Why Choose Your Garden Companion?
At Your Garden Companion (YGC), we are dedicated to leading the way in conservation-focused landscaping across Central Oregon’s diverse ecosystems.
Through regenerative practices and a science-based approach, we prioritize water conservation, biodiversity, soil biology and health. We identify your local resources, whether it is unused lumber or hardscaping materials or rocks on site, then seek local or regional materials as much as possible.
We select native plants, primarily from the drier regions of the western United States and place them in microclimates with similar moisture conditions or soils that mimic their “homeland”. This added regional diversity may help mitigate climate change and preserve species that may not be protected elsewhere.
Our landscapes provide essential habitat for invertebrates, pollinators, birds, herpetofauna, and other animals. They foster vibrant ecosystems that thrive in harmony with nature. 🌿
We design, install, and maintain beautiful, functional landscapes tailored to the central Oregon environment.
Our work goes beyond replacing turf grass; we craft vibrant outdoor spaces that reduce environmental impact and bring your vision to life. Recognized for our excellence, we take pride in being a trusted leader in regenerative landscaping. Together, we can grow a more resilient and beautiful future.
Teaming with nature to create a landscape that teems with life!
How We Do It
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Team Support & Growth
We prioritize fair wages, ongoing education, and professional development, creating a supportive work culture where growth is valued. Our family-first mindset encourages both personal and community well-being while leveraging a diverse team with adaptable skills and creative expertise.Collaborative Gardening
We believe in working together as partners, collaborating with you to meet your needs, solving onsite challenges, and bringing your vision to life. Our approach prioritizes conservation and improving habitat health while ensuring a functional, beautiful landscape.Education Cultivates Action
We empower you with the knowledge and tools to care for your landscape sustainably. From teaching nature-based maintenance techniques to recommending eco-friendly tools and resources, we provide the education needed to support pollinators, soil health, and a thriving ecosystem. -
Income and Sustainability
By taking the long view we suggest designs that allow you to make wise financial choices and prioritize phases of your project.
We are transparent in our estimates and help you stay within your budget.
We pay more for solar power with CEC, in order to reduce environmental impact by using mostly electrical powered equipment.
Enhancing soil biology to create healthy soils can build stable carbon in the soil, which can better sustain your plants long term.
Native landscapes still require maintenance, but not weekly mowing and regular amending, saving you money.
Estimation and Cost Transparency
Our transparent pricing reflects both expertise and a commitment to budget-friendly options for sustainable landscaping. We carefully assess the long-term value of investments, such as solar energy and eco-conscious technologies, to ensure they deliver lasting economic and environmental benefits.
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Nature -based Design Process
Our approach begins with a thorough site analysis, assessing your property's microclimates, soil composition, topography and drainage.We carefully select native plants suited to your unique environment, ensuring they thrive while supporting the local ecosystem. By using soil testing and environmental research, we make data-driven decisions that promote sustainability, creating low-maintenance, water-efficient landscapes built to last.
Conservation + Water
We implement water-saving techniques that protect natural resources while keeping your landscape healthy. Rain gardens capture and filter runoff, naturally replenishing groundwater while preventing erosion. Dripline irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and waste. Advanced irrigation systems like efficient spray heads further minimize water use, while sustainable waste management practices reduce overall environmental impact.Restore Healthy Soils
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving landscape. We reduce lawn size or remove sod entirely, recognizing Central Oregon’s limited rainfall. By enriching the soil with compost, cover crops, and microbial amendments, we promote nutrient cycling without synthetic fertilizers. Nitrogen and beneficial microbes fuel plant growth and improve soil structure, while perennial native plants support soil food webs and prevent erosion.Native Plants & Pollinators
Our designs prioritize non-toxic solutions to protect pollinators and encourage biodiversity. Staggered blooms and pollinator-friendly flowers for native bees, moths, and hummingbirds are intentionally included for continuous support.Request pet and child-friendly plant selections if needed to make your habitat safe for all household members while coexisting with local wildlife.
Edible Landscapes
Permaculture and related principles include: bio strips, hedgerows, food forests and cover crops to fully integrate regenerative strategies with nature’s ecological services.We grow cold hardy vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, and berries and grapes.
How We Started
In 2011, Yvonne transformed her passion for nature and education into a career, earning her Master's in Education and working with children and adults in a variety of natural settings, wildlife preserves, parks and outdoor classrooms in the Northwest, Southwest and Southeast. Her journey led her from working for a garden maintenance company to taking on her first independent contract—clearing 150 feet of land to create a rodent-proof thicket for birds, a true reflection of her vision and dedication.
After training as a Master Gardener, what started as a one-woman effort quickly grew through word of mouth, leading to the founding of Your Garden Companion. Built on integrity, artistic design, and a deep respect for nature, the company has expanded into a thriving team of seven and was proudly named “Best in Bend” for Landscaping in 2023 - within our first 10 years!
At Your Garden Companion, we treat every property with the care and attention we’d give our own, crafting sustainable, vibrant landscapes, teeming with life.
We are a licensed and bonded All-phase Landscape Company registered with the state of Oregon.
