The owners of this property downsized from a big property, house, and outbuildings that required lots of time and energy to maintain to a smaller efficient home with a landscape that is both practical and in touch with nature. Our goal was to design and build a landscape on their new property that is easier to maintain, has places to experience nature especially the client’s love of birds, and create functional outdoor rooms where the clients will spend time during different times during the on the day. To do this we incorporated a paver patio with a basalt columns water feature, native plants planted into the boulder terraces, gravel pathways meandering around the house to destinations to sit and watch the mountains, birds and Aspen trees. The first impression of the front entry is inviting with natural flagstone patio on the northeast side of the house. This is a place where one can escape the sun and cool off from the very sunny western exposure in the backyard. This side of the house has been planted with a microclimate of hardy Vine Maple, Rhododendrons, Alumroot, and Columbines. This is the shady woodland side which contrasts with the sunny native high desert side of the property. The diversity on this 5 acre property packs in lots of interest for the clients to learn about the gorgeous Central Oregon landscape in their own backyard while relaxing and enjoying the beauty that abounds!