Landscaping in Seattle

The climate zone is important to understand when you’re planning your landscaping. Seattle is a “Warm Summer” or Mediterranean style climate that features dry summers and cool winters. So you need drought resistant plants, water resistant hardscaping, and places to protect from rain in the winter and shade in the summer.

• Softscape and Plants in Seattle:

  • Use native plants that are well-suited to the climate and soil conditions . They will require less maintenance and watering than non-native plants. Consider installing a rain garden or using rain barrels to capture rainwater for watering your plants. Choose plants that are adapted to the shade and moisture conditions in Seattle, such as ferns, hostas, and hydrangeas ($20-$150 per plant). If you have a transitionary space or bare ground then use mulch made from recycled wood chips or leaves to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth ($30-$55/yard).

• Hardscaping in Seattle

  • Use permeable pavers, such as gravel or pavers with spaces between them ($23-$28 square foot), to allow rainwater to soak into the ground instead of running off into the storm drain. When planning patios or decks consider adding a gazebo to your outdoor living space ($5,500 to $15,000) to allow for use during the rain.

For a yard that allows for year round use in Seattle plan to account for wet and shady winters as well as dry and hot summers.