New Backyard Combines Function & Beauty in NE Portland
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.
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.
