resist. But moving plants in the middle of the summer is like asking you to do a workout at 2am…I mean, you could… All of the plants' energy is in the arial parts (leaves, stems, flowers, fruit) right now, so the roots will have less energy to make the move successfully. Wait until late fall or early spring, or if you absolutely have to (I mean, is that a thing?) at least until a cooler, wetter stretch of weather. Plan for the fall and the spring. What's missing? What areas of the garden are not bringing you joy? The lawn? The empty garden box? Planning now, either on your own or with me, allows you to take the time to configure the map, the plant list and the approach, ultimately saving you time and money. Fall planting season will be here before you know it! |
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Photography For Landscape Designers I love my colleagues. I love seeing their visions come to life, and engaging with the landscapes that they have made real. Combining my photography and landscape experience is just a marriage made in heaven. See my websites for more information: www.staceyvaeth.com * www.royalgreendesigns.com |
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Photography Project: Gorgeous front yard redesign by Kirsten Lints, Owner of Garden's Alive! I have loved collaborating with and learning from Kirsten since meeting her a few years ago. Our goal here was to capture the repeating maroons, winding entryway path, and subtle details. Her incorporation of large containers and trees throughout the small front yard create such a lush and dynamic experience. I just love her work. |
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Royal Green Designs focuses on native, pollinator-attracting, edible and perennial plantings. Our gardening approach will set you on the path to growing a useful and gorgeous personal landscape. Serving Seattle and Washington, D.C. If you've been dreaming of a year round tranquil garden that supports the local ecosystem and maybe even provides herbs and food, reach out for a one to one consultation, or to begin a collaborative garden design. Now is the time to plan for spring planting! |
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to a bountiful year, Stacey |
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hello@royalgreendesigns.com * www.royalgreendesigns.com |
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We're a proud member of WSNLA and Plant Amnesty |
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2006 E PINE ST
SEATTLE, WA 98122-2830, United States |
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