PLANSCAPER STORIES
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JD and Betsy wanted a garden that reflected their passion for design, was easy to care for and provided a place to relax with friends. They worked with their Planscaper designer to create an artistic plan that provided space for lounging and a fire pit, as well as practical elements such as compost, storage, and vegetable gardening. Many of the plant choices are perennial edibles and the geometric raised beds provide visual interest as well as fresh produce.
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The McGowan family is growing – and their garden needed to follow suit. The former side yard was bare and unappealing. When they started the Planscaper process, they had just a few trees and shrubs and not much privacy on their corner lot. Today they have a courtyard garden that keeps their twin daughters nearby, while providing space for adults to converse. The column rock water feature delights both – and is a good choice for small children.
“The plants matured faster than I expected. When we planted, everything looked small and so far apart, but after two seasons things are filling in really well. The rock rose that we purchased in 1 gallon pots are now 6 feet wide!
We enjoyed the process. It was hard work, but well worth it. It’s satisfying to complete projects you didn’t know you could do, like installing a sprinkler system and putting in a water feature. Having a plan to follow was so helpful.
“My wife and I didn’t know plants very well, so it was great to have our designer to guide us through the selection process. Overall, it was easy, it looks great and we’ve gotten lots of compliments from neighbors.”
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Gwen and Mike live on a small lot with only pockets of space to landscape, but they had a lot of outdoor living elements that wanted to include: a patio with grill, a water feature, a bench, a screen to enclose the space. Their planscaper designer helped priorities their needs, and think about qualities of each item on their ‘wish list’ that was compelling. For instance, the soothing background sound of water was the most important aspect – and that could be achieved in a small pool tucked in a lush corner. All the elements appeared in one form or another to create feel that was uncluttered.
“Our designer came up with ideas that we hadn’t even thought of. It made it possible to fit so much in to our small space!”
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In the Weber family garden a former swimming pool was transformed into low-maintenance garden bed with a cascading water feature. Layers of plantings gave the terrace a more intimate feel but retained views into the adjacent meadow. As the plantings mature, the space will become more forest-like, with inviting paths leading through it. Pops of color, like the brilliant red blossoms of Crocosmia, add interest through the seasons.
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Stephanie W. loves flowers. Her Lake Oswego property has a gorgeous view, but offered little in the way of color throughout the year. In meetings with a Planscaper designer, they came up with a plan that incorporated easy-care perennials and flowering shrubs that would attract birds and butterflies, and frame the lake view.
“My designer was so helpful and very patient with me as we worked through all my plant preferences. They did a wonderful job matching plants to the space available in my small yard.
The program is very easy to use and it’s nice to know I can stop by any Dennis 7 Dees and get advice on planting or plant substitutions at any time. All of the staff are great to work with.”