PowellsWood Garden

PowellsWood was founded in the 1990's by Monte and Diane Powell. The garden property was originally strewn with garbage and debris, but was restored by the Powell's and their small staff. Today it stands out from the city and suburbs of Federal Way as an expertly maintained and lush oasis. While day to day operations are managed by Garden Director Justin Henderson, the Powell family still play a large part in running and caring for the garden.

The garden is a non-profit organization. All entry fees and donations go directly towards the management and care of the garden and forest.

PowellsWood has been focused on sustainability and environmental health since its inception. In the late 1990's the garden participated in a mulch and soil rebuilding study with King County. This study helped rebuild the soil that was deteriorated from the prior use of the land. Healthy living soil provides the majority of the nutrients plants need to thrive, reducing the need for fertilizers and additives. Healthy soil is also a key factor in CO ₂  reduction from the atmosphere, as decaying carbon from plants is held in the soil. The soil is further protected by no-till practices implemented by the gardeners, reducing damage to root and fungus structures below ground. Mulch is also used to help maintain moisture and carbon content.

The Pond captures stormwater and recirculates that water via pump back up to the top of the stream. As the pond basin overflows, the water feeds into the ground, down through the fish dams, and into Puget Sound. Through a process called biofiltration, the water quality improves as it travels through the soil and organic materials in the garden and nature preserve. This stormwater management process supports the health of Puget Sound. In addition, the main parking area of the garden is maintained as a grass lawn, helping the soil to absorb and filter the harmful byproducts cars produce rather than allow them to directly enter the water. The garden does not implement any herbicides or pesticides, which have the potential to hurt plants, insects, and animals apart from their original target.

Another key non-plant feature of the garden is the Observation Deck overlooking the Ravine. True to the Powell's mission of sustainability, the majority of the material used in creating the Observation Deck in 2011 was recycled from the Des Moines waterfront piers.

Follow along in this virtual tour to get a taste of what Powellswood Gardens offers.