Creating landscapes that feed, heal, and inspire
Hi I’m Kyle, Founder and lead designer of PDX urban Gardens
Since 2018, I’ve designed, built, and maintained edible and ecological landscapes.
I understand how the built environment - our gardens, streets, and shared spaces - influences social behavior, food systems, ecosystem health, and public well-being. My work is informed by studies in urban planning and Indigenous ecological knowledge, and by a belief that thoughtful land design can help shape healthier, more connected communities over time.
My interest in biodiversity and research-based horticulture led me to complete the Oregon State University Master Gardener Program, as well as advanced study of native bees through OSU's Melitology Program. This background guides how I design and maintain landscapes that support pollinators, native plants, and connect us deeper to our watersheds.
I look forward to working with you.
Projects
View all-
St Johns Silver Certified Backyard Habitat, Foo...
Kyle Leslie-ChristyIn 2022 we completely changed this front and backyard into a mix of 34 habitat and food forest plantings. As of September 4, 2024 this landscape is a Silver certified Backyard Habitat,...
1 commentSt Johns Silver Certified Backyard Habitat, Foo...
Kyle Leslie-ChristyIn 2022 we completely changed this front and backyard into a mix of 34 habitat and food forest plantings. As of September 4, 2024 this landscape is a Silver certified Backyard Habitat,...
1 comment -
North Gresham Food Forest, Medicine Garden, & C...
Kyle Leslie-ChristyThis 1/3 acre property is now packed with 46 different species of food, medicinals, natives, and cut flowers. You can expect to brush up against swaths of hyssop, yarrow, dahlias, lupine, and...
North Gresham Food Forest, Medicine Garden, & C...
Kyle Leslie-ChristyThis 1/3 acre property is now packed with 46 different species of food, medicinals, natives, and cut flowers. You can expect to brush up against swaths of hyssop, yarrow, dahlias, lupine, and...
-
NE Portland MESO Offices' Backyard Habitat, Pol...
Kyle Leslie-ChristyThis bare 1400 sqft front yard was replanted with 22 species of native, edible, pollinator, and cut flower plants. Complete with a stone pathway, bird baths, and plant signs.
NE Portland MESO Offices' Backyard Habitat, Pol...
Kyle Leslie-ChristyThis bare 1400 sqft front yard was replanted with 22 species of native, edible, pollinator, and cut flower plants. Complete with a stone pathway, bird baths, and plant signs.
How it works
Start with a free 15 minute call
During an intro call we can discuss your space, vision, and goals. We’ll help you determine the best next step—whether it's DIY guidance, a consultation, or full project support.
Book a Consultation
For a deeper dive, schedule a personalized consultation (virtual or on-site).
This can be used as a standalone conversation about specific plants, a full survey of the entire yard to talk through opportunities, or the initial meeting prior to beginning work on a full landscape plan. In addition to expert advice, clients will receive a followup assessment with educational resources, an action plan, and/or a bid for future work.
Lets Design!
Need a detailed landscape design? We’ll craft a plan combining your vision, functional needs, and surrounding ecology.
We will collaborate with you to select the best materials and plants that align with your budget. Depending on your wants, your final design may include a to-scale computer rendered design, physical drafts, plant list, pictures, a work plan, and/or precise bid for installation. With all the info you can choose to work with us, hire another team, or bring the vision to life yourself.
Install
To provide an accurate and tailored installation bid, we recommend starting with a landscape design. You’re welcome to use a design we create or bring your own — either way, we’ll collaborate closely with you and your budget to ensure the right plants, materials, and systems are installed for your space.
Maintenance
After your landscape is installed, we provide a custom maintenance plan to ensure it continues to thrive—whether you prefer to handle it yourself or have us provide ongoing care. We offer tailored maintenance packages that fit your budget and level of involvement, including support for edible gardens, native plantings, and pollinator habitats. Our maintenance philosophy is rooted in principles of permaculture and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
Loading latest videos...
Sign up for our Newsletter!
Join our community hub on Discord!!
Connect with other gardeners, herbalists, and nature lovers.
Testimonials
Caroline G.
"A year ago I was looking for help redesigning my garden to make it more environmentally friendly and meet the requirements of Audubon's Backyard Habitat Certification program. From the start it's been a pleasure working with PDX Urban Gardens. They provided creative ideas for the use of my garden space including replacing my lawn with a wide variety of native plants, a food forest of fruits and berries, bird baths and a drip irrigation system. I was given a clear presentation of options and prices to meet a cost conscious budget. All the plants, soil and ground cover they provided are high quality. My garden is thriving and home to a growing number of bees and a variety of beautiful birds. I addition, I have many plants to use for herbal remedies and teas and for cooking. PDX are very professional and considerate to work with. They're great about communicating plans for maintenance, scheduling visits and giving feedback on progress. I'm delighted with the progress we've made and I can unreservedly recommend PDX Urban Gardens as a great business to work with!"
MESO Staff
"We enjoyed working with Kyle and learning so much new things about plants and landscape. It was a great process and our team is very satisfied."
Kate J
"Kyle has maintained my garden for several years. His knowledge of companion planting and his dedication to organic and sustainable gardening practices have transformed my veggie garden into a thriving ecosystem. What truly sets Kyle apart is his easygoing style and educational approach. He takes time to explain which plants work well together and how to attract beneficial bugs and pollinators like bees. His efforts have made my garden both beautiful and productive resulting in an abundant harvest of delicious vegetables. I have always bought organic veggies, but the quality and flavor of what we get out of my own garden is way beyond what you buy at the health food store. If you're looking for someone who understands how to create a sustainable, thriving garden space, Kyle is an excellent choice."
Melissa M.
"It was such a relief to have such conscientious and reliable garden help after I was injured! I’m so appreciative of Kyle’s knowledge and passion for plants, mycelium, and the ecosystem created within a yard/garden. Brian and I have hired landscaping and yard work companies before and have ended up in heated arguments with the manager/owner about pesticide use (absolutely not in our yard!), beneficial plants and insects, etc. Would work with Kyle again 100%!"
Max M.
"Kyle was thorough, communicative, diligent, and clear in setting timelines and expectations for the bamboo pruning and upkeep he did in my backyard. From the outset I was confident he would accomplish the work he set out to do, and in the end exceeded even those expectations. I'd highly recommend PDX Urban Gardens for your next landscaping project."
Postcards!
Highlighting the creatures and plants of biodiverse gardens.
-
Honey Bee Postcards - 5 pack
Regular price $9.99Regular priceUnit price / perSale price $9.99 -
Kyle’s Favorite Postcards - 5 pack
Regular price $9.99Regular priceUnit price / perSale price $9.99 -
Northwest Native Bees Postcards - 5 pack
Regular price $9.99Regular priceUnit price / perSale price $9.99 -
Native Insect Postcards - 5 pack
Regular price $9.99Regular priceUnit price / perSale price $9.99