"SPRING...A TIME OF RENEWAL"

" WITH A GARDEN....THERE IS HOPE"

Garden Aesthetics

LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Linda Engstrom, FAPLD

GARDEN AESTHETICS is a landscape design and consulting business located near Portland, Oregon in the Pacific Northwest. I emphasize regionalism....creating gardens with a 'sense of place', and a philosophy that every landscape in our vast country is unique. I feel that it is important that we first 'read the landscape' and learn from what we see. Our gardens should reflect both the region we live in and our own individual personalities, with the realization that gardens themselves can be strongly theraputic and healing in nature. Gardens, above all, can teach us to see what is really important, can help us become reconnected to the natural world, and can help us slow our lives down!

After designing on my own for over 25 years, in 2000 I started a mentoring program with graduates of the Landscape Design and Technology program at Portland Community College where I have taught since 1989. Barb Simon was my first mentoree, and working with her inspired me to expand the program. I continue to work with some of these former students who are now designers on their own. We often collaborate on designs with the aim of providing well thought out and personal designs that will be an enriching experience for everyone involved! At this point I am available for basic consultations and prefer to work on smaller conceptual projects. I refer clients wanting full planting plans to these select designers who I feel embody the skills and philosophy long associated with Garden Aesthetics. They will work with you directly, or may suggest a collaboration.

I INVITE YOU TO GET TO KNOW....

DEB ROSSI , and IZZY BAPTISTA

With the economic downturn that started in the Fall of 2008, we are realizing the importance of creating a home sanctuary....a tranquil place that extends your indoor living space and helps you achieve your own vacation spot right at home! Even the smallest space can be transformed into something that will inspire creative thought. Consider an inexpensive consultation to discover the potential that may be available without 'breaking the bank'!

MY BACKGROUND- GOING DOWN THE GARDEN PATH....

I grew up on the East coast, earning a design degree from CORNELL UNIVERSITY and working eight years as a designer for Armstrong World Industries. In 1973 my husband and I moved to OREGON with our two young sons and in 1976 I received a degree in Landscape Design. We established CLOUDREST VINEYARDS in 1984 on our 12 acres of hillside property outside of Portland. During the 1980's and 90's I traveled and photographed gardens in England, France, Japan, Italy, Germany, and even Siberia! I studied under the English landscape designer, John Brookes, and the late landscape architect, Barbara Fealy. I am a certified member of the ASSOCIATION of PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS,( and the OREGON CHAPTER OF APLD ) and have served on the National Board of Directors as both webmaster and President ( 2003). I was honored in August of 2008 to be granted fellowship by APLD. In addition to offering designs and consultations, I also teach in the Landscape Technology Program at PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE, and offer workshops in landscape illustration and design at my Cloudrest studio. In 1995 I collaborated with Al Rogers on a book, PEONIES, published by TIMBER PRESS.

CONSULTATIONS...CONCEPTUAL & PLANTING PLANS... SKETCHES...LECTURES...WORKSHOPS

My fees:

  • CONSULTATION ONLY...$100 First hr, $80 after (average 1-2 hrs)

  • EXTENDED CONSULT....$500-$900 for up to a 3 hr consult with follow-up concept perspective and simple layout sketch. This is best for smaller areas such as a front or back yard, or a section of a larger property.

  • CONCEPTUAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN...$1200-$1500( for average-sized lot) to $2500 and up (for acreage) This is the best option if you live within site-visit distance of Portland, Oregon. The concept plan includes conceptual details such as decks, patios, pathways, and the shapes of planting beds. Also includes perspective sketches, suggested plant types, and resource/landscape notes.

  • SNAIL-MAIL CONCEPTUAL... $800.00 (minimum) As a Portland Landscape Designer I generally travel to sites within a 100 mile radius, and am obviously more familiar with plants of the Pacific Northwest, but you can send photos and information concerning your site and receive a conceptual plan sketch, and suggestions for plants and execution. More work for you, but less expensive!

  • FULL PLANTING DESIGN PACKAGE...Generally,$2000 and up. Please refer to Deb, or Izzy (above) Similar to the Concept plan, but having all plants specified and labeled on the plan, along with a separate plant list/ photos, notes, and resource sheets.

  • PER HOUR RATE....$85.00 Best for Partial Designs...Add curb appeal to a front garden or revamp the backyard to accommodate edibles, herbs, and entertainment!.... Gift Certificates available.

  • SLIDE-LECTURES ..negotiable plus travel expenses. I am available to groups for 1-2 hour lectures on a variety of topics: Japanese, French, English, Japanese, Italian Gardens,or (my favorite) the Gardens of Siberia!. I can also cover Design Process, Plant Composition, Using Art in the Garden....and more.

    REGISTER NOW FOR 2013 WORKSHOPS!

    LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND SKETCHING WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD AT MY CLOUDREST STUDIO : Subjects covering Quick Sketching, Color Sketching, Sketch Journals,Perspective, and Design Practicums.....Look for announcements or call me at (503) 628-2552 / email me to add your name to the rosters! Small class sizes and individual attention.

    Leaves and sedums glow in late season compositions

    WHAT IS A GARDEN ?

    Garden-making concerns the relationship of the human being to his natural surroundings and an awareness of the interplay between objects occupying outdoor space. When we 'landscape' we attempt to make the best use of the space available by shaping the land to reflect the natural qualities of the site and selecting plant material that is a reflection of the region. A landscape becomes a garden only when it becomes an extension of the owner, both functionally, aesthetically,and emotionally.

    Please feel free to read the CLIENT-SITE ANALYSIS a questionnaire that I ask my clients to fill out. This will help you understand what elements are needed in your garden. Whether you are interested in a consult or a conceptual design, please fill this out....then bring it to our first meeting, or send it to me. For designs, I will then send a Proposal / Contract for your consideration.

    INSPIRATIONAL LINKS...and PUBLISHED DESIGNS:

    You might want to visit a few of my FAVORITE GARDEN-RELATED SITES:

    If you are interested in unusual plants go to Lakewold, a once private NW estate that is now a public garden! Another creative website developed by Scott Anderson is Seiwa-en, the Japanese Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Water can be a magical element in the garden....Check out Garden-Fountains for a distinctive water feature. For the academic types try the OSU Plant Materials Course , or to participate in some great DISCUSSION GROUPS, try The GardenWeb Have fun, but don't forget to come back here often!

    Look for the article 'A Slope Transformed' in the Sept.-Oct., 2003 issue of Fine Gardening. Pgs 36-38

    Look for the article 'Fertile Ground' in the March, 2003 issue of Smart Money. Pgs 79-86

    Look for pictures of my home garden in the July, 2002 issue of Better Homes & Gardens. Pgs 116-117

    Look for 'Shady Arrangements' in the Early Spring 1999 issue of Garden Shed magazine, pgs 102-107

    DESIGN ISSUES AND MORE: There are always questions and issues to explore that relate to design and gardens in general. You might like to check out my new BLOG, 'MEANDERINGS and SKETCHES' where we can continue the discussion.


    Last updated March 2013

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