A little about me...

Beth Benz is native to PDX and cannot imagine living anywhere else…except perhaps Greece?!  She has a degree in horticultural science from Oregon State University and has worked for several retail nurseries before starting her own landscape design company in 2000-2001.  She taught horticulture and design at Clackamas Community College for four years fostering the next generation of small business owners in landscape design and has designed many school gardens including the new Washington County Master Gardener's Learning Garden out at PCC Rock Creek Campus.

Northwest Garden Design & Consulting specializes in creating usable and captivating outdoor spaces utilizing the vast array of great plant material we can grow in the Pacific Northwest. Her design approach encompasses both functionality and aesthetics.  What good is a design if the wrong plants are recommended?  Beth has catered her business to the DIY crowd and enjoys educating her clients about soil, plants and other gardening principles.  The relationships forged when designing a garden are significant to her.  In fact, many past clients are now close friends!

She enjoys cooking all types of cuisine, wine tasting, and camping with her daughter and chocolate lab, Bo.    

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Beth will be taking the 2022 season off to take a much needed break after 20 plus years in the industry. 

Testimonials

"I needed some help editing my mature garden for easier care, with an emphasis on drought tolerance and enhanced aesthetics. Beth did an initial walk through my garden, and then supplied me with a list of plant options by garden area. This was helpful because I could chose to do all of the work at once, or in stages. She procured all plants, delivered them and helped me get them planted. We also moved several of my existing plants to new locations. Beth has great communication skills, really knows her plant material, and has a fabulous design eye."

-Darlene W. -Beaverton, OR

"Beth is the consummate horticulture professional. She has transformed my yard, in manageable chunks, to a multi season beauty. If you want to see for yourself, message me, and I'll give a first hand look. She designs with your needs and preferences in mind and will do as much or as little of the implementation as you like. She'll even take you plant shopping!"

Lori D.-Portland, OR

"We have worked with Beth at Northwest Garden Design & Consulting many times over the past several years. She transformed our somewhat desolate looking backyard into my peaceful retreat, and our hum drum front yard into the best on the block. We recently sold our house and everyone who came to tour it mentioned the gorgeous landscape. She gave us something interesting to look at all year round, which is so helpful during our gray, dark winters. She really listened when we explained our wants and don't wants, as well as our likes and don't likes. She is imaginative, helpful and really knows her stuff! We would highly recommend her to everyone. Whether you are just looking for a few plant ideas, or looking to create an entire large scale oasis, Beth is your gal!"
-Gloria Cox Hillsboro, OR