Sustainable Garden Design with Upcycled Materials in Seattle

Why Upcycled Materials Matter in Sustainable Landscaping

Environmental and Ecological Benefits

Using upcycled and reclaimed materials in our landscapes significantly reduces the environmental impact of each project. By diverting waste from landfills and reintroducing it into functional outdoor spaces, we’re actively minimizing resource extraction and material processing. These choices help reduce the embodied energy—the total energy required to extract, manufacture, and transport materials—associated with conventional landscaping supplies.

This approach also supports a circular economy, where resources are reused and repurposed rather than discarded. When reclaimed materials are thoughtfully designed into a landscape, they become a visual statement of sustainability. Whether it’s salvaged wood forming the frame of a bench or vintage brick reused in a garden path, each reused piece contributes to an ecosystem of responsible, low-impact design.

Reflecting Sustainability Through Design Choices

Reclaimed materials don’t just perform functionally—they help visually tell the story of a landscape’s values. When we include reused materials in a design, we’re communicating an intentional relationship between beauty, history, and resourcefulness. These choices give clients the opportunity to align their gardens with deeper environmental ethics, showing that aesthetics and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.

Because each salvaged piece carries a past life, they add texture and personality to a space that new materials often can’t replicate. Whether working with clients who prioritize reuse or those simply drawn to the character of aged wood or worn brick, we make sure the design honors both form and function.

Common Reclaimed Materials We Work With

Reclaimed Wood in Outdoor Design

We frequently source salvaged lumber from old fencing, barn boards, decking, and pallets, which we clean, treat, and repurpose into structures like garden beds, benches, trellises, and fences. When sealed and installed properly, reclaimed wood holds up well in Seattle’s wet seasons and takes on a rich patina over time.

We’re careful to avoid pressure-treated or contaminated materials, especially in edible landscapes. Instead, we use rot-resistant woods like cedar or redwood when available, and we recommend natural finishes and protective treatments that align with organic and non-toxic landscape principles.

Repurposed Metal and Industrial Salvage

Salvaged metal can add structure and contrast to an organic garden setting. We use old steel panels, wrought iron rails, corrugated siding, and even rebar to build trellises, edging, raised beds, and garden art. These pieces often show signs of rust or weathering that enhance their visual character without compromising integrity.

Metal works particularly well when paired with other natural materials like reclaimed wood or stone, grounding the design and adding industrial texture without overpowering the surrounding vegetation.

Vintage Brick, Stone, and Concrete

Seattle is rich with urban salvage opportunities. Bricks, pavers, cobblestones, and concrete slabs from deconstructed buildings can find new life in retaining walls, patios, or edging. These materials offer both historic character and practical function.

We choose pieces that have already weathered years of exposure, giving them an advantage in durability. Their worn surfaces, irregular edges, and aged finishes provide a warmth and authenticity that manufactured pavers rarely achieve.