The koi pond is the focal point and star of this garden. It was challenging to fit into the compact backyard, between an elevated deck and stone patio. The main fall was built into an existing concrete retaining wall and a secondary stream runs through a narrow side yard. The pond had to be deep so that we could include filtration to keep the fish happy. Almost 10 years later I can say this water feature has been almost care free.

This Lake Oswego property has hosted our crews probably 10 times in the last 20 years. When we first started working for the client he had the bones of a nice Japanese garden in place.

This large property has a small front yard and much of it is a slope. The homeowners hired Sada Uchiyama to design the space and we did the installation, creating a pretty entry garden with a traditional Japanese garden style.

Learn more about one of our favorite projects, a modern garden surrounded by vineyards in Yamhill, OR.

This completed garden is anchored by two sizeable dry gardens. One is more formal, with sharp straight edges and salt and pepper granite chips. The other is flowing and utilizes decomposed granite. Planting islands are mounded and mass planted, to create something that echoes the contours and textures of the surrounding hills.

Mass planting (or “massed planting” or “planting in drifts”) is the term we use to describe using one variety of plant to fill an area. A lawn, for example, is a mass planting of a low grass. Unfortunately, the most common lawn grasses are high maintenance and need lots of water. 

But when you take this concept and use plants that are super hardy and don’t need a ton of water? Now you have a powerful way to take large swaths of garden and make them beautiful, low care, and water wise. 

Installing plants is fundamental to what we do. But it would be a mistake to think that it’s basic.

Do first impressions matter? In certain situations, when you have a limited amount of time to make your point, they matter a lot. Landscaping helps form the first impression of your home.

We have now had over 3 years to work with our garden and it is starting to feel like I want it to. It isn’t finished (gardens are never finished) and it is not yet mature. But I am happy with where it is at and the pace of changes and additions has slowed.

Below are some pictures taken recently. The garden was not prepped for the photos, but the lighting was fantastic.

Portland is full of dense neighborhoods, tall houses on tiny lots, and changes in grade that make it a challenge to have a private outdoor space. There are a number of ways to get privacy in your landscape, and I discuss several of them with Porch.