Catherine L Kauer
This is an example of a large modern partial sun hillside retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

The potting shed and vegetable garden (featured in a spring issue of Country Living Gardens magazine. © Melissa Clark Photography. All rights reserved

Inspiration for a large rustic shade hillside gravel garden path in Richmond for spring.

This sloped hillside has been transformed into a beautiful tapestry of colors and textures present in every season. I specified drought tolerant plants and shrubs that are low-water, low maintenance and deer resistant. Located in Novato, CA - Marin County. Some photos were taken just after installation and others 2 couple of years later.

Pro Care Horticultural Services
Photo of a contemporary shade hillside landscaping in Indianapolis for summer.

Webster, MA lake house. - Complete lakeside landscape renovation using boulders and ornamental grass plantings, New England fieldstone wall, granite steps, bluestone pathway and fire pit. - Sallie Hill Design | Landscape Architecture | 339-970-9058 | salliehilldesign.com | photo ©2008 Brian Hill

A natural stream adds movement, peaceful sound and endless play opportunities on this natural playground. The small pond at the end provides water play and wildlife opportunities without deep water. Jessie Moore Photography

Design ideas for a large mediterranean drought-tolerant and full sun hillside stone and metal fence garden path in Denver for summer.

Adrienne Link Newton
Photo of a mid-sized transitional partial sun hillside stone retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

L. McGrath
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional shade hillside landscaping in Boston for summer.

During excavation for this new modern home, large granite boulders rose to the surface from the primordial hillside. Instead of displacing these monoliths from the site from which they were created, they were arranged to define space. A circle of boulders stand guard around a custom built fire pit, providing protection from the wind while offering a place to climb or sit. The extended landscape view from the lawn is kept intact by the introduction of a ha-ha, a traditional landscape feature, that hides the productive garden and keeps it from breaking the view. Native and drought tolerant plantings hug the outer edges of the property for minimal use of irrigation and to visually blend into the surrounding hillside. This project also features a custom ipe bench with integrated lighting, waterjet address numbers with night lighting, and hardscape that complements the form and materiality of the architecture to create a harmonious transition into the horizontal plane. Photography: Louie Jeon Photography

A closer look at this stone stair constructed with Tennessee Crab Orchard Flagstone slabs. Thick slabs were snap cut and carefully arranged to create this attractive walk to the water.

The stones steps are local stone placed in such a way to make the climb and descent comfortable to traverse. Often natural stone steps have varying sized risers and treads that make their use difficult. We strive to make it not only beautiful but functional.

Inspiration for a contemporary full sun hillside concrete paver water fountain landscape in San Francisco.

Edible landscaping encompasses much more then adding some veggie beds to one’s property. Creative layouts and material usage can incorporate year-round vegetable harvests in an aesthetically pleasing way. Perennial fruit trees, along with bushes and herbs, create a lush space full of beautiful, colors, textures, smells and tastes. Searching out and experimenting with different and rare varieties of edible plants keeps home gardens interesting. Edible landscaping gives access to food at its freshest, when it is most nutritious, and offers many more options than supermarket produce sections—also cutting down on transportation and packaging impacts. From edible estates to food forests, or simple integration of garden-based food production, Sweet Smiling Landscapes has the knowledge and experience to help home owners harvest their own bounty.

The boulder wall also becomes the bones of a lively garden. A mix of evergreens and perennials ensures year-round interest. Design by Mary Kirk Menefee; installation by Merrifield Garden Center. Photo: Mary Kirk Menefee

Fieldstone steps to the back yard are accented with hostas, ferns, and various boxwood cultivars.
Design ideas for a contemporary shade hillside stone garden path in New York.

Photo of a contemporary rock hillside river rock landscaping in San Luis Obispo.

APLD 2021 Silver Award Winning Landscape Design. An expansive back yard landscape with several mature oak trees and a stunning Golden Locust tree has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor retreat. The renovations include a wraparound deck, an expansive travertine natural stone patio, stairways and pathways along with concrete retaining walls and column accents with dramatic planters. The pathways meander throughout the landscape... some with travertine stepping stones and gravel and those below the majestic oaks left natural with fallen leaves. Raised vegetable beds and fruit trees occupy some of the sunniest areas of the landscape. A variety of low-water and low-maintenance plants for both sunny and shady areas include several succulents, grasses, CA natives and other site-appropriate Mediterranean plants complimented by a variety of boulders. Dramatic white pots provide architectural accents, filled with succulents and citrus trees. Design, Photos, Drawings © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design