There are some gardens that cause me to pause as I’m walking by. When it happens, I often wonder if the garden has been professionally designed. Pleasing proportions, interesting design elements and textures, and exceptional plant combinations seem to be hallmarks of a well-designed—and often professionally designed—garden. I’ve designed parts of my own garden but I’m often frustrated with how plants don’t work together as well as I’d envisioned or I get distracted by a new plant or tree that necessitates rethinking my garden plan. Does this ever happen to you?
I needed to come up with a plan for a prominent area of my garden after Barney (my adorable golden retriever) and another dog that was living with us gleefully raced around the yard and created a big muddy mess in the middle of what used to pass for lawn. Carol Lindsay, a landscape designer (www.design-in-a-day.com) happened to be visiting one day. It took her about one second to suggest how to deal with the problem area; I’d been trying to come up with an economical solution for months!
Each designer brings an interesting perspective to a garden. I have the pleasure of being involved with the Association of Northwest Landscape Designers and Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Both organizations will be at the Yard, Garden & Patio Show, February 12-14 at the Oregon Convention Center. Stop by the association booths for a visit to understand the value of working with a landscape designer for all or part of your yard. Or visit some of their members and other garden designers and contractors exhibiting at the show. In addition to providing inspiration, they can save you lots of time, money, sweat and tears when it comes to planning a garden!
Coombs & Luthy
D & J Landscape Contractors
Dennis’ Seven Dees Landscaping & Garden Centers
Design Resource Group
Enviromax Landscape & Design
Froeberland Landscape Architecture
Gardens by Rebecca
Goodnight Design
Green Thumb Landscape & Maintenance
Homescaper, LLC
JP Stone Contractors
Landscape East & West
Landshaper
Living Gardens LLC
Oregon Landscape Maintenance
ProGrass, Inc.
The Gardensmith
White Crane Landscaping LLC