In the past this house had been at the heart of a busy farm. The function of the property has long since changed but it yet remains someone’s home. The challenge is to retrofit existing farm buildings, and the surrounding landscape, to better reflect both the different lifestyle and needs of the present owners. At the back of the farmhouse slopes have been modified to accommodate terraces, gardens and pathways linking through them. View sheds have been emphasized to showcase the property and the landscape filled with four seasons of interest. The geometry of the hard-scaping (walls, stairs, and walkways) is softened by the addition of lush plant material selected for both textural and colour qualities (evergreen, flowering and foliage). This view includes Smooth Viburnum (Viburnum nudum ‘Winterthur’), Purple Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’), Mellow Yellow Spiraea (Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’), and Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia).

Photo by Caitlin Atkinson
This is an example of a modern landscaping in San Francisco.

Design ideas for a traditional hillside landscaping in San Francisco.

Incorporating levels and retaining walls allowed us to make use of this sloped part of the yard, including adding a gas fire pit with built-in seating and custom outdoor lighting.

Transformation of a sloped backyard into terraced rooms, with focal points defining the use of each terrace: lounge area with firepit/fireplace, hot tub, edible gardening beds, a turfed play area, children's playhouse. Scope of work included new redwood fence, lighting, irrigation.

This is an example of a large traditional partial sun side yard concrete paver formal garden in Denver for summer.

Inspiration for a large traditional front yard stone retaining wall landscape in Denver.

A creative design to deal with a sloped front yard. The curving terraced walls are graceful and provide easy to reach planting spaces. The front steps and porch were covered with mortared flagstone; 70% MD blend, 30% Catawba blend stone

Transformation of a sloped backyard into terraced rooms, with focal points defining the use of each terrace: lounge area with firepit/fireplace, hot tub, edible gardening beds, a turfed play area, children's playhouse. Scope of work included new redwood fence, lighting, irrigation.

Permeable paver patio installed over septic drainline to provide breathability. Raised garden beds built into wall allow access from above and below.

Photo of a mediterranean backyard stone water fountain landscape in Santa Barbara.

This is an example of a large traditional front yard stone retaining wall landscape in Denver.

Photo of a large traditional front yard stone retaining wall landscape in Denver.

This is an example of a large traditional front yard stone retaining wall landscape in Denver.

New terraced retaining walls using Mutual Materials flat face khaki manor stone with pisa 2 coping cap. Rope lighting mounted under cap for night lighting. Custom freestanding arbors in cedar with hanging accent low voltage light for table. Green house tucks back into walls opening up space in the yard. Raised pond and waterfall in background beyond patio.

Outdoor lighting, including the cozy light from the fire pit, make this space a perfect retreat every evening.
This is an example of a large rustic backyard concrete paver landscaping in Salt Lake City with a fire pit.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Design ideas for a mid-sized farmhouse full sun hillside mulch landscaping.

Photo of a small asian drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard brick landscaping in San Francisco.

Raised vegetable gardens.
Photo of a large farmhouse full sun backyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in San Diego for spring.