Small container garden - The perfect solution for small patios. Photo by Paul Dyer
Balcony container garden - contemporary balcony container garden idea in San Francisco

John Feldman | Photographer
This is an example of a traditional backyard vegetable garden landscape in Los Angeles.

Potting mixes for container gardens need to drain freely, but still retain moisture. My base potting soil mix contains (clockwise from upper left) coarse builder's sand, high-quality organic compost or worm castings, coconut coir, and small lava rock. I supplement this with additional compost, fresh worm castings, and organic soil amendments, with the amounts varying depending on what I'm planting. Photo by Steve Masley

Get a set to use inside and another for outside! This Trellis Caddy and Lattice Set can serve any function you can think of, and you'll undoubtedly find something fun and beautiful to do with it. Hang the three pieces vertically, horizontally, or separately as individual different displays! Each tray is designed to hold three 5" pots. And the trellis on the back of each one is great for pinning notes or photos or for supporting a climbing plant. And this set comes with an additional 19" x 19" section of lattice that brings the whole thing together nicely. Made in the USA of 100% Western Red Cedar that's naturally decay resistant, it's attractive, functional, and long-lasting and can be enjoyed as it is, or it can be stained or painted any color you choose. This set comes with 6 simple screw-in mounting pins and 6 utility hooks that are perfect for holding keys, small garden tools, dog leashes, or anything else you need to hang. It's perfect for adding a bit of extra storage space while dressing up a wall, fence, or other vertical surface. Assembly instructions included. Assembled dimensions for each Trellis Caddy: 19" W x 6" D x 20" H; Lattice dimensions: 19" W x 19" H.

'Sweet 100' cherry tomatoes growing in a 15-gallon terra-cotta pot. Container-grown tomatoes are more susceptible to blossom end rot, but cherry tomatoes like 'Sweet 100', 'Sungold', and 'Black Cherry' rarely have this problem. Photo by Steve Masley

My Garden Post is an innovative vertical gardening system that allows you to grow an entire garden on only 4 square feet. It's ideal for balconies, decks, and patios. You can grow your favorite vegetables, flowers, and herbs with no weeding, bending, and never any dirty knees.

Herbs in Containers Photographer: Jennifer Sayler
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in San Francisco.

The star at the center of this veggie garden is the perfect place for the dwarf lemon tree. The six pointed star (just like the Great Seal of the United States) is ideal for the strawberries to cascade over the edges. The star is 6' with 3' clearance around the star so the space is wide enough to comfortably access the veggie beds from all sides. Photo Credit: Mark Pinkerton

A native herb garden allows one to experience the garden through smell and touch. Two pathways of different materials allow visitors the consideration of either an efficient or meandering experience.

Custom made cedar planter boxes located at the end of an outdoor kitchen. These are for growing culinary herbs. The patio is made from Belgard Mega Arbel concrete pavers. Designed and built by Botanica Atlanta.

A block of compressed, dried coir (coconut husk fiber). Coir soaks up 5 times its weight in water, and holds it in the potting mix for plants. Unlike peat moss, coir won't repel water if it dries out. An abundant byproduct of the coconut industry, it's more sustainable than peat. I still add some peat to potting mixes for acid-loving plants like blueberries, but use coir for all other uses. Photo by Steve Masley

Summer herbs | Lore Patterson
Photo of a mid-sized rustic landscaping in Seattle.

Sublime Garden Design
Design ideas for an eclectic landscaping in Seattle.

This once empty yard was transformed with perennial gardens, raised garden beds, a cute chicken coop, and boxwood hedge with a garden gate. The raised beds are home to strawberries, vegetables, herbs, lavender and annuals.

'Carmello' tomatoes growing in a large terra-cotta pot. Photo by Steve Masley
Photo of an eclectic landscaping in San Francisco.

Shady side yard container plantings
Photo of a traditional shade side yard landscaping in Orange County for summer.

the bamboo is a clumping variety called Bambusa eutuldoides viridi-vittata , Asian lemon bamboo. This variety is a clumper and you do not need to contain it, however, do allow an 8'by 10' area for its ultimate growth. Bamboo does require constant maintenance and you will need to do some research for the specific variety you choose. Once planted, it will become a beautiful focal point and add a stunning tropical accent. Photo Credit: Sherwood Cox

Conte & Conte, LLC landscape architects and designers work with clients located in Connecticut & New York (Greenwich, Belle Haven, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Fairfield, Southport, Rowayton, Manhattan, Larchmont, Bedford Hills, Armonk, Massachusetts) House designed by James Schettino Architects; Boxed Vegetable Gardens, thanks to Fairfield House & Garden Co. for building these!

Basket of fresh cut herbs | Lore Patterson
Photo of a small rustic landscaping in Seattle.