Native Plant Design

Landscapes That Support Local Ecosystems

Native plants evolved in Central Oregon over thousands of years. They handle temperature swings, poor soils, and limited rainfall because they adapted to exactly these conditions. Beyond survival, they create habitat that local wildlife depends on. Hummingbirds feed on penstemon nectar. Butterflies lay eggs on willow leaves. Songbirds nest in bitterbrush and sagebrush branches. Exotic ornamentals don't support these relationships, leaving yards functionally empty for wildlife.

Carlsen Landscape Design creates plans using Central Oregon native species to restore habitat in residential spaces while reducing maintenance.

Why Choose Native Plants

Ecological Function

Native landscapes bring pollinators back to neighborhoods where exotic plantings provide minimal food sources. Birds return when shelter and nesting sites reappear. Beneficial insects establish populations that control pests naturally without spraying.

Keystone Plants are also native plants that play a significant role in the ecosystem. Butterflies and moths lay eggs on a select keystone plant variety which in turn provides the thousands of caterpillars that baby birds need building the ecosystem from the ground up.

Lower Long-Term Maintenance

Native plants don't need constant intervention once established. No weekly mowing. No fertilizer schedules. No disease treatments or pest control. Seasonal pruning and occasional weeding cover most maintenance after the first year or two.

Adapted to Central Oregon Conditions

Plants evolved here handle what this climate throws at them. Temperature extremes between winter and summer don't stress them. Poor volcanic soils with no nutrients don’t phase them. Limited precipitation doesn't mean constant watering. Non-native species struggle with all of these, requiring ongoing inputs just to stay alive.

Appropriate Aesthetics

Native landscapes look like they belong in Central Oregon instead of trying to recreate climates from other regions. The colors, textures, and forms reflect high desert character rather than importing suburban lawn aesthetics that don't fit the environment.

How the Design Process Works

Site Assessment

We visit the site and document what the environment is like, is it a sagebrush steppe landscape or ponderosa forest system?. These factors determine which native species will thrive in each area of your property. Plant selection starts from what the site actually offers rather than trying to modify conditions to suit specific plants.

Plant Selection for Wildlife and Function

Every species serves a purpose. Native grasses stabilize slopes and provide bird food through winter. Shrubs create shelter and nesting sites. Flowering perennials support pollinators with bloom timing staggered spring through fall. Trees create shade, establish canopy and nesting habitat.

Moisture Zone Grouping

Mixing dry-soil species with plants that need regular water kills half the planting. Grouping by moisture requirements prevents this. Xeric zones stay dry, moisture-tolerant plants go in natural collection areas. This approach reduces watering while keeping everything healthy.

Flexible Installation Options

Complete the entire design at once or break it into phases based on budget and timing. The plan includes sequencing recommendations that allow partial installation without leaving things looking unfinished. Add sections over multiple seasons while maintaining design coherence.

Design-Only Service

We provide plans, not installation. Any contractor can follow the drawings. Homeowners comfortable with DIY work will have all the specifications needed to source and place plants correctly.

Why Homeowners in Bend Work with Carlsen Designs

  • Every drawing starts with your land: We measure and map your actual conditions, then build the design around what works. No reused layouts or prefab templates.

  • CAD precision without pressure: You get clear, scalable plans without immediate construction commitments. This lets you prepare with intention before any build begins.

  • Local plant knowledge is built in: We design with plants that survive—and thrive—in Central Oregon’s climate. Your layout includes choices that work with your water availability and care preferences.

What's Included in Your Design

The planting map shows exact locations using scale drawings tied to existing site features. Plant lists include botanical names, common names and quantities. Maintenance notes explain seasonal care for each zone during establishment and long-term. Soil preparation guidelines address site-specific amendment needs. Mulch specifications cover depth and material type. Installation sequencing outlines which areas to complete first when phasing work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much maintenance does a native landscape require?

Establishment takes two seasons with regular watering to develop roots. After that, seasonal pruning, occasional weeding, and supplemental water during extreme drought cover most needs. Native landscapes don't require the constant mowing, fertilizing, and treatments that traditional plantings demand.

Can I keep some existing plants?

Healthy established plants can stay if they fit the design goals. We work around trees, shrubs, or anything you want to preserve rather than requiring complete removal.

Will this look messy?

Native landscapes range from structured to naturalistic based on design intent. Plant placement and spacing control the aesthetic. A native garden doesn't automatically mean an unkempt appearance.

Do native plants need supplemental water?

During establishment, yes. After that, most Central Oregon natives survive on natural precipitation, though occasional deep watering during extended drought maintains health and appearance. Water needs drop significantly compared to traditional landscapes.

How long until plants fill in?

Most perennials and grasses reach mature size within two seasons. Shrubs take three to four years. Trees grow slower but establish strong root systems. Everything is selected to reach appropriate size without constant pruning.

Can I install this myself or do I need a contractor?

Either works. Plans include all specifications for DIY installation. Contractors can also interpret the drawings without additional guidance.

Designed for Bend and Central Oregon

Sagebrush survives winter lows and summer highs without protection. Bitterbrush develops deep roots that access moisture conventional landscape plants never reach. Penstemon and buckwheat bloom reliably without fertilizer or pest control. These species create landscapes built for local conditions instead of fighting against them.

Carlsen Landscape Design provides native plant design services in Bend, Oregon, and surrounding communities. Contact us to schedule a site assessment.