A dry creek meanders through undulating terrain in this lawn retrofit. The lowest part of the swale is filled with Juncus effusus (Common Rush), and Iris douglasiana (Douglas Iris), while the drier side-slopes are planted with Spirea 'Little Princess' and Carex testacea (Bronze sedge). Anna Caitlin Photography

We created this large garden almost entirely w/ coniferous plants. We call this our "Vermont All-Season Color Garden"©. There is interest in this space every month of the year. Looks great in a bare winter or when there is snow. It is also low maintenance and care free. It is also unique.

This small space was once the main parking area for this cottage lakeside home and was radically transformed into an intimate and inviting courtyard. Defined by a hand stacked fieldstone wall, granite stepping stones lead from the entrance of the garden and gradually wind their way over a stream bed and lead to the porch that borders the garden. Although set in a cold weather climate, the client requested that the garden be developed to have a lush tropical feeling yet remain consistent with the general surroundings. This was achieved by using a mixture of large leafed perennials such as Ligularia, Hosta and Petasites (Butterbur) ,along with various groundcovers and other perennials including Ferns, Iris and Japanese Forest Grass. The central feature of the garden is a naturalized meandering stream and pond filled with Koi. The use of water in the garden thematically ties the house and courtyard to the homes’ surrounding, an adjacent lake, and adds movement and tranquil sound to the space. Stepping stones appear to float across the surface of the water allowing the visitor another way to enjoy the space. Scale is essential with even the smallest detail needing to be well executed within such limited space. Photos by: George Dzahristos

Rebecca Lindenmeyr
Design ideas for a traditional full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Burlington.

'Golden Pacific' shore junipers, 'Skylands' oriental spruce and variegated iris lighten this shade garden while providing interest through diverse textures and shapes. Photo by Jay Sifford.

Mixed perennial and shrub border. Deer resistant and unfenced on a large country property.
Design ideas for a large traditional full sun backyard landscaping in New York.

North side (south-facing) of formal sunken garden. Spring border, full sun. Susan Irving
This is an example of a huge traditional full sun backyard gravel landscaping in New York for spring.

This is an example of a mid-sized rustic full sun front yard stone formal garden in Boston for spring.

Asian influences blended with native plantings helped create this garden, which we call Prairie-fusion. Water is the main focus of the garden, which falls and flows creating both visual and audial impact. Colorful koi dot the dark waters which reflect light and landscape. Choices in construction material were made to enhance a rustic look while touches of Japanese-inspired influences were appropriately placed to introduce an exotic feel. In keeping with the traditional Japanese gardens, raked rocks and boulders simulate islands in water. While inspired by the East, the garden is rooted firmly in the Midwestern landscape, surrounded and softened by plants native to woodlands and wetlands, including ferns, sedges, wild columbine, blue flag iris, horsetail rush, water lilies and native maples. A ramp leading up to the decking combined both reclaimed railroad ties and gravel, tying in the two solid ground influences in the garden. Live moss was used heavily on boulders and wood creating the illusion of a garden which has been tucked away, living and growing for a long time. Photo by Larry Carnes

Pollinator-friendly low-water easy-care plants enliven this sidewalk and street bordering the Gardens on Spring Creek, in the heart of Fort Collins near Colorado State University. photo by Lauren Springer Ogden

Asian influences blended with native plantings helped create this garden, which we call Prairie-fusion. Water is the main focus of the garden, which falls and flows creating both visual and audial impact. Colorful koi dot the dark waters which reflect light and landscape. Choices in construction material were made to enhance a rustic look while touches of Japanese-inspired influences were appropriately placed to introduce an exotic feel. In keeping with the traditional Japanese gardens, raked rocks and boulders simulate islands in water. While inspired by the East, the garden is rooted firmly in the Midwestern landscape, surrounded and softened by plants native to woodlands and wetlands, including ferns, sedges, wild columbine, blue flag iris, horsetail rush, water lilies and native maples. A ramp leading up to the decking combined both reclaimed railroad ties and gravel, tying in the two solid ground influences in the garden. Live moss was used heavily on boulders and wood creating the illusion of a garden which has been tucked away, living and growing for a long time. Photo by Larry Carnes

Asian influences blended with native plantings helped create this garden, which we call Prairie-fusion. Water is the main focus of the garden, which falls and flows creating both visual and audial impact. Colorful koi dot the dark waters which reflect light and landscape. Choices in construction material were made to enhance a rustic look while touches of Japanese-inspired influences were appropriately placed to introduce an exotic feel. In keeping with the traditional Japanese gardens, raked rocks and boulders simulate islands in water. While inspired by the East, the garden is rooted firmly in the Midwestern landscape, surrounded and softened by plants native to woodlands and wetlands, including ferns, sedges, wild columbine, blue flag iris, horsetail rush, water lilies and native maples. A ramp leading up to the decking combined both reclaimed railroad ties and gravel, tying in the two solid ground influences in the garden. Live moss was used heavily on boulders and wood creating the illusion of a garden which has been tucked away, living and growing for a long time. Photo by Larry Carnes

Photo by Jay Sifford.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary partial sun front yard outdoor basketball/tennis/multi-game court in Charlotte.

Iris ensata 'Variegata' and 'Golden Pacific' shore juniper brighten up a shady spot with color and contrasting shapes. Photo by Jay Sifford.
Photo of a contemporary landscaping in Charlotte.

Learn seed starting basics and get a jump start on growing the flower garden of your dreams with the new book, Cut Flower Garden. In this striking guide you will find everything you need to grow, harvest, and arrange stunning seasonal blooms. With equal parts instruction and inspiration, Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden welcomes you into Erin Benzakein’s abundant, bloom-filled world, and is a feast for every flower lover’s eyes and soul. Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden. Written by Erin Benzakein with Julie Chai. Photos by Michèle M. Waite. Published by Chronicle Books.

South-facing border in April with rare Azalea tree in full bloom with coordinating German Iris and Dianthus. Susan Irving
Design ideas for a huge traditional full sun backyard gravel landscaping in New York for spring.

A walking path of stone pavers transitions to grass as it winds through a lush and vibrant garden. Garden: snap dragons (Antirrhinum), foxglove in variety, day lilies, lady's mantle (Alchemilla), astilbe, phlox, hosta in variety, Cranesbill (Geranium), hydrangea, salvia, chrysanthemum in variety, bleeding hearts (Dicentras), roses, iris Background: weeping willow (Salix), dogwood (Cornus kousa), Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)

Asian influences blended with native plantings helped create this garden, which we call Prairie-fusion. Water is the main focus of the garden, which falls and flows creating both visual and audial impact. Colorful koi dot the dark waters which reflect light and landscape. Choices in construction material were made to enhance a rustic look while touches of Japanese-inspired influences were appropriately placed to introduce an exotic feel. In keeping with the traditional Japanese gardens, raked rocks and boulders simulate islands in water. While inspired by the East, the garden is rooted firmly in the Midwestern landscape, surrounded and softened by plants native to woodlands and wetlands, including ferns, sedges, wild columbine, blue flag iris, horsetail rush, water lilies and native maples. A ramp leading up to the decking combined both reclaimed railroad ties and gravel, tying in the two solid ground influences in the garden. Live moss was used heavily on boulders and wood creating the illusion of a garden which has been tucked away, living and growing for a long time. Photo by Larry Carnes

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | City Homes, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.