MEADOW RESTORATION, MILWAUKIE
A half-acre wild-running pioneer forest with a beautiful weeping beech in the center was turned into an unconventional meadow with tall grasses and perennials to stand in strong contrast to a manicured lawn and clipped hedges in the rest of the property.
Native Plants Are a Summer Feast for the Eyes
Nearly all plants in this custom meadow mix are native, with a few closely-related species for added interest and a unique look. The design incorporates a mowed path leading through the meadow, an outlying seating area surrounded by native ferns and trees, and a boulder installation inviting to play and climb.
4 months after sowing. The results were pretty incredible, the whole meadow was blooming!
The Process
KITCHEN GARDEN, ROCK CREEK
A series of five raised beds were designed in our garden to get the most out of an underused side yard and to show kids the life cycles of edible crops. Now, our household can enrich our diet significantly with a diverse palette of homegrown vegetables and berries.
BACKYARD MAKEOVER, MT. TABOR
Multifunctional Outdoor Space with Dramaturgy
A previously neglected backyard was turned into a multi-functional area with 4-season interest. In the beginning, the new owners had a long list of desired features but they didn’t know where to start and how to lay them out.
Year-Round Interest for an Ice-Bather
The proposed design offered them a low-maintenance backyard with year-round color, easy-to-grow plants with an Asian vibe, dramaturgy, and focal points. The space is now split up into smaller “rooms” which are being used for entertainment, ice-bathing, meditation, an outdoor office, and a kitchen garden.
Installation By Owners
The owners are very handy and they are applying the suggested plan by themselves. Thanks to the design and their hard work, the family is now able to enjoy their backyard oasis all year round!
Before… (‘After’ pictures coming in spring 2023)
