About
“I had just started to think about redoing my backyard to increase gardening space and include more native plants when I found Peter. When he came to the house he took the time to listen and made sure he understood my needs and wishes. Peter was very easy to work with, he clearly didn’t come with a vision he tried to impose on me and I really appreciated that! But he also was ready to guide me when I needed help with what to do with a particular space or what type of plants would thrive more. He is very knowledgeable about native plants and will definitely help you with your project. I can only recommend him and Design Native Northwest.” - Melanie, North Portland
Peter Katon,
Landscape designer and owner of Design Native Northwest always enjoyed nature, though he caught the native plant bug in an urban studies internship where he helped procure native plants for a neighborhood project. Inspired by native plants ecological balance and beauty that evolved over millennia, Peter is excited to work with you to design with nature. We aim to increase awareness and appreciation for the cultural relationships between humans and their local environment, building on the rich history and present day experience of Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest.
“When considering our goals and dreams for our home, we knew we wanted to create a cohesive outdoor space that worked with the preexisting natural elements while creating a home for wildlife and supporting pollinators. We did not have much experience working with native plants, so we sought out Peter due to his extensive knowledge. He is collaborative and thorough, sharing his expertise but taking time to frequently check in to ensure we stayed true to our vision.
Through our work with him, we were able to design a pet and child-safe backyard habitat and DIY a rain garden to mitigate drainage issues. We are so pleased with the outcome and are thankful we invested in professional help with Peter to create the yard of our dreams!”
- Rachel, North Portland