Plantings

Trees, shrubs and ground cover breathe life into your landscape. We buy our plants from local growers, which achieves two goals: our planting material is well-acclimated to Central Oregon’s variable weather conditions, and; we support our local economy. The specific plants used in your landscape depends on your landscape design goals, the terrain and site conditions, and aesthetics.

Common plant strategies include:

  • native restoration
  • xeriscaping
  • creating and protecting riparian areas
  • low-maintenance plantings
  • theme gardens

Native Restoration

Native landscape restoration involves saving and restoring the elements of natural areas and protecting plant and wildlife biodiversity. It’s important to carefully select and use vegetation that does not require significant chemicals or labor to maintain. Native species have greater tolerance and resistance to pests and require less fertilization and chemical application than non-native species.

Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is commonly referred to as water-wise gardening. This planting strategy focuses on efficient irrigation practices and grouping plants together with the same water requirements (hydrozoning). It also emphasizes the conservation of all natural resources and proper plant selection. Xeriscapes can incorporate hundreds of plant choices – including trees, shrubs, evergreens, perennials and grasses – not just native plants.

Riparian Areas

A riparian area is the diverse vegetation that grows along streams, rivers or other bodies of water. It acts as a protective buffer between the land and the water. Riparian areas help achieve the following landscaping goals:

  • Increase your property value
  • Reduce property loss from excessive erosion
  • Protect water quality
  • Enhance wildlife habitat
  • Contribute to the natural beauty of the land
  • Dissipate noise from reservoir traffic, roads, and nearby properties
  • Reduce maintenance time and related costs
  • Provide privacy
  • Screen unsightly views
  • Enhance scenic views

Low-Maintenance Design

Although there is no such thing as a maintenance-free landscape, it is possible to have attractive landscaping that is easy to care for Good planning, design, plant selection and timely maintenance will reduce the amount of care that a landscape needs to look its best. We apply labor-saving solutions for weeds, pests, pets and snow removal.

Themes: English, Asian, Heritage, Mediterranean

Theme Gardens apply design theory and character that are typical of a particular style. For example:

  • English Cottage Gardens emphasize plants that inspire us emotionally rather than intellectually. The historical movement of Romanticism influenced the English Cottage style to rebel from the formal Classicism and its appreciation for order, discipline and moderation.
  • The Japanese garden tradition opens our eyes not only to the beauty of that country and region, but also to its reflection in our own cultural heritage and personal experience. Inspired by local materials, the result is quiet and graceful.
  • The plant palette at Brasada Ranch is an excellent example of an American Heritage style that captures the feel of rural farmsteads.

“The ground we walk on, the plants and creatures, the clouds above constantly dissolving into new formations – each gift of nature possessing its own radiant energy, bound together by cosmic harmony.”


Ruth Bernhard

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