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Taking CallsLandscapers in Portland, Oregon

Ross NW Watergardens

Taking Calls in Portland Today 4.90 (46 reviews)(503) 761-3683

Ross NW Watergardens

Ross NW Watergardens designs and builds residential landscapes in the Portland metro, specializing in modern and Japanese-inspired gardens, koi ponds and custom water features. Ross “Joe” Bowen started the business in 1999, and water features were part of its beginnings.

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Business Highlights
  • Ross NW Watergardens is a licensed landscape contractor.
  • Ben Bowen is a third-generation landscaper and has worked in the family business since 2003.
  • Its crew leaders were trained as stonemasons at an internationally recognized Japanese landscape firm.
  • Its one-year warranty covers hardscaping, including pavers, slate, concrete and stone masonry.
  • It provides a one-year warranty for water features and irrigation systems.
  • It provides a one-year warranty for fences, screens and low-voltage lighting.
  • Plants installed with irrigation have a 90-day warranty; plants without irrigation and transplanted plants have no warranty.
Service Area

Portland, Lake Oswego, Dunthorpe, Clackamas, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Damascus, Gladstone, King City, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville and Happy Valley, Oregon; Vancouver, Ridgefield and Camas, Washington.

Local Business Taking Calls

Ross NW Watergardens is one of 8 landscapers ProsGrade lists in Portland, Oregon.

Taking Calls
Taking calls through ProsGrade
Listing details

11 services listed, including Landscape design and master plans, Japanese garden design and Modern landscapes. Open weekdays, closed on weekends. Rated 4.9 from 46 reviews.

  • Verified listing details
  • Service information
  • Customer review signals
  • Photo gallery
  • Public contact information
  • Published local profile

How This Business Compares

How Ross NW Watergardens compares with the other 7 landscapers on ProsGrade in Portland, using public Google ratings and review counts.

  • Ranks in the top half of the 8 Portland landscapers on ProsGrade by Google rating and review volume.
  • Rated 4.9 on Google, at or above the 4.8 average of other Portland landscapers on ProsGrade.
  • One of 6 Portland landscapers on ProsGrade rated 4.7 or higher from at least 10 reviews.

Services Covered

11 services
  • Landscape design and master plansCAD-based 2D designs; multiple revisions
  • Japanese garden designBamboo, Japanese maples, contorted pines, water and fire
  • Modern landscapesLow-water designs using local and native materials
  • Planting plansPlanting lists and plans for any style
  • Water featuresStreams and ponds, large koi ponds with gunite shells, bubblers and tsukubai
  • Water-feature cleaning and repairsCleaning, troubleshooting and repairs; pump replacements or upgrades across brands and styles
  • Irrigation systemsRainbird, Hunter and Toro components; drip irrigation, pressure-regulating heads, low-precipitation nozzles and smart timers
  • Landscape lightingLED low-voltage systems with brass, copper and steel fixtures
  • Patios and walkwaysConcrete pavers and gravel
  • Stone masonryStone retaining and seating walls, slate patios, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces
  • Garden structuresCustom fences, screens, patio covers and pergolas; cedar and juniper

Reviews

What customers say

Customers praise Ben's thoughtful design work and attention to detail. One customer also noted a tidy, dog-safe worksite and a project completed on schedule; another appreciated follow-up help adjusting the garden after planting.

Customer Reviews

Bert Boyer

Ben met with us and provided a very competitive pricing estimate for our project. In fact, it was 4 times less than one other Portland landscape design firm! We could not be more pleased with the quality of the lighting (lifetime warranty) and the outstanding service. Elliot did a phenomenal job installing path and garden lighting at our house. He was very meticulous with installation details and communicated well with us to design path lighting exactly as requested. Please give them a chance to bid on your next project. You will not be disappointed!
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natasha bramley

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.
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Naisa Gordon

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 it’s 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.
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Anna A.

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 we’re so grateful for his help. Highly recommend working with him and his team!
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Arthur Knaupe

Ben and his team couldn’t have provided better service. In 2023, they managed the full overhaul of our backyard—removing overgrown bamboo, an old privacy fence, and a previous concrete patio. They then installed a beautiful new paver patio, landscape lighting, plantings, and fencing, handling every step seamlessly. Even two years later, they’re still incredibly responsive and helpful with questions about maintenance. We couldn’t have asked for a better design or a more professional, reliable team. Highly recommend!
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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ross NW Watergardens start a landscape design project?

It starts with a free consultation. Ben meets with the homeowner and walks the property to discuss the landscape.

How long can a detailed landscape design take?

A detailed design requested in summer can take 4–6 weeks to present, with more time needed for revisions.

Does Ross NW Watergardens provide 3D renderings?

No. It produces CAD-based 2D designs but does not provide elevations or renderings.

Does Ross NW Watergardens provide recurring water-feature maintenance?

Yes. It offers monthly or quarterly maintenance plans for water features.