The first thing to consider when designing a small garden is to identify how you will most likely use the space.

Two key challenges of this project are tying together very different architectural styles through the landscape, and keeping vehicular circulation and parking from defining the landscape design.  

Microbiota decussata (Siberian cypress) is a low evergreen shrub with nodding, feathery sprays of foliage that turn a striking purple-bronze color during winter.

As Seattle’s “snowpocalypse” finally begins to wane, it seems only fitting to feature the cold-loving winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis).

In placing the boulders I wanted to create a space that is both useful and felt natural - as if the earth eroded around them and they had been there forever.

Looking at great work in other locations and seeking out high design – including gardens, and architecture –  widens perspectives.

We help the clients understand the narrative or story of the design.

Recently, while digging around in old files, I found a series of unbuilt projects that never went beyond the master planning phase.

Created meadows are increasingly popular for their beautiful complexity and multi-seasonal interest. As a stylized expression of nature, they are an effective counterpoint to highly structured urban spaces or residential projects. If designed properly, they are low maintenance and sustainable over time.

One of the first questions that many homeowners want to ask about their preferred design is “how much will it cost?” Budgeting and cost estimating for landscape work is difficult as it can vary widely.

Edges are used to organize space, create a sense of scale, and blend together indoor and outdoor spaces, among other things. The play of edges is essential to any exquisitely detailed and timeless landscape.

Bulbs, in general, are great for multiple layers in a mixed planting. I use these varieties because they are dramatic and durable in the garden.  

Comfort and style should never be compromised when sitting around a fire feature or around the table with friends and family.

In 2014, Land Morphology was selected to update Leach Botanical Garden’s master plan and prepare preliminary designs for the site, buildings, and gardens. Now in the implementation process, Land Morphology is designing the aerial treewalk and pollinator garden.

Seeing such life in the soil tells me that the soil itself is very healthy, and that healthy food is what it will grow.

Taking these photos (and many more) allows me to see, wonder, and appreciate the small details that make the natural world endlessly fascinating.  

I have always loved flowering bulbs and have planted 10,000 of them over the last three years in my tiny garden.

Paths vary by shape, materials, layers and organization; they are steeped in landscape symbolism and vernacular; and they provide a means of finding your way. 

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', Black Mondo Grass.  This unusual groundcover features striking, grass-like foliage in a dark purple-black color. 

Artful landscapes are deeply considered spaces that evoke powerful emotional qualities. At Land Morphology we seek to blur the line between art and landscape with the integration of function and the quality of detail in mind.