A horse-chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) has taken center stage in the design of an assisted living and memory care center project in Covington, Washington. Lovingly referred to as Horsey by the project design team, the nearly 50-year-old tree stands at the center of the 3-acre site, which was previously a plant nursery.

SCJ Studio, our landscape architecture group in Ballard, teamed with Seattle’s ARC Architects to design a civic center for the city of Union Gap, Washington.

When the Fieldstone Assisted and Independent Living Community project landed on Jeff Glander’s desk, he had no idea his father-in-law would one day be a resident at the center. As SCJ Lacey’s Principal Landscape Architect, Jeff worked with Jill McFarland, the project lead, to develop a landscape design for the eight-acre grounds in Olympia, Washington. Their goal was to create a stimulating environment for residents that evoked a sense of connection and belonging.

What’s your favorite outdoor place? A park or playground? The shore of a river or lake? Maybe a hiking or biking trail? Your own backyard?

When we think about these places, we anticipate the joy they bring. Moments of respite and renewal. Playing with our children and hanging out with friends. Taking the dog to play fetch or getting a little exercise ourselves. But rarely do we consider all the pieces that had to come together to create them.

In south Seattle, a tiny backyard garden needed a makeover to add usability and create a sitting area for entertaining. Raised garden beds for edible plants provide the transition between the existing deck and new patio below, eliminating the need for a railing.