Listening to the Landscape: Designing with Site Conditions in Redmond, Washington

Designer Vi Kono began her Redmond, Washington garden by responding to a mature evergreen stand and a high water table. These created four habitats—wet shade, dry shade, damp sunlight, dry sunlight—each suggesting different plant palettes. Wide beds hold shrubs, perennials, and 140 hosta varieties. Garden art and architectural features nestle among them. Because of the high water table, Kono avoids toxic chemicals that could runoff into her pond and a salmon creek.