Mid-Century Modern home owners often have strong ideas about restoring or decorating the home itself- and no idea what to do with the landscape. The landscapes of the 60's and 70's don't translate well to today's lifestyles and tastes- unless you are in Palm Springs. And most MCM owners will look at their neighbor's gardens or even designer's portfolios and see little that seems to fit. I present 5 principles, based on my experience designing outdoor spaces for atomic ranches in Portland, that can help guide you along the way. It's not a lot, but it should get you started. And hey- it's my first slide, so go easy!

1. atomic LANDSCAPES
Mid-Century Modern Landscape Design

2. mcm THEN...
When your Eichler or
Rummer was a baby,
it had a swath of lawn
or gravel and some
juniper destined to
become overgrown.

3. mcm NOW...
There is no distinct
MCM landscape
style. Many have
landscapes without
connection to the
home.
Not horrible, just boring. This
landscape could be plopped
down in front of any home. MCM
gems are not just “any” home.

4. five KEYS
There is not a typical
atomic landscape, but
there are principles that
can guide design.
Here are my 5 keys to
Mid-Century Modern
landscape design:
Rummer in SW Portland. A blank slate
for this landscape designer.

5. 1* RESPECT
MCM homes do not
need to be hidden, but
showcased. Treat their
simple beauty with
respect. Design with
the home ever in mind.
Keep a picture of the home in
front of you while designing
the landscape.

6. 2* STRUCTURE
Strong lines in the
landscape will
complement the
lines of the home.
Hardscape is often
the key.
Hardscape imposing order. Plants can grow
wild without obscuring the lines.

7. 3* FUNCTIONAL
The atomic ranch was
meant to be easy to
build, easy to live in.
The landscape should
be easy to use, easy to
maintain. Low-care solutions, like river
rock and succulents, are at
home in the MCM landscape.

8. 4* RESTRAINT
MCM homes often have
blank walls that need
softening and roof lines that
should be uninterrupted.
Choose plants and
placement carefully.
Two blank wall panels to soften
and a narrow window to highlight.

9. 5* MODERN
The 2nd “M”.
Modern Japanese,
French, Post-Modern...
Just keep it modern.

10. mcm LANDSCAPING
I love these homes and love
designing landscapes for
them. Please visit our blog for
more. Please ask questions or
leave me any tips you have for
creating atomic gardens.
Ben Bowen- Landscape designer
at Ross NW Watergardens in
Portland, OR.