In the heart of Mill Creek’s Wildflower Park neighborhood, Bundie and Allen Olsen have spent the past 27 years creating a backyard sanctuary that reflects both their creativity and their love for peaceful beauty. When they moved to Mill Creek in September 1998, the decision was as practical as it was personal—relocating from Snohomish cut their commute to Seattle or Bellevue nearly in half. Over time, the couple discovered that Mill Creek offered far more than convenience. “We love the beauty of this community and the many opportunities to get involved,” Bundie shares. “Over the years, we’ve also enjoyed the trails and nature reserve nearby.” That strong neighborhood connection, paired with Mill Creek’s natural charm, has made the city a perfect fit for their lifestyle.

While the Olsens love Mill Creek as a whole, their own backyard has become their true haven. What began as an unremarkable outdoor space has evolved into a tranquil retreat--a place to rest, recharge, and enjoy nature’s small wonders. “Watching the hummingbirds play in the fountain never gets old,” Allen says. “There’s always a new plant to try or an area to tweak. It’s an ongoing project that we love.”

The garden’s design draws heavy inspiration from Japanese landscaping principles. “We’ve always admired Japanese gardens,” Bundie explains. “The rocks are the backbone, and from there, we play with a variety of foliage textures and pleasing color combinations.” This balance of structure and softness is achieved through an array of groundcovers, vibrant shrubs, and statement trees—including the couple’s treasured Magnolia, which towers above the rest.

A defining feature of the Olsens’ yard is its use of large rocks to create raised planting beds, bordered by gravel walkways. This layout not only brings visual interest but also makes the garden easy to navigate. Throughout the space, whimsical touches--whether a unique plant in a decorative pot or a carefully placed rock--invite visitors to pause and take a closer look.

The transformation from their original yard to today’s peaceful escape was no small feat. When they first moved in, the yard was cluttered with overgrown trees and plagued by poor drainage. Over the years, they removed eight trees, installed French drains to eliminate standing water, enlarged the deck, poured a sidewalk for better access, and even screened the dirt to reclaim an abundance of river rock, later repurposed into dry riverbeds. “It truly was a wet mess when we started,” Allen recalls. “Now, it’s a beautiful, peaceful space where we can sit and watch the hummingbirds.”

For Bundie and Allen, their garden is more than just landscaping--it’s a labor of love, an ongoing canvas they continue to refine. “It’s a small garden,” Bundie says with a smile, “but the older I get, the bigger it seems. Watching the transformation over the years has been a joy. We’re proud of what we’ve created and grateful to have a place that brings us so much peace.”