Woodsy Bainbridge Island Landscape: Collaborative Design Preserves Nature

Early Collaboration Pays Off

Designer Patrick Leuner was brought in before house construction on Bainbridge Island, allowing assessment of existing landscape and coordination with owner, architect, arborist, and contractor. Mature trees, camellias, and rhododendrons were preserved; heavy equipment kept away from root zones. The architect designed hardscape around plants and included a potting shed.

Key Landscape Lessons

• Use water to mask sound. A recirculating creek covers road noise.
• Contrast textures. Lacy Japanese maples soften stone walls and add fall color.
• Add interest underfoot. Pennyroyal between pavers invites exploration.
• Make the most of shrubs. Camellias and rhododendrons provide seasonal blooms and evergreen structure.
• Make room for vines. Clematis montana rubens creates walls of bloom on a pergola.
• Borrow views; hide eyesores. Lawn frames Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier; borders screen paths and neighboring houses.