Seattle may not be known for the steep hills that San Francisco is famous for, but the terrain is no less formidable. Scot Eckley’s urban garden was no exception: the 46-by-100-foot lot was long and narrow with an uneven slope, making any sort of landscaping a challenge.

Eckley, a professional landscape designer (Scot Eckley Inc.) and his wife Devin Fitzpatrick, an interior designer, combined their respective skills to conceptualize a space that would be highly functional, yet comfortable and refined. “I took the approach that my client for this project was actually my wife,” says Eckley.

Together, Eckley and Fitzpatrick brainstormed a wish list for their property:

• Spaces for dining, entertaining, and relaxing
• A dog run for their affable Labrador retriever
• A French-style potager
• A utility area with a potting bench

Their ultimate goals were to maximize the limited space of their small garden and to create a peaceful, private sanctuary away from the urban bustle.

The garden evolved over several years. Quick-growing hedges of x Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland cypress) were installed on three sides to enclose the lot. In front, a Prunus laurocerasus (English laurel) was pleached, a pruning technique that allows privacy yet is more open than a solid hedge.

In the back, three different levels of terracing were constructed and sectioned into garden rooms, each with separate functions. Pathways with a circuitous flow connect the rooms, making the space feel larger. Pleached Olea europaea (olive trees) and Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’ (crape myrtles) were planted between the rooms to help define the spaces. “We wanted to create distinct destinations, for each area to be an experience in and of itself,” says Eckley.

Because their tiny, 1930s Tudor-style house has limited living space, the garden has become an extension of the residence. Traditional hardscape with strong, clear lines and formal plantings complement the home’s exterior style.

Materials, including rusted steel edging, light-colored gravel, and bluestone pavers, enliven the garden even on dreary winter days. “I wanted the garden to be attractive year-round, especially during the darkest time of year,” says Eckley. The spare winter landscape comes to life in spring with exuberant layered plantings selected for foliage, structure, and multi-season interest.

The garden was designed to stimulate all senses. A fountain adds the soothing sound of water, drowning out the noise of a nearby freeway. Scented plants such as gardenia provide sweet fragrance. Divergent textures of hardscape, fabric, and foliage are interesting to the touch. Visually pleasing vignettes are discovered around every corner. And the potager—planted with herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, and greens—adds fresh taste to light summertime meals.

The finished landscape offers inspiration and spurs new ideas for Eckley’s clients. He shares this advice: “Even if your outdoor space seems overwhelming, pick just one thing that you most want to change. Something as simple as an antique urn or a piece of furniture draw you in and give you something to love and be proud of.”

For Eckley and Fitzpatrick, their garden is now an integral part of their home; a cherished sanctuary to be enjoyed in all seasons.

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