A little about me...

Beth Benz is native to PDX and cannot imagine living anywhere else…except perhaps Greece..Belize?!  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 and camping with her daughter, spending time at her family’s cabin in the coast range, teaching Zumba®, and gardening (big surprise!).   

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 are thrilled with the way Beth has used her creativity and knowledge to transform our garden from an average garden into a garden with spectacular seasonal color, a wide variety of plants and inviting garden areas including a shade garden, water features and pathways leading from one area to another. Beth turns her clients ideas into inviting gardens, locates hard to find plants, provides great service and is delightful to work with!"

Tom Griffin & Katy Hurley Corvallis, OR