Maintenance

Beautiful Stratton Gardens in downtown Hood River.<br/> Photography by Susan Ballier.

Beautiful Stratton Gardens in downtown Hood River.
Photography by Susan Ballier.

A garden’s maintenance and care needs to be considered from the onset. Landscapes are by nature dynamic and change over time. Any garden will require a certain amount of maintenance to develop its full potential and aesthetic value. Design and installation can be geared toward creating a low-maintenance garden, by choosing appropriate plants and suitable garden style. Thorough, organic soil preparation will produce a vibrant soil life, resulting in healthy, sustainable plant growth and increased pest and disease resistance. Quality, well-laid hardscape materials and superior construction of structures lead to longevity and success of a landscape. The first two years after installation any plantings will need careful attention in terms of maintenance, particularly in regard to correct watering and weed control.  If properly planned and installed, a garden’s maintenance and water needs will decrease over time.

Plant questions and possible diagnosis can be addressed during meetings, here at Oak Street Hotel in Hood River, Oregon. Landscape designer Marion McNew on left.

Plant questions and possible diagnosis can be addressed during meetings, here at Oak Street Hotel in Hood River, Oregon. Landscape designer Marion McNew on left.

MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS

Colorful, well-maintained rock garden plantings delight the proud owners, as well as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, late June, Hood River, Oregon.

Colorful, well-maintained rock garden plantings delight the proud owners, as well as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, late June, Hood River, Oregon.

At Mount Hood Gardens, we assist our clients with maintaining their landscapes, using organic materials and sustainable methods wherever feasible. We offer seasonal, custom maintenance programs (usually spring and fall) and a small number of monthly contracts. We do not perform lawn maintenance. Also, we can teach you how to successfully maintain your own garden.