Green Spotlight: HeartSprings Landscape Design

HeartSprings Landscape Design has been celebrating our unique high desert terrain since 1991, offering landscape services ranging from concept design through construction and beyond. The common thread between each project is an emphasis on sustainable, native landscapes and natural designs that work in harmony with our surroundings. In doing so, they create beautiful,functional outdoor spaces that emphasize the beauty of Central Oregon! These landscapes are thoughtfully created to be very low maintenance which leaves more time to play and enjoy what you love.

At the core of HeartSprings is owner and founder Chris Hart-Henderson, a licensed landscape contractor and long-time Bendite who studied landscape architecture at Oregon State University. Chris is very involved in our community, as a storm water consultant, a steward of our river, and a mentor/teacher. She has taught for COCC, OSU Master Gardeners, City of Bend, High Desert Green Industry, and more.

While talking to Chris, it was immediately apparent that she’s completely in love with Central Oregon and all of its beauty. Her career in landscape design allows her to spend time outdoors – but it also has taught her a lot about living lightly on the planet, and what it takes to be a good steward of the land. Chris knows that how we care for our land matters, because everything is connected. Our watershed, the land, animals, and humans all play a part that contributes to a healthy landscape and community.

According to Chris, practicing business with sustainability in mind is a natural response to living in Central Oregon for so long. Over time, she’s seen how population growth has had an impact on our region. She believes everyone needs to be more conscious of ways to reduce our footprint, especially in a rapidly growing community. So she keeps this in mind while running her business!

HeartSprings’ focus is on restoration, sustainability, and creating native, natural landscapes. “I love outdoor living, and want to make it easy and appealing for people,” said Chris.

HeartSprings works mostly on residential projects, and is currently completing work over in the Tree Farm and Brasada neighborhoods. Chris also jumps on board for many remodels projects, and especially enjoys rural projects just outside of Bend. She really enjoys working with newcomers to the area, because it provides an opportunity to educate them on how to care for our local landscape.

Chris also enjoys being involved in a project as early as possible. This allows for the best synergy and collaboration between herself, the homeowner and other key partners who help execute the vision. She plays the lead role and oversees projects to make sure the vision comes to life. This also allows her to advise on important issues like how to water effectively and conserve where possible; bring pollinators to the garden year-round; and incorporate native and/or edible plants.

HeartSprings’ style and approach to native landscaping has gleaned them several awards. The company was involved of Phase I of the local Desert Rain home – the first single family project in the world to be awarded full certification under the strict international guidelines of the Living Building Challenge.

“I learned a lot from working on Desert Rain, and felt even more inspired to source materials locally and find ways to reduce waste,” said Chris.

They were also recently awarded first place in the 2017 “Rethinking the Future” Sustainability Awards in the category of Residences (built).

RTF is an international association dedicated to sustainable architecture. For this home, HeartSprings helped to design extensive exterior terraces for outdoor living, plus a large fully fenced edible garden and orchard.

So what’s on the horizon for Chris and HeartSprings Landscape Design? Going forward, Chris is striving to go completely paperless – not an easy task, but an important one! She also plans to continue her collaborative relationships with clients and other partners in town, sharing resources, exchanging knowledge, and creating a stronger sense of community.

We encourage you to check out their website to learn even more about this green business, see project photos, and more! You can also reach out to Chris at (541) 280-3036, or info@heartspringsdesign.com.