Kylee here to share our backyard design journey with Yardzen. When we bought our new home, it came after months of searching in a tough market. We had to make compromises on a few items we wanted, and an established yard was one of them. We were thrilled to find a charming cape-style house in Portland, even if the yard was a blank slate.
The Before
Shortly after moving in we placed our furniture and created a simple flagstone path from the house to the detached garage. We were happy just to have outdoor space, but it clearly needed work — it was an open canvas full of possibilities.
I feel more confident designing interiors than exteriors. Landscaping and plant selection felt overwhelming, and while I had a general idea of what I wanted, I wasn’t sure how to make it happen. When the opportunity arose to work with Yardzen, I was excited to have professionals help translate my vision into a real plan with visual renderings.
What is Yardzen?
Yardzen is an online landscaping service that creates custom yard designs based on your style preferences, local climate, and budget. They produce detailed plans and visuals so you can see how your space could look before any work begins.
How does Yardzen work?
I selected the Backyard package, but Yardzen offers various options for whole-home exteriors, hardscaping, and more. The process involved submitting our budget, completing a style quiz, sharing inspiration images, and uploading photos and video of the yard from multiple angles. Yardzen then provided initial designs, I gave feedback, and they produced a final revision. The final deliverables include the completed design, a plant list, a furniture shopping list, and detailed construction documents (CAD plans). They also connect you with a local Pro Network of vetted, licensed, and insured landscape contractors who can provide quotes and implement the design — or you can choose to do it yourself.
My Experience / The Result
I was skeptical at first about a virtual consultation producing accurate renderings, but the results exceeded my expectations. The design felt like the same yard we own, just elevated—lush plantings, thoughtful layout, and the cottage-garden vibe I envisioned. Seeing those renderings gave me confidence that the space can be transformed into something beautiful.
Last fall we added a flagstone path from the patio to the garage to avoid mud when fetching the car. In the renderings, that area is filled with lush borders and hydrangeas — a plant I specifically requested. I asked for a low-maintenance English cottage garden look, slightly wild but classic, and the design delivers that relaxed, planted feel without requiring obsessive upkeep.
Currently a temporary fence separates the house from the garage to keep our dogs contained. I’ve longed for a white picket fence, so seeing that element in the plan was delightful. We’ve already received a few quotes and hope to complete that portion this year, possibly tackling some of the work ourselves when time and budget allow.
One issue I wanted solved was the view of a tall blue house looming behind our property — it’s the main view from our kitchen. Yardzen proposed a dense planting screen and a magnolia tree with a bench beneath it, positioned to create a more attractive focal point visible from the sink. That small change would make everyday moments, like washing dishes, much more pleasant.
Privacy along the side of the house is solved with strategic tree placement and a privacy wall. I’m also excited about adding window boxes — I plan to put them on every window I can.
A key goal was a cozy outdoor retreat. The pergola and privacy wall create a tucked-away outdoor room on the patio that feels intimate and inviting — perfect for a book and a cold drink.
So what’s next with our backyard plans?
After receiving the Yardzen designs and shopping lists, you can either implement the plan yourself or hire one of their recommended contractors. I plan to phase the work over time: I’ve already started planting some areas myself, and we’ll bring in professionals for larger tasks as our budget permits. I appreciate that Yardzen connects you with local landscapers and contractors to help realize the design.
Final thoughts on our Yardzen Design
I am very pleased with the renderings and the simplicity of the process. Yardzen offers several packages depending on your needs, and having a professionally designed plan gives me confidence the finished yard will look cohesive and intentional. Without this guidance I might have made missteps — the expert plan gives me peace of mind that the outcome will be beautiful.
If cottage gardens appeal to you, I’ve curated a Cottage Garden Pinterest board where I’ll be collecting inspiration. I’m also sharing progress on Instagram stories as we add new plants through the summer.