Practical Planting Proposal
Woodland Writer’s Garden
20′ Wide × 10′ Deep — Eugene, Oregon
A low-maintenance, pet-safe planting garden focused on fragrance, seasonal interest, and simple structure. The design emphasizes drought-tolerant Mediterranean plants, a woodland edge feel, and a contained dog grass system.
Layout & Planting Plan
Rear Fence Layer (Structural Backbone)
Fig Tree
- Qty: 1
- Size: 4–6′ at planting → 8–10′ mature
- Placement: rear left corner (full sun)
- Role: edible focal point, summer structure, light shade anchor
Rosemary
- Qty: 1 large plant
- Size: 2–3′ at planting → 8-10′ mature
- Placement: rear center-left
- Role: evergreen structure + year-round fragrance
Fragrant Shrub Rose (Disease-Resistant Type)
- Suggested types: Fragrant – Joseph Seat or similar hardy fragrant shrub rose
- Qty: 1
- Size: 3–4′ at planting → 4–5′ mature
- Placement: rear right or mid-rear focal point
- Role: primary fragrance feature + seasonal bloom anchor
Sunny Border (Main Planting Band)
Lavender
- Qty: 3
- Mature size: 2–3′ × 2–3′
- Placement: central sunny strip
- Role: structure + fragrance + pollinators
Catmint (Nepeta)
- Qty: 3
- Mature size: 2–3′ wide
- Placement: interwoven with lavender
- Role: long bloom + soft movement
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
- Qty: 3
- Mature size: 18–24″
- Placement: front layer
- Role: late-season color + winter structure
Basil (Annual)
- Qty: 3–5 plants
- Size: 18–30″
- Placement: sunny edge pockets near access points
- Role: edible fragrance + seasonal use
Calendula
- Scattered clusters
- Size: 12–18″
- Placement: throughout sunny border
- Role: continuous bloom + pollinators
Nasturtiums
- Spilling along edges
- Size: 1–2′ spread
- Placement: border margins
- Role: soft trailing color + edible flowers
Birdbath Area (Existing Feature)
The existing birdbath remains the central visual pause.
Surrounding planting (kept low and open):
- sedum
- calendula
- occasional basil near edges
Purpose: maintain clear bird access while softening base visually.
Dog Area (Contained Lawn System)
Concrete Mixing Tray Grass Zone
- Size: approx. 2′ × 3′ (adjustable)
- Placement: rear right corner, discreet nested in gravel
Planting:
- pet-safe ryegrass or microclover blend
Benefits:
- fully contained (no spreading into beds) nested in gravel
- easy to reseed or replace
- low maintenance
- visually discreet within gravel surround
Ground Strategy
- compacted gravel as primary surface for foreground areas
- gravel or rock is used to define all planting zones
- no invasive groundcovers outside intended plant areas
Overall Character
A compact, fragrant, and highly practical garden: fig and rosemary for permanence, a fragrant shrub rose as the emotional focal point, lavender and catmint for structure and scent, seasonal basil and calendula for use and color, and a contained dog grass system that protects the design from disruption.
Substitution plants as appropriate. This is a starting point…
definitely call 811 so a hole for the fig can be dug.. fig will require annual _ seasonal pruning…
Alternate low cost option is to put in container garden and irrigation. Tomato, pepper, eggplant, basil, cucumber, and herbs.
Provides food and utilizes space.
Call 811 and have a dig number and a services! You will need to call 2-10 business days before any work can begin. Avoid damaging underground services!
Important whenever digging. Especially when digging stumps, planting, or putting in trees.