PowellsWood Garden
Take a virtual tour of this gem of natural beauty and tranquility in Federal Way, Washington.
History
PowellsWood was founded in the 1990's by Monte and Diane Powell. The garden property was originally strewn with garbage and debris, but was restored by the Powell's and their small staff. Today it stands out from the city and suburbs of Federal Way as an expertly maintained and lush oasis. While day to day operations are managed by Garden Director Justin Henderson, the Powell family still play a large part in running and caring for the garden.
The garden is a non-profit organization. All entry fees and donations go directly towards the management and care of the garden and forest.
Sustainability
PowellsWood has been focused on sustainability and environmental health since its inception. In the late 1990's the garden participated in a mulch and soil rebuilding study with King County. This study helped rebuild the soil that was deteriorated from the prior use of the land. Healthy living soil provides the majority of the nutrients plants need to thrive, reducing the need for fertilizers and additives. Healthy soil is also a key factor in CO 2 reduction from the atmosphere, as decaying carbon from plants is held in the soil. The soil is further protected by no-till practices implemented by the gardeners, reducing damage to root and fungus structures below ground. Mulch is also used to help maintain moisture and carbon content.
The Pond captures stormwater and recirculates that water via pump back up to the top of the stream. As the pond basin overflows, the water feeds into the ground, down through the fish dams, and into Puget Sound. Through a process called biofiltration, the water quality improves as it travels through the soil and organic materials in the garden and nature preserve. This stormwater management process supports the health of Puget Sound. In addition, the main parking area of the garden is maintained as a grass lawn, helping the soil to absorb and filter the harmful byproducts cars produce rather than allow them to directly enter the water. The garden does not implement any herbicides or pesticides, which have the potential to hurt plants, insects, and animals apart from their original target.
Another key non-plant feature of the garden is the Observation Deck overlooking the Ravine. True to the Powell's mission of sustainability, the majority of the material used in creating the Observation Deck in 2011 was recycled from the Des Moines waterfront piers.
Garden Map
Take the Tour
Follow along in this virtual tour to get a taste of what Powellswood Gardens offers.
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Driveway into the Gardens
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Walk-in Gate from Main Parking
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Bottom of Entry Stairs
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The Garden House and House Garden
This house serves as the base of operations for PowellsWood gardeners. Around the grassy lawn is the House Garden, filled with hydrangeas, rhododendrons, baldcypress trees, and an assortment of perennials.
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Windmill Palms
These three palm trees (Trachycarpus fortunei) are the centerpiece of the Oasis Garden, the first of the six unique gardens in Powellswood.
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Oasis Garden Canopy
In addition to the Windmill Palms the Oasis Garden is crowned with Japanese Maples, Western Hemlocks, Pendulous Katsura, Japanese White Pine, and more.
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Rich and Diverse Undergrowth
During spring and summer the beds of the Oasis Garden are overflowing with foliage. Splendid, European, and Western varieties of wild ginger, black, tabby, and mini Mondo grasses, sangria taro, and multiple species of fern to name a few.
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Curated Décor
In addition to the carefully curated plant collection, hardscape features are arranged to make the garden feel dynamic and "lived in."
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Trellis to Patio Garden
Draped in Rosy Crabapple Kiwi, this trellis delineates the Oasis Garden from the Patio Garden.
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Towering Japanese Bananas
This variety of banana, Musa basjoo, can grow up to 14 feet during the summer, and are one of the staples of the Patio Garden.
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Patio Garden Bed
One massive garden bed spans the length of the Patio Garden, supplemented with potted plants. This bed features shrubs, annuals, and a multitude of perennials.
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The Patio
With the atmosphere of an artsy outdoor café, the Patio itself offers a shaded place to sit and enjoy the garden as well as a packed-in lunch. A small section of indoor seating is available in the sun room, as well as a bathroom around the side.
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Patio Garden Canopy
The north end of the Patio Garden begins the transitions to the Spring Garden and Shade Garden. More Japanese Bananas as well as wheel trees, loquats, Cantab Coast Redwood, and Chinese Mahogany fill in the canopy.
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Spring Garden
The Spring Garden is directly north of the house. The garden features a small lawn with a few benches to relax on. This photo shows the garden in mid summer.
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Spring Garden in Spring
In spring time this garden truly blooms. Dogwoods, maples, dove trees, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and dozens of perennials all complement one another to create a beautiful and vibrant experience.
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Stairs down to the Woodland Garden
These stairs lead from the Spring Garden to the Woodland Garden. Ferns, maples, and Oregon grapes grow to all sides and make the transition between gardens feel seamless.
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Woodland and Moss Garden
This garden is spacious and open compared to most of the others. Towering Douglas fir and western redcedar trees shade the garden, while a mix of native mosses creates a living carpet on the ground.
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Wildlife Tree
This dead western redcedar, known as a snag, serves as an example of a wildlife tree in PNW forests. Birds, insects, squirrels, and many other critters use trees like these for food and shelter.
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Woodland Garden Understory
Below the towering trees are many ferns. Japanese shield ferns, Asian saber ferns, and western sword ferns create thick undergrowth, peppered with iris' and Oregon grape.
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Look up!
The Woodland Garden is a vertical experience. High in the canopies of these Douglas fir and western redcedars you are likely to spot many birds and squirrels.
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The Observation Deck
At the south most point of the main gardens sits the Observation Deck. The deck is perched on the edge of the Ravine, and is a perfect spot for bird watching and photography.
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The Trellises
Along the pathway between the Woodland and Shade Gardens are three wooden trellises, draped in vines. These feature violette clematis, climbing hydrangeas, and climbing roses, surrounded by ferns and other shrubs.
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Trellis Picnic
Take a rest beneath the Violette Clematis and enjoy the vibrant colors and scents.
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Gnome Home
Beside the Shade Garden is the Gnome, his Home, and yard he shares with his friends. This portion of the gardens features attractions both interesting to adult visitors, as well as exciting and fun for kids. Explore the gnomes yard, find the animal friends all around, and climb inside the massive birds nest.
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Shade Garden Pond
This small pond is a highlight of the Shade Garden. Lilies, pond grasses, and duckweed make the pond into a green oasis. Stand or sit still long enough and you are likely to hear frogs and insects singing.
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Shade Garden Picnic
Near the Shade Garden Pond is another small picnic table. Here you can sit and relax with the frogs, with views of the Shade Garden, Gnome Home, and Perennial Border Garden.
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Bridge over the Creek
Between the Shade Garden and Perennial Border, a small bridge leads across the creek toward the house. A small path leads along the opposite side of the bridge, connecting to the Patio Garden.
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The Creek
Along the Perennial Border and into the Shade Garden runs the creek. This creek is supplied by runoff rainwater from the city of Federal way, and is naturally filtered as it runs through the garden and ravine. It is shaded with grasses, duckweed, and the many perennials of the Border Garden.
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The Perennial Border Garden
This garden runs along the south east border of the property, and features a large lawn surrounded by perennials. Dozens of flowers as well as giant rhubarb, shield leaf, and shrubs of many varieties create thick foliage. Trees add verticality to the garden beds, including box-leaf azara, ginco, bald cyprus, and many others. A box hedge of Leyland cypress separates the garden from the neighbors.
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Path back to the Oasis
At the south edge of the Perennial Border, this stone and stair pathway leads back up to the Oasis Garden.
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Nurse Log
Just off the stairs between the Perennial Border and the Oasis Garden lies a nurse log. Over time this log has grown a thick mat of moss, dense enough for ferns and other small shrubs to begin taking root.
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Entrance Trail to the Ravine
Back near the Shade Garden, a small trail leads into the woods. This marks the entrance to the 40 acres of wooded ravine available to guests for hiking.
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The Descent
True to its name, the Ravine is down hill from the gardens. The trail maintains a gentle slope along the hillside for ease of hiking.
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Switchbacks to the Bottom
Switchback trails with supplemental stairs lead to the bottom of the first major hill. From there the trail forks, and the real hike begins.
Hiking Map
PowellsWood Hiking Map
