Camille and Dirk Paulsen's Garden in Puyallup

I've now been to Puyallup but I still don't think I can pronounce it. This was the last day of our trip and as we headed south, there were still gardens to see. This was the last private garden we visited. It is the spectacular garden of Camille and Dirk Paulsen.

The description from our itinerary-

"When we moved here in 2011, we were thrilled to inherit numerous conifers, magnolias, Japanese maples and other beautiful trees that lent the garden a mature feel. It was hard to pick a favorite, but the giant weeping sequoia (aka the Dr. Seuss tree) captured our imagination with its whimsical nature. A true living sculpture! We kept the trees but redesigned most everything else. As Camille's passion for plants grew, the lawn kept shrinking. Our former front lawn is now a sunny plant-filled oasis with a welcoming pergola, pond and waterfall. Dirk's hand-built Torli gate graces an Asian-influenced shade garden, while a mossy fernery adds interest to the other side yard. Our back garden features vine-covered arbors, colorful containers, tropical beds and a peaceful pond and waterfall surrounded by woodland plants. The extensive use of stone is a unifying feature throughout." 

I knew I was going to love this garden from the moment we pulled up and I caught a glimpse of their fantastic collection of conifers. The front garden is an artfully designed area with a central pergola that is surrounded by stonework, a double-sided waterfall and a stunning collection of plants.

 

 

Here is our group taking a photo break under the pergola. That is Camille standing next to me -

This is the very cool double waterfall. The opposite side of the waterfall faces the pathway to the front door and the water falls on that side too.

Dirk's magnificent Torli gate that leads to the side garden. Camille told me that on a clear day, the gate perfectly frames Mt. Rainier in the distance. It was overcast the day we were there so we missed that. Thankfully, Camille shared this photo with me -

On to the side garden which features a 'Black Pearl' redbud, Japanese maple 'Beni Schichihenge' and 'Geisha Gone Wild', fuchsias, hostas and other shade-loving plants -

Rounding the corner takes you to the back garden with incredible views -

Looking down over the pool is a beautiful planting of Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima), Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa), Mimosa (Albrizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate' and Honey Bush (Melianthus major)

Clematis 'Polish Spirit'

I loved this - two Japanese maples braided together - 'Viridis' and 'Tamukeyana'

Clematis 'Dr. Ruppel'

Another great photo by Camille with Mr. Rainier in the distance

The side garden on the opposite side of the house featured ferns and this fantastic tree trunk that Camille came across while driving through a nearby neighborhood. She stopped to inquire and ended up getting it for the garden.

There was so much to see and not nearly enough time. So many beautiful plants and artistic details. Thank you Camille and Dirk for sharing your paradise with us!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy