When we were looking for property to create a new garden, this wonderful native maple was a big reason we chose this particular  plot. 
Acer macrophyllum  is found along  almost the entire west coast of North America, from Alaska to California. When I first saw this one, it was in the middle of winter. It was knee-deep in blackberries and swampy grasses. I got a strong vision of it hovering over a lake, with a path to walk under it. SHAZAM !  Here it is !
          A local ‘artist with a backhoe’ was hired to clean up the area and create a lake . I outlined the basic shape by driving our John Deere ‘Gator’ around and around in the bushes, trompling out a nice shape.  Clay was abundant once digging began. It was put aside and used to line the lake to hold water. Voila! Winter rain filled it, and it stays full with rain. There is an escape route for excess water, using a previously existing natural ditch out the back end.
         The top photo was taken at the very end of October and I thought it  was so beautiful, I had to share this vision. I know many people are curious about our new  garden, and I will be revealling bits as they shape-up. With twenty acres to play with, I only wish I had moved to the country years ago !