The Olympia Garden of Marilyn McNeil and Tom Bristow

"Our garden is designed to unwind, look and listen to nature, and entertain family and friends.   This work in progress includes a tropical area, a tranquil woodland area with Japanese maples and shade loving shrubs and perennials; a sunny Mediterranean room with an Italian fountain and pergola; and small cutting and vegetable gardens. "

Look at that perfect lawn!  Tom told me that I should ask what variety of grass it was as it was so beautiful.  Before asking, I felt it and discovered that it's artificial. How cool is that?  No water or mowing needed.

To the right of the house a miscanthus bordered path leads the back garden.  It's hard to tell in this picture but there are sedum at the feet of the grass and the textural contrast was lovely.  The sedum will bloom adding color to the mix and in the winter the brown grass will sway in the wind while the brown and dry sedum seed heads will add punctuation. 

A clematis-covered arbor entices us further. 

Looking back.

More of that special variety of grass.  There are towering fir trees behind all of that gorgeous foliage.  I wonder if it's difficult to keep the lawn free of debris.

Looking left.

 Further along the path. 

Closer to the fountain with the pergola in the background. 

Look at that great combination of Hydrangea quercifolia 'Little Honey' and Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace."  Tall oriental lilies in bud above will add even more color and divine scent.

 We've arrived at the pergola which looks very inviting!

"The garden features extensive hardscaping of stamped and colored concrete.  seven distinct sitting areas range from a private niche for two, to areas that accommodate much larger gatherings."  To entice visitors to relax and stay awhile, seating areas sport comfortable chairs, outdoor rugs, and a wireless sound system. Since the pergola gets hot afternoon sun, an electric screen can be lowered to create shade without blocking the view."

Looking back.  Notice the elevation of the house on the right - it's higher than it looks. 

Up one level from the pergola/fountain area.

Up another level to the new deck. 

Looking down from the  deck  we saw a couple of pictures ago. 

"Our garden is an example of how significant elevation changes between the house and the yard can offer unique design opportunities."

Back down the steps at the other side of the deck to the nandina and hosta bed we saw when we entered the garden.

Thank you so much Marilyn and Tom for opening your garden for us to enjoy!