Potting mixes for container gardens need to drain freely, but still retain moisture. My base potting soil mix contains (clockwise from upper left) coarse builder's sand, high-quality organic compost or worm castings, coconut coir, and small lava rock. I supplement this with additional compost, fresh worm castings, and organic soil amendments, with the amounts varying depending on what I'm planting. Photo by Steve Masley

An infiltration basin gets all dressed up!
This is an example of a transitional landscaping in DC Metro.

Photo taken in the garden of David Benner. Photo by Jay Sifford
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Charlotte.

Example of a mountain style home design design in Portland

Designer: Allen Construction General Contractor: Allen Construction Photographer: Jim Bartsch Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1950s u-shaped eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and red countertops

Peter Amend
Inspiration for a rustic master dark wood floor bedroom remodel with beige walls

Fire Island poses many challenges for creating successful landscapes. Careful planning, preparation and amendments allowed us to create this stunning garden. While there is a lot of symmetry throughout the grounds, the garden still has a casual feel that still captures the feel of the Island. The gardens complement the architecture of the main house, pool house and surrounding patios. Photos by Jeffrey Erb

Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

Sculptural agaves, succulents and California native plants punctuate the front landscape complementing the “arroyo seco” rain garden studded with boulders and branches. The rain garden catches 50% of the stormwater runoff from the roof and infiltrates it into the soil. The remaining 50% of the runoff goes to a second rain garden in the back yard.

Ethan Tweedie Photography
Inspiration for a huge tropical entryway remodel in Hawaii

Amending the soil with fertilizer and compost

Inspiration for a large timeless medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in San Francisco with yellow walls

The uneven back yard was graded into ¬upper and lower levels with an industrial style, concrete wall. Linear pavers lead the garden stroller from place to place alongside a rain garden filled with swaying grasses that spans the side yard and culminates at a gracefully arching pomegranate tree, A bubbling boulder water feature murmurs soothing sounds. A large steel and willow-roof pergola creates a shady space to dine in and chaise lounges and chairs bask in the surrounding shade. The transformation was completed with a bold and biodiverse selection of low water, climate appropriate plants that make the space come alive. branches laden with impossibly red blossoms and fruit. The elements of a sustainable habitat garden have been designed into the ¬lush landscape. One hundred percent of rainwater runoff is diverted into the two large raingardens which infiltrate stormwater runoff into the soil. After building up the soil with tons of organic amendments, we added permeable hardscape elements, a water feature, native and climate appropriate plants - including an exceedingly low-water Kurapia lawn - and drip irrigation with a smart timer. With these practices we’ve created a sumptuous wildlife habitat that has become a haven for migratory birds & butterflies.

Organic soil amendments are cultivated into the soil. Since their nutrients are released by soil microbes, they need to be mixed into the soil so they're in contact with the soil food web. These organic fertilizers are built into the soil at the start of the season, and release over time--no need for additional fertilizers, it's like winding up a clock. Photo by Steve Masley

Inspiration for a contemporary outdoor patio shower remodel in New York

Joshua Lawrence Studios Inc.
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Vancouver

Interior Design by Kat Lawton Interiors | Photograph by Haris Kenjar
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Seattle

A week later, the second bed is filled, and organic soil amendments are layered over the surface. Photo by Steve Masley
Example of a classic deck design in San Francisco

Inspiration for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.