Business Details
27 Years
experience
Our services encompass complete landscape solutions, including custom garden design, patios, walls, pergolas, water features, koi ponds, irrigation systems, and landscape lighting. We are particularly skilled in natural stone construction and Japanese-inspired garden techniques, which inform many of our designs regardless of style. Our experienced team works collaboratively, applying decades of shared knowledge to ensure every detail is executed correctly. From functional layouts to refined finishing touches, we build landscapes that are visually cohesive, sustainable, and designed to serve you well for many years.
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
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We have 40+ years of handson landscape design experience.
- Our crew leaders have served together for 18 years.
- We build water features with 30 years of sustainable expertise.
- Our stone masons are trained at a top Japanese firm.
- We deliver Japaneseinspired gardens that blend artistry and function.
Payment methods
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Services
Landscape Design
Landscape design provides the structure that allows a garden to succeed over time. We start by meeting on-site to evaluate your property and discuss your ideas. The process is collaborative and efficient. You will gain clarity on next steps and whether we should proceed together.
Water Features
With decades devoted to water feature landscaping, we understand how to balance aesthetics, function, and durability. We design and install custom ponds, streams, and ornamental features, then support them with professional maintenance and repair services. The result is a water feature that remains beautiful, dependable, and enjoyable for years.
Low Voltage Lighting
We provide comprehensive low voltage lighting design and installation for outdoor environments. Our systems enhance visibility, safety, and aesthetic appeal while remaining energy efficient. With careful planning and professional installation, our lighting solutions are built to last for decades. We also offer services to improve, repair, or maintain existing landscape lighting systems.
Landscape Design Build
Our design-build landscape service is defined by continuity, craftsmanship, and accountability. Clients benefit from working with a single licensed team throughout the project lifecycle. We construct outdoor environments that align design vision with precise installation, ensuring consistent quality and attention to detail from start to finish.
Irrigation Systems
Our repair and upgrade services address irrigation systems of all types and conditions. From routine adjustments to complete efficiency improvements, we restore reliable performance while reducing water waste. Work is completed by experienced professionals, with clear service call pricing and flexible options for projects requiring more extensive solutions.
Paver Patios
We design and build paver patios and walkways that enhance outdoor environments through durability and thoughtful layout. Pavers offer advantages over concrete and natural stone, including easier installation and long-term stability. Our designers and installers work together to deliver cohesive hardscapes tailored to each property.
Stone Masonry
Stone construction produces outdoor features that combine strength, elegance, and longevity. We specialize in crafting walls, patios, and custom elements that become permanent parts of the landscape. Stone requires expert handling and thoughtful design. The result is a refined investment that gains character and visual depth over time.
Reviews (13)
Natasha Bramley
Nov 11, 2025
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My backyard was a shambles when I started my hunt for someone who could match my esthetic and meet my expectations. My search led me to Ben and Ross NW Watergardens and I could not be happier with how things turned out. From conception to finish, Ben and his team were a joy to work with- they are professional with an amazing eye for design and details. Every request of mine was fulfilled, their finishes are exquisite, everyone on their team left the workplace tidy and safe for my small dog at the end of the day and they started and finished when they said they would. It is clear that this is more than a job for the proprietor, Ben- it is a passion. I absolutely love my new garden and am looking forward to many happy years enjoying it.
Naisa Gordon
Sep 18, 2025
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We hired Ross NW Watergardens to do a complete overhaul of our front yard. It was a dry and barren eyesore. Ben came in, took some pictures, and got back to us with a proposal super quickly. Once work started , it was super quick, just 3 days (granted its a small yard). There were around 50-ish plants, a large amount of river rocks to make a dry pond, fresh bark dust, and they installed a drip irrigation system.
The crew was super polite and friendly. Ben was very communicative and understanding of us having to work around the holiday weekend for our money to get moved around. It was a great experience and we are so happy with our yard.
The crew was super polite and friendly. Ben was very communicative and understanding of us having to work around the holiday weekend for our money to get moved around. It was a great experience and we are so happy with our yard.
Anna A.
Jul 19, 2025
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Ben did an amazing job helping us with our garden project. He really took the time to understand what we wanted, gave great advice, and handled everything with so much care and attention to detail. Even after planting, he followed up and helped us adjust things when needed. The garden looks beautiful now, and were so grateful for his help. Highly recommend working with him and his team!
David Moore
Aug 26, 2024
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Ben and his team are fantastic! Communication is great and Wow is the work not only wonderful, they are fast!! I've had a few different landscape/contractor projects and I would easily recommend Ross NW over any of the other companies. Will be going back for my next project.
Theresa Jelderks
Jul 05, 2023
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Ben and his team were excellent! We started with just a design and knew immediately that we wanted to continue work with him through installation. Great quality work, fair pricing and amazing communication along the way.
Jack D.
Nov 03, 2022
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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.
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.
Josh Rosen
Sep 06, 2021
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Ben and his team were truly amazing to work with. We love that it's a local family business. From the start, the process and communication was straight forward and we appreciated their expertise to bring our backyard vision to life. They went above and beyond and were super flexible due to a few weather hiccups out of anyone's control. We highlight recommend them and will be using them for any future projects. Thanks!
Fran H.
Jan 04, 2021
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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.
Joel Rotert
Jun 04, 2020
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Ben and his team are hands down the best contractors to have worked on our home since we moved in. Our experience includes at least 10 different groups over the last 5 and a half years for a variety of large and small projects. Why so exceptional? A few key reasons:
* excellent communication at all phases
* top quality work: both design and execution
* reasonable quote & adhered to, if not slightly under
* timely once the project started
* respectful, thoughtful team on site
Our project was modest (small backyard leveling, sodding, simple landscaping and minor hardscaping) but Bens design guidance and his teams skill helped them overdeliver. We couldnt be happier with the end result, it turned out much better than we ever envisioned. We cant recommend the Ross NW team highly enough!
* excellent communication at all phases
* top quality work: both design and execution
* reasonable quote & adhered to, if not slightly under
* timely once the project started
* respectful, thoughtful team on site
Our project was modest (small backyard leveling, sodding, simple landscaping and minor hardscaping) but Bens design guidance and his teams skill helped them overdeliver. We couldnt be happier with the end result, it turned out much better than we ever envisioned. We cant recommend the Ross NW team highly enough!
Christine Ulmer
Mar 23, 2019
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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.
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
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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.
Jennifer Donovan
Aug 28, 2018
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Working with Ben, Joe and crew was the most problem-free, productive, enjoyable job weve ever done with a contractor. And since we moved into a home that had been largely untouched since 1954 we have hired a lot of contractors over the past 5 years. It has been a pleasure and we think our backyard is nothing less than breathtaking.
Eileen Krueger
Nov 19, 2016
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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.