Location: Richland, WA

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Even though this adorable rambler sits in the highly desirable neighborhoods of north Richland, the landscaping was definitely undesirable. The homeowners were tired of mowing their sloped lawn and using so much city water to keep it decently green. They wanted to create a beautiful sanctuary for pollinators that would conserve water, fit with the home's architecture, and explode with color!

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First, we built a gorgeous flagstone walkway to coordinate with the stone around the front door. We then added stacked flagstone walls and ribbons of river rock and rainbow rock to visually break up the large planting beds. Boulders chosen by the homeowner provide yet another layer of interest.

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Then it was time for the plants and this garden has a plethora! Swaths of Monarda, Achillea, Agastache, Nepeta, Echinacea, Lavandula, Salvia, Hesperaloe and Sedum provide most of the seasonal color and a banquet for pollinators of all kinds. Heuchera, Phlox, and Erica species add color and greenery to the shadier areas.

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Now, this front yard not only draws the attention of beneficial insects and birds, but it also stops people in their tracks. No more mowing, thatching, aerating, weed-and-feed, crazy water bills and brown spots. These homeowners can just sit on their porch and watch the birds and the bees. They'll have to endure the adulation of their neighbors, but I think they feel like it is a pretty sweet trade-off!