Northwest Infinity-Edge Lawn Frames River View

Doug Naef created an infinity-edge lawn at his Portland-area garden overlooking the Willamette River. The house sits on a bank above the floodplain; the raised lawn edits out cluttered foreground, emphasizing the river and wooded hills. A 7-foot stone wall on the far side hides the driveway and street; dry-stack look mimics the lawn’s retaining wall, accentuating casual country style.

Five Great Ideas

1. Create an infinity-edge lawn. Support downhill side with 30-inch stone retaining wall (or poured concrete); top flat, barely lower than lawn, several inches thick for mower wheels.
2. Start with healthy soil. Replace top foot with high-quality topsoil; plant fescue/perennial rye blend; cut to 1½ inches.
3. Form planting pockets. Bracket steps/paths with plants: boulders, grasses, hydrangeas, maple.
4. Situate most plants on lawn sides. Perennials, grasses, shrubs screen street, soften landscape without blocking view.
5. Start lawn from seed. Fast, fun to watch; doesn’t raise grade like sod; thin spots easily reseeded.