Carolyn Temple of Seattle has maximized her 40' by 100' lot with an incredible assortment of plants arranged in a number of creatively defined areas. The impressive array of plants and creative layout of the garden give the illusion of a substantially larger space. A cedar fence and brick pathways are two of the main elements that divide the garden into sections. Carolyn has also thoroughly exploited the available vertical space with a number of climbing vines that grow on trellises and assorted structures. Other accents include an inviting hammock and a small, tranquil pond. Upon entering the garden, visitors walk through a gate covered by the evergreen climber Clematis armandii. Carolyn prunes it every three years after it blooms by pulling the entire plant off the fence and cutting it back to the ground. Inside the gate are small trees and shrubs such as Japanese maples and wire-netting bush (Corokia cotoneaster) (figure A). The latter produces tiny yellow flowers, followed by red or yellow fruit, and has an intricate branching structure.
The vines that cover Carolyn's walls and fences give her garden a lush, verdant look. And vertical plants add interest and height, directing the eye upward. One of her vine choices is golden hops (Humulus lupulus) cultivar 'Aureus', with golden-yellow foliage. She's also allowed pumpkin vines to take over the children's swing set, now that the kids are grown and gone. By late summer, the structure supports big orange pumpkins. Even the roof of the garage is used to support a white climbing rose. The back fence is home to a host of vines and espaliered plants, which help block the view of the neighbors' yard. A small pond (figure B) gives Carolyn a place to grow aquatic plants and a restful spot to linger. It's also home to frogs and fish. An 8" ledge overhang protects the fish from raccoons and cats and provides a place to set potted aquatic plants.
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