From Ugliest Yard to Inviting Entry: A Bremerton Transformation

Owner-Designed Fence and Cottage Garden

John Paulsen turned his barren, dangerous-drop-off yard into a neighborhood standout. He designed and built a stepped cedar lattice fence along the sidewalk and driveway, setting sections back for a planting strip. The 3-ft fence (4 ft near porch) uses ripped 2x4s for lattice, beveled rails to shed rain, and transparent oil-based stain.

Inside the Fence

A curving flagstone path dotted with Corsican mint leads to the front door through a cottage garden selected with designer Anne Janisse. Plant lineup includes variegated potato vine, Senecio greyi, Spanish lavender, butterfly bush, New Zealand flax, China rose 'Mutabilis', and 'Sango Kaku' Japanese maple for year-round texture and seasonal color.