By Jim McCausland, Sunset Magazine

Photos by Buell Steelman, Mosaic Gardens

One of the most striking approaches I've seen this year is the classic floating walkway pictured above. Leading to the front door of R.J. Hoyman's home in Eugene, OR, it was designed, installed, and landscaped with a blend of native and Asian plants by Mosaic Gardens, also in Eugene. I especially like the way the deck encompasses the trunk of a large Oregon white oak. 

Below you see how it looks at ground level. Plants include western sword fern (Polystichum munitum) and fullmoon maples (Acer japonicum, including a few 'Aconitifolium' and one 'Vitifolium' by the door).  The bamboo is Fargesia rufa 'Green Panda.'