Outdoor oasis

Dear Barbara & Jamie,
Thank you for sharing your vision for a cohesive, comfortable, pollinator-friendly backyard. This design uses your existing trees, respects the sunken garden grade, softens the modern concrete deck, and incorporates native plants that thrive in Victoria’s climate.

Below is a brief summary of why each planting zone and plant group was selected based on your site and goals.

1. Sunken Garden – Native Pollinator Habitat

Plants: Ribes, Amelanchier, Pacific Ninebark, Oregon Grape, Salal, Nodding Onion, Woolly Sunflower, Kinnikinnick, Camas

Why we chose them:

These species are native to Vancouver Island and perfectly suited to your Zone 8b/9a climate.

They create a pollinator-rich habitat for bees, butterflies, and birds.

Layered heights (upper/middle/ground) turn the sunken garden into a lush, naturalistic basin without adding new hardscape.

Low maintenance, drought-tolerant, and visually soft against the concrete deck above.

2. Pear Tree “Seating Grove” – Calm & Shaded Retreat

Plants: False Solomon’s Seal, Bleeding Heart, Coastal Strawberry, Sword Fern, False Lily-of-the-Valley, Salal

Why:

These woodland plants thrive under your existing pear tree’s shade.

They create a quiet, green seating nook that feels cool and relaxing in summer.

All species are native or native-compatible and blend seamlessly with the sunken garden planting.

3. Privacy Planting (North Side) – Soft, Green Screening

Plant: Rocky Mountain Juniper

Why:

Provides year-round evergreen privacy without becoming invasive.

Fits the narrow planting depth near the fence.

Works with the climate and requires minimal water once established.

4. Dry–Sunny Areas (East of Pool + South of Pergola)

Plants: Woolly Sunflower, Yarrow, Sedum spathulifolium, Nodding Onion, Oceanspray

Why:

These locations receive strong sun and reflect heat from the pool deck.

This plant group tolerates drought, heat, and low soil moisture, making them perfect for these pockets.

They extend the pollinator corridor across the yard and add soft texture near the hardscape.

5. Deck Edge Planting – Softening the 50 cm Drop
Closest to Deck:

Physocarpus ‘Little Devil’, Hydrangea ‘Little Lime/Bobo’, Hebe ‘Emerald Green’

Mid Layer:

Spiraea ‘Magic Carpet’, Lavender ‘Phenomenal’, Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’

Front Edge:

Pennisetum ‘Little Bunny’, Sedum spathulifolium, Festuca ‘Elijah Blue’, Creeping Thyme

Why:

These plants were chosen to visually soften the concrete deck, which you like but currently feels too sterile.

Upright shrubs help transition the deck’s 50 cm height without needing planters or new concrete.

Lavender, Nepeta, and Spiraea create a modern, clean-lined aesthetic while supporting pollinators.

Grasses and low plants at the edge form a light, airy border that blends the deck into the sunken garden.

All species thrive in sunny, dry, well-drained positions around the deck.

☀️ Comfort & Use of Space

The design supports shade sails by keeping planting low where poles may be installed.

The deck layout allows room for a gas fire table, using your existing gas line.

Plant choices near the trampoline are durable enough for future transitions when the trampoline is removed.

The pool and pergola remain unchanged, and planting was chosen to frame them, not compete with them.

🌱 Overall Design Intent

The final plant palette and layout create:

✔ A cohesive backyard that blends the concrete deck with the natural sunken garden
✔ A strong emphasis on pollinators, native plants, and seasonal beauty
✔ Better flow between spaces (deck → garden → pergola)
✔ A comfortable seating grove under the pear tree
✔ Soft privacy screening from the north neighbor
✔ A fresh, modern aesthetic that still feels warm and alive

This design transforms your yard into a space that is:
* ecological • structured • vibrant • relaxing • and uniquely yours.