For more than twenty-five years, we have been dedicated to designing and building distinctive residential landscapes throughout the Portland area. With over seventy five-star client reviews and more than one thousand completed garden transformations, our work reflects a long-standing commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design. From the very first email through the final walkthrough, we personally guide each project to ensure the finished landscape aligns with your vision, lifestyle, and expectations. Our role is hands-on and consultative, allowing us to shape outdoor spaces that are both visually refined and highly functional.We specialize in complete landscape design and construction, including full garden installations, stone patios, walkways, custom water features, koi ponds, irrigation systems, and low-voltage landscape lighting. Whether you are interested in a modern, low-maintenance setting or a tranquil Japanese-inspired garden, our experience allows us to deliver cohesive, enduring results. Our team brings decades of shared experience, advanced stone masonry training, and deep expertise in sustainable water feature construction. Every detail, from plant selection to stone placement, is executed with precision so your garden continues to bring enjoyment for decades to come.
Served areas
- Portland, OREmpty heading, Lake Oswego, OREmpty heading, Dunthorpe, OR, Clackamas, OR, Beaverton, OR, Gresham, OR, Hillsboro, OR, Damascus, OR, Gladstone, OR, King City, OR, Milwaukie, OR, Oregon City, OR, Sherwood, OR, Tigard, OR, Tualatin, OR, West Linn, OR, Wilsonville, OR, Happy Valley, OR, Vancouver, WA, Ridgefield, WAEmpty heading, Camas, WA
Business details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- Custom landscape design and full-service garden installation experts
- Japanese-inspired gardens, modern landscapes, and serene water features
- Over 25 years landscaping experience throughout Portland metro area
- Koi ponds, stone patios, lighting, and irrigation systems
- Designer-led process from first concept through final walkthrough
- Highly experienced team with decades of collaborative craftsmanship
Payment methods
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Services
Our landscape design service is centered on creating gardens that work in real life, not just on paper. We start with a consultation to review your property and priorities. The process is efficient and transparent. This step establishes clear expectations moving forward. 
Our water feature services are built on experience, precision, and long-term reliability. We design and construct ponds, streams, koi habitats, and architectural water elements tailored to individual landscapes. Every feature is engineered for beauty and function, using proven techniques that support clean water, efficient operation, and lasting performance. 
Our low voltage landscape lighting services focus on thoughtful design, dependable materials, and efficient performance. We enhance outdoor spaces by extending their usability into the evening hours. Each system is installed with minimal disruption to existing landscapes. Long-term reliability and optional ongoing service ensure your lighting continues to perform as intended. 
We offer full-service landscape design and construction delivered through a streamlined, single-team process. Licensed and experienced, we take pride in creating outdoor spaces that reflect careful planning and skilled execution. Every project receives the same dedication to quality, regardless of scale or style. 
We design and install irrigation systems that support healthy landscapes while reducing unnecessary water use. Our work includes efficient heads, precision drip lines, and smart controllers for consistent performance. Every layout is planned by experienced professionals and installed with care, including hand digging when needed, followed by thorough cleanup and long-term system support. 
Our paver patio services emphasize thoughtful design, proper construction, and material performance. Pavers provide a stable and attractive surface that avoids many issues associated with poured concrete. With experienced designers and installers, we produce outdoor spaces that align with client expectations. 
Constructing with stone allows us to create outdoor features meant to last for generations. Our masonry work emphasizes durability, structural integrity, and refined design. Stone requires skilled installation and thoughtful planning. The result is a lasting asset that maintains beauty and function long after installation.
People
Ben Bowen
Ben, our landscape designer, is usually your first contact with Ross NW Watergardens. He will meet you for an initial consultation, work up any proposal needed, and remains your primary contact through the whole design and installation process.
Ben is a third generation landscaper and has been working in the family business since 2003.
Ben is a third generation landscaper and has been working in the family business since 2003.
Reviews (14)
Bert Boyer
Jan 20, 2026
Ben met with us and provided a very competitive pricing estimate for our project. In fact, it was 4 times less than one other Portland landscape design firm! We could not be more pleased with the quality of the lighting (lifetime warranty) and the outstanding service.
Elliot did a phenomenal job installing path and garden lighting at our house. He was very meticulous with installation details and communicated well with us to design path lighting exactly as requested.
Please give them a chance to bid on your next project. You will not be disappointed!
Elliot did a phenomenal job installing path and garden lighting at our house. He was very meticulous with installation details and communicated well with us to design path lighting exactly as requested.
Please give them a chance to bid on your next project. You will not be disappointed!
Aspen Pippin
Sep 13, 2025
We asked Ross NW Watergardens to propose a replacement design for our aged waterfall with small pond to both reduce the water feature's maintenance (lots of tree debris fall) and aesthetically upgrade it for a more natural, integrated and non-linear appearnce. Ben guided us through the proposal review process over a couple of weeks and several iterations to arrive at a natural flowing pondless design solution to meet all of the design objectives identified for a very competitive price.
Colin Cochran
Jan 01, 2025
Jamie Skreen
Oct 30, 2023
We were beyond impressed with Ben and his team, Jose and Consuelo. The water feature they created for our home was beyond amazing. We love seeing and hearing it every day. Bens design was phenomenal, and Jose and Consuelo paid excellent attention to detail and made the feature such high quality. Highly recommend them for whatever project you are doing! They are so talented.
Jack D.
Nov 03, 2022
I found Ross NW Watergardens after researching Japanese gardens and deciding to have one installed in our backyard. From the moment that I contacted the company I knew that I had made the right choice. Ben responded to my inquiries very quickly and we arranged a meeting to discuss possibilities. After the initial meeting, Ben sent us a proposal for our consideration. Upon finalizing the plan after our input, a date was set to begin the work. Due to a heavy schedule the actual work began about a month after our target date. The wait was worth it!!
The installation crew led by Efrain was excellent. They were efficient, neat and very talented. Efrain's work on our patio as well as his execution of the garden design was above and beyond our expectations. We are absolutely delighted with the results!
Given the cooperation and care exhibited by both Ben and Joe Bowen as well as the talent and expertise of the installation crew, I would highly recommend Ross NW Watergardens.
The installation crew led by Efrain was excellent. They were efficient, neat and very talented. Efrain's work on our patio as well as his execution of the garden design was above and beyond our expectations. We are absolutely delighted with the results!
Given the cooperation and care exhibited by both Ben and Joe Bowen as well as the talent and expertise of the installation crew, I would highly recommend Ross NW Watergardens.
Dale Allen
Sep 01, 2022
I hired Ross Watergardens to design and install a Japanese garden around 3 sides of my condo. Ben Bowen was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. He listened with interest to all my ideas and incorporated them wherever they made sense. The design process was a true collaboration. I never felt rushed, even when I needed a few weeks to study up on natives and wildlife friendly plants. Ben always responded within a day or two and got new designs back to me within a week. Once the design was complete, he set a tentative start date and stayed in touch as the date approached, always respectful of my schedule.
The design itself is gorgeous - beyond my expectations. The large stones make me think I'm in a mountain hermitage. And the plants are beautiful, even in their winter colors. I can hardly wait for spring.
The landscape lead, Efrain, arrived with a crew every day between 8 and 9. They had all the necessary equipment, and worked steadily and efficiently until the job was done - ahead of schedule! They cleaned up at the end of every day and especially well on Fridays.
I can't say enough what a pleasure it was to work with Ben and his crew on my garden. Their communication, expertise and professionalism made the project a true delight.
The design itself is gorgeous - beyond my expectations. The large stones make me think I'm in a mountain hermitage. And the plants are beautiful, even in their winter colors. I can hardly wait for spring.
The landscape lead, Efrain, arrived with a crew every day between 8 and 9. They had all the necessary equipment, and worked steadily and efficiently until the job was done - ahead of schedule! They cleaned up at the end of every day and especially well on Fridays.
I can't say enough what a pleasure it was to work with Ben and his crew on my garden. Their communication, expertise and professionalism made the project a true delight.
Fran H.
Jan 04, 2021
I watched the steps Ben's crew took to make my new patio an excellent investment. From the excavation and weed barrier, to hauling in a massive amount to gravel and sand to layer, to the final laying of the pavers, the crew (a hard-working couple) created 2 wonderful patios and sloping walkway joining them. It was quite impressive to watch. There were no wasted steps, the crew coordinated and obviously tuned to each other and the needs of the project at hand.
Ben's bid was reasonable, and the workmanship impeccable. I would give this company 10 stars if possible!
By the way, I don' know why the pictures are sideways.
Ben's bid was reasonable, and the workmanship impeccable. I would give this company 10 stars if possible!
By the way, I don' know why the pictures are sideways.
Tristan Waddington
Dec 16, 2019
I worked with Ben at Ross NW Watergardens to clean up a tight area that was overgrowing with weeds behind my home.
Out went the existing plants, pavers, and an old concrete pad. In went a new weed barrier, quarter-minus gravel, and some nice 24-inch pavers.
Ben's team also did a significant amount of work around my front yard. Taking out existing plants, part of the lawn, and installing a new paver patio.
Ben was very responsive throughout the entire process. He followed up promptly to my questions and was present on site when needed.
The team did terrific job and kept things nice and clean throughout the ordeal.
I wouldn't hesitate to work with Ben and his team again in the future.
Out went the existing plants, pavers, and an old concrete pad. In went a new weed barrier, quarter-minus gravel, and some nice 24-inch pavers.
Ben's team also did a significant amount of work around my front yard. Taking out existing plants, part of the lawn, and installing a new paver patio.
Ben was very responsive throughout the entire process. He followed up promptly to my questions and was present on site when needed.
The team did terrific job and kept things nice and clean throughout the ordeal.
I wouldn't hesitate to work with Ben and his team again in the future.
Patrick G.
Nov 12, 2019
Ben and his team did an amazing job building a walkway on the side of our house from the driveway to the back. They also installed a french drain system to deal with a drainage issue along the length of our backyard. The work was done quickly and professionally. I have used them in the past, and will use them for future work. Thank you Ben!
Christine Ulmer
Mar 23, 2019
My husband and I visited Japan several years ago. After he died I wanted a visual reminder of what he loved. I met Ben armed with Japanese landscaping design books complete with post it notes. In a 15 minute conversation I knew he was the person for the job. A careful listener and great communicator who responded quickly to my questions and frets. I am looking at my back yard with three huge boulders (mountains) against a huge grey gravel "lake." I have graceful planted mounds on what was my flat yard. One of the two large stone paths that spread across the yard leads to a boulder "seat" beside a Japanese lantern. He suggested gorgeous black grasses that echo the black trim on the house. My front door is orange and looking through the glass in it and simultaneously through the glass back door one sees a beautiful weeping tree with orange bark. The crew was fabulous to deal with..very professional and hard working. Every day is a comforting reminder of my husband.
Alexander Basek
Dec 11, 2018
Ben is a master. We are so happy with how our landscaping turned out. He stuck with us over a long renovation, never got flustered by anything going wrong, and, of course, helped plan and install an incredible front and back yard for our house. We could not recommend him highly enough. Worth every penny.
C. B.
Aug 18, 2017
Ben and the entire crew were all amazing to work with from the initial consultation through completion of our project. Ben took the time to carefully explain each element of the design proposal to make sure we understood all the necessary details. We encountered a few delays with the crazy winter snowstorms and some unexpected issues (none of which were the fault of Ross NW Watergardens) and Ben and the team went above and beyond to help us resolve them while keeping open communication throughout the project. The end result was better than we could have expected and we are thrilled with how everything turned out!
Eileen Krueger
Nov 19, 2016
I can happily give Ben and his crew 5 stars! He was able to navigate our ideas, translate them into a cohesive scheme and direct his able crew to make it a reality. We couldn't be more pleased, having been left with an unfinished yard in a newly constructed house. His design complemented the aesthetic of the house and makes it a pleasure to drive up!
They are also prompt, keep to a schedule and communicate readily.
They are also prompt, keep to a schedule and communicate readily.
Nancy Pautsch
Jan 26, 2015
Ross NW Watergardens have completed two projects for us in the past 2 years. Both times they have exceeded our expectations!
Ben is very responsive and provided excellent suggestions and input. Jose & his guys did the work, and I can't say enough good things about them as well. The plan was well communicated, they arrived when they said they would, they did what we expected and they cleaned up when finished. On top of that, they are always super nice and kind. And our yard looks fabulous! :)
Thanks guys!!
Ben is very responsive and provided excellent suggestions and input. Jose & his guys did the work, and I can't say enough good things about them as well. The plan was well communicated, they arrived when they said they would, they did what we expected and they cleaned up when finished. On top of that, they are always super nice and kind. And our yard looks fabulous! :)
Thanks guys!!