Archive for Tree Selection

Olives on olive trees in Portland

Success with Olive Trees (and other Drought-Tolerant Plants) in Portland

Posted by Carol 
· March 10, 2025 
Olive trees in Portland passing the test of time.
Designers test tree.  This Olive tree stands the test of time. I drive by this tree often and have watched it handle 10 Portland winters.  In summer it gets hot south sun with reflected heat from paving in NW Industrial area of Portland (NW Pettygrove).

Why Olive Trees in Portland?

Welcome to a fresh take on Portland landscaping, where each client’s garden is crafted with care, precision, and a touch of the unexpected. As a dedicated landscape designer, I take great joy in transforming outdoor spaces using drought-tolerant and unique plants. Portland homeowners often seek a landscape that stands out, featuring plants that are not only resilient but also unusual and captivating. Enter using the unexpected: olive trees in Portland!

Embrace the Beauty of Unique, Drought-Tolerant Landscapes with Olive Trees in Portland

Olive trees, celebrated for their year long silvery leaves and calming presence, are becoming a favorite in Portland. They fit beautifully into small urban gardens, offering evergreen elegance throughout the winter. Not only are they drought-tolerant, but some varieties may even surprise you with fruit—olives, of course! Placing these trees requires a well educated and artistic touch to ensure they thrive, making your garden plantings resilient and attractive.  They are also a favorite for modern landscape design style in Portland.

Learning Through Decades of Keen Observation of Portland Landscapes

My passion for plant placement stems from years of observation. As I explore Portland’s streets, visit new and old client landscapes, and participate in local garden tours, I collect insights from each tree and unique plant. A notable lesson came when olive trees in Portland — on NW 19th and Pettygrove — faced our worst ever winter cold February of 2024 with an unusually frigid and powerful east wind. So many broadleaf evergreens in Portland were damaged beyond anything I’ve ever seen but these mature trees maintained their serene and glowing leaves with no damage at all. They’ve stood the test of time in a south-facing, east-protected location—a testament to thoughtful placement.

The Right Plant in the Right Place

From experience, I know that plant exposure is a key to the right location for a plant. My go-to rule for olive trees is a southern or southwest exposure, where city structures can shield them from harsh winds and cold east exposure. Such insights are enriched by conversations with experts like Sean Hogan at Cistus Designs and  Barbara Porter of Oregon Olive Trees in Dallas Oregon, alongside valuable reads like Pacific Horticulture…….. and talking with other landscape designers and of course Mike Darcy.  

Oregon Olive Tree sells olive trees in Portland and is trustworthy for advice on these beautiful Mediterranean plants.
Oregon Olive Tree grows  and sells this beautiful multi stem Mission Olive Tree for instant privacy and beauty. Olea europaea ‘Mission Olive’. Photo credit: Barbara Porter
Olive leaf on parking strip tree + my favorite nail polish, "Where Did My Mango" by OPI
Olive leaf on parking strip tree + my favorite nail polish, “Where Did My Mango” by OPI

Research: More Than a Popularity Contest

When researching plant care, I rely on trusted sources, avoiding the echo chamber of unreliable websites. By echo chamber I mean the tendency of people to simply copy information about a plant from a web site into their blog or their retail plant web site without checking its accuracy.  Finding the same information about a plant on ten web sites doesn’t make it accurate. Cross-referencing reliable information and consulting knowledgeable peers ensures that my recommendations are tailored to Portland’s unique climate, rather than simply following internet trends.

Planning for Success with Olive Trees in Portland, Oregon

Take, for instance, a client’s heart felt desire for an olive tree in an east exposure. My client was willing to gamble so despite breaking my rule, the olive tree is thriving, in part thanks to a strategically placed near by building providing some protection from harsh winds and early morning sun. This success story (so far so good) underscores the importance of customizing each landscape plan to the client and to the site.  However I will only call it a true success after this olive tree has made it 5 years.

Fruit and foliage of 'Mission' olive tree Olea europaea 'Mission Olive'. This variety was developed in California in the 1800's by Franciscan missionaries. Photo courtesy of Oregon Olive Tree Barbara Porter
Fruit and foliage of ‘Mission’ olive tree Olea europaea ‘Mission Olive’. This variety was developed in California in the 1800’s by Franciscan missionaries. Photo courtesy of Oregon Olive Tree Barbara Porter

Recently, (February 2025)  I stumbled upon mature olive trees thriving in an unexpected east-facing location, providing me with more opportunities to learn. These trees were only a mile away from the NW Pettygrove street trees.  My curiosity is aroused but until proven otherwise, I’ll continue recommending south or southwest exposure for optimal olive tree cold hardiness, resilience and growth.

The Power of Collaboration and Innovative Design

Nature occasionally challenges our expectations. While I have principles for placing olive trees, I remain open to learning from nature’s surprises and integrating these lessons into future projects.

Contact me

Ultimately, creating a garden with a diverse, low water to drought-tolerant palette is our passion. Whether you dream of a pollinator plant paradise, more traditional plants, or unique Mediterranean plants like olive trees, our success is measured by how well we fulfill your needs and wants.  By combining our expertise with your known desired wish list or vision, we can craft a landscape that is unique and enduring. 

I enjoy talking with prospective Portland clients so contact me and let’s talk.  Stay tuned for our next blog, where I will share more practical advice for enhancing cold hardiness in your plants, including olive trees. 

Categories : Drought Tolerant Garden, Garden Tips, Gardening Green, New Improved Plants, Parking Strips, Plants I Recommend, Tree Selection
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Landscaping A Mixed-Use House & Office Property in Eliot Neighborhood: Part 2

Posted by Landscape Design in a Day 
· September 24, 2024 

Including Existing Trees & Plants In Eliot Neighborhood Front Yard Landscaping

Before landscaping picture of eliot neighborhood Portland home. Includes 2 existing boxwoods that will be kept.

Existing overgrown front yard in N.E. Portland’s Eliot Neighborhood . Our new planting plan will showcase this bungalows’ best features.

When revamping a landscape I like to start with the existing trees.  The tiny front yard of the Eliot Neighborhood property features two prominent trees: a young Dogwood, approximately 12 feet tall and wide, in the lawn area, and a young Serviceberry, about 10 feet tall and wide, situated in the parking strip.

Plan for the mature size of your trees

When evaluating trees in a landscape, I can realistically envision what size they will be in 10 or 20 years; most homeowners have a disconnect from what the tree tag says about growth rate and size when they buy the tree.  So, happily in this case, the trees my client planted 5 years ago can stay with a bit of professional help.

An example of mature Dogwood trees shaped in the form used at the Eliot Neighborhood Portland landscaping project.

This is  a similar form of tree now as mature Dogwood trees in N. Portland. These very mature trees  +30 years, were slowly limbed up a long time ago.  Look at the nice big trunks that developed.  Never remove lower branches from a young tree without knowing what you are doing.  You can stunt their growth forever.

Dogwood tree at Eliot Neighborhood Portland landscaping project.

This fairly young lovely dogwood tree will grow into the parked car area in the near future. It’s beautiful with all its lower limbs isn’t it?  N.E. Portland parking strip.

Professional Tree Pruning

Leslie already has an arborist who comes every year and he is pruning our Dogwood with minimal cuts due to its young age.  But now that we are putting a path between the dogwood and the house, he will come in and prune some additional low branches out so we can walk through this area to the office. Eventually this tree will be crown raised also called limbed up.    My photos give you a better idea of how big these trees get.

Practical Tip for DIYers: Avoid pruning young trees too early. I generally advise against any pruning for the first two years after planting and then only very minimal cuts if at all. This ensures the trunk develops adequately.  Too much pruning can stunt your trees growth and cause harm to its structure. If your tree is tiny, wait until it has developed a much larger caliper trunk before limbing up. This process, is typically known as “lifting” or Crown Raise .  It involves the removal of some lower limbs by a certified arborist.

Plants

The backdrop features a trio of  golden Italian cypress, while the garden itself includes a peach-toned rose and perennials in Leslie’s favorite colors; sky blue, apricot, lavender, and strong pinks.   Leslie knew exactly where she wanted her apple tree Belgian Fence  (this is a pruning technique similar to espalier) and it will be part of the barrier for the west side of the backyard.  I selected compatible plants, such as Echinacea ‘White Swan,’ and several fun self seeding annuals (Love in a Mist also call Nigella the sky blue flowering form will be seeded into this bed.)   California poppy and honey scented alyssum are some of the self seeding plants on our list.  Self seeding annuals and bi-annuals like Forget Me Not seamlessly integrate the garden.

 

Example of Lady of Shallot Rose that was planted at the Eliot Neighborhood landscaping project.

Lady of Shallot Rose David Austen in her apricot stage in a NE Portland garden design.

Selecting a rose is tricky.  While trial and error might be fun for some, most of my clients want me to pick for them.  Leslie wanted a fragrant peach apricot toned rose that is disease resistant.  For some reason there are very few disease resistant roses that are in this color range and that are also fragrant.

The rose I recommended is called Lady of Shallot and the flower changes color as it matures showing yellow, apricot, orange and warm pink.  It is fragrant, disease resistant and can be 5′ tall. I have several clients who now feel this is the best rose ever for its beauty and fragrance.

Leslie was delighted with the backyard garden design, appreciating the magical customized garden we created.

Continue reading about Leslie’s dream garden in our upcoming Part 3 blog.

Do You Have A Dream Garden?

A dream garden comes from careful crafting with the client, in the form of practical design. This includes, making use of existing trees and flowers, paired with a planting plan that delights the eye (and suits your garden care skills). This is my passion—creating custom landscape designs for small city properties.

Contact me to bring your dream garden to life.

Categories : Backyard Office or Studio, Before and Afters, Garden Tips, Tree Selection
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Landscaping A Mixed-Use House & Office Property in Eliot Neighborhood: Part 1

Posted by Carol 
· August 28, 2024 

A Garden Full of Joy in Portland Starts with Planning & Hardscaping

Eliot neighborhood Portland, OR before the hardscape landscaping shows existing old apple tree.

Before Landscape Design shows worn out patio pavers in tiny backyard NE Portland with with sweet old apple tree. (Eliot Neighborhood)

I always love designing for small city backyards.  Then there’s something incredibly rewarding about working with a repeat client—especially one like Leslie, whose vision challenges me to push my creativity and expertise. I first designed a landscape for Leslie’s North Portland home two years ago, so when she approached me with her latest project—a mixed-use investment property in the Eliot neighborhood of NE Portland—I was intrigued.  This wasn’t a typical residential landscape; our design would encompass both a residential rental home plus Leslie’s private entry office, and her dream garden surrounding it.

Let me share how we transformed this unique space, showcasing how valuable design experience, know-how and collaboration can truly create the perfect fit.

Eliot Neighborhood Portland property needed privacy in their dream landscaping design.

Creating privacy without giving up sunlight was a tricky balance for this NE Portland backyard – photo is before landscape design.

Planning A Garden Full of Joy 

Starting with the backyard, we needed to incorporate Leslie’s remodeling plans, which included adding an entry door to her private office. She envisioned a back porch or patio accessible from the kitchen’s new French doors, serving as a dining and entertaining space for her tenant. However, designing this area posed a spatial challenge due to the kitchen threshold, which sits 42 inches above the ground.

Eliot Neighborhood Portland before landscaping design for privacy.

Infill houses surround this tiny backyard before landscape design. Note vine maple and Oregon grape in foreground.

It quickly became apparent that a patio wouldn’t work; the number of stairs required would consume too much of the small yard. Instead, we designed a dining deck that both Leslie and I loved. The deck integrates an existing old apple tree with low branches that naturally adds privacy to the dining area, and its one-sided growth adds charm. This tree is not just aesthetic; it will support patio lights, adding a magical touch to evening gatherings.

Leslies Dream Garden

With the hardscape layout finalized, it was time to bring Leslie’s dream garden to life.  I shaped the planting beds and the path together. There is a minimum of 36″ walkway around the birdbath and a wider area for placing two chairs in the back corner for sitting.  I centered a birdbath on the office door and surrounded it with flowering plants that offer four seasons of interest. There is a tendency to make the paths too small when working with a tiny backyard.  36 inches is big enough to accommodate a wheelbarrow.

Continue reading about Leslie’s dream garden in our upcoming Part 2 blog.

What is Your Dream Garden?

A carefully crafted garden springs from a practical design with well-situated paths and functional spaces, paired with a planting plan that delights the eye (and suits your garden care skills). This is my passion—creating custom landscape designs for small city properties.

Contact me to bring your dream garden to life.

 

Categories : Backyard Office or Studio, Before and Afters, Deck Design, Design Basics, Garden Tips, Parking Strips, Privacy, Tree Selection
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Custom Landscape Design for Your Portland ADU: Part 2

Posted by Landscape Design in a Day 
· July 2, 2024 

Many Types of Portland ADUs Requires An Experienced Landscape Designer

Finding a design/build contractor with an emphasis on design is necessary to learn what the potential of your property will yield. There may be multiple ways to site the structure. Exploring options with both your contractor and your landscape designer is the path to a great design that fits you and your property. I have worked with multiple clients with different needs and obstacles for their ADU custom landscape design. Here are a few examples.

North Portland ADU Requires Privacy

Privacy fence designed for ADU landscape in north Portland, Oregon

An interesting screen design creates privacy between the original home and the new ADU designed by artisan Doyle Gamble.

One of the challenges of this ADU was having a need for separate privacy with the new ADU build and the owner’s home. In order to separate the ADU’s outdoor living space from the home, a modern privacy fence was constructed. This left the original entry to the home untouched and gave wonderful light to the ADU.  After completion, the house still looks like a single family home, which is what the clients wanted.

North Portland

Portland Oregon Rose City neighborhood ADU has a sitting porch which faces the street and custom landscaping.

This ADU is designed for ADA compliance. and is fully wheelchair accessible.

This ADU was built in the deep backyard of a Portland home which faced the street behind the property. The ADU required wheelchair access and compliance with the American Disabilities Act. And the clients wanted a relaxing and attractive landscape that many people would enjoy, as the ADU was built to be a rental.

Beaumont Wiltshire ADU

This custom landscape incorporated new paths and living spaces around a Portland ADU.

This studio/ADU and landscape were designed together for a perfect fit by Landscape Design in a Day and installed by D and J Landscape Contracting.

An outdoor living area was wanted by clients in Beaumont Wiltshire neighborhood that included an ADU. The landscape design included walking paths and an echo chamber water feature with a drilled boulder for the water feature. Clients used a customized manufactured shed as a studio and guest room, which was quite lovely.  While not an official ADU since it has no plumbing, this family uses the studio every day.

Hillside ADU Willamette Heights

NW Portland hillside custom landscape design includes ADU musicians studio with Timber tech decking, a folding door system and cedar tongue and groove siding for the ADU's exterior.

Timber tech decking has 3 board widths in a repeating pattern adding interest to the decking. The folding door system allows the entire studio to be open to the deck.

Creating a garden design for a hillside ADU in Willamette Heights neighborhood, included taming the hillside by use of decking.  The doors on the ADU accordion open and the studio becomes a stage for the musicians inside. The deck of this musical ADU and a curved block wall provide seating.  My clients selected the modern style of the studio and I selected the location where it would go and how the decking would fit with the hillside garden design.  The clients, landscape designer and the builder worked closely together to bring the practice studio to life.  The clients found the folding door system which adds so much more functional use and integration between the deck and the studio.   I was able to influence this project from beginning to end.

If you are considering an ADU or studio for your property, don’t wait to include me as your custom landscape designer in the process.

Categories : Accessory Dwelling Unit ADU, No lawn back yard, outdoor living, Tree Selection
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Privacy Screening Landscape Design for Kerns Neighborhood Portland: Part 1

Posted by Carol 
· September 15, 2023 

Japanese Elm Update for Portland Privacy Landscape Design

Kern neighborhood backyard privacy landscape design.

Our Privacy Tree right after we planted it in 2020.  (Zelkova serrata ‘City Sprite’ Japanese Elm)

I dropped by my clients Chris and Veronica’s Kern neighborhood back yard to get my eyes on their privacy tree, a Japanese elm called City Sprite planted 3 years ago by Landscape Design in a Day.

Japanese Elm chosen for privacy in Kern Neighborhood landscape design.

Privacy Tree Hard at Work 3 Years After Planting in Kern Neighborhood

It is lush and filling in beautifully to minimize the impact of the 3-story apartment building that looms over their small city back yard.  We had a great time designing their new back yard and I love seeing the results.

Kern Neighborhood backyard in need of privacy landscape design.

Before Privacy Tree

We placed the City Sprite Elm to provide privacy for the dining area and it’s doing a great job for us.  However, it has not been without some worry for my clients.

Beetle Damage on Privacy Screen Tree

Japanese elm is resistant to Dutch Elm Disease so we can use this tree as a long-term solution without worrying it might succumb to the disease that has caused City of Portland to remove so many mature and ginormous elm trees.  Veronica noticed a beetle eating the leaves and making lots of holes in the leaves in June.  She contacted me to enquire about whether this was a serious problem and if so, should she replace the elm?

Beetle damage to leaves of Japanese Elm, privacy tree chosen in Kern Neighborhood landscape design

Japanese Elm leaves with beetle damage.

As I am not an arborist, I make sure I know some great ones.  I talked to Honl Tree Care and sent them photos.  They agreed that the defoliation shown in the photo was not serious, were somewhat surprised that the elm beetle was feeding on the Japanese elm as this is not typical.  They are confident that her elm tree will not get Dutch elm disease.

The best course of action was to take good care of her tree with proper watering and put up with the beetle’s minor damage.  Mind you it doesn’t feel like minor damage especially in June when the beetle is munching away but by July the beetles are done and the tree is looking vigorous and downright robust in spite of the holes in the leaves.

Privacy Landscape Design in N.E. Portland

We love working with tricky city back yards and want to help you enjoy your back yard.  Most of us want some privacy to entertain friends and family, and  to use your back yard for fun activities or relaxing.  Our back yards can also help our community by providing for pollinators and creating shade and cooling.  What’s on your wish list?

Contact Us

Let’s work together and transform your back yard into your private and perfect place to be.

Pot with Coral Bell in flower adds interest to pathway.

Categories : Before and Afters, Dramatic Flowers, Drought Tolerant Garden, Garden Pests, Garden Tips, No lawn back yard, Privacy, Shade Plants, Summer Garden Tips, Tree Selection
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