--- title: "The Watershed Company — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/the-watershed-company-pfvwus-pf~562303115 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~562303115.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "The Watershed Company" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/27c36f83012fa97e_4172-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Kirkland, Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States" latitude: 47.6339 longitude: -122.3476 phone: "(425) 822-5242" website: http://www.watershedco.com/services/landscape-architecture/ rating: 4.6 review_count: 9 followers: 122 last_updated: 2026-09-22 --- # The Watershed Company Original Houzz profile: [The Watershed Company](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/the-watershed-company-pfvwus-pf~562303115) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Seattle, WA - **Serves:** Western Washington - **Houzz rating:** 4.6 out of 5 (9 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves The Watershed Company is a landscape architecture firm in Kirkland, WA. We specialize in ecological shoreline designs that incorporate native, drought-tolerant and wildlife-friendly plantings. Our staff includes permitting specialists and engineers, ensuring that designs are feasible and sustainable. Call today for a consultation! Designs begin at $4000. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Restoration Design - Shoreline design ### Areas Served - Western Washington ### Typical Job Cost $3,000 - ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | The Watershed Company | | Address | Kirkland, Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States | | Phone | (425) 822-5242 | | Website | http://www.watershedco.com/services/landscape-architecture/ | | License Number | 1459 | | Followers on Houzz | 122 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/watershedco - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/watershedders - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/1556611 - Blog — http://www.watershedco.com/blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [The Watershed Company](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/the-watershed-company-pfvwus-pf~562303115) - **Website:** http://www.watershedco.com/services/landscape-architecture/ - **Phone:** (425) 822-5242 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Professional Landscape Architect ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 — 9 reviews** ### All 9 reviews **★ — Moe, July 2019** > Quite possibly the worst management, and customer service out there. I would definitely go elsewhere. Put a lien on our property for an unpaid invoice that was 30 days past due. Consumers be aware, and stay away. **★★★★★ — Thielsen Architects, Inc. P.S., Dec. 2014** > The Watershed Company has been our go to environmental consultant for a variety of projects ranging from shoreline and stream restoration, to habitat creation, to wetland delineations and wildlife studies. Their diverse array of environmental services means that we can work with a single company and cover a wide range of consulting services. We have often engaged with them for multiple services on a single project so that we know each aspect will be integrated properly. They are accurate and respected within the industry and by the local municipalities so we and our clients have great confidence in their services and determinations. For projects with complex environmental issues The Watershed Company is our first call. **★★★★★ — Alex Lytle, June 2013** > Watershed has done several projects for us. We are so pleased with our natural landscape that attracts so much wildlife. It's easy to maintain and beautiful. I was surprised at the diversity of plants that thrive in my yard. I will continue to use them as we develop a master plan for our property. They were easy to work with and very timely. They also assisted us with necessary permits and are very knowledgeable about the city/county requirements. **★★★★★ — Adam Leland Homes, Inc., June 2013** > We have been working with Mark and his company since 2007 and whether it has been landscape design or wetland restoration the Watershed Co. has been pleasure to work with! Their knowledge of city regulations has eased the permit process and knowledge of landscape design has set our properties apart from others in the area. > > We highly recommend the Watershed Company for all your landscape needs. > > Adam Leland Homes, Inc. **★★★★★ — baxterliz, June 2013** > We worked with Mark, Dan and the rest of the team at the Watershed Company on our bulkhead and waterfront landscape project. They were great to work with. They took our vision and made it a reality. From helping us with the permit process, to picking out appropriate native plants, our project transformed from an unfriendly jungle to a spectacular family-friendly outdoor space we enjoy all year round. > > Mark is more than a good landscape architect. He truly has an artistic talent and understands the unique living components incorporated into each individual project. We had some high demands, needed low maintenance and had a complicated set up. Mark was able to create multiple spaces that flow into one useable space. Over the years the area has become really self-sufficient and the plants are all thriving. > > With every major project complications can be expected. The beauty of working with the Watershed Company is that we were able to work together through the problems with constructive communication and occasional compromise to achieve a completed project that is also amazing. > > Everyone that comes by always remarks on what an awesome landscape/outdoor area we have. I can’t thank Mark, Dan and Watershed Company enough for creating such a vibrant oasis. It is picturesque, tasteful, creative and harmonious within the setting. > > I have recommended them to many people and will continue to do so. I highly recommend them - they are knowledgeable and good at what they do! As I stated before, everyone comments on how beautiful our yard is and after 8 years, it is still beautiful. Thank you again Mark, Dan and the Watershed Company. **★★★★★ — tyee31, June 2013** > We worked with Mark Garff at the Watershed Company on a new plan for our backyard. We wanted a design which was natural, low maintenance and beautiful. Our expectations were exceeded on all counts. Our yard is stunning! Plus, Mark was at all times very positive and enthusiastic and was great to work with. > We had some very specific ideas about what we wanted going into the process. Mark was very adept at explaining which ideas were good and practical and which needed to be rethought. We worked well together in melding our preconceptions and Mark's design ideas and knowledge into a wonderful end product. > Our only problem now is that the front yard doesn't measure up to the back. We look forward to working with Mark again to complete the job. **★★★★★ — Johnston Architects, May 2013** > The Watershed Company is a multi-talented firm that backs up their design work with solid environmental science, whether it’s a landscape plan for a custom waterfront home or a wetland restoration for a governmental agency. The availability of multiple disciplines under one roof eases permitting processes, and the landscape architecture department works seamlessly with the scientists to produce beautiful, ecologically beneficial landscapes. **★★★★★ — Studio Zerbey Architecture + Interiors, May 2013** > We worked with Mark Garff on the landscape design for our 1910 house in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. The house has undergone an extensive remodel and this year it was time to finish the outside! Mark listened to our needs and ideas and came up with a thoughtful design that took into account not only our must-haves but also how the landscaping would evolve and mature over the years and in different seasons. If a certain plant was unavailable at the time of installation, Mark was quick to provide us with several alternative options that didn't slow down the install job. > > For a long time we thought that the landscape design was something we could figure out on our own, but after going through the process we realized how valuable it was to work with Mark and how we will probably actually save money now that we no longer have to go with the "trial and error" planting method! **★★★★★ — jonpolaha, May 2013** > We hired Mark and his team to provide us with landscaping plans for our small, north seattle residence. We were hesitant at first since hiring a professional firm seemed out of our league. Could we afford to execute their ideas? Couldn't we get the same advice for free by talking to a master gardener at a nursery? When Mark arrived to go over the plans, I knew we had made the right decision. The drawings were complete, professional and included an image catalog of all of the plantings. Careful attention was paid to our tastes (we like bold color) while selecting and placing the plantings to best utilize available water, light and seasonal blossoms. We highly recommend the Watershed Company for planning even the smallest of jobs like ours. ## Selected projects - [Bellevue Botanical Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bellevue-botanical-garden-pj-vj~5457196) - Location: Bellevue, WA - Photos: 3 - [Ballard-Seattle Sustainable Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ballard-seattle-sustainable-condo-pj-vj~273713) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 3 - Description: Eco-friendly features are everywhere at a new condo in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. All the plantings are native or drought-tolerant. A lush, raised-bed, green roof garden attracts birds and insects with flowers, berries, and large Douglas fir logs. Residents may grow their own vegetables on the green roof. Watershed also designed raised beds for the common area garden, which features a plot for every resident, a custom, three-bin compost system, and a post and wire trellis for growing hops a… - [Champagne Point Waterfront](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/champagne-point-waterfront-pj-vj~193446) - Location: Kirkland, WA - Photos: 3 - Description: Kirkland residential beach restoration, removal of 85 feet of concrete bulkhead, addition of stairs, a rockery, shoreline gravels, and native vegetation. The project created an outdoor room along the new beach from which the homeowner can enjoy Lake Washington. Shoreline Design by the Watershed Company, created in close collaboration with Paul Broadhurst and Associates. - [Juanita Residence Waterfront](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/juanita-residence-waterfront-pj-vj~193410) - Location: Juanita, WA - Photos: 4 - Description: Granite boulders and cedar logs replaced a concrete bulkhead creating a new beach native planting along the shoreline of Lake Washington. - [Mercer Island Waterfront](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mercer-island-waterfront-pj-vj~196974) - Location: Mercer Island, WA - Photos: 3 - Description: A Mercer Island couple, whose waterfront home offers inspiring views of Mt. Rainier, wanted a landscape upgrade. An all new drought-tolerant and colorful plant palette was installed on the steep hill in front of the house. By carefully locating existing and new plant material, the updated garden will provide better year round interest and enliven existing outdoor spaces with color, fragrance and texture. The shoreline area was dramatically improved with a permeable paver courtyard surrounded by… - [North Bend Hilltop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-bend-hilltop-pj-vj~196627) - Location: North Bend, WA - Photos: 2 - Description: Perched on a rock outcropping above the Tate Creek valley near North Bend, Washington, a modern home overlooks the craggy peaks of the Snoqualmie Valley, including Mount Si. Surrounded by cliffs and a mature northwest forest, the bluestone and metal-clad home has dramatically different outdoor spaces. A refined garden, combining winter-hardy and native plants with stone hardscape, ties the home to its surroundings. A large bluestone-paved courtyard, lined with native and ornamental plants, compl… - [Fairweather Bay Waterfront](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fairweather-bay-waterfront-pj-vj~193337) - Location: Hunts Point, WA - Photos: 4 - Description: The Watershed Company transformed a lawn-only landscape into a water-accessible and entertainment dream-come-true for Hunts Point homeowners. A timber bulkhead was removed and replaced with a granite-enclosed sandy cove. The project included an outdoor kitchen and a dry-stack Montana ledgestone sitting wall to define a new entertainment area on a sand-set bluestone patio. - [Cozy Cove Waterfront](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cozy-cove-waterfront-pj-vj~197786) - Location: Hunts Point, WA - Photos: 1 - Description: Choked with weeds and worn out 50’s-era shrubs, this waterfront garden was revitalized into a salmon-friendly beach oasis. Work was initiated for new home construction when property owner wanted to reconfigure dock and access the degraded beach. The dock, new beach and all-native planting palette received speedy approval and was thriving and inviting within a year. - [Bellevue Beach Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bellevue-beach-revival-pj-vj~193367) - Location: Bellevue, WA - Photos: 6 - Description: A desire for safer and improved waterfront access inspired a unique landscape renovation at a Bellevue residence. Outdoor entertainment and recreation spaces were designed while preserving existing large fir trees and other features which maximized habitat value. Situated on 200 feet of Lake Washington waterfront, the project was designed, permitted, and constructed under the eye of the Watershed Company in only 14 months, receiving priority approval for permits due to its environmentally sensit… - [Lake Washington Poolside](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-washington-poolside-pj-vj~196595) - Location: Kirkland, WA - Photos: 3 - Description: Lakefront homeowners in Kirkland wanted a swimming pool for their young children. The new pool would be along the shoreline requiring special permits and mitigation planning that was addressed quickly and creatively by The Watershed Company. Over 5000 square feet of ivy was removed and replaced with a beautiful native and drought tolerant ornamental landscape, nicely complimenting the pool and existing home. Teamed with Baylis Architects [See all 10 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/the-watershed-company-pfvwus-pf~562303115) ## Ideabooks - [Pacific Northwest Shrubs for Your Garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22665576/list/pacific-northwest-shrubs-for-your-garden) — 6 ideas - [borders](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20416562/list/borders) — 9 ideas - [nice work](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19872569/list/nice-work) — 5 ideas - [PVC-free Composite Deck Products](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11445481/list/pvc-free-composite-deck-products) — 14 ideas - [Residential Shoreline Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14445548/list/residential-shoreline-restoration) — 9 ideas [See all 5 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/watershedco) ## Community Q&A **Q: Strawbetties as ground cover! Never thought of that!** *(in Photo Questions)* What would be a good variety? Will deer eat either? Thank you! A: Strawberries paired with bunch grasses are a great groundcover option for the Pacific Northwest. In sunny spots, try beach strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) with blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens), shown here. In shaded or dappled areas, try wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) with Idaho blue fescue (Festuca idahoensis ‘Siskiyou Blue’).” **Q: What is the grass and is it native to the PNW?** *(in Photo Questions)* Very nice execution. I really love the grass that softens the lines and the blend of the corten and concrete. Can you tell me the name of that grass and if it's native to the Seattle area? thanks A: https://walshconstruction.com/ provided construction for the project. **Q: Is that Irish Moss planted near the bluestone walkway?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Holly, it's New Zealand Brass buttons. https://www.stepables.com/5/Leptinella\_squalida\_New\_Zealand\_Brass\_Buttons.html Thanks! **Q: Is that creeping jenny between the stones?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Holly, that's Blue Star Creeper. http://www.stepables.com/5/Isotoma\_fluviatilis\_Blue\_Star\_Creeper.html Thanks! **Q: Colour question** *(in Photo Questions)* What brand colour are you using here? And what actual colour is it? A: I worked on the landscape design on this project. I don't know the color or brand of paint the homeowner used for their house. Thank you, Mark. **Q: What are the shrubs with the yellow flowers?** *(in Photo Questions)* . A: Hi, those are Agastache. The common name around here is licorice mint. I think the variety is 'tutti fruitti' --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-22.*