Hi everyone! I’m Carol Lindsay, Portland landscape designer since 1992.  In those years I have seen just about every front and back yard situation you can imagine.

I’m excited to share several landscape transformations right here in NE Portland. March brought us a rare run of sunny days, and it was the perfect time to visit clients and check in on a few newly installed front and back yards. If you’re curious about how outdoor spaces transform—and maybe dreaming about your own back or front yard makeover—read on for three stories of small changes with big impact.

1. Back Yard Bliss: Down to Earth (Literally!)

First up, I want to talk about back yard transformations. Sometimes, the design solution is crystal clear—this was one of those cases. My clients had an old deck that perched high above their small yard, which made the space feel kind of awkward. They spent time on the back deck but wanted something different. They wanted to feel like they were in their yard, not hovering over it.  Then bad news struck – the supports for the deck were rotted and the deck had to go.

They contacted me looking for help with a small and tricky back yard transformation.

Creating Good Flow in Small City Back Yards

My extensive experience with small city back yards and understanding how to create good flow allowed me to quickly create a layout that would work well.  Re designing how the two sets of stairs came down into this garden was key to the success.  We (Rich & Angela, my clients) all worked together on the design and landed on a new ground-level patio that’s just the right size. Suddenly, this once-awkward back yard feels more spacious, balanced and comfortable—and the sitting area feels deliberate, not just squeezed in.

Private Sitting Area and Garden Make a Beautiful View Inside and Out

Now we finally get to enjoy the plants and the dapples from the huge magnolia tree overhead in complete privacy.  I loved adding thoughtful details—like a cozy seating nook and a view-focused arrangement—that make a space feel special. The steel planters along the new steps into the garden add drama and another place for plantings.  The clients loved it so much, they moved all their furniture inside the house to face the new garden!

They’ve told me it’s completely changed the way they experience their home, inside and out. That’s a designer’s dream come true!  Stay tuned for photos showing the planters filled and our small plantings filling in.  PS  My client treated the steel planters to get the rich red rust color within a few weeks instead of waiting for a few years.

Testimonial

We had a super-nice, and personal experience with Carol as we went through the design process. She listened to our needs and quickly had a strong sense of what we were trying to achieve. The final delivered drawings and planting lists are exactly what we need to move our new garden design forward.

— Rich and Angela NE Portland Irvington Neighborhood

Ready for Your Own Refresh?

I love helping people create outdoor spaces that work for their real lives, whether that means welcoming birds and pollinators, making room for pets, or just setting up a comfy spot for coffee in the sun. If you’re in NE Portland and dreaming of a change (simple or dramatic), let’s talk! I’ll be with you every step of the way, from fine-tuning the perfect design to cheering on your new plants as they grow.

Want more inspiration or a free phone chat about your yard? Drop me a message, or use my contact form and let’s make your outdoor space your new favorite place.

Happy spring, everyone! —Carol Lindsay, specializing in city places and spaces…..Landscape Designer since 1992

P.S. If you love landscape design “before and afters,” keep an eye out for updated photos next summer.