Ask Debbie Girdler how to find her home in Medina and she'll give you a simple answer. "It's the house that looks like a crazy gardener lives there." Her husband, David Cutler, is quick to add that the reason for that, she says with a laugh, is because a crazy gardener actually does live there. After nearly three decades in Medina and fourteen years in their current home, the Cutler-Girdler family has created a garden that has become a colorful fixture in the neighborhood. While the property itself has changed dramatically over the years, Debbie's passion for gardening remains the driving force behind every new planting, project, and creative addition.

The Cutler-Girdler family first moved to Medina in 1996 and have lived in three different homes within the community. What keeps them here is the same combination of qualities that attracts so many residents: beautiful surroundings, proximity to Lake Washington, easy access to Bellevue and Seattle, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. "It's such a lovely town," Debbie says.

That appreciation for beauty extends directly into her garden, where color takes center stage. In fact, it is the first thing visitors notice. A landscaper who regularly works nearby once told Debbie that he enjoys driving up the street because her garden seems to burst into view. Vibrant flowers, colorful foliage, and carefully layered plantings create a landscape that changes throughout the seasons while always maintaining a sense of energy and abundance. "I am really into color," Debbie says simply.

Like most dedicated gardeners, she views the landscape as an ongoing project rather than a finished masterpiece. These days, she admits she is almost happy when a plant finally reaches the end of its life because it creates an opportunity to try something new. Her recent focus has been replacing plants along the street with varieties that offer both stronger color and greater drought resistance.

The garden itself was designed around a few priorities: less lawn, productive raised beds for vegetables, a rose garden, generous spaces for perennials, and a garden shed. Over time, those foundations have evolved into something uniquely personal. Scattered throughout the landscape are whimsical surprises that reflect Debbie's creativity and sense of humor. Small pieces of yard art are tucked among the plants, rewarding visitors who take time to look closely. A tiny flying pig has become a favorite. Dinosaurs peek out from unexpected corners. One garden bed even features a miniature trailer court, Debbie's playful response to the fairy garden trend that swept through gardening circles several years ago.

Some of the most meaningful features carry family history. In the backyard stands a sailboat weathervane that once sat atop her grandfather's shed. The detailed frigate serves as both a garden focal point and a treasured reminder of family connections. Then there is the garden shed, affectionately nicknamed the "Taj Mahal" by David. While many gardeners dream of a special place dedicated to their hobby, Debbie's shed has become one of the property's signature features.

The transformation from the original landscape has been dramatic. Debbie laughs that the before-and-after photos tell the story better than words ever could. Much of what visitors see today bears little resemblance to the property they purchased fourteen years ago. Perhaps one of the greatest compliments comes from the unexpected visitors who ask for tours. Over the years, delivery drivers, contractors, and service professionals have often stopped to admire the garden. Some have requested tours for themselves, while others have returned with gardening enthusiasts in their own families who wanted to see it firsthand. Even her longtime mail carrier became a regular visitor before retiring.

For Debbie, sharing the garden is part of the joy. Gardening has always been about more than plants. It is about creativity, curiosity, and building something that brings happiness to others. And judging by the smiles, compliments, and requests for garden tours, her colorful Medina oasis is doing exactly that.