Sensory Delights

Sometimes we get to work on a really great project that includes a multi-diversity of purposes.  Recently, we've been working in Columbia City on a backyard that was screaming for a make-over.  

The client for this project is legally blind, and asked that we provide a design that incorporated a scent garden, edible natives, as well as plants that attract hummingbirds and other wildlife to the backyard.  In order to realize her ideas, as well as making the yard accessible to her, we had to completely regrade the slope of the yard to provide better access points, as well as pathways through the space.  

Once the patio was complete, we began planting out the garden spaces.   We chose a number of specific native and edible plants to attract hummingbirds for year round foraging, including Weiglia, Red Flowering Currant, and Sarcococca.  As a personal favorite, we included a number of human edibles too, including Blueberry, Huckleberry, Salal, and many herb varieties. This will not only provide foraging for our client, but delicious smells from the herbs, and a great burst of color during the fall! 

Another important factor for our client was being able to differentiate between all of the different spaces in the garden.  For this we incorporated gravel, moss, and woodchip areas underfoot for the walking experience.  We used several different plants that have a nice texture such as lambs ear and Juncus Spiralis.  To help our client locate specific regions in the garden, we put up different garden chimes around that will help her locate not only by sound, but also by touch, what can be found in that area.  Currently, we are installing a number of railings to help our client navigate with ease through each space. Check back soon for more photos as we complete the backyard and start on a rain garden for the front yard! 

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