Landscaping Tips from Olmsted’s Nursery

There is no doubt that summer is officially “outdoor season” here in the Pacific Northwest. That being said, homeowners love to spend time making their yard into a personal oasis. From growing vegetables and cultivating cut flowers to creating the perfect outdoor entertaining space, chances are, a trip to a local nursery is on your to-do list. 

We love to gain insights and tips from local experts, so we turned to Sean Olmsted from Olmsted’s Nursery. Sean and his wife Veronica have been enhancing local landscapes for over 20 years. Sean grew up in the industry, with his parents starting Olmsted Tree Farm in 1968. We asked Sean for some of his best tips on how to make the most of your outdoor space. 

What is the best way to get started?

First, come up with a budget! Next, consult with local experts about the steps to take. Make a plan. There’s lots of great DIY software to create a digital plan. After the plan, set a timeframe for when the project needs to be completed. Decide if you should divide the project into phases. Lastly, don’t take on more than you can handle. Remember, landscaping is supposed to be stress-free and relaxing.

How can people best use limited space?

Small space landscapes can be the most rewarding and also most challenging. The best advice I have is to choose a theme and go with it. 

What about current landscaping trends?

The new trend is eclectic but this can overpower a small space. So, we go with the less is more mindset. Ponds and water features were a huge trend for a while, but now container gardening and outdoor living are the most popular. Garden art is huge right now!  Try adding a metal sculpture to your landscape. 

At Olmsted’s, you’ll find everything from houseplants to garden art, pavers, rocks, and all types of plants, including trees.

When should you start?

Spring and early summer are great times to update your landscape and wake it up from those hard winter months. Garden bed clean-up, lawn rejuvenation, and planting garden vegetables will all help you enjoy your outdoor space during the summer and fall.

We’re grateful to Sean Olmsted for sharing this helpful advice. Check out Olmsted’s plant nursery and their shop to get supplies and ideas. If do-it-yourself is not your speed, Olmsted’s Nursery has an expert landscaping team. From design consultations to expert installations, they can walk you through projects of any size to reveal the full potential of your land.