Seattle's Go-To Guide for Outdoor Living Projects Magazine

"Replaced our crumbling concrete driveway with permeable pavers. The old driveway used to flood our garage entrance every winter. Two rainy seasons later, zero pooling. The drainage just works. Total project was $12,500 for 480 sqft."

"We chose basalt pavers to match the stone retaining wall on our property. The installer navigated our steep driveway and tight street access without any issues. It's been 18 months with minimal moss, which is saying something for this neighborhood."

"Got quotes from three contractors through Golden Yards. Went with permeable concrete pavers at $17/sqft. Our contractor explained the stormwater benefits and handled the permit. The project took 6 days and we've had zero drainage issues since."

"Our backyard was a 30-degree slope. The contractor built a series of three basalt retaining walls that created two level terraces. Now we have a flat patio area and a raised garden bed where there used to be nothing but mud. Project was $26,000 and worth every dollar."

"Had a failing concrete block wall that was leaning from water pressure. The new contractor found zero drainage behind the old wall. The replacement with proper French drain and basalt stone cost $18,000 but we know it's done right this time."

"We wanted a flagstone patio on our sloped lot. The crew graded the area, built a small retaining wall to create a level pad, and laid 350 sqft of flagstone. Drainage runs to a rain garden at the low end. Total was $14,500 and it's held up through two wet winters perfectly."

"We ripped out our lawn and replaced it with native plantings and a rain garden. First winter, the rain garden handled every downpour without any pooling. The ferns and salal filled in faster than expected. Our water bill dropped to almost nothing in winter."

"Our south-facing slope was a nightmare of erosion and weeds. The landscaper installed kinnikinnick groundcover and a series of terraced beds with native shrubs. Two years later, zero erosion and we barely touch it. Total cost was $14,000 including a small rain garden."

"We were skeptical that a native garden could look polished. The designer showed us three Seattle properties they'd done and we were sold. Our yard now has year-round color and texture. The red osier dogwood stems in winter are a showstopper. Project was $11,500."