Atop the roof of a fourth-floor

ondominium

and across the street from the famous Pike Place

Market near downtown Seattle, Steve Hamilton’s garden is an oasis of green

in a concrete cityscape. His techniques for creating and maintaining such an

inviting garden can be used on any patio or deck.

Potted trees and shrubs provide privacy and shade. Along with structures like the

dining set, arbor, and gazebo, they help to define spaces for dining or lounging. They can

be moved anytime you feel like “redecorating.”

Automatic watering eliminates the burden of daily bouts with the watering hose.

Steve’s gardens are on an automated drip-irrigation system, saving him

time so he can

focus on pruning and design—or just relaxing.

Lowvoltage lighting makes the patio enjoyable day and night. Steve had an

electrician install outlets so he could place light fixtures around the trees.

ColorMfoliage from maples and other fall gems offers vibrancy. Lilies, tulips, and

crocuses provide bursts of color in spring and summer. “There are surprise plants—you

almost forget they’re there until they bloom,” says Steve. ®

For buying information seepage 2#8.

166

NOVEMBER

2009

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS