Photo by Ryann Ford
Design ideas for a contemporary landscaping in Austin.

Inspiration for a large traditional partial sun front yard concrete paver driveway in Other.

Photo of a large traditional full sun side yard stone landscaping in Boston.

Photos by ©ThompsonPhotographic.com 2019 A passion for the Southwest inspires one couple to turn their garden into a vibrant showcase for Sonoran Desert flora. By Nancy Erdmann | Photography by Steve Thompson For someone who loves to garden and has done so in many areas of the U.S., taking on the challenge of a rocky, boulder-strewn hillside lot in the Sonoran Desert is something that Carey Bertsch relishes. “I was born in Scotland but grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. My husband, Robin, is from Indiana. We have always loved everything about the Southwest. The sunny, arid climate; the lifestyle; the flora; the fauna—they all resonate with us,” she remarks. As such, the couple, who are based in Colorado, decided to purchase a part-time residence in Arizona. They found a Santa Fe Territorial-style home that’s tucked into the base of a steep slope in North Scottsdale’s Estancia community. Populated with natural boulder outcroppings, the property’s landscape was rudimentary at best. “But we saw the potential and knew it could be so much more,” recalls Carey. She and her husband lived in the house for several years before making any major changes; they recently completed a total exterior remodel.

Design ideas for a southwestern full sun gravel landscaping in Albuquerque for summer.

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean landscaping in Santa Barbara.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun front yard brick driveway in San Francisco.

Total renovation for a small backyard garden in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn. The scope included a bluestone patio, horizontal cedar fence with built in planters and bench with storage. Overhead cafe string lights and a pendant fixture allow this family to enjoy their garden after dark. Low maintenance flowering perennials and grasses as well as herbs and vegetables fill the planted areas.

Naturalistic kid play space.
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel outdoor playset in San Diego.

Design ideas for a contemporary water fountain landscape in Boston with decking.

Design ideas for a contemporary landscaping in Other.

Inspiration for a rustic full sun front yard concrete paver driveway in Chicago for summer.

V3215SQ-6 6' Vinyl Privacy fence with Tongue and Groove panels and Square Lattice toppers. Shown with posts and rails in Grand Illusions Vinyl Woodbond Rosewood (W104) and panels and lattice in Grand Illusions Color Spectrum Black (L105). What a great backyard fence idea for your dream home.

John Thesing
Photo of a landscaping in Cleveland.

History, revived. An early 19th century Dutch farmstead, nestled in the hillside of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, offered a storied canvas on which to layer replicated additions and contemporary components. Endowed with an extensive art collection, the house and barn serve as a platform for aesthetic appreciation in all forms.

You can read more about the project through this Houzz Feature link: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/hillside-yard-offers-scenic-views-and-space-for-contemplation-stsetivw-vs~131483772

Bliss Garden Design
Inspiration for a coastal full sun front yard landscaping in Seattle.

Photo of a coastal landscaping in Los Angeles.

Front entrance courtyard with Corten steel edging and pea gravel.
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in New York.