Gene Rozenboom transformed a Portland, Oregon, property into a stunning garden filled with dwarf conifers and Japanese maples. Fourteen years ago, the backyard was an overgrown mess, but today it’s a carefully curated space that showcases Gene’s passion for these unique plants.
A Steep Driveway Leads to a Contemporary Home
A steep driveway leads to Gene’s contemporary home. After clearing problematic trees and shrubs, he planted choice specimens to highlight the home’s breezeway entry, which frames a view of the backyard’s beautiful stone wall.
Gene knew it was important to get the hardscape in place first. He moved soil away from the house, made repairs, and planned the placement of the retaining wall, deck, and sidewalks.
A Collection of Dwarf and Miniature Conifers
Gene collects dwarf and miniature conifer varieties. While they’re small when first purchased, it’s essential to check their mature size, as they can continue to grow over their 30- to 50-year lifespan.
The slope in Gene’s garden is steep, making it a challenge to work on. He placed most of his conifers there, as they require minimal effort to maintain. Walking down the sidewalk, you can experience the contrasting textures of the ‘Palouse’ mugo pine and the dwarf mountain hemlock.
After installing the stone wall and sidewalk, Gene added a path up the slope and leveled out an area for more garden space. This sunny spot has become the go-to place for growing vegetables and cut flowers.
Japanese maples play a key role in Gene’s garden. He has found numerous ways to incorporate them into his design, such as using the ‘Tobiosho’ maple to balance out and soften the modern two-story home.
The ‘Ryusen’ maple, with its draping habit, acts as a ground cover near the top of the slope, hiding the low stump of a removed tree.
Gene’s approach to planting was organic: “There was not a plan per se, but I had ideas of where plants could be concentrated. Basically, I purchased plants I liked and found a home for them.”
Japanese maples offer multiseason appeal. The ‘Arakawa’ maple, for instance, has lacy green leaves in spring and summer, which glow in yellow-gold and red in the fall. Its cork-like bark is a standout feature in winter.
Gene’s favorite time for Japanese maples is in spring, when varieties like ‘Shirazz’ display their lively spring foliage.
Following the sidewalk along the back of the house leads to a spacious deck with room for dining and a fire pit seating area. Corten steel planters create subtle divisions between the different “rooms,” while keeping the plantings low allows guests to see and visit with each other.
A big storm several years ago knocked down most of the trees in the side yard. Gene saw this as an opportunity to curate a collection of sun-loving annuals, perennials, and ornamental grasses, aiming for a natural appearance with some order and structure.
Gene is experimenting with a new plant palette, including colorful annuals like Profusion™ Orange zinnias and coleus, which provide bright accents and help fill gaps.
Creating a Natural Yet Structured Side Yard
After a storm cleared the side yard, Gene transformed it into a space for sun-loving plants.
Corten steel planters divide the space subtly, while low plantings ensure guests can see and interact with each other.