Our award-winning gardens and landscapes are known for their year-round interest and harmonious color schemes. Please refer to the Portfolio section for examples of the many private, commercial, and public gardens we have created over the past twenty-five years. We select quality materials, and appropriate plants tailored to the site and your personal preferences. Disease-resistant plants with sequential bloom periods and excellent texture add continuous interest to your landscape. Successful gardens change with the seasons and allow for different views and impressions throughout the year. In the Mid-Columbia, one often frequents different outdoor places for sitting or eating during the course of the year, in tune with the changing seasons and weather.
INSTALLATION PROCESS
Gorgeous fall colors enhance this spacious entrance landscape in Hood River, Oregon
Once the landscape design is complete, we can install your landscape in phases or as a complete project. You may also choose to do part of the installation yourself. The installation starts with contouring your site’s terrain, grading and improving drainage, if necessary. Construction of the hardscape, i.e. seating areas, paths and structures, then takes place. Subsequently, soil preparation, irrigation installation, and planting follow. We employ our own, experienced stonemasons and planting crews, and work with reputable subcontractors to install irrigation systems and build structures. A properly installed garden, through careful, organic soil preparation and use of hardy, acclimated plants, will continue to improve and delight for many years to come, as it matures and develops its own identity.
STONE
These handsome moss rock terracing walls were constructed dry, with generous, mortared bluestone steps leading to the patio above.
Natural stone is beautiful, low-maintenance and exceptionally durable. It adds an old-world charm and permanence to the garden and your outdoor spaces. Using native stone for your patios and paths relates and roots your garden to its surroundings and provides continuity with regional history. Furthermore, local stone is usually more cost-effective and sustainable. Individual expression and taste will give each garden its special flair. Our stonemasons have extensive experience with the construction of stonewalls, patios, paths, steps, and decorative stone features.
For examples of our stonework, please refer to Stone in the Garden in the Residential Portfolio section.
PLANTS
Our thriving stock beds are used for propagation and trialing; the company office in the background, late September
We regularly test new plant varieties at our growing facility, and, once they have proven their value and adaptability to our locale, we introduce them into your garden. Grouping plants according to their cultural needs and devoting part of your landscape to suitable native plants is an environmentally friendly approach. It also gives your garden a distinct character, which reflects the beautiful natural landscape around us. Indigenous and drought-tolerant plants usually need less water once established. Xeriscaping has become a popular, recognized gardening method. A thriving, fertile soil will contribute to healthy plant growth, minimize pests and diseases, and aid in achieving a low-maintenance garden.
COST
Each site is unique and cost of a landscape installation varies with soil conditions and location, as well as type of materials and plants chosen. Steep sites requiring retaining walls and terracing will be more costly to develop than level ones. We provide an itemized estimate for the installation with your completed design, which will allow us to determine your budget needs. Phasing of the landscape installation is possible, although multiple set-up times can add to the installation costs.
Mount Hood Gardens, Inc. is fully licensed, bonded and insured as a Landscape Design and Contractor Business in Oregon, License #6348. It carries Worker’s Compensation and Public Liability Insurance, and pays Unemployment and Social Security Taxes for its employees as required by the US Government.