Osterman Project, Fall City – Cistern Project
Custom-built water collection and holding tank system
Custom-built pump house and electric hose reel house
Our client asked EcoWorks Sustainable Landscapes to design and build a 15,000-gallon rainwater holding tank and pump system capable of watering their extensive yard and gardens, regardless of the distance from the pump house and holding tanks. Our proposal was to build a trellis beneath the roof eaves that would support a system of water pipes to intercept all the downspouts in its path. The captured water would then enter a sediment filter before being directed into the holding tank located at the corner of the house. From there, the water would be evenly distributed among all five tanks until they were full. From the tanks, the rainwater enters a custom-built pump house and pump system, where it is pressurized for distribution. The system uses a 3-horsepower variable pump and pressure-sensing computer system to maintain consistent water pressure regardless of how far the water needs to travel. The water is then delivered to several custom-built electric hose reel houses for convenient use throughout the growing season. Although this system could have supplied a custom irrigation system, our client preferred hand-watering with hoses and wanted to preserve that option.
Osterman Project, Fall City – Seasonal Creek
Hidden catchment system with mini waterfall that flows into a natural stone birdbath and then on into the creek
The creek that flows along the driveway ending in a distribution field with banks planted in native vegetation
The Creek Project was EcoWorks' response to our client's severe groundwater flooding problem, which caused water to flow across the driveway throughout the winter months. Most of the groundwater originated from a crown in the hill above the driveway. The solution was either an interception trench or a natural-looking creek capable of carrying the water into a distribution field. Our client chose the natural creek, and the project began. The challenges created opportunities to build something unique where nature could flourish while protecting the driveway. During excavation, we discovered the primary groundwater source. We capitalized on this by constructing a hidden catchment system covered with granite boulders and native vegetation that directs the water into an underground tank. From there, the water flows into a basalt birdbath before continuing through the creek and safely off the property. The creek flows continuously from fall through late spring.
Rispoli Project, Fall City - Garden Courtyard Project
Custom raised beds and proprietary soil blend, custom fence and trellis and stone slab steps.
Native perimeter planting after only one season of growth.
This food garden project began when our clients approached us with their ideas and a basic layout. Together, we discussed design features, including the entry gate and cabling fence system to keep wildlife out of the garden. The project is constructed entirely from Western Red Cedar and features three main beds: the perimeter bed, the middle bed, and the center bed. Each bed includes in-ground irrigation that can easily be adjusted depending on seasonal planting needs. Although cedar is naturally rot-resistant, we take it one step further by applying an all-natural wood preservative registered with the FDA as food grade. This helps ensure many years of durability. Each bed includes a deep subsurface drain line to prevent oversaturation and anaerobic soil conditions. The beds are filled with a specially designed organic soil blend that drains well while supporting beneficial microbes and fungi. Organic soil amendments are added immediately to strengthen the soil food web. The Japanese Torii-style gate has been hand-chiseled so the pieces interlock without relying on major hardware. Outside the garden perimeter, a washout sink and hose bib provide convenient access for cleaning vegetables and hands.
Searcy Project, North Bend – Back Yard Creek
Various views of the creek bed and lush native plantings.
The view of the landscape at night.
The Searcy Creek Project began after our clients saw one of our previous projects and asked us to design and build a natural dry creek in their backyard.
Together, we discussed design features, including boulder placement, logs, snags, and native vegetation. The goal was to create the appearance of a creek that had naturally flowed through the property centuries ago, leaving behind a lush creek bed.
The location was carefully selected so the landscape could be enjoyed from the living room, kitchen, and deck.
After site preparation, we installed more than a foot of our custom topsoil blend combined with organic fertilizers and soil amendments to create an ideal growing environment. Every plant selected is native to the Pacific Northwest and well-suited to the local climate.
To extend the enjoyment into the evening, we designed and installed a custom lighting system that softly illuminates the creek after dark.
Searcy Project, North Bend – Front Yard Driveway
The head of the driveway and the portion of the driveway edged by the dry creek and front lawn.
The end of the driveway bordering the front lawn and the view of the driveway at night.
EcoWorks Sustainable Landscapes received a call after delivery vehicles repeatedly drove onto our client's lawn while attempting to turn around, damaging the landscape and requiring tow trucks to remove stuck vehicles. Our solution included strategically placing boulders, logs, and clusters of native plantings to create a natural buffer along the driveway. A dry creek was also installed to solve ongoing flooding during heavy rains. Instead of harsh lighting, we installed custom night lighting along both sides of the driveway, creating a welcoming nighttime experience while improving visibility. The completed landscape provides both practical protection and the feeling of driving through the forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Rice Project, Snoqualmie – Pond and Landscape Remodel
Entirely new landscape with custom waterfall and pond, new patio with access via a bridge over the pond and properly functioning planting beds and lawn.
Our client contacted us after seeing one of our hillside erosion projects in Snoqualmie. A previous pond installation failed to function properly, could not support Koi fish, was difficult to maintain, and exposed mechanical components that should have remained hidden. The landscape also suffered from poor drainage, inadequate irrigation, and compacted soils that prevented healthy plant growth. Working together with the client, EcoWorks Sustainable Landscapes redesigned the entire yard with a focus on strengthening the relationship between the pond and patio. The existing landscape and poor-quality soils were completely removed before we constructed a custom waterfall and pond system that supports a healthy Koi environment. A new patio was connected to the lawn with a bridge spanning the waterfall. A custom irrigation system, specialty topsoil blend, organic fertilizers, and soil amendments completed the transformation, creating a healthy, well-draining environment for both lawn and plant life.
Cronk Project, Snoqualmie – Tiny Backyard Make-Over
Custom cedar raised planting bed and trellis with custom night lighting and beautiful new lawn.
Our client contacted us because their existing landscape drained poorly, making it difficult to maintain a healthy lawn and planting beds. Their goal was a clean, low-maintenance backyard featuring a cedar raised planting bed, lush lawn, and custom night lighting. To accomplish this, we installed a central interception drain line and raised the grade approximately eight inches to improve drainage and allow for deeper topsoil. The yard was framed with ground-contact lumber, finished with tight-knot cedar, and treated with an all-natural, non-toxic wood preservative to extend its lifespan. The lawn and planting beds were filled with our custom topsoil blend and organic fertilizers to encourage healthy growth. Finally, we installed custom Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired bollard lighting to enhance both the landscape and the handcrafted cedar features after dark.
Past Projects
