A Mediterranean Villa Landscape, San Francisco

7. Mature TreesIf you’re starting from a blank slate with a landscape remodel, one or two mature trees can accelerate the process of making your garden feel grown in. For this San Francisco garden, landscape architect Katharine Webster brought in a mature olive tree to set the stage for a Mediterranean-themed patio. In general, shallow-rooting trees, like palms and olives, can be bought in more mature sizes, while trees such as oaks or maples can be purchased as semimature specimens. Large trees are sold in wooden boxes that come in standard sizes. When selecting the tree type and size for your landscape, be sure to factor in the cost of transportation and installation. It’s best to consult your contractor before getting your heart set on a huge tree.While you may want to invest in one or two mature trees, consider buying many of your other plants — quick-growing herbs, perennials, ground covers, ornamental grasses, vines and more — in small sizes, as they will cost lest and will grow to mature sizes quickly.

1. Mimic the look of your dream vacation spot. Set the scene for relaxation by styling your outdoor seating area with design details that remind you of being on holiday. If you have fond memories of dining alfresco in the Italian countryside, look for ways to pull the look and feel of Tuscany into your backyard by using crunchy, warm-toned gravel and bistro-style furniture. Dreaming of beach vacations? Style your outdoor seating area with lounge chairs, seafoam green cushions and glass lanterns.Browse inspiring garden styles on Houzz

I like this Mediterranean garden.

Like this color of pea gravel versus gray

When we lived at Hidden Lake Lane, this is how I wanted the back yard to look, underneath the big pepper tree. Oh, well!

might be a great way to get out of grass