As a LEED Gold certified resort, The Allison incorporates more than 30 sustainable elements. The green eco-roof lowers energy consumption while blending the architecture with the surrounding environment. Below, plantings that include lavender, thyme, germander, and ornamental olives provide interest and functionality as the resort’s award-winning restaurants source from these gardens.

The property showcases two designated lawn types. Fine turf is mowed weekly while eco-turf is encouraged to grow more naturally. Often the two are used adjacent to each other, creating a special challenge to bridge the very different styles seamlessly. Art collections require extreme care to preserve their beauty while Italian Cypress add to the vineyard aesthetic of the property.

During the development and construction phase of this young resort, mature plant material was acquired to immediately compliment the elegant architecture. In the gardens, these Douglas Firs help the new refined lawn and plantings blend into the surrounding native areas.

Common areas are maintained to promote serenity and connectedness with the outdoors, a theme of the spa. The Estate Garden is a large space regularly utilized for major events. With tenting, foot traffic, and irrigation stop/starts, this area frequently requires a complete renovation after a significant event.

Trellises line the walkways in front of guest lodging where roses are trained to climb the arches. Hand trimmed winter gem boxwoods and blue oat grass provide transition to formal spaces adjacent to buildings, while daisies add a splash of color. This summer marks three years since this area was renovated.

Manicured ground covers require constant attention in another area blended for function and aesthetics. Here, pear, quince, and fig trees bear produce for the restaurant.

Terraced garden transitions are heavily planted to prevent erosion during Oregon’s wet season. Plants are selected for their ability to thrive with minimal fertilization and pest/disease control.

A cutting garden grows adjacent to eco- turf. The flowers from this garden are used as accent pieces for the spa, guest rooms, and other hotel displays and centerpieces. Predominantly perennials, roses, and annuals, these flowers have an added value as a pollinator habitat, benefiting the vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens as well as the onsite vineyard.

Liriope is maintained near the walkway from the visitor parking lot to soften edges. Hydrangeas bloom throughout the summer in vivid whites and purples. Stewartia trees with white blooms remain attractive in the winter with their smooth, cinnamon bark.

Over 50 planters and containers placed around the property are meticulously cared for. Annuals rotate throughout the year, and centerpieces are periodically replaced to maintain proper size and scale.

The Allison Inn & Spa features art by esteemed artists sourced from a local gallery. Plantings are often changed to properly compliment the unique sculptures.

All entrances to the resort coordinate with similar flower pallets. Throughout the seasons, plantings are selected for vibrancy and their ability to flourish in the extreme and changing hot, dry, cold and wet of the Oregon climate.

Roses were selected to stimulate the senses: the vibrant colors and the aromatic scents add to the tranquil atmosphere for a therapeutic and relaxing environment.

With the amount of trees, shrubs, and other organic materials thriving at the resort, team members work diligently to ensure leaves and debris remain clear from walkways. Gravel pads were added adjacent to paths to create more gathering areas like the picnic section pictured through the trees.

Bio-swales were strategically added this spring to assist in drainage while returning water to the ground table. As plant material matures, the landscape continues to adapt and evolve.

As the gardens move further from the structures, walking trails reflect a more natural state encouraging guests to connect with nature. The trails lead around the perimeter of the resort. The team occasionally replenishes gravel, levels areas eroded from rain, and maintains plant material to keep walkways accessible.