This backyard landscape in SW Portland was inspired by native woodlands, wild meadows and zen contemplation gardens. The yard is split into two levels. The lower level is shady and slopes toward the house and the upper level is mostly flat and sunny. Above, the garden beds spill out into the wide gravel path like islands in a body of water. Below, the existing concrete slabs were removed and repurposed as a sitting wall and capped with tumbled bluestone for comfort.
As in the nature, there are both elements of new life and decay incorporated into the design. Rotting logs and animal bones offer an aspect of death while a colorful and ever changing display of flowing plants remind the garden dweller of the emergent life force and perennial beauty that abundantly spill into being.
These photos include before and after. Taken at year one and three.
Project completed 2016
