Hailey Mackay
Landscape Architecture
What’s Blooming Now: Textures & Colors of Winter
Winter landscapes can be full of textures and colors, includling blooms! There is a lot to love, but here are three of our favorites for Pacific Northwest winter gardens: Oregon Grape, Setsugekka Camellia, and Golden Sweet Flag. Learn a little about them, how to care for them, and how to feature them in your garden.
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What’s Blooming Now: Late Autumn in the Pacific Northwest
As our Pacific Northwest autumn months get darker and darker, it’s easy to feel a little gloomy. But, if you look around, there are actually a lot of beautiful flowers blooming, even in the chill and rain. Here are a few of our favorites to watch in the late autumn season.
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What’s Blooming Now: Early Autumn in the Pacific Northwest
Even though the Pacific Northwest is known for its eternal greenery (Hello, Emerald City!), we do still have plenty of beautiful fall colors. Here are three of our favorites, from trees to sedums that thrive in our northwest climate and will brighten up your fall day.
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What’s Blooming Now, In August: Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas may be well-known, but did you there are a variety of different types? From the aptly-named ‘Incrediball’ to even a climbing version (really!) — here the details on a few of our favorites, recommendations on where to plant them, and how to make sure they get what they need to be a champ bloomer.
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What’s Blooming Now: Moon Gardens in July
How much do you love a moon garden? When designing your landscape, don’t forget you can plan not only for the experience of the garden in the day time, but also the late night hours! These blooming plants are great candidates for a beautiful (and great smelling) night garden.
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What’s Blooming Now: June in Seattle
June in Seattle is also known as “Juneuary,” thanks to our famously rainy early summers. But there are still plenty of flowers to enjoy at this time of year, and you could argue they look even better glistening with raindrops. Read on to learn about the Japanese Snowbell, the Pacific Mock Orange, and Creeping Honeysuckle.
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If you enjoy reading our blog as much as we enjoy writing it, that just makes our day! You might also enjoy a few of the related posts below. And, if there is a topic that you wish we would cover, let us know!
Environmentally Responsible Landscape Design
Being a good partner to the planet often begins right at home. If you’re curious about ways you can integrate sustainable design into your yard, garden, and other outdoor areas, there are many options! It’s an excellent place to start thinking about environmentally responsible landscape design.

Layering of Space
The backyard oasis is comprised of layered spaces and programs — framed by the new garage and studio, and the main house. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery
Using Drones for Site Planning
You’ve probably heard of drone technology — but did you know it can be an effective tool for design projects? We’re breaking down all the ways drone technology can improve your project, create efficiencies, and help you collaborate with your design team.
The Value of Hiring a Landscape Architect
Are you unsure if your project requires a landscape architect? Spoiler: it likely does. Landscape architects can help you gain a deeper understanding of your site, its composition, limitations, and areas of opportunity. If your project touches the soil, it’s ideal to include a landscape architect early in the design process.
Steps of the Landscape & Site Design Process
So, you want to update the exterior of your home. Maybe the plants are all wrong or you want an outdoor kitchen. Or maybe you’re hoping for an even bigger impact. Whatever your goals, the site design process at Board & Vellum is designed to support you every step of the way.
Considering a project, or curious about something?
Say hello, and send us your questions via the form below. We’re always pleased to make new connections, and eager to get to know you, your project, and your goals.

Achieved a Just label from the International Living Future Institute in 2023.

Honored as a finalist for residential landscape design.

Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals.

Our team includes certified Passive House consultants.

A Certified LGBT Business Enterprise Since 2016.

Honoring companies that lead in promoting equality.