Cut flower garden with clipped Boxwood, stone garden walls and limestone detailing by Howard Design Studio. Architecture by James Choate. Photography by Usha Menard.

Timothy Reed
Photo of a large mediterranean drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Tampa.

Richard P. Rauso, ASLA
Design ideas for a small contemporary full sun front yard water fountain landscape.

Very inviting isn't it? I have lost count how many of these I have built over the years. And they are like snowflakes every single one is different!
Inspiration for a small eclectic backyard brick patio remodel in Minneapolis with a pergola

Photo: Kayla Stark © 2015 Houzz
Design ideas for a transitional landscaping in New Orleans.

Jeffery Allen Photography
Photo of a traditional partial sun concrete paver landscaping in Boston.

Designed and built by Land Art Design, Inc.
Inspiration for a small traditional backyard stone garden path in DC Metro.

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

This partially wooded, acre and a half lot in West Dundee presented many challenges. The clients began working with a Landscape Architect in the early spring, but after not getting the innovative ideas they were seeking, the home builder and Architect suggested the client contact our landscape design/build firm. We immediately hit it off with the charismatic clients. They had a tall order for us: complete the design and implement the construction within a three month period. For many projects this would be a reasonable time frame. However construction delays and the coordination of multiple trades left a very short window to complete the work. Beyond the tight time frame the site required specific care in preserving the many mature surrounding trees, as well as addressing a vast grade change. Over fifteen feet of grade change occurs from one end of this woodland property to the other. All of these constraints proved to be an enormous challenge as we worked to include and coordinate the following elements: the drive layout, a dramatic front entry, various gardens, landscape lighting, irrigation, and a plan for a backyard pool and entertainment space that already had been started without a clear plan. Fortunately, the client loved our design ideas and attention to detail and we were able to mobilize and begin construction. With the seamless coordination between our firm and the builder we implemented all the elements of this grand project. In total eight different crews and five separate trades worked together to complete the landscape. The completed project resulted in a rewarding experience for our firm, the builder and architect, as well as the client. Together we were able to create and construct a perfect oasis for the client that suited the beautiful property and the architecture of this dream home.

Design ideas for a large traditional partial sun backyard gravel formal garden in New York.

Rivertown Landscapes LLC
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Grand Rapids.

Photo of a mediterranean backyard gravel formal garden.

Solow Design Group
Design ideas for a craftsman landscaping in Charlotte.

Colorful varieties of coleus with trailing plants look beautiful with the yellow of the black-eye susans.
Inspiration for a small traditional full sun backyard landscaping in Boston for summer.

Photo of a traditional landscaping in New Orleans.

Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen Photography by: Bob Narod, Photographer, LLC
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard stone landscaping in DC Metro.

Request Free Quote This lovely hot tub in Sugar Grove, IL measures 8'0" x 8'0" and is raised 18" above the deck. Featuring a 4'0" sheer waterfall feature, automatic safety cover with custom stone lid, LED lights and custom stone coping and fascia. The custom Pergola provides a stunning architectural element for this tub. Photos by Rockit Project.

Richard P. Rauso, ASLA
Design ideas for a mid-sized asian full sun backyard gravel landscaping for fall.

A formal New Orleans front garden layered with clipped evergreen shrubs, white seasonal flowers and a stone garden ornament beneath mature live oaks.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard stone landscaping in New Orleans for spring.