Seattle Garden Plant Selection Tips Admin, Lee's Content Team, July 12, 2024October 17, 2024 In Seattle, where the climate is mild and often wet, several garden styles can be beautifully incorporated into home landscapes. A Cottage Garden works well here, with its mix of colorful flowers, herbs, and vegetables thriving in Seattle’s moist conditions. You can embrace this style by planting perennials like lavender and foxglove alongside vegetables and herbs in a natural, free-flowing design. For a more contemporary look, a Modern Garden with clean lines and minimalistic plant choices like ornamental grasses and low-maintenance shrubs complements the sleek architecture of modern Seattle homes. A Traditional Garden adds a timeless touch, with symmetrical layouts and classic plants such as roses and boxwoods, ideal for homes with a historic or formal design. Lastly, a Naturalistic Garden is perfect for the Pacific Northwest’s eco-conscious homeowners, featuring native plants like sword ferns, vine maples, and huckleberries to mimic the local environment and create a sustainable, wildlife-friendly space. By choosing a style that reflects your home’s architecture and the local climate, you can create a garden that feels both beautiful and functional. Plant/Material TypeBest Practices5 OptionsFerns– Choose native species that thrive in shady, moist environments.– Plant in well-drained, rich organic soil.– Avoid direct sunlight; prefer shady or partial shade.– Low maintenance; needs minimal care after establishment.– Regularly check for pests and disease.1. Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)2. Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)3. Deer Fern (Blechnum spicant)4. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum aleuticum)5. Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza)Trees– Select species appropriate for yard size.– Consider the root system and potential height.– Choose deciduous trees for seasonal color and evergreens for year-round greenery.– Ensure proper spacing for growth.– Plant in well-draining soil.1. Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)2. Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)3. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)4. Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)5. Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii)Shrubs– Choose shrubs based on desired height and landscape design.– Plan for year-round interest with evergreen shrubs.– Plant in fertile, well-drained soil.– Prune regularly for shape and health.– Group with similar water requirements.1. Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum)2. Western Azalea (Rhododendron occidentale)3. Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)4. Salal (Gaultheria shallon)5. Spirea (Spiraea douglasii)Flowers– Choose native or drought-tolerant species for easy maintenance.– Consider blooming seasons for color throughout the year.– Plant in sun or partial shade based on species needs.– Use mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.– Group by sun and water needs.1. Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)2. Pacific Coast Iris (Iris douglasiana)3. Lupine (Lupinus spp.)4. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)5. Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum)Paver Designs– Plan pathways that match the natural flow of the yard.– Ensure proper drainage beneath pavers.– Use permeable pavers to allow water infiltration.– Choose materials that complement your home’s aesthetic.– Lay a solid foundation with gravel and sand beneath pavers.1. Natural Stone Pavers2. Concrete Pavers3. Brick Pavers4. Porous Pavers5. Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers (PICP)Grass– Choose grass type based on usage (e.g., ornamental or turf).– Consider drought-tolerant species for water efficiency.– Use compost and organic fertilizers for healthy growth.– Implement regular watering schedules.– Mow at the correct height for health and to prevent weeds.1. Fine Fescue (Festuca spp.)2. Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)3. Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)4. Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)5. Native Bluegrass (Poa secunda)Mulch– Choose organic mulch to improve soil quality over time.– Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.– Use shredded bark or wood chips for aesthetic appeal.– Maintain a depth of 2-4 inches for effective coverage.– Refresh mulch annually to maintain effectiveness.1. Bark Mulch (Pine, Cedar)2. Wood Chips3. Straw Mulch4. Compost5. Gravel or Stone Mulch Keywords Cottage Garden: A garden style featuring an informal mix of flowers, vegetables, and herbs, emphasizing charm and abundance. Modern Garden: A contemporary style that focuses on minimalism, clean lines, and a limited plant palette. Traditional Garden: A classic style that incorporates historical plants and designs, often featuring symmetry. Naturalistic Garden: A style that mimics natural landscapes, using native plants to create a harmonious ecosystem. Ferns: Non-flowering plants with feathery leaves. Pavers: Hard landscaping materials used for outdoor flooring. Cottage Garden: A relaxed, informal garden style with a mix of plants. See also Guide for Resanding Pavers in SeattleGarden Styles Overview with Pavers Garden StyleFernsTreesShrubsFlowersPaversCottage Garden1. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)1. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)1. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)1. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)1. Brick Pavers2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)2. Crabapple (Malus spp.)2. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)2. Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)2. Natural Stone Pavers3. Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)3. Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)3. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)3. Aster (Aster spp.)3. Cobblestone Pavers4. Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)4. Redbud (Cercis canadensis)4. Spirea (Spiraea spp.)4. Peony (Paeonia spp.)4. Flagstone Pavers5. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium spp.)5. Oak (Quercus spp.)5. Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)5. Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)5. Gravel Pavers6. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)6. Birch (Betula spp.)6. Barberry (Berberis spp.)6. Tulip (Tulipa spp.)6. Concrete Pavers7. Fiddlehead Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)7. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)7. Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)7. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)7. Permeable Pavers8. Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)8. Crabapple (Malus spp.)8. Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)8. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)8. Porous Pavers9. Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)9. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)9. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)9. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)9. Slate Pavers10. Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)10. Cherry (Prunus spp.)10. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)10. Petunias (Petunia spp.)10. Unilock PaversModern Garden1. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)1. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)1. Ornamental Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)1. Large Format Pavers2. Asplenium (Asplenium spp.)2. River Birch (Betula nigra)2. Barberry (Berberis spp.)2. Sedum (Sedum spp.)2. Rectangular Pavers3. Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum)3. Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)3. Nandina (Nandina domestica)3. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)3. Stamped Concrete Pavers4. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)4. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)4. Mahonia (Mahonia spp.)4. Allium (Allium spp.)4. Porcelain Pavers5. Lace Fern (Microlepia strigosa)5. Magnolia (Magnolia spp.)5. Pieris (Pieris japonica)5. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)5. Wood Pavers6. Southern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)6. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)6. Sedge (Carex spp.)6. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)6. Recycled Plastic Pavers7. Fern-leaf Phlox (Phlox pilosa)7. Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)7. Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa)7. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)7. Interlocking Pavers8. Common Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)8. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)8. Fothergilla (Fothergilla major)8. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)8. Slate Pavers9. Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum)9. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)9. Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)9. Phlox (Phlox paniculata)9. Travertine Pavers10. Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba)10. London Plane Tree (Platanus × acerifolia)10. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)10. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)10. Natural Stone PaversTraditional Garden1. Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)1. Weeping Cherry (Prunus subhirtella)1. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)1. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)1. Clay Pavers2. Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)2. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)2. Spirea (Spiraea spp.)2. Heliopsis (Heliopsis helianthoides)2. Vintage Brick Pavers3. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)3. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)3. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)3. Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)3. Hexagonal Pavers4. Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)4. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)4. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)4. Peony (Paeonia spp.)4. Terracotta Pavers5. Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)5. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)5. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)5. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)5. Stamped Concrete Pavers6. Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)6. Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica)6. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)6. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)6. Large Format Pavers7. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)7. Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)7. Fothergilla (Fothergilla major)7. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)7. Brick Pavers8. Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)8. Larch (Larix spp.)8. Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)8. Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)8. Cobblestone Pavers9. Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)9. Dogwood (Cornus spp.)9. Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa)9. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)9. Gravel Pavers10. Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)10. Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)10. Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)10. Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)10. Natural Stone Pavers ✉️ Get Started: Next Steps: We’ll review your goals, assess your property, and recommend the best materials and services. Sit back while we take care of the heavy lifting and deliver results you'll love. Request a quote today! How To Guides Landscaping