Architect - Polly Harbison. Landscaping - Michael Cooke. Photography - Brett Boardman.
Coastal brown two-story wood house exterior idea in Los Angeles with a shed roof and a metal roof

A blend of different rock types adds interest to the tiered retaining wall. Stone steps wind their way down and lead to a boathouse and a cozy beachfront.

Soft blue tile and natural stone create a calming, spa-like retreat. A large picture window frames the ocean beyond, seamlessly connecting the shower to the surrounding coastal landscape.

We have had sea or bay side projects over the years which brings with them a special set of opportunities and constraints.In this case we were challenged with creating a pool garden that had views to the bay. As I don't like to have a swimming pool just as a swimming pool room, I made this pool area a pool 'garden' where accessing the pool is off the main terrace and one enters a garden that has a lap pool, not a lap pool that has a garden.

This is an example of a coastal landscaping in Los Angeles with a pergola.

The armillary garden just beyond the bluestone terrace.
Photo of a large traditional full sun backyard concrete paver formal garden in Providence for summer.

Front Entry: 41 West Coastal Retreat Series reveals creative, fresh ideas, for a new look to define the casual beach lifestyle of Naples. More than a dozen custom variations and sizes are available to be built on your lot. From this spacious 3,000 square foot, 3 bedroom model, to larger 4 and 5 bedroom versions ranging from 3,500 - 10,000 square feet, including guest house options.

This propery is situated on the south side of Centre Island at the edge of an oak and ash woodlands. orignally, it was three properties having one house and various out buildings. topographically, it more or less continually sloped to the water. Our task was to creat a series of terraces that were to house various functions such as the main house and forecourt, cottage, boat house and utility barns. The immediate landscape around the main house was largely masonry terraces and flower gardens. The outer landscape was comprised of heavily planted trails and intimate open spaces for the client to preamble through. As the site was largely an oak and ash woods infested with Norway maple and japanese honey suckle we essentially started with tall trees and open ground. Our planting intent was to introduce a variety of understory tree and a heavy shrub and herbaceous layer with an emphisis on planting native material. As a result the feel of the property is one of graciousness with a challenge to explore.

Photo by Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect, LLC A small residential, seaside property located on Fairfield Beach, Fairfield was renovated by the new owners and adapted for their active family. Barbara was the landscape architect in charge of all of the landscape elements upgrades. She designed new bluestone curving paths to access the front and side doors and designed new landscape lighting to enhance the walks. The existing trees were saved and she designed new shade and salt-tolerant plantings which were added to provide seasonal color and interest while respecting the existing plantings. Along the beach front additional native beach grasses were added to stabilize the dunes while removing some invasive plantings. This work will be phased over the next few years in an effort to keep the sand stable. Beach roses were incorporated into a hollow in the dunes. A small lawn area was renovated and the surrounding Black Pines pruned to provide a small play area and respite from the sun. Beautiful reblooming hydrangeas line the edge of the gravel driveway. Rounded beach stones were used instead of mulch in the island planting along the edge of the adjacent road planted with Miscanthus, Mugo pine and yucca. Barbara designed a custom kayak rack, custom garbage enclosure, a new layout of the existing wooden deck to facilitate access to the side doors, and detailed how to renovate the front door into only an emergency access with new railings and steps. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised the installation of all elements for the new landscape the project. The interiors were designed by Jack Montgomery Design of Greenwich, CT and NYC . Tree work was completed by Bartlett Tree Experts. Freddy’s Landscape Company of Fairfield, CT installed the new plantings, installed all the new masonry work and provides landscape maintenance services. JT Low Voltage and Electric installed the landscape lighting.

The lattice and columned pool pavilion with its stone fireplace and standing seam copper roof, and impressive lap pool creates the focal point for a resort-like arrangement of terraces, fountains, and landscaping.

Lance Kelly
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse full sun backyard gravel landscaping in Boston for summer.

Looking down the new driveway to the house from the street. Sweeping masses of Hakonechloa 'All Gold' visually brighten the shady space while hostas, ferns, ligularia, broadleaf evergreens and Eastern Redbud trees contribute to a woodsy, natural feel. Photo by Susan Sotera

Northern Michigan summers are best spent on the water. The family can now soak up the best time of the year in their wholly remodeled home on the shore of Lake Charlevoix. This beachfront infinity retreat offers unobstructed waterfront views from the living room thanks to a luxurious nano door. The wall of glass panes opens end to end to expose the glistening lake and an entrance to the porch. There, you are greeted by a stunning infinity edge pool, an outdoor kitchen, and award-winning landscaping completed by Drost Landscape. Inside, the home showcases Birchwood craftsmanship throughout. Our family of skilled carpenters built custom tongue and groove siding to adorn the walls. The one of a kind details don’t stop there. The basement displays a nine-foot fireplace designed and built specifically for the home to keep the family warm on chilly Northern Michigan evenings. They can curl up in front of the fire with a warm beverage from their wet bar. The bar features a jaw-dropping blue and tan marble countertop and backsplash. / Photo credit: Phoenix Photographic

Inspiration for a small modern partial sun and drought-tolerant hillside stone retaining wall landscape in Seattle.

This is an example of a large contemporary full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Miami.

Photo by Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect, LLC A small residential, seaside property located on Fairfield Beach, Fairfield was renovated by the new owners and adapted for their active family. Barbara was the landscape architect in charge of all of the landscape elements upgrades. She designed new bluestone curving paths to access the front and side doors and designed new landscape lighting to enhance the walks. The existing trees were saved and she designed new shade and salt-tolerant plantings which were added to provide seasonal color and interest while respecting the existing plantings. Along the beach front additional native beach grasses were added to stabilize the dunes while removing some invasive plantings. This work will be phased over the next few years in an effort to keep the sand stable. Beach roses were incorporated into a hollow in the dunes. A small lawn area was renovated and the surrounding Black Pines pruned to provide a small play area and respite from the sun. Beautiful reblooming hydrangeas line the edge of the gravel driveway. Rounded beach stones were used instead of mulch in the island planting along the edge of the adjacent road planted with Miscanthus, Mugo pine and yucca. Barbara designed a custom kayak rack, custom garbage enclosure, a new layout of the existing wooden deck to facilitate access to the side doors, and detailed how to renovate the front door into only an emergency access with new railings and steps. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised the installation of all elements for the new landscape the project. The interiors were designed by Jack Montgomery Design of Greenwich, CT and NYC . Tree work was completed by Bartlett Tree Experts. Freddy’s Landscape Company of Fairfield, CT installed the new plantings, installed all the new masonry work and provides landscape maintenance services. JT Low Voltage and Electric installed the landscape lighting.

View of sunlit living room fireplace, which has built-in storage on both sides. Photo by John Whipple
Living room - mid-sized coastal open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in Portland Maine with gray walls, a tile fireplace and a standard fireplace

Inspiration for a tropical landscaping in Hawaii.

Hot tub - contemporary backyard rectangular lap hot tub idea in Orange County