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.

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

Designing for Tacoma’s Rain: Smart Drainage Solutions for Landscapes
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 Budget Your Dream Yard Over Time
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 Landscape Design Consultation
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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