Field notes from
the Tacoma yard.
Long-form articles on PNW landscape design, hardscape, plantings, drainage, decks, and outdoor living — written by the same team that designs, builds, and maintains.
More from the journal.
Design-Build vs. Hiring a Designer and a Contractor Separately
October 29, 2026
Backyard Drainage Problems in Tacoma: Diagnosis Before Design (2026)
October 22, 2026
Backyard Renovation in Tacoma: How a Full Redesign Comes Together
October 15, 2026
Retaining Wall Builder in Tacoma (2026): How to Hire One
September 17, 2026
Fire Pit Builder in Tacoma: What to Settle Before the Patio Goes In
September 10, 2026
Deck Building Permits in Washington State (2026): When You Need One, and Where the Rules Change
September 3, 2026
Concrete Pavers in Tacoma: 9 Things Worth Knowing Before You Build
August 20, 2026
Retaining Walls for Sloped Yards: What Tacoma Homeowners Need to Know First
August 13, 2026
Deck Building Cost in Tacoma (2026): What a Deck That Outlives You Costs
August 6, 2026
Paver Driveway Cost in Tacoma (2026)
July 20, 2026
Pavers vs. Concrete Patio: Which Is Right for Your Yard?
July 13, 2026
Paver Patio Cost in the Puget Sound (2026)
July 6, 2026
8 Retaining Wall Ideas and Design Principles for Tacoma Homeowners
June 17, 2026
8 Patio Design Ideas for Tacoma That Work in Any Pacific Northwest Backyard
June 10, 2026
11+ Drought-Tolerant Plants for Tacoma Summers That Actually Survive the Dry Season
June 4, 2026
7 Best Trees for Tacoma Landscapes (Designer’s Selection Guide)
May 14, 2026
Outdoor Living Space Design: Transform Your Tacoma Backyard
May 8, 2026
Shade Garden Design in the Pacific Northwest: Plants & Strategies
April 21, 2026
Year-Round Landscape Interest: Designing for Pacific Northwest Seasons
April 14, 2026
Evergreen Landscape Design: Creating Year-Round Structure
April 7, 2026
Drainage Solutions for Tacoma Yards: What Each Fix Does and Where It Fits (2026)
March 24, 2026
Managing Slopes in Pacific Northwest Landscapes: Design & Erosion Control
March 17, 2026
Best Native Plants for Tacoma Landscapes (Designer’s Guide)
March 10, 2026
Phased Landscape Design: How to Build Your Yard in Stages Without Paying Twice
February 17, 2026
DIY vs. Professional Landscape Design: Is Hiring a Pro Worth It?
February 9, 2026
Pacific Northwest Landscape Design: Complete Guide for Homeowners
February 3, 2026
What to Expect: Timeline for Landscape Design Projects in Tacoma
January 20, 2026
How to Prepare for Your First Site Walk
January 13, 2026
7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Landscape Designer in Tacoma
January 6, 2026
Complete Guide to Landscape Design Process in 2026
December 15, 2025
How Much Does Landscape Design Cost? (2026 Pricing Guide)
December 8, 2025
Using a Landscape Designer vs. Landscape Architect in 2026
December 1, 2025
Everything You Need to Know About a Covered Pergola
November 18, 2025
Design Secrets for an Outdoor Kitchen
November 11, 2025
Complete Guide to Designing Custom Decks in Tacoma
November 4, 2025
5 Must-Have Water Features That Attract Local Wildlife
October 17, 2025
4 Fast Growing Privacy Hedge Plants for Your Yard
October 10, 2025
Practical Family Backyard Design Guide for Every Home
October 3, 2025
8 Small Front Yard Design Ideas to Try in 2025
September 16, 2025
5 Best Shade Structures for Sunny Patios
September 9, 2025
Expert Local Retaining Wall Repair in Tacoma, WA
August 11, 2025
8 Native Ferns for Incredible Pacific Northwest Garden Design
July 14, 2025
11 Drought-Resistant Native Plants for PNW Gardens
July 7, 2025
One yard letter,
once a month.
Field notes from PNW landscape design — what to plant when, what to prune, what we learned on a job site this month. Written by the Father Nature team. No promotions, no sales pitches.
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