About Us

Mount Hood Gardens, Inc. was started in 1985 by Marion McNew, APLD, owner and president. The company is located in Hood River, Oregon, at the base of majestic Mount Hood. We design and build gardens and landscapes in the beautiful Mid-Columbia region of Oregon. The stunning Columbia River Gorge forms a gorgeous backdrop for many of the gardens created. With garden elevations ranging from sea level to more than 2,000 feet, and soils varying from rocky basalt outcroppings to river bottom sand to heavy clay, detailed knowledge of the diverse local microclimates is a prerequisite to establishing successful gardens. The Gorge is famous for its strong winds and a properly designed garden can aid in providing sheltered places.

Numerous beautiful wildflowers are native to the Columbia River Gorge

Warm, dry summers and pleasant, long autumns encourage the creation of generous outdoor living spaces surrounded by colorful plantings. If you already have an existing garden, adding a sitting area and rejuvenating or updating your landscape enhance and protect your investment. Well-designed landscapes increase the value of your home, can conserve energy, and add soothing and environmentally beneficial green space.

• Marion describes her award-winning, signature landscape design style as Pacific Northwest mixed with European elements. Her interest in gardening and design started early on and she began her formal horticulture studies in her native Germany in 1978. This background culminated in the company’s motto "Landscaping with a European Flair".

• Mount Hood Gardens has been designing and building residential, commercial and public gardens for over twenty years, with a focus on employing sustainable, organic methods and materials. To view some of the gardens, please visit the Portfolio section.

• In addition to the popular, more informal, naturalistic style suited to the beautiful scenery of the Columbia River Gorge, our repertoire includes many diverse landscape styles. They range from Mediterranean and English Mixed Border or Cottage Gardens, all the way to very formal gardens including historic parterre lay-outs.

Georgiana Smith Park in downtown Hood River, Oregon offers ample seating surrounded by lush plantings, and stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge.

• Every garden is designed individually and has its own personality.

• Our objective is to link the home and garden with its surroundings where possible, while at the same time respecting and incorporating the client’s needs and ideas.

• Many different mediums and materials are available for landscape installations and new ones are introduced regularly.

• Art is an important expression in the garden and most gardens are not complete without it. Landscape design in itself is an art form.

• Outdoor lighting enhances the garden at night and provides safety and direction.

• Edible gardening is beneficial and rewarding. A potager or ornamental kitchen garden may be part of your landscape and can enhance its beauty and
versatility. Grow your own organic vegetables and fruits.

• Mount Hood Gardens grows and propagates a large percentage of the plants for its landscape installations in its own nursery, resulting in hardy, acclimated plants of reliable quality.

National APLD Conference visit in Hood River; Hood River News, Women in Business, July 2009.
Listen: Interview with Marion McNew, by Danilo Maffei, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 7/25/09 brandywineradio.com (A Great Day in the Garden)

 

The Mount Hood Gardens crew during a field trip in 2007. From left: Santiago M., Ramon, Terra with daughter Natascha, Greta, Marion and Santiago (Chago) H.

Design/Build

Mount Hood Gardens creates and completes gardens starting with the design phase all the way to the finished project. We have our own installation crews and stonemasons. Some phases are performed by reliable subcontractors. A large percentage of our work is quality residential, for both year-round and seasonal residents. In addition, the company has installed many commercial landscapes and several public parks. Thorough soil preparation, organic methods and water conservation are fundamental considerations during the installation process. We also offer maintenance services for gardens we have installed and carry out garden makeovers of existing gardens.

For more details on our design and installation process please refer to the Services section of this website.