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Not sure I would've had the nerve to take on a project like this ... a multi-level house on a very steep site .. rising way up in the back yard once you reach the top. But it was no challenge at all for designer Carolyn Mullet of Carex Garden Design and Carex Tours (to fabulous sites in Europe).
Carolyn has been working on this garden for about 10 years, and just last year she added this "pollinator garden" just to the left of the drive in the photo above. It was the sunniest spot on the property, and the intermingled plantings catch your eye on either side of the new limestone steps.
First level up is a nice, wide patio entrance with a good wide look across the neighborhood. And note the tiny patio on the upper level, for even more distant views.
At the rear of the house, way up top, a narrow path was installed to the left of the new, modern screened porch designed by Mark McInturff Architects, who also designed the rectangular plunge pool just beyond.
The new architectural elements gave Carolyn a chance to put in a drainage system that directs water to a dry well at the front of the property, and also to re-arrange many of the backyard plantings and add some new ones as well.
Note the lush plantings of Hydrangeas, Hostas, Abelia, Ferns, and much, much more. There are even a couple of birdhouses way up high (and many a plant to attract them, as well).
And a look back the other way ... there's a utility area behind the fence, but also a lovely garden bed with a small tree and other plantings, so that you'll find something nice and attractive when you peek around the corner.
Mullet says her client calls this garden in the heights her "zen zone," and there's no mistaking why. (Carolyn on the right in this photo). The tour was sponsored by the local chapter of APLD, of which Carolyn is president.
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