If you are reading this we have met to discuss your landscape project. We discussed two ways that, as the landscape designer here at Ross NW Watergardens, I can help your project move forward. The first is a formal landscape design and the second is a detailed proposal. Which is right for you?

The short answer is that your landscape project will take as long as it takes. Of course you(and us) want the project to finish in a timely manner, but more important is that it be finished right. If a project is taking longer than expected it means it was harder than expected, but no shortcuts are being taken,

Stone paths, drystack walls, and slate patios may seem simple, they are definitely beautiful. One thing they are not? Cheap.

Of all the landscape services we offer, stone elements are most frequently out of budget for a potential client. The reason concrete pavers and retaining wall systems exist? Because the real deal (stone) is so expensive!

Ok, stone masonry can be a budget buster. Why? Two primary reasons:

Here you will find some ballpark prices for landscaping here in Portland in 2018. There are also links to posts I have written on this in the past along with some other online resources that might be helpful. If I don't cover your project scope below feel free to leave a comment with a brief description and I will try to help.

This guest post by Dale Sievert was originally published in the NAJGA newsletter.

Here at Ross NW Watergardens we most often use corten steel for pots, planters, troughs, and raised beds. It can also be used for retaining walls, screens, fences, and fire features. Are you considering corten steel for your landscape design project?

There is one aspect of landscape maintenance, in particular, that can take your garden from “good” to “great”. Aesthetic pruning, or skilled hand pruning, is often overlooked. But no other ongoing work in your garden will have larger impact.

Obviously you can hire someone like Ross NW Watergardens to design and install a low voltage system for you. But simpler systems are very DIY friendly. One of the most important things is to install quality fixtures.

So, if you decide to install your own landscape lighting, what fixtures should get and where should you buy them?

"Low maintenance" is subjective. Some people are fine with 2-3 afternoons spent in the garden each month. Others just want a lawn care crew to be able to handle it all in 20-30 minutes a week. Then there are the people who really want NO maintenance (and a unicorn for a pet). I can design a landscape that is genuinely low maintenance, but I keep running into a problem.

My clients say they want a low maintenance garden, but won’t make the sacrifices necessary to have one.

What is so great about the Crossfire burners for fire pits? And are they worth the extra expense?