It’s September and while “back to school” gets all the attention, we all know summer is not really over. Those who have lived in the Pacific Northwest long enough know September often brings the best weather of the year! Days are still warm, but not too hot; nights are cool and crisp, but still pleasant; and our rainy season has not quite begun. It’s also not unusual for an extended summer to last weeks into October. For gardeners and landscapers especially, September is the last hurrah.(more…)
Portland landscapes are in full bloom this time of year, treating residents and visitors to an abundance of colorful and fragrant roses, fuchsia, and perennials. Landscapes need maintaining throughout summer’s high-growth season. If you’re planning out your midsummer gardening tasks, here’s a good list to get you started:(more…)
“Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.” Did you know these wise words from the Dalai Lama apply to landscape design? Landscape design experts start with sound design principles as a foundation. They can then produce stunning designs knowing they may decide to break a few rules to accommodate their creative choices.(more…)
Humans throughout history have associated water with everything from peace, openness, wisdom, and depth, to balance, cleansing, healing, and salvation. There’s even scientific evidence to support the many benefits we get from being in or near water. If you’re looking to add a little Zen to your landscape, consider incorporating the element of water.Water features can be used as design focal points, to mask unwanted noise, to offer a soothing soundtrack, to reflect a more natural environment, to attract wildlife, and to create a sense of visual movement. Whatever the reason, here are some tips to help you design a water feature that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and transforms your backyard into a paradise.(more…)
Summer is when the Pacific Northwest really shines. The vibrant colors, the cool mornings and the warm afternoons beckon us to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Sure, there are lots of festivals and concerts to attend, nearby mountains and beaches to enjoy, and exotic places to visit. But some of our most cherished memories are created when we host a great party or old fashioned barbeque for friends and family in our own beautiful backyard. (more…)
It’s finally spring in the Pacific Northwest! As the warmer weather invites us outdoors, a gentle breeze bathes our senses in the sweet smells of fresh garden blooms. We gaze across our verdant landscape and see...a thinning, brown patch smack dab in the middle of our lawn?? (more…)
Homeowners have a choice when it comes to residential maintenance. They can opt for a basic service that’s just that: mowing your lawn, blowing off any leaves, and little else. Professionals refer to these operations as “mow, blow, and go” because their business model depends on quantity over quality. Expertise and experience matters. Just because someone can build you a cabinet doesn’t mean you’d hire them to build your house. If excellence and quality service matters to you, you need a full-service landscaping maintenance company with a reputation you can trust.(more…)
The Art of Outdoor Living
]Close your eyes and imagine the perfect outdoor oasis. Is there a trickling creek running alongside an inviting gazebo? What about a fireplace to warm up next to on a cool evening? Maybe you envision a new outdoor kitchen surrounded by a lively group of friends and family members? Whatever you see in your ideal outdoor space, now is the time to start making that dream come true.(more…)
This year, why not set a resolution that is sure to have a positive impact on your outlook? Imagine a beautiful outdoor space you can enjoy any time of year. With the right planning, year-round outdoor entertaining is possible, especially in temperate areas like the Pacific Northwest. Here are some garden design techniques that can make Oregon winters feel a little warmer. (Lynn Wolfstone's Garden)(more…)
When it comes to lighting your landscape, the right design can make all the difference. While lighting design is often overlooked, it’s one of those elements that when done properly can add that “Wow” factor to your landscape and home exterior.(more…)
It’s September and while “back to school” gets all the attention, we all know summer is not really over. Those who have lived in the Pacific Northwest long enough know September often brings the best weather of the year! Days are still warm, but not too hot; nights are cool and crisp, but still pleasant; and our rainy season has not quite begun. It’s also not unusual for an extended summer to last weeks into October. For gardeners and landscapers especially, September is the last hurrah. (more…)
Portland landscapes are in full bloom this time of year, treating residents and visitors to an abundance of colorful and fragrant roses, fuchsia, and perennials. Landscapes need maintaining throughout summer’s high-growth season. If you’re planning out your midsummer gardening tasks, here’s a good list to get you started: (more…)
“Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.” Did you know these wise words from the Dalai Lama apply to landscape design? Landscape design experts start with sound design principles as a foundation. They can then produce stunning designs knowing they may decide to break a few rules to accommodate their creative choices. (more…)
Humans throughout history have associated water with everything from peace, openness, wisdom, and depth, to balance, cleansing, healing, and salvation. There’s even scientific evidence to support the many benefits we get from being in or near water. If you’re looking to add a little Zen to your landscape, consider incorporating the element of water.
Water features can be used as design focal points, to mask unwanted noise, to offer a soothing soundtrack, to reflect a more natural environment, to attract wildlife, and to create a sense of visual movement. Whatever the reason, here are some tips to help you design a water feature that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and transforms your backyard into a paradise.
(more…)
Summer is when the Pacific Northwest really shines. The vibrant colors, the cool mornings and the warm afternoons beckon us to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Sure, there are lots of festivals and concerts to attend, nearby mountains and beaches to enjoy, and exotic places to visit. But some of our most cherished memories are created when we host a great party or old fashioned barbeque for friends and family in our own beautiful backyard. (more…)
It’s finally spring in the Pacific Northwest! As the warmer weather invites us outdoors, a gentle breeze bathes our senses in the sweet smells of fresh garden blooms. We gaze across our verdant landscape and see...a thinning, brown patch smack dab in the middle of our lawn?? (more…)
Homeowners have a choice when it comes to residential maintenance. They can opt for a basic service that’s just that: mowing your lawn, blowing off any leaves, and little else. Professionals refer to these operations as “mow, blow, and go” because their business model depends on quantity over quality. Expertise and experience matters. Just because someone can build you a cabinet doesn’t mean you’d hire them to build your house. If excellence and quality service matters to you, you need a full-service landscaping maintenance company with a reputation you can trust. (more…)
Close your eyes and imagine the perfect outdoor oasis. Is there a trickling creek running alongside an inviting gazebo? What about a fireplace to warm up next to on a cool evening? Maybe you envision a new outdoor kitchen surrounded by a lively group of friends and family members? Whatever you see in your ideal outdoor space, now is the time to start making that dream come true.
(more…)
This year, why not set a resolution that is sure to have a positive impact on your outlook?
Imagine a beautiful outdoor space you can enjoy any time of year. With the right planning, year-round outdoor entertaining is possible, especially in temperate areas like the Pacific Northwest. Here are some garden design techniques that can make Oregon winters feel a little warmer. (Lynn Wolfstone's Garden)
(more…)
When it comes to lighting your landscape, the right design can make all the difference. While lighting design is often overlooked, it’s one of those elements that when done properly can add that “Wow” factor to your landscape and home exterior.
(more…)
