Archive for garden design with stone

Transforming Outdoor Living Space Dreams Into Reality: Part Two

· July 26, 2024

New Backyard Combines Function & Beauty in NE Portland

Weigela shrubs were incorporated into this NE Portland dream outdoor living space design.

The weigela shrubs were mature and covered the fence on the south side beautifully and these plants will stay in the new garden. Here is a close up of the flower cluster on a May day.

The custom design process of my NE Portland clients’ backyard checked off a lot of their wish list. I was also able to incorporate existing plantings into the new design. Let’s look at a few details of the transformation process and see how their outdoor living dream became a reality.

Studio Space: My thinking through the use of the property and how my clients would walk to the studio was one big factor on final placement. Setting the 12′ x 16′ studio on an angle softened the view of the structure and allowed for better use of the small yard. We also needed a larger than typical patio without sacrificing planting areas and again the angle worked to our benefit giving us more room for the patio. It also gave us a small very private corner garden room, with (lots of ferns) and the existing Mountain Ash tree remains in this corner. I could imagine curious grandkids playing back there away from the grown-ups.
Hellebore is a perennial that flowers in early spring. This one was still in flower late May.
Curved Pathways and Dog-Friendly Zones: We designed gentle, curved pathways that connect all sitting areas and create a sense of exploration. There are shady areas for their dog to explore or snooze in.
They chose a prefabricated shed from Better Built Barns out of Salem, customizing it to become their creative studio. Choosing the pre fabricated shed saved quite a bit of money over a custom.
Outdoor Cooking Area: Its amazing how tricky placing the BBQ can be. We tried many different locations but ultimately convenience of use won out with the location near the door to the backyard. There were many location options for the pizza oven.
Privacy and Views: To address privacy concerns and improve views, we carefully planned the placement of a small berm to place a tree. The added height of the berm creates privacy from south side neighbors more quickly.
Removing Laurel Hedge: Our clients gave up the old laurel hedge because it was taking so much square footage. This change opened up a significant amount of space to add more lush plantings. The lush plantings help balance the large faux flagstone patio paver area and second seating area.
Water Management: Donna Burdick of D & J Landscape Contractors created a simple irrigation system designed for low water as part of the overall landscape installation.
Faux Flagstone Patio: We needed a larger than typical primary dining patio and to keep it looking natural my clients chose flagstone. Donna Burdick and I looked at the possibility of using Mega-Arbel which is actually a concrete paver which loosely quotes the visual look of flagstone, (from Belgard which we have used in the past). The color range and the ease of installation sold us all and this is the paver we used-Belgard Mega-Arbel flagstone pavers.

The Transformation Process

I introduced my clients to one of my top landscape contractors, Donna Burdick of D & J Landscape Contractors. My clients connected with Donna and we embarked on a journey to bring our vision to life.

Construction of hardscape is pictured for the NE Portland backyard. Including a fall crape myrtle.

Photo credit: Donna Burdick, D & J Landscape Contractors. Crape myrtle showing off fall colors, crushed rock paths laid and the flagstone pavers were installed for the patio next to the house. Nothing else would happen until the studio was built.

The project kicked off with the installation of the landscape layout (paths and base for the paver patio) and the foundation slab for the studio where a few last minute nudges were made to the studio location. Once the slab-on-grade foundation was poured, the studio was installed, painted, and finalized. Donna Burdick’s team then returned to bring the planting plan to life and finish all the details.

California Lilac flowering in May – love that blue.

A New Lifestyle Unveiled

On a sunny April day, I came by to visit. The transformation was nothing short of spectacular. Amy was entertaining a guest in the studio, and told me how the studio was used daily and was an integral part of their daily life. The backyard was now a happy blend of function and beauty, perfectly suited to their needs.

Get Inspired

If you’re dreaming of a great backyard, one that fits all your wishes check us out. At Landscape Design In A Day, we’re passionate about turning dreams into tangible functional realities. Whether you need a dream backyard makeover, or a full property transformation, we’re here to help you get it just right.

Your dreams can also become a reality, whether large or small, when sitting down to work with me and create a beautiful outdoor living space.

Categories : Backyard Office or Studio, Before and Afters, Garden Tips, No lawn back yard, Privacy, Water features

Tags : boulders, Echo Chamber Water Feature, flagstone patio, garden design with stone, Home Office Studio backyard, low water plantings, studio placement

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

Tags : Adu, curb appeal, difficult small gardens, drought tolerant plantings, flagstone in the garden, garden design with stone, Hardscape Design, How to select a landscape designer, low maintenance landscape, modern style landscape, No Lawn, outdoor enertaining patio, privacy screening

Update on Back Yard Design for Irvington Neighborhood Baby Boomers – Part 2

Posted by Carol

· March 18, 2024

Combining Hardscape Design With An Irvington Neighborhood Custom Landscape

One Level Landscape Makes the Most Powerful Change

Now my clients use this area regularly and enjoy the cool shade on hot days. Its also the perfect spot to use for an outdoor office since you can keep your electronics dry. Catching up on e-mails over a nice cuppa joe in a beautiful back yard oasis is very enjoyable for my clients.

Privacy Solution for Home Office

Refresh a hardscape with bamboo privacy planters in Irvington neighborhood custom landscape.

Planters with mature clumping bamboo make fast privacy screen for home office.

In this particular project, privacy for the office was a critical aspect. With a three-story house neighboring the backyard, a traditional arborvitae or yew hedge wouldn’t work due to height constraints. We wanted to create a soft green leafy view from the office window, ensuring complete privacy without the need for window treatments. That’s where the evergreen clumping bamboo came in. We strategically placed planters for the bamboo to provide privacy from the neighboring house’s windows.

Over time, the bamboo grew tall enough to fulfill our client’s privacy requirements. The only surprise we encountered was that the bamboo leaned more than expected, likely due to the fact we were facing south and the bamboo instinctively leaned toward the light. Their gardener Annie Wotek fashioned some mostly invisible staking to rectify this problem.

Designer and Installer Collaboration Creates the Best Designs

The installation was another collaborative effort between myself, D and J Landscape Contractors and Victor Vincelli. Victor figured out how to use the existing small porch with a few modifications rather than build a new one. He made the custom cover for the firepit and the planters for the privacy screen. His thoughts on how to work with the design to the best outcome for the clients was helpful as always. Donna Burdick and I worked together to adjust the design for the inevitable changes that come up during the installation phase. I also conferred with her before I finalized the choice of hardscape materials. I want to be sure a flagstone or paver is available and that the installer is comfortable working with that material before I present it to the client.

Design Success Tip

Don’t fall in love with a patio paver or any material that is back ordered, or pick a paver or stone product that is difficult to cut or install. There are so many trusted, easy-to-work-with materials out there. We know how they weather and how to install, and that is what I want for my clients. I’m happy to let other designers try something brand new for their clients.

Professional Grade Products

The collaborative effort between the designer, contractor, and clients ensured a successful installation, and the use of professional-grade materials installed by experienced hands guarantees the design’s longevity and value.

As a landscape designer, seeing our success and the transformation of a property after only a few years brings me a deep satisfaction and joy. This back yard landscape design has lived up to its potential and provided our clients with a serene and enjoyable space.

Contact Us

Combining hardscape pavers & cedar planter box for custom landscaping in Irvington neighborhood.

Carol Lindsay, Landscape Designer, and clumping bamboo after 1 year.

Do you want a collaborative and professional landscape design where you choose your own installer? We are happy, very happy to refer you to trusted installers and the design we created for you is yours to install on your own or with your favorite installer. Let’s get creative together. Contact us

Categories : Before and Afters, Design Basics, Landscape Styles, Low Maintenance Landscape Examples, outdoor living, Privacy

Tags : Aging in place in the garden, flagstone in the garden, garden design with stone, Gardens for seniors, Hardscape Design, outdoor enertaining patio, privacy screening

From Wasted Space to Outdoor Oasis: Grant Park Custom Landscape Design Part 2

Posted by Landscape Design in a Day

· February 12, 2024

Using Feng Shui to Create A Cozy Custom Landscape Design

The New Angle Creates Welcoming Energy and Better Space

When I saw the drawing Alana and the clients selected I was pretty excited. So I’m going to make a big fuss about the direction Alana took this design. It’s the angle of the steps and the patio which frees up useful space. And the angled entry steps from the porch? It brought about a warm and cozy energy, as if it was saying, ”Come on out and enjoy the new garden and sitting area!”. It’s a real life example of Feng Shui principles. And Alana always hits the ball out of the park for our clients but I have to say this one was extra special. Oh and the angled patio fixes the bowling alley narrow feel of the old side yard.

Grant Park Portland neighborhood required creative thinking in designing this custom landscape.

The angled patio will fix the narrow side yard’s tunnel effect. Pictured left to right Donna Burdick, D and J Landscape Contractors, Hilary Hutler and Alana Chau designers with Landscape Design in a Day April 2023

This simple change gave Alana a thread to follow to finish the design. It created enough room for a narrow dining table measuring 6’ x 3’, (a bigger table would not work) while still allowing space to walk around the patio. We credit our client for this useful and interesting space and design because she was willing to get rid of the driveway. Lots of people would have been afraid to let us even consider taking out the driveway. We could not have given them a good design without ditching the driveway.

Creating Privacy for the House

Not only did we enhance the view from inside the house, we transformed it. Gone were the hacked rhododendron and the view of the neighbor’s car and driveway. Instead, we softened the view and framed the new lush garden with three evergreen Magnolia trees. And even from indoors, seeing the angled walkway and patio paver pattern below adds an attractive elegance.

Unique pavers were included in the patio for this Grant Park custom landscape design.

Castone Olympic pavers have a sand finish which is quite elegant.

A Custom Approach is Necessary for All Our Clients

At Landscape Design in a Day we are proud of our custom design solutions. We understand that generic designs or cookie cutter web service design services just don’t work. The most important part of the design can be discovered working at your kitchen table. It’s invigorating to work directly with our clients and produces a better fitting design.

We are willing to go the extra mile because it works and we are accustomed to drawing up multiple layout versions and allowing the creative juices to flow freely. This dedication ensures that we find the best use of space, one that is not only attractive but also highly functional. It’s this kind of personalized approach that sets Landscape Design in a Day apart from the rest.

Client Review

“Alana was great! She asked good questions and listened very carefully. My preferences and my husband’s differed and yet Alana was able to create a design solution for our side yard that pleased both of us. The backyard was a difficult space; it’s small and mostly filled with a trampoline that we wanted to keep.

After listening to our thoughts and feelings about this dilemma Alana recommended leaving the trampoline in place. She specified playground grade cedar chip mulch to go under and around the trampoline that is the perfect solution to the muddy sparse grass. No mowing and it looks attractive and finished. Last of all, the flagstone path to the back yard completed the transformation. I am very happy with the design and my husband and I have exactly what we wanted.

Tiffiney from Grant Park Neighborhood in N.E. Portland

Contact Us

Let’s transform your tricky city property to make the best use of limited space and craft a landscape design for your desires. Contact us.

Our next blog about this landscape will include information about the selected plants and the installation process. We referred installer Donna Burdick D and J Landscape Contractors to our clients. The installation is a collaborative affair with clients, designer and installer working together.

Categories : Before and Afters, Deck Design, Design Basics, outdoor living, Privacy

Tags : cedar chip paths, difficult small gardens, dining patio, garden design with stone, Hardscape Design, modern style landscape, No Lawn, outdoor enertaining patio, small back yard

Update on Back Yard Design for Irvington Neighborhood Baby Boomers – Part 1

Posted by Carol

· December 30, 2023

Irvington Neighborhood Backyard with crushed rock patio, gas firepit, small dog friendly lawn and a covered dining area

Comfortable Outdoor Entertaining and a bit of lawn for their dog Sonny were important priorities in the back yard design for Irvington Neighborhood baby boomers.

Irvington Back Yard Transformed into Baby Boomers’ Outdoor Paradise

Three years ago we transformed a clunky Irvington back yard into a baby boomers outdoor paradise. I can’t wait to share with you how it has matured and transformed. Lets walk through the success of this back yard design in the Irvington neighborhood of N.E. Portland. I’ll share tips and philosophy about working with small city properties and give you a peek into the process of creating a successful design. Let’s dive in!

Privacy for the Home Office and Comfortable Outdoor Entertaining were the Top Priorities

My baby boomer clients David and Anne had some specific priorities for their back yard design: comfortable seating for entertaining, a fire pit, grassy area for Sonny the dog, and reasonably low-maintenance plantings that would provide year-round color. Additionally, they wanted a peaceful and private view from their large home office windows. And a special place for blueberries and fun summer color plants . They also wanted me to evaluate whether to keep the covered area which was a very big decision.

Clunky Boring Back Yard Needs Integration Flow and Spark

clunky back yard with poor flow for walking and too much lawn in Irvington neighborhood Portland Oregon

Before: covered area has poor flow to the side yard. New homeowners don’t use it and want to remove it.

The first photo shows the mature landscape design 3 years after the installation. I love a good before and after. It’s incredible to see the difference a good design and time can make!

Importance of Spatial Planning:

Before Pic shows awkward problem area to address in NE Portland back yard transformation (during construction process)

Window well location adds to access and flow problems in NE Portland back yard.

One of the biggest mistakes I see in small city back yard landscapes is skimping on the space needed to walk and move around a sitting area. It’s understandable to think that smaller back yards should get smaller than typical patios, lawn areas and planting beds but this is not helpful. There is a size required for functional sitting areas that includes pulling back the chair to sit and space to move around the furniture easily. This kind of thinking will ensure the back yard gets used because it feels gracious and welcoming.

Shape and Layout of Useable Spaces Must Fit Together

The shape and layout of the different spaces also play crucial roles in the overall design, and careful consideration is necessary to create an integrated and harmonious feel.

Make Sitting Areas Big Enough

Carefully placed flagstone connects covered patio and protects grass from lots of foot traffic. Installer: D and J Landscape Contractors

I give us top marks for the spacious but cozy natural gas patio and the simple hardscapes materials we used. It’s a 16 foot circle, providing plenty of room for everyone to sit comfortably. To make it even more versatile, we added a custom wood fire pit cover that can be used as a table for drinks on hot days when a fire pit’s warmth is not desired. A crushed rock surface is very affordable when compared to pavers or flagstone but knowing which kind of crushed rock is important for success and a topic of its own. Adding an attractive paver edge gives our patio elegance without costing a lot. We repeated this same paver (Belgard Urbana Victorian) in other areas which helps to tie everything together. This new patio is a very popular and often used outdoor room and was also used for summer book club meetings.

Fixing the Covered Area – Make it Feel Good to Use

When we first started the design process, our clients didn’t like using the covered deck area and were considering removing the columns and the roof and only keeping the shed portion. They instinctively knew something was wrong with this area, didn’t like sitting there but did not know why or how to address it. Mind you there were certain fixed elements, such as the support posts, a deep window well, and the corner of the house that we couldn’t modify and all right on top of each other. Adding complexity, the covered area was the gateway to the kitchen door, to the front yard and the access door to the shed. The previous homeowners had decked the area under the cover which meant we had to step up to use this area and step down to leave it. There was no room to walk around it due to the deep window well.

crushed rock patio with elegant paver edging is the focal point of Irvington neighborhood back yard landscape design

Our crushed rock patio (with gas fire pit) has elegant paver edging and Adirondack chairs made from recycled plastic.

I wanted to make it feel good to walk into and sit and also comfortable to walk through and around the table and chairs to other daily use areas. Because that is how we fix it, we make it feel good.

Tips to Make an Outdoor Sitting Area Feel Good to Use

remove the step up and make the covered area level with the rest of the landscape.
repeat hardscape materials in different areas of the back yard
integrate the new seating area by adding a few matching flagstone to reach the back porch into the lawn.
install a flagstone and repeated the fire pit paver trim in our new covered seating area.
covered the window well with a small removable wood cover which effectively masked the large hole visually and made it safer for occasional walking.

One Level Landscape Makes the Most Powerful Change

All of these adjustments worked seamlessly, creating a relaxed and comfortable all weather environment for our clients. I think creating a one level landscape was the most powerful change. Combined, these changes made a significant difference in how it felt to use the covered sitting area. Now my clients use this area regularly and enjoy the cool shade on hot days. Its also the perfect spot to use for an outdoor office since you can keep your electronics dry. Catching up on e mails over a nice cuppa of joe in a beautiful back yard oasis is very enjoyable for my clients.

Privacy Solution for the Home Office and Materials List (See part 2)

As a landscape designer, seeing our success and the transformation of a property after a few years brings me a deep satisfaction and joy. This back yard landscape design has lived up to its potential and provided our clients with a serene and enjoyable space.

Client Testimonial

pictured Carol Lindsay founder of Landscape Design in a Day sitting on cedar planter. Paver is Victoriana by Belgard, Planter designed by Victor and Carol, Bamboo is Fargesia robusta and new fence by Cascade

Carol Lindsay, Landscape Designer, and clumping bamboo after 1 year.

“We loved working with Carol. She created a beautiful design and final product. She is a great collaborator and listener. We now spend time every day enjoying the beautiful spaces.” David and Anne

I was just contacted to design a landscape for their new home. In addition to their testimonial on my web page, knowing they wouldn’t dream of tackling this next landscape without ‘my magic’ says more than words.

Contact us

If you’re looking to transform your back yard, feel free to reach out to us with our contact form or a phone call. We’d be delighted to bring our expertise to create a landscape design that you’ll love and enjoy for years to come.

Categories : Before and Afters, Garden Tips, outdoor living, Privacy

Tags : covered dining area, flagstone in the garden, flagstone path, garden design with stone, gas fire bowl, low maintenance planting, outdoor enertaining patio, privacy screening, small back yard