Designing elegant, functional landscapes for outdoor living.

 

 

Landscape master plans

We create comprehensive site designs for existing and new construction. Concept design packages include multiple options for you to choose from.

Custom design

We design outdoor kitchens, arbors, fire pits, water features, privacy fences, retaining walls, and more. View an example

Landscape RenovatioN PLANS

Whether you want to target a specific area on your property for a design overhaul,  incorporate new features into an existing landscape, or just rejuvenate what's already there, we can help.

A modern backyard surrounded by giant trees

The clients had recently purchased a newly constructed minimalist modern home in northwest Portland. The home was gorgeous, but they weren’t happy with the landscaping. The builder had placed a very large bubbling basalt column fountain at the center of the back yard– great as a focal point, but unconnected to the rest of the landscape. Erosion was a concern as the backyard sloped toward the house, and overflow from the fountain was causing mud and debris to accumulate. The clients wanted to keep the fountain but integrate it into a new outdoor living area, and tackle the drainage issues at the same time.  With a low boulder wall, we created an upper terrace to contain the basalt column fountain and new patio. A drainline behind the wall collects runoff and directs it to a rain garden instead of the house. A short flight of steps leads up to the new patio that features a surrounding wall with an L-shaped floating bench. 

A top concern for the client was lack of privacy. They were quickly losing much of it as large trees were removed on adjacent properties for new home construction. The landscape contractor was instrumental in sourcing and installing a variety of very large, very beautiful evergreen trees along the perimeter of the property. They provided instant screening, a striking backdrop for the new patio, and a sense of proportion for the basalt column fountain. 

Construction by J.P. Stone Contractors. Images by Josh Partee Photography.

A terraced minimalist garden on the lake

 

This stunning contemporary home designed by Guilietti Schouten Weber Architects maximizes the potential of a challenging, steeply sloped lot. In the landscape, a series of terraced planter walls in concrete, corten steel, and stone hug the steep hillside from the street level down to the boathouse and dock. Nestled into the front terraced garden is an outdoor seating area surrounded by plantings. A series of concrete steps connects the front garden to an inviting lakeside patio that features a covered bar, built-in bench seating, and a custom concrete fire table. Throughout the landscape, the level terraces were planted with an abundance and variety of vegetation selected to provide attractive, ever-changing views from the home’s balconies above, a succession of blooms with changes in color and texture throughout the growing season, and evergreen foliage for winter interest. A limited color palette (that includes silver and bronze foliage, and white, blue, purple, and yellow flowers) is in harmony with the architectural finishes of natural and stained cedar, concrete and black metalwork.

Landscape construction was by Riverland Homes and Showscapes, Inc. The original concept design for the lakeside landscape was by Amanda Mooney/Mooney Design Studio. Images below by David Papazian Photography, Inc.

 

A lushly planted front yard rain garden

For this lovely traditional home with a welcoming front porch, we transformed the front yard with a centerpiece rain garden and abundant native plants. 

Our client wanted to remove the tired front lawn and foundation plantings, and install a rain garden to handle stormwater from the front downspouts. We sited it prominently to be enjoyed from both the front porch, and the living room through the large picture window. A winding gravel path connects the front porch to the side gate, curving past the rain garden.  Native vine maples and serviceberry trees line the path and provide privacy from the street. The tree understory and rain garden were planted with a host of native shrubs, perennials and grasses that provide year round interest, attract birds and pollinators, and create a sense of seclusion from the street. 

Construction by Renovation Landscape. Photography by Steady State Studios. 

A backyard renovation for year-round outdoor living

The clients no longer needed their back lawn, and wanted to maximize their outdoor space for year-round use by adding a central pergola with an outdoor kitchen and a storage shed that doubled as living space. The existing concrete patio adjacent to the house was kept, and raised vegetable beds were included in the new layout. Square concrete paving slabs set in gravel integrated the new features with the existing patio, providing walking paths, and a sturdy floor for the outdoor kitchen. Plantings emphasized colorful perennials, and native shrubs and grasses.

Landscape construction by Renovation Landscape.

Capturing run-off with rain gardens: A functional solution that adds beauty

 

To address long-standing issues with run-off and standing water at two neighboring homes, we designed rain gardens, drystream beds, and a sub-surface lawn drain to connect downspouts and manage stormwater. Rain garden plantings include native and introduced plant species that infiltrate rainwater, attract pollinators and provide year-round interest. At one of the homes we designed a garden pond that offers an oasis for songbirds, and decomposed granite pathways that provide a stable yet permeable surface connecting the garden to the house. Landscape installation was by Dennis’ Seven Dees. Photography by Jonathan House. View more images on the gallery page

 

An expansive landscape renovation for family gatherings and entertaining

 

The Willamette riverside property was completely renovated to include a bocce court, hot tub, fire pit, shade arbors, formal lawn, and flower gardens. New steps and pathways were constructed to connect the pool patio to the lawn, flower gardens, and river dock. Landscape construction was by Riverland Homes. Landscape installation was by Showscapes, Inc. Photography by Jonathan House. View all the images on the gallery page

 

A stylish space for entertaining and relaxing

 

A series of stepped outdoor rooms maximize the clients' use of the exterior space on their steeply sloping lot. The outdoor living areas are large and accommodating with plenty of room for entertaining, play and gardening. The garden features an outdoor kitchen with pizza oven and a dining table that converts to table tennis. From the built-in bench surrounding the fire pit, there is a stunning view of Mount Hood. Raised planters for vegetables and herbs set into the hillside complete the garden. Landscape installation by DeSantis Landscapes. Photography by Jonathan House.

 

 

A classical garden for a West Linn estate 

 

We provided landscape design services from schematic design through construction administration for a picturesque hilltop estate with breathtaking views of Mount Hood. The landscape includes a fountain terrace, formal event lawn, fire pit, woodland garden, and walking trails throughout. The extensive gardens feature classically formal beds, cottage-style perennial borders, and naturalistic plantings.

 

 

A refined setting for art and entertaining

 

Designed for full accessibility, the front patio features a flexible open layout for entertaining and relaxing. A screen of shrubs and trees along the sidewalk edge provides privacy and a sense of enclosure. A zig-zag ramp, anchored by a beautiful green boulder, leads from the sidewalk to the front door. The ramp’s change in direction provides a level sculpture plinth. Easily accessible raised planters of cor-ten steel along the side of the house feature low-maintenance and drought-tolerant plants

 

A garden retreat in the city

 

The labyrinth is the focus of the rear courtyard, a welcoming space created by the addition of a massage studio and office wing on the back of the house.  Floor to ceiling Fleetwood sliding doors and an unencumbered view across the labyrinth connect inside to outside. 

Surrounding the front terrace of architectural concrete slabs are lush flowering and evergreen trees, shrubs, and grasses that provide a rich four season tapestry of color, fragrance and texture. Screened from the street, its open aspect, and eastern exposure make the front terrace a good spot for coffee on a sunny morning.

 
 

The arbor was installed following a complete renovation of the garage to create a two story studio with office space and full kitchen. The arbor is covered with a clear, acrylic polycarbonate roof to provide an all weather connection from the house to the studio.