Design Services

Design for the Rose Garden room at the Memory Garden, Hospice of the Gorge, Hood River, Oregon.

Design for the Rose Garden room at the Memory Garden, Hospice of the Gorge, Hood River, Oregon.

Mount Hood Gardens is a design/build company, meaning we design your landscape from the ground up and subsequently perform or oversee its installation. We employ our own stonemasons and planting crews, and work with reputable subcontractors for irrigation installation and carpentry tasks. Subsequently, we often assist clients with maintaining their gardens. We work exclusively in the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon and have over twenty-five years of detailed knowledge of its diverse microclimates and local soil and hardiness conditions.

WHY DO I NEED LANDSCAPE DESIGN?

Professional landscape design aims to create serene, private outdoor spaces, a sanctuary surrounding your home. It will provide the framework or structure for the garden and allows you to determine good features and possible challenges. We first explore these ideas and variables on paper, even before selecting the plants.

Download a (PDF) copy of the recently revised questionnaire we make available to our new clients to facilitate the design process, and find out about their needs and preferences for their landscape. This is especially helpful with large, comprehensive designs.

The finished Rose Garden room, after installation

The finished Rose Garden room, after installation

Well-designed landscaping adds actual, tangible value to your home and complements its architecture and setting. It provides structure, comfortable enclosure and privacy, enhancing desirable views and screening unwanted ones. Each place in your garden can provide a different perspective of light, color and movement.

To build a garden is to create a living, dynamic ecosystem, which will change and develop its own identity as it matures. We aspire to establish sustainable landscapes, which continue to improve over time.  To view examples of our extensive design pallet and diverse garden styles, please refer to the Residential Portfolio.

APLD-CertifiedAn effective design will avoid costly mistakes and problems during the subsequent installation. It will result in a landscape that makes the most of your investment and resources.  And it will reward you with lush gardens and comfortable, cozy outdoor rooms.

The best way to approach a landscape installation is to start with a comprehensive plan, especially if the project is substantial or complex. This will enable you to avoid costly changes later on and also to closely determine the estimated cost of the project. A landscape is a prudent investment, which should be well thought-out and planned with care. When designing and developing a landscape, thorough planning is well worth the time and effort and will make the subsequent installation easier and more enjoyable.

Once the design has been completed, you can then choose to install the garden in phases. With a finished landscape plan in place, larger installations frequently can be executed over a period of two to five years, thus spreading out expenses and at times even resulting in improved design details as the garden unfolds.

DESIGN PROCESS

services_marionThe initial site visit allows us to get to know each other and affords us an opportunity to listen to your ideas and goals. Together, we identify particular needs and possible problem areas, as well as desirable existing features and plants. If you decide to go forward and commission a design, we will complete a site survey and develop a rough draft for your future landscape, outlining the suggested concept. During our intermediate meeting we will review the conceptional plan and make changes as necessary.

After the concept and hardscape have been decided upon, only then will the plants be introduced into the design. With larger properties, separate planting plans may be completed for different areas. During a follow-up meeting, plant choices will be reviewed and then the final drawing will be produced. Small designs may require fewer steps. An itemized estimate for the installation will accompany the finished design. Timing and installation options will be discussed.

Residential design for a small patio landscape

Residential design for a small patio landscape

The back patio landscape in its full glory in mid June of 2009. The sitting wall and stone seat provide extra seating.

The back patio landscape in its full glory three years after construction. The sitting wall and stone seat provide extra seating.

Download a (PDF) copy of the recently revised questionnaire we make available to our new clients to facilitate the design process, and find out about their needs and preferences for their landscape. This is especially helpful with large, comprehensive designs.

COST

The cost for the design will depend on the landscape’s size and complexity. We can quote a fixed, total amount or charge an hourly rate. The design fee is a separate charge and does not cover any installation cost.