Our ‘Secret Life’ is an urban refuge of a garden. A 5,000 sq ft plot between Rocky Butte, the Columbia River, and the Grotto, we removed all lawn to construct our own native/exotic plant oasis. The backyard faces an outdoor living room structure shaded by a towering Doug fir, birches, and two bloodgood maples. A Japanese inspired water feature attracts many species of birds. The outdoor soaking tub hidden behind a mound of perennials and annuals completes the view. The front features a large rainwater swale flanked by native spirea, berries, ferns, violets, oxalis, and more large Japanese maples. Pendulous lilies flourish amongst the tufted hairgrass and scent our wooded front yard. Our love of tropical houseplants spills outdoors in the warm summer months, adding texture and interest to our shadiest corners. Color from constant blooms feed pollinators almost year round. We’ve filled almost every square foot with plants and would love to share our garden with you.