Before & After: A SE Portland Backyard Transformed Into an Entertainer's Outdoor Living Space
Every backyard has potential. Sometimes it just takes a fresh set of eyes to see it.
This SE Portland project had the right foundation: a beautiful Japanese maple worth building around, lovely late afternoon sun in the southeast corner, easy flow from the kitchen through open stairs, and a long side yard well suited for dogs. The bones were there. The design just needed to bring them together and give the space a reason to stay in.
Before: A Blank Canvas Ready for Something Great
This SE Portland project had the right foundation: a beautiful Japanese maple worth building around, lovely late afternoon sun in the southeast corner, easy flow from the kitchen through open stairs, and a long side yard well suited for dogs. The bones were there. The design just needed to bring them together and give the space a reason to stay in.
After: An Outdoor Living Space Built for Entertaining, Dogs, and Pollinators
The redesign brought clear geometry, layered plantings, and multiple distinct zones to a yard that previously had none. Minimalist lines, good flow, and room for outdoor dining and wildlife watching were at the center of every decision.
A New Deck Designed for Outdoor Dining and Gathering
The new deck is the anchor of the design, positioned to take full advantage of the kitchen connection and the southeast afternoon sun. Large enough for outdoor dining and entertaining, it creates a true extension of the interior living space. The 10' x 12' floating deck over the existing concrete pad at grade adds a second outdoor level, giving the yard depth and a sense of progression.
Paver Patio With BBQ Area
Adjacent to the deck, a new paver patio with 2' x 2' dimensional pavers and pea gravel grout defines the BBQ and outdoor kitchen zone. The pea gravel grout gives the patio a finished, contemporary look while keeping it permeable and within budget. New Steel steps and edging throughout keeps every edge clean and crisp.
Boulder Bubbler Fountain
A rewired outlet powers a new boulder bubbler fountain set into the pea gravel area, adding sound and movement to the space. It draws birds and wildlife in, making the yard a destination for watching as much as gathering.
10' Hogwire Trellis
A 10' hogwire trellis defines the back planting zone and provides a structure for climbing plants, adding vertical interest and a sense of enclosure without blocking light or views. Chinese Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is planted to climb it, bringing fragrance to the space as the season progresses.
Stationary Bench
A built-in stationary bench adds permanent seating without furniture that needs to be moved or stored. Positioned near the trellis and planting areas, it is a natural spot for watching the fountain or the bird feeders.
Smart Stormwater Solution
The downspout was piped below grade to a small rain garden with river rock and boulders, handling stormwater quietly and keeping the patio and planting areas from sitting in water after Portland's heavy rains.
A Long Grassy Side Yard for the Dogs
The side yard was kept open and grassed with a steel retainer managing the grade, giving the dogs the run of the space they needed without competing with the entertaining zones.
Existing Plants Worth Keeping
The redesign honored what was already there. The Japanese maple was preserved and pruned to show its best form. Existing hellebore from the stone steps was transplanted into the new planting beds. Roses, rosemary, heather, strawberry, black mondo grass, Siberian bugloss, and snowberry were retained and integrated into the new design wherever possible.
A Plant Palette Built for Pollinators, Wildlife, and Dogs
Every new plant was chosen with pollinators in mind and vetted to be non-toxic for dogs. Trees include Blue Surprise Port Orford Cedar and Shooting Star Japanese Umbrella Pine. Shrubs layer in Fairy Blush Camellia, Thumbbelina Leigh English Lavender, Oregon Grape, and Red Flowering Currant, a beloved Pacific Northwest native that hummingbirds arrive for every spring.
Ferns and grasses fill the mid-layer: Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass, All Gold Japanese Forest Grass, Black Mondo Grass, and Karl Foerster Sedge bring movement, texture, and year-round interest. Western Sword Fern and Little Bunny Fountain Grass soften edges and transitions.
Perennials include Magnus Purple Coneflower, Red Lady, Sweep Monkeyflower, Coast Penstemon, and Pioneer Violet. Oregon Sedum covers the ground between, filling in quickly and feeding pollinators through the summer. At the fence line, Chinese Star Jasmine climbs the hogwire trellis.
The Result
A backyard that was easy to overlook is now easy to love. It has places to cook, dine, and gather. A fountain that draws birds. A trellis that will fill in with fragrance. Grasses and perennials that bloom in succession from spring through fall. A side yard the dogs can have all to themselves. And a Japanese maple, finally pruned and placed to be seen.
About Northwest Native Landscapes
Northwest Native Landscapes is a Portland-based landscape design, build, and maintenance company specializing in sustainable outdoor spaces throughout the Portland metro area. We are known for incorporating Pacific Northwest native plants, edible gardens, and pollinator-friendly planting into designs that are as functional as they are beautiful. Every project uses sustainable materials and practices, from permeable paving and French drains to rain gardens and arborist mulch. Whether you are looking for a complete backyard transformation, ongoing landscape maintenance, or a native plant garden designed around your lifestyle, our team brings local knowledge, honest process, and lasting results.
