Surrounded by natives and towering conifers, the architecture and garden have a quiet aesthetic and plants were selected to complement this atmosphere. Existing plants were transplanted, divided, massed and supplemented to create greater visual impact and continuity. For instance, large drifts of Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ were divided and repeated through the garden in smaller masses to both break up the large expanse of open space during the dormant season and increase harmony as the eye moves across the garden. Select evergreen foliage plants were added in repeated masses for a year round anchor of color such as Helleborus, Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’ and Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’. Seasonally strong performers were added for long summer flowering. Two oversized pots in a deep red hue provide focal points at the entry and against the mass of the house.

The client initially worked with a Landscape Architect (Bart Berg Landscape Architecture) who developed the overall site plan, installed the hardscape and restored native plantings, but at the client's request did not completely fill the beds - allowing her some time to experiment. The client engaged Bliss to complete the plantings and revisit the initial design. While some ornamental plants were installed as a part of the initial design, the majority of these plantings were changed in the update. For before photos prior to Bliss being engaged on the project, please see http://www.blissgardendesign.com/forestopt.pdf.