Mt. Hood Overlook

Stunning views of Mount Hood and the Cascade Range dominate this cozy backyard, perched atop Portland’s verdant Southwest Hills. As the physical space available for this backyard renovation was quite small, the Pistils’ design team worked creatively to maximize the potential.

Featuring a series of stylish and comfortable interconnected spaces, bluestone pathways surrounded by lush plantings lead to a roomy, tight-jointed bluestone patio with a custom steel gas fire pit at the center of the backyard, inviting visitors to linger and gaze out through the mature fir trees to the mighty Cascade Mountains on the horizon.

A well-appointed spa zone with a hot tub covered by a handsome, timber framed structure to protect from the winter elements is grounded with a comfortable Ipe hardwood deck and adjacent seating areas. A translucent roofing material ensures abundant natural light, even in Portland’s darkest months. And ample wood slatting and stands of bamboo beyond create a strong sense of enclosure and privacy.

Outdoor landscape lighting is key to this courtyard landscape, with integrated fixtures in the spa zone and many highlights throughout the garden spaces.

A collection of weather-worn, circular steel planting beds for herb and edible gardening, linking to the central yard with stepping stones, ensconced with soft ground cover plantings, create an unexpected and attractive production zone in this modest space.

An eclectic mix of colorful of perennials including Allium, Echinacea, Japanese Anemone, Lavender, and evergreen Jasmine vines bring color, fragrance and seasonal interest to throughout the garden.