A Garden Path That Invites Exploration

From Passive Viewing to Active Strolling

Carol and David Ager's rear garden in Woodinville, Washington, once encouraged spectating. Carol transformed it by installing steppingstones that wind up a densely planted hillside to a purple gate. Bare soil is nearly absent—blue star creeper, dwarf astilbe, and lady's mantle carpet the gaps.

Layered Plantings Along the Journey

To the left: 'Golden Mops' false cypress, orange 'Moonfire' dahlia, red-leafed Japanese barberry. To the right: yellow 'Alexander' lysimachia backed by 'Gracillimus' maiden grass. Golden clematis scrambles over the arbor above the gate. The path turns a walk into an adventure.