ABOUT US
We approach every new landscape design with a "wide-angle" perspective.
Our Philosophy
At Garden Stories we approach every new landscape design with a "wide-angle" perspective. We appreciate nuance, and we make every effort to get to know you, the client, the character and style of your home, and importantly, the specific site conditions that will make for a successful landscape design.
Good landscape design is an art and a science. One informs the other. We firmly believe in this alchemy as we create gardens that are low-maintenance, long lasting, balance both function and beauty, and that are firmly integrated within the context of your home, region, and lifestyle.
Our Approach
We believe in the concept of "less is more" and yet we love designing gardens that are rich in biodiversity, and balance both hard elements (patios, structures, etc.), and soft elements (plants) in pleasing proportions.
We believe in a plant-driven approach to design, as plants will make your space come alive. As designers and gardeners we employ not only a vast knowledge of flora, but also many years of “real-world" gardening experience. Our background in plant ecology and fine gardening has informed our design sensibility, and we believe it’s important to create a design that is adaptive and complements your specific site conditions.
Good garden design can save you money by designing a landscape that is long-lasting and offering you choices that balance cost vs performance. It can add value to your property by enhancing the visual appeal of your home, and marrying your house to the property and neighborhood that you reside. We would love the opportunity to demonstrate these principles for your next project.
Our Story
James Wilson is the owner and lead designer at Garden Stories of Portland, Oregon. James is a licensed landscape contractor. After graduating with a degree in Environmental Science at UofO, he spent time as a field botanist for the National Park Service before shifting focus into the fields of horticulture and landscape design. His love of natural plant communities and local ecology of the Pacific Northwest greatly shapes and informs his design sensibilities.
james@gardenstories.com LCB # 9161