What began as a desire for this family to improve their property as well as to add more outdoor opportunities to enjoy their home, quickly blossomed into something much more. Between mother Jessica Johns, a retired nurse turned art teacher, her attorney husband and the couple’s two teenaged sports-loving sons, the decision to add a pool eventually presented several other issues that needed addressing—primarily better landscaping.
“We wanted the pool to blend in with the property, its acreage and great view of Mt. Hood,” says Jessica. Once she was referred to designer Richell Chiu-Yap of Blessing Landscapes, she instantly connected with her. “Richell is an amazing landscape designer,” says Jessica. “She understood the vision we wanted to create and came back with a gorgeous design for the property. We were really impressed with her and the company’s talent and communication skills.”
Before the pool was added, the home’s back door sat approximately 50 feet from a grassy yard beyond which was an unused field with a significant slope filled with various random Oregon grasses.
To emphasize the spectacular view, and improve the pool’s impact, which Chiu-Yap called a “rectangle stuck in the middle of the yard,” she first had to deal with the steep grade change between the pool and surrounding landscape. None of the plants now seen around the pool existed at that time. She used them to soften the pool’s stark placement by obscuring the pool’s equipment area, utilities and adjacent neighbor’s home providing year-round greenery and privacy.
As an artist, Jessica was highly impressed with Chiu-Yap’s hand painted pen, ink and watercolor landscape design which noted the names and locations of each recommended plant. “Her design work gave us a vision of what the finished project would look like, which included detailed emails with photos of the plants so my husband and I could discuss our likes and dislikes,” recalls Jessica. “In addition, she made certain to be present on plant install day from start to finish.”
When working with the pool company, the family’s original thought was to create a firepit area on the same level as the pool. “Blessing helped us decide how to address the grade difference, whether to build up the area adjacent to the pool or come up with an alternative solution,” says Jessica.
“We gave them three different options,” recalls Chiu-Yap. “The best solution, however, was another destination, rather than crowding everything near the pool. By installing low-maintenance turf rather than grass that might become muddy, the boys have their own athletic lawn space alongside the pool. The same pavers that surround the pool were used to create the steps descending to yet another destination point, the circular firepit area distinguished by its crushed gravel.
“I love it,” says Jessica. “It’s a separate space that’s still intermixed with the pool area, but away from the wind. The steps are so beautiful my son is going to have his senior pictures taken there.”
Jessica says she and her husband work well together, but he is “pickier” than she is. “He’s also a very visual guy and Richell and Blessing’s Senior Sales Associate Sarah Lowles gave him lots of options, including additional lighting, different rock choices, all of which enhanced the beautiful landscaping.”
Since both Jessica and Chiu-Yap are artists, they found common ground and a deeper level of trust when discussing plans, texture and layering. “Jessica wanted the space to be relaxing while inspiring a reset for her creativity,” says Chiu-Yap. The collaboration clearly achieved that for both women.
PROJECT SOURCES
LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONTRACTOR
Blessing Landscapes
blessingland.com
PAVERS
Western Interlock
westerninterlock.com
Shoptalk - Sarah Lowles
Sarah Lowles, senior design & sales, Blessing Landscapes www.blessingland.com
Blessing Landscapes is a one-stop shop that designs, installs and maintains landscapes. How does the collaborative approach process foster innovation?
We bring a full range of landscape design, construction, and maintenance expertise to each project, and our clients reliably bring a unique set of requirements. We take pride in helping solve problems and delivering the best long-term value for each job. This means really getting to the heart of our clients’ priorities and working with them to provide the best results.
What are key things to remember when designing for Pacific Northwest climate?
I continue to be amazed at the incredible breadth of plants that will grow here. The sky’s the limit! I generally specify plants that are one zone hardier than our clients’ yards, because we’ve had some dramatic winter weather. On the opposite end, keeping water requirements in mind is critical. People new to the area are often not aware of how hot and dry our summers can be.
How do you go about selecting materials that thrive over time?
It is important to pay attention to cultural requirements such as plant hardiness, water needs, and sun and shade requirements. I also consider the longevity of hardscape materials--will a gravel path work well, or do traffic and maintenance needs indicate that pavers would be better in the long run? Adding value while enhancing aesthetics is a priority.
What is important to remember when offering peaceful retreats that still meet homeowners’ active lifestyles?
Knowing how clients want to enjoy their spaces is key, and creating dual purpose spaces allows for flexibility. We can also help extend use of outdoor spaces with patio covers, lighting, and heating options to help make relaxing outside a year-round option. Understanding our clients’ long-term goals helps ensure the best result.
Clients often need a problem-solver. How does Blessing Landscapes approach finding landscaping solutions?
We really listen to client wants and needs. Our design interview process often provokes ideas that homeowners haven’t considered. Additionally, we hold the advantage of having a broad team of seasoned designers, and we regularly brainstorm and swap ideas for unique solutions and problem-solving.
What do you think are important trends or topics in residential landscape design today?
A general focus on sustainability encompasses many of the key trends for successful designs: drought tolerance, protecting soil, smart drainage, creating habitat for birds and pollinators, low or no chemical input requirements, ease of maintenance, the list goes on. Elements that are tailored to thrive in our local environment generally result in more successful gardens.
What gardens inspire you?
I love gardens with beautiful hardscapes and tons of plants. I generally embrace somewhat limited color palettes, but really love to see texture and year-round interest.
What are a few indulgences you like integrating into a landscape?
Moving water, even a small bubbler, and gas-fueled fire features can add a lot of bang for the buck.
How do your interests outside of work keep you motivated?
I love traveling and hiking. Both allow me to see a variety of beautiful landscapes and continually inspire new design ideas for me.
