This craftsman bungalow in Northeast Portland was needing a refresh to maximize space for a young family. We leveled the front yard to create added lawn and garden space, installing two pioneer stone retaining walls at the front of the property.

The front deck stairs were rebuilt to better match the character of the home and add warmth to the entryway, and integrated landscape lighting was installed in the new the acid etch concrete stairway. A steel-edged gravel path with landscape lighting leads to the backyard, newly enclosed by a custom cedar fence. The original driveway was removed and replaced by new driving ribbons, separated by planted median strip.

Plantings are lush Northwest with tropical accents, selected to thrive in the deeply-shaded property while highlighting the home's architecture. Notable specimens include: hardy Schefflera at the home's foundation, Purple Palace Heuchera, multiple fern and Hosta species, ornamental grasses and sedum.