Exciting updates are happening in our backyard as we kick off phase two of our landscape construction project. After saving up and planning for a couple of years, we are finally making progress. The main focus of this phase was to reduce the size of our sports court to create more green and usable space, as well as adding an outdoor kitchen and BBQ area under a covered gazebo. The project is moving along swiftly and smoothly, and I’m thrilled to share this update with you all.

We enlisted the help of Dennis’ 7 Dees for this phase of the project. Their expertise and professionalism have been invaluable, especially when it came to the meticulous process of jackhammering the sports court without causing any damage. Their head designer, Eric, developed a plan that includes hardscaping, park-like seating areas with picnic tables, and a variety of shrubs to enhance the overall aesthetic.

The addition of more variegated bluestone flagstone and picnic table landing pads has transformed the space into a welcoming environment for gatherings. The project is not fully complete yet, as we are waiting for warmer weather to plant the clover field and allow it to grow. However, the progress so far has exceeded our expectations, thanks to the efficiency and skill of the Dennis 7 Dees team.
Plant Selection

Our plant selection process focused on incorporating 70% hearty evergreens to ensure year-round greenery in the garden. Working with plants from Monrovia, we curated a mix of evergreens and seasonal blooms, such as hydrangeas, to add color and texture to the landscape.


As the project progresses, I look forward to sharing a detailed post about the plants selected and their placement in the garden.

My husband and I are entrusting Eric and the Dennis 7 Dees team with the plant selection and garden maintenance, given their expertise in Oregon’s climate. We are excited to see how the garden evolves and adapts over time.

With inspiration from our existing evergreen plants, Eric has curated a selection that complements the garden’s aesthetics and thrives in varying light conditions. We are excited to see how the garden transforms with these additions.


Big thanks to Eric and the Dennis 7 Dees team for their exceptional work and dedication to our project. Their attention to detail and efficiency have made this process a breeze. If you’re considering a landscape project in Portland, I highly recommend their services for a seamless and professional experience.
Adding Shade with Big Trees

To provide more shade for our picnic tables, we decided to add more mature trees to our garden. We worked with Big Trees Today to select and plant three Katsura trees with a 3 1/2-inch caliper and a height of 18 feet. These trees are an investment in the future of our garden, offering instant impact and beauty.

