You know those annoying spaces to which you are the rightful owner/caretaker, but it is so disconnected from the house that you are never really able to enjoy them? This plot of steeply sloped land is below a tall retaining wall, 12' below the backyard proper, and only visible from a street that t-bones right into it. A number of Arborvitae had died, and besides a couple of scraggly Pines, mostly weeds and misshapen shrubs remained. We salvaged what could be saved, pruned and limbed up the pines, and added new shrubs, grasses and perennials for ever-changing seasonal interest. The plantings were in their first growing season when the photo was taken. In due time, the blank wall will be covered with a large climber, and larger shrubs including Arctostaphylos, Ceanothus, Cotinus, Mahonia and Birdsnest Spruce will occupy much of the upper levels of the slope. Grasses, ground cover roses, and Geranium taper down toward the edge of the lower wall. Will post more photos as the plantings mature.
Photos by Anna Kullgren/Optic Verve