The Powells

The Land

The Work

The Reward

From 2001 to 2002, the latest large addition to the garden was completed: the Woodland Garden.

Nestled amongst the tall fir and hemlock in the crook of the access road’s northern elbow, the Woodland Garden is specifically designed to take advantage of dry, acidic forest duff and heavy shade.

The design specifically called for retention of natural species and existing plants.

One edge is bordered by a runoff channel from the lawns to the south.

The opposite edge, on the north side, boasts a wide array of indigenous (and quite healthy!) ferns.

In between is a tranquil open space reminiscent of old growth forests—including a family of sparrow hawks.

The Woodland Garden in an interesting and compelling alternative to the rampant greenery of the Spring Garden and the dazzling array of color in the Perennial Borders.

The primary themes here are open space and earth tones. On hot days in the garden, the towering trees also provide a much-needed break in the shade!

Toward the Future

During the winter of 2002-2003, the slope across the stream from the west Perrenial Border was renovated.

The Canary Reed Grass which once graced the slope had proved too invasive for the neighboring perennial border, and had to be manually removed.

During the same winter, the Patio and Garden Room were also completed.

The Garden Room, one of the attractive features of the House Gardens, hosts gardening classes and teas.

It can also be rented by garden clubs as a meeting space—a social and educational gathering spot.

And hearing of another event booked into the garden is always music to Monte’s ears.

“Gardens are an art form, and so is music,” says Monte. “The two go together.”

So it’s no surprise that PowellsWood was an initial anchor of the annual Federal Way Symphony Garden Tour, a brainchild of Monte’s which has flourished since its inception in 1999.

Time has gone by, and the garden has come a long way from the mere dream that it once was.

And as PowellsWood has matured, and the word of its existence has spread, it has become a symbol of hallmark Powell values.

You’ll see beauty wherever you look, a reflection of the Powells’ personal touch.

You’ll come to know the Powells as friends.

PowellsWood strives to provide a beautiful, park-like garden setting that can be enjoyed by gardeners and non-gardeners alike.

“The place just feels good,” says Monte. “Calm and relaxing.”

The visitor will be greeted by a tropical entry garden before enjoying a shade garden, the spring garden, roses, an arbor and double perennial borders.

Visitors are always struck by the variety that Powellswood offers.

Expect to see a host of plants and shrubs, in bloom in all seasons.

Enjoy the tulips, bleeding hearts, hellebores and anemones along with azaleas, camelias and rhododendrons.

Stroll the lush lawns, and wander among the ferns of the woodland.

Be a part of the vision that transformed a clandestine dump into a lush private garden. Bring the tranquility and beauty of a garden into your life.